Murder on Mokulua Drive - (Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Cozy Mystery) by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson (Paperback)
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<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br><p>A vision of a predawn escape by boat from Denmark seems confusing to Journalist Natalie Seachrist. She has no idea how scenes apparently from a World War II movie will impact her modern life in Hawai'i. Soon, she and boyfriend, private investigator Keoni Hewitt, move into the Lanikai cottage she recently inherited. The warm welcome they receive from Miriam Didión and her housemates sets an ideal tone for life in the seaside neighborhood. As Natalie throws Keoni a birthday party everybody, including Natalie's feline companion Miss Una, have become fast friends.<br /><br /> Abruptly, everyone's life changes when a body is found at Miriam's home. Eerily, the murder parallels another of Natalie's visions of a scuba diver garroting a woman by moonlight. Natalie reveals the murderous vision to Keoni's former partner, Honolulu Police Detective John Dias. Discovery of a suspect's body on Diamond Head Beach suggests resolution of the crime and Natalie and her new friends relax. But a day of playing tourist devolves and Natalie and her friends are suddenly in the cross hairs of a dangerous adversary.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p>"'...it had seemed like life was finally moving away from deadly matters.'<br /><br /> If life is what happens when you're making other plans, then in a cozy mystery, murder is what happens when you're making life. Such is the way of things for Natalie Seachrist who, in her second outing in this series, is at a relatively happy crossroads--moving in with her boyfriend Keoni and relaxing into a warm and welcoming community--until murder interrupts the peaceful idyll. <br /><br /> Shocked by the death of a new friend and deeply troubled by psychic dreams that may have foreshadowed and revealed details about the murder, Natalie and her close-knit community of colorful characters are rocked by the jarring homicide and desperate for answers. Life gets further complicated when a face from Natalie's past arrives to solve the case, making for a crowded and potentially awkward situation just when Natalie and Keoni were set to enjoy this new stage in their relationship. <br /><br /> This author knows her genre, and she skillfully blends familiar ingredients that faithful cozy mystery readers will appreciate. The story is further enhanced with several compelling flourishes. First, the author draws on the rich history of Denmark's safe evacuation of its Jewish population during World War II and integrates this legacy into her 21st-century characters. Next, while cozy sleuths are often known for their intuition, Natalie's dreams are downright prescient, bringing a mystical quality to the crime-solving activities. Finally, the book's love affair with its Hawaiian setting is contagious, and the location details create an alluring atmosphere. All these added components bring depth and freshness to a familiar format. If the mystery itself fails to hold the reader at seat's edge for the final reveal, the book creates sufficient curiosity that, when paired with the friendly cast and creative touches, the novel makes a pleasant and satisfying diversion for a cozy afternoon." --<i> The US Review of Books</i></p><br><br><p>"A semiretired journalist in Hawaii who experiences visions tries to solve a neighbor's murder in this second installment of a mystery series. <br /><br /> No longer constantly overseas as a travel writer, Natalie Seachrist has more time to spend at home in Hawaii. She's preparing to leave her Waikiki condo but decides to stay at her aunt's cottage in Lanikai. With help from her boyfriend, Keoni Hewitt, and her twin brother, Nathan Harriman, Natalie gets settled at the cottage and mingles with neighbors. But before long, she has a vision. Her sepia-toned visions often show her an event during or before its occurrence. This time, she sees a concealed man murder one of her new neighbors, but Natalie convinces herself it was nothing more than a nightmare. She unfortunately learns the next morning that the same woman from her vision has mysteriously died. Luckily, Lt. John Dias, the old partner of former homicide detective Keoni, is on the case. John, whose grandmother had a gift akin to Natalie's, willingly listens to her breakdown of the vision. Putting together the skills of John and Natalie, who's an exceptional researcher, the two hope to prevent one particular individual from getting away with murder. The most striking feature of Burrows-Johnson's (Prospect for Murder, 2016) book is a winsomely detailed setting, from seafood and Kona coffee to Hawaii's generally relaxed ambiance (including a hammock on the lanai). As such, the story's mystery is simply another task for Natalie, along with moving to Lanikai and planning Keoni's surprise birthday party. Nevertheless, the protagonist is first-rate. Natalie, for example, despite using her visions as an investigative tool, produces a significant break in the case with mere deductive reasoning. Her special ability does factor into the probe, but she would have made headway on smarts alone. The plot offers a couple of impressive twists, and though some of the case unfolds outside of Natalie's first-person narration, the protagonist sees it through to the end. <br /><br /> A diverting tale led by a smashing amateur detective whose dexterity far exceeds her paranormal gift." --<i> Kirkus Reviews</i></p><br><br><p>"Murder on Mokulua Drive is the second book in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series. Natalie is making a change in her life, moving to the Lanikai cottage with her boyfriend Keoni Hewitt after grieving the loss of two family members. Visions of a girl escaping on a boat during World War II spark the beginning of a chain of events that take a shocking turn. When she has a vision of a man in scuba gear murdering a woman, she doesn't expect it to hit so close to home. After Natalie receives a tragic phone call from next door, she and Keoni are pulled into a murder investigation led by Keoni's former partner, Honolulu Police Detective John Dias. <br /><br /> Jeanne Burrows-Johnson dives into the paradise of Hawai'i with a murder mystery, strong characters, and a captivating premise tying back to World War II. Natalie has a relatively quiet life and when not investigating murders, or experiencing visions of murders, it's fairly ordinary and peaceful. Her relationship with Keoni reflects this paradise setting, as their romance is adorably perfect. They work together as partners investigating murders as well as being a confidante and ally to each other. Their strong bond is idealistic and maintains a lightness to the story that's sweet and bubbly. The cottage they move into plays an important part in the story, as Natalie moves there after leaving her apartment, which connected her to her aunt and niece. This move gives her closure from the deaths of her aunt and niece, as she's able to put her past behind her, not to forget but to move forward. The cottage provides a second chance and a fresh start for both Keoni and Natalie as they settle in together. <br /><br /> Natalie's visions give a supernatural touch to the story, but Burrows-Johnson presents them in a way that feels grounded. She uses her visions in the form of a witness statement to help John investigate the murder. John is a close friend to Keoni, but he's also a serious cop who fully respects and appreciates her visions as fact. These visions are what first connect her to Miriam's past while also giving her the unfortunate experience of being in the moment of the murder through a vision, but it's Miriam's childhood trying to escape via a boat back in War World II that acts as a driving force for much of the plot. This moment is also the spark that led Miriam on the path to becoming who she became. Each of the characters has a strong emotional tie to Miriam, so even after death, she has a deep connection to the story while maintaining a real presence throughout, and in a way guides Natalie through the mystery. Natalie gets to know her through her journals, which unfold how she fell in love and came to help other women, giving her a well-rounded development even if it's done in a spiritual way. <br /><br /> Burrows-Johnson fills Murder on Mokulu Drive with strong female relationships as these incredible women work together to help and provide shelter for women in bad situations. Miriam and her housemates are strong and brave women who quickly bond with Natalie and create this warm environment that even murder can't break, just unsettle. Burrows-Johnson has an array of interesting characters, as Natalie is surrounded by a close group of friends, which her neighbors quickly factor into, that creates a real sense of community and family. Even Natalie's cat plays a role in the story as a prominent member of the family and a watchful protector of sorts for the characters. She's often seen keeping an eye through the window on the house next door and providing doses of comfort by curling up on the bed with the characters. The mystery itself is tragic and full of twists as Natalie and Keoni work to protect someone they care about and end up falling into the crosshairs of someone dangerous, but the mystery is mostly resolved by the end as the characters come together to honor Miriam's death. A murder mystery in paradise, Murder on Mokulua Drive is full of heart, sweet romance, and a deep sense of family with layered characters, strong female relationships, and the scenic setting of Hawai'i." --<i> Seattle Book Review</i></p><br><br><p>"Natalie Seachrist has had a vision in the night of a Jewish child fleeing Denmark to Sweden with her family during WWII. But Natalie has no idea who this child could be or why she's had this particular vision. Though she is sure the reason for the vision will become clear at some point. Instead of dwelling on it, she turns her attention to moving house. With the death of her aunt Carrie, she has inherited White Sand Cottage, in Lanikai near Kailua on the windward side of Oahu in Hawaii, and she has to clear out her condo in Waikiki. Her boyfriend, Keoni, is there to help not just with the move but with the renovations at the cottage as well. <br /><br /> As they settle into the cottage, they get to know their neighbors and all seems picturesque and idyllic until one of the neighbors, Miriam Didion, is murdered. Natalie and Keoni, a retired police officer, are determined to help find the murderer before he or she can strike again. <br /><br /> Initially, it was the gorgeous cover that drew me to this book. I loved the sunset view and the fact that the story was set in Hawaii made it all the more interesting. I liked the character of Natalie and I felt that as a narrator she was able to create quite an intimate setting. It felt like she was talking to me personally from the comfort of the cottage. I don't often get this warm and cozy atmosphere in mystery stories, so I appreciated this aspect of the book. <br /><br /> Overall, I was impressed by the character development in the book. I felt that I got to know everyone rather well. The use of Hawaiian words and explanations was also a very nice touch, making me feel that I was part of the local culture. It also made the setting seem more realistic. I enjoyed the ending and was intrigued to find out a little more about Miriam and how the story tied back to the beginning of the book. I also liked that just because Miriam and "her ladies" were retired and older, it didn't mean they weren't lively and active. It's nice to read about characters of all ages, and this book had the young and the old. The story had many layers as well as some twists and turns, which kept me glued to the pages, particularly the story of Samantha and Luke. <br /><br /> I'm excited to discover a new mystery writer, and I'm hoping there will be more cases for Natalie, Keoni, and Miss Una to solve in the not-too-distant future." --<i> Manhattan Book Review</i></p><br><br><p>"Semi-retired journalist Natalie Seachrist arrives at her late aunt Carrie's Lanikai cottage near Kailua on Oahu, hoping to settle into a quiet life after the events of the past year: the murder of her twin brother's (Nathan) granddaughter, Ariel, and the death of their aunt. <i>Murder on Mokulua Drive</i> (<i>Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery Book 2</i>), like her first novel in the series, begins with a vision that starts the narrative rolling. <br /><br /> This time, she sees a Jewish family being helped to escape from Denmark during World War II and has no idea how the vision could possibly impact her life in present-day Hawaii. Still, from past experience, she has learned that somehow the meaning will become clear sooner or later. <br /><br /> Natalie and her partner, Keoni Hewitt, a retired homicide detective, move into Aunt Carrie's cottage along with Miss Una, Natalie's ever vigilant feline sidekick, and strike up a fast friendship with the neighbors, whom they dub "The Ladies." Leader of the pack Miriam Didion--now retired but formally an advisor to the National Center for PTSD, UNICEF, and the United Nations--and her housemates, Joanne Walther and Esmeralda "Izzy" Cruz, after talking with Nathan, decide to welcome another housemate to the mix. Nathan is a semi-retired psychologist who is on the board of Hale Malolo, a local woman's shelter, and is developing a program to help the women find jobs that lead to successful careers. Joanne suggests that Nathan find them someone who would like to move in with them to stay on top of the day-to-day operations of the house since they all travel at times. <br /><br /> Soon after, Samantha Turner joins the ladies next door and everything seems to be settling down. It isn't long before another vision visits Natalie, this time showing something much closer to home. Once more, Natalie shares her vision with Keoni and Honolulu police detective John Dias, who has witnessed first-hand just how helpful her visions can be in solving a murder. Thinking the case is solved when a body washes up on a local beach, the women try to move forward with their lives. Unfortunately, they find themselves instead in the midst of danger once more. <br /><br /> Burrows-Johnson certainly wants the reader to know that she knows what she is talking about; however, though it is important to give the reader an accurate picture of the legendary beauty of Hawaii, it isn't necessary to describe every single thing they eat or drink. Sometimes the overly detailed descriptions seem to bog the story down. That said, this book is truly a good book for a rainy day and has been a pleasure to read." --<i> San Francisco Book Review</i></p><br><br><p>"Waking from visions of an unfamiliar escape by boat from Denmark, journalist Natalie Seachrist tries to focus on her pending move. Still processing the murder of her great-niece and the death of her Aunt, Natalie looks forward to her move into her Aunt's old house with her boyfriend, former detective Keoni Hewitt. Her new home, filled with fond memories from her past, is given new life from her blossoming friendships with her new neighbors Miriam, Joanne, Izzy and Samantha while strengthening her bonds with old friends and family. But her new, yet familiar home, is soon shaken by an intense vision of a murder and the horrible similarities those visions have to the murder that occurs next door.<br /><br /> Murder on Mokulua Drive by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson is a novel steeped in beautiful details. Both setting and character are wonderfully and intricately described, building a slice of life that draws the reader in and connects them to the story and its characters. While some readers may find that the early pace of the story seems slow, those who can appreciate the authors attempt to connect the reader to the characters will find themselves much more heavily impacted by events of the story as they unfold. And the attention the author pays to the Hawaiian locations is especially meaningful to those who have visited or lived on O'ahu.<br /><br /> While there is a small element of fantasy incorporated into the story through the protagonists' visions, the author does a wonderful job of balancing it for those who are more pragmatic about their choice of mystery novels. The visions give context and background, helping to build the connections mentioned earlier, while still giving clues to murders and mysteries. Murder on Mokulua Drive is an engaging and enjoyable read for those who love deeply built connections and rich details. A worthwhile read, even for those who may enjoy a slightly faster paced and higher energy murder mystery." --<i> Portland Book Review</i></p><br><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><p><b>Jeanne Burrows-Johnson</b> draws on a multi-faceted background in the performing arts, education and marketing. The well-researched elements of her Natalie Seachrist mystery series invite the reader and listener into the sensory rich environs of Hawai`i, where she lived for over twenty years. Like her heroine, she and her husband enjoy feline companionship in an environment featuring dynamic skies, landscapes and characters. <br /><br /> Academically, she was accepted for membership in Phi Beta Kappa while completing her Bachelor's degree in History at the University of Hawai`i. During graduate studies and a teaching assistantship, she became a member of Phi Alpha Theta. She is also a Lifetime Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Highland Division.</p>
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