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Mahu #4
Mahu Vice
Months have passed since Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa’aka walked away from the blaze at Wa’ahila State Park—and from his partner Mike.
Now, Kimo and Mike must work together to solve an arson-homicide while attempting to mend their relationship.
Neil S. Plakcy is the author of the Mahu series.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
63 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
238 books650 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 2, 2018
In the fourth book of the Mahu series, Kimo's dick is still getting him in trouble. When are you going to learn, Kimo?
He and Mike have broken up due to and a year has passed. Kimo's not doing particularly well with the break up, since for some reason I can't fathom he blames himself for not giving Mike the chance to explain himself. Mike is doing less well. Kimo's been taking some pretty stupid risks in his sex life, and lo and behold this puts his personal life once again right in the middle of one of his investigations, and also brings him face to face with Mike again as they have to work together to solve the case.
I have to say, I'm getting a little impatient with Kimo's personal life constantly being connected to his cases and I hope that Plakcy starts to steer away from that after this book, since it's really stretching believability. It doesn't even make sense that he's even allowed to work on these cases when his family has connections to it also, even if those connections are circumstantial. Conflict of interest, much? And while he's able to keep his own personal connection to the case on the downlow while the investigation is going on, I don't see how he can hope to do that afterwards when these crooks start talking and pointing fingers - but maybe that'll come up in the next book. Just to be clear, Kimo didn't do anything wrong and didn't realize what exactly he was in the middle of while it was going on, this all comes out after he's left that behind. His main concern is taking crap from his colleagues and boss for his poor decision-making skills. But as Kimo's partner Ray tells him, he did know something shady was going on and chose to ignore it because of the funk his life was in at the time.
So please, Kimo, look at your life. Look at your choices. Start making better choices.
The mystery here is pretty tight. There are lots of strands to this particular web, and I like that once again the author allows his characters to be smart and savvy and put the pieces together along with the reader. Kimo and Mike still share a spark, but they're being cautious about getting back together. Mike is...
We also meet Mike's parents and get to know a little more about his life, which helped to round out his character. Gunter is hilarious as always, and Liu wasn't obnoxious about exploiting his brother like in past books. All the side characters are well drawn here, even the ones who only have bit parts.
I'm still really enjoying this series and looking forward to the next one.
He and Mike have broken up due to and a year has passed. Kimo's not doing particularly well with the break up, since for some reason I can't fathom he blames himself for not giving Mike the chance to explain himself. Mike is doing less well. Kimo's been taking some pretty stupid risks in his sex life, and lo and behold this puts his personal life once again right in the middle of one of his investigations, and also brings him face to face with Mike again as they have to work together to solve the case.
I have to say, I'm getting a little impatient with Kimo's personal life constantly being connected to his cases and I hope that Plakcy starts to steer away from that after this book, since it's really stretching believability. It doesn't even make sense that he's even allowed to work on these cases when his family has connections to it also, even if those connections are circumstantial. Conflict of interest, much? And while he's able to keep his own personal connection to the case on the downlow while the investigation is going on, I don't see how he can hope to do that afterwards when these crooks start talking and pointing fingers - but maybe that'll come up in the next book. Just to be clear, Kimo didn't do anything wrong and didn't realize what exactly he was in the middle of while it was going on, this all comes out after he's left that behind. His main concern is taking crap from his colleagues and boss for his poor decision-making skills. But as Kimo's partner Ray tells him, he did know something shady was going on and chose to ignore it because of the funk his life was in at the time.
So please, Kimo, look at your life. Look at your choices. Start making better choices.
The mystery here is pretty tight. There are lots of strands to this particular web, and I like that once again the author allows his characters to be smart and savvy and put the pieces together along with the reader. Kimo and Mike still share a spark, but they're being cautious about getting back together. Mike is...
We also meet Mike's parents and get to know a little more about his life, which helped to round out his character. Gunter is hilarious as always, and Liu wasn't obnoxious about exploiting his brother like in past books. All the side characters are well drawn here, even the ones who only have bit parts.
I'm still really enjoying this series and looking forward to the next one.
July 20, 2021
I've only read the first book of these series and while these books don't really stand-alone, I never really felt lost. I liked this one better than the first as Kimo is definitely more settled in his skin so there's a lot less of the homophobic language coming from our MC. The one thing I really didn't like was Kimo taking a lot of the blame for the end of his relationship. Overall interesting mystery, and I liked the characters better than the first book, but still not sure I'll ever get around to the rest of the series.
September 3, 2011
Can I just say: FINALLY!
It took me a year, various emails to the (previous) publisher (of this book) and a few distributors, as well as the author Mr Neil Plakcy himself, for me to finally be able to read and enjoy this book. Granted, I only just read the e-book version of it and haven't got the print one, but this is definitely better than nothing. And as it turned out, this book was worth waiting and staying up all night to read it for.
By now I'm a fan of Kimo Kanapa'aka and there is very little that this character does that will turn me off him. And that includes the fact that he basically lost himself in a frenzy of dangerous sexual adventures due to a painful, not-so-clean break-up with the man he'd started dating in the third book, Mahu Fire, fireman Mike Riccardi.
The thing that I love most about these Mahu books is how Plakcy portrays Kimo's relationships with the men around him. I love how imperfect his and Mike's relationship is, which was also one of the biggest appeals of the third book for me, and that imperfections come in spades in this fourth book. I also love the subsequent admission by Kimo himself that he often got himself led astray by his dick, so to speak, because it further emphasizes Kimo's 'human'-ness as a character and instead of turning me off him, I feel like I admire him better for being able to recognize that problem.
And Mike has also become very interesting. I loved seeing him struggle as well, both with his sexuality and his relationship with his parents. Add those with the tension between him and Kimo, sparks really flew whenever this fireman is around. My usual reaction for these situations is gleeful delight because, well, who doesn't love seeing juicy drama like that? (I swear I'm not sadistic; I don't laugh over other people's suffering. But characters with issues are infinitely more appealing as a form of entertainment than characters with a smooth sailing beautiful life: yes or yes?)
Speaking of characters, I'm pleasantly surprised to see how Ray, Kimo's new partner, stole the attention for me. I was looking forward to read about Haoa (who became a full-fledged three-dimensional character for me in the last book and continues to be one in this book) but the one that really captivated me was Ray. He's like the best straight wingman every gay guy dreams to have... and should have! His lines are funny and his support for Kimo make for a very lovely 'bromance' between the two of them. I sincerely hope there will be more of Ray in future Mahu stories.
Unlike Mahu Fire, I'm also impressed by the mystery side of the story. The crime itself might not be anything big and it didn't immediately grab my interest the way the case in Mahu Surfer did, but it was certainly fun following Kimo to piece the puzzle together. As usual, the mystery lacked big, sensational twists that other more mainstream detective genre authors like to employ, but that's part of the charm of this series for me. It's nice for once not being made to guess who was the perpetrator of the crime. It's nice to just follow the process of investigation through the eyes of the main character and still be surprised at the denouement to see the answers revealed.
The fact that this time the mystery involved past characters from previous books is another plus point for me. Many times throughout the book I felt like watching a lengthier episode of Hawaii Five-0, the TV series starring Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan and the gorgeous Daniel Dae-Kim. It's the way the recurring characters, like recurring cast members of a TV show, keep showing up that gives this book a proper 'serial' atmosphere. It's highly entertaining.
I'm having a hard time choosing a favorite book out of the existing books in the Mahu series now. Before I read this one, I would say that Mahu Surfer is my absolute favorite. But Vice is equally amazing in terms of character development and the mystery factor, so I think I now have another top favorite.
Actually, I don't think. I know I have one - the book deserves no less than a top position in my ranking of favorites.
It took me a year, various emails to the (previous) publisher (of this book) and a few distributors, as well as the author Mr Neil Plakcy himself, for me to finally be able to read and enjoy this book. Granted, I only just read the e-book version of it and haven't got the print one, but this is definitely better than nothing. And as it turned out, this book was worth waiting and staying up all night to read it for.
By now I'm a fan of Kimo Kanapa'aka and there is very little that this character does that will turn me off him. And that includes the fact that he basically lost himself in a frenzy of dangerous sexual adventures due to a painful, not-so-clean break-up with the man he'd started dating in the third book, Mahu Fire, fireman Mike Riccardi.
The thing that I love most about these Mahu books is how Plakcy portrays Kimo's relationships with the men around him. I love how imperfect his and Mike's relationship is, which was also one of the biggest appeals of the third book for me, and that imperfections come in spades in this fourth book. I also love the subsequent admission by Kimo himself that he often got himself led astray by his dick, so to speak, because it further emphasizes Kimo's 'human'-ness as a character and instead of turning me off him, I feel like I admire him better for being able to recognize that problem.
And Mike has also become very interesting. I loved seeing him struggle as well, both with his sexuality and his relationship with his parents. Add those with the tension between him and Kimo, sparks really flew whenever this fireman is around. My usual reaction for these situations is gleeful delight because, well, who doesn't love seeing juicy drama like that? (I swear I'm not sadistic; I don't laugh over other people's suffering. But characters with issues are infinitely more appealing as a form of entertainment than characters with a smooth sailing beautiful life: yes or yes?)
Speaking of characters, I'm pleasantly surprised to see how Ray, Kimo's new partner, stole the attention for me. I was looking forward to read about Haoa (who became a full-fledged three-dimensional character for me in the last book and continues to be one in this book) but the one that really captivated me was Ray. He's like the best straight wingman every gay guy dreams to have... and should have! His lines are funny and his support for Kimo make for a very lovely 'bromance' between the two of them. I sincerely hope there will be more of Ray in future Mahu stories.
Unlike Mahu Fire, I'm also impressed by the mystery side of the story. The crime itself might not be anything big and it didn't immediately grab my interest the way the case in Mahu Surfer did, but it was certainly fun following Kimo to piece the puzzle together. As usual, the mystery lacked big, sensational twists that other more mainstream detective genre authors like to employ, but that's part of the charm of this series for me. It's nice for once not being made to guess who was the perpetrator of the crime. It's nice to just follow the process of investigation through the eyes of the main character and still be surprised at the denouement to see the answers revealed.
The fact that this time the mystery involved past characters from previous books is another plus point for me. Many times throughout the book I felt like watching a lengthier episode of Hawaii Five-0, the TV series starring Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan and the gorgeous Daniel Dae-Kim. It's the way the recurring characters, like recurring cast members of a TV show, keep showing up that gives this book a proper 'serial' atmosphere. It's highly entertaining.
I'm having a hard time choosing a favorite book out of the existing books in the Mahu series now. Before I read this one, I would say that Mahu Surfer is my absolute favorite. But Vice is equally amazing in terms of character development and the mystery factor, so I think I now have another top favorite.
Actually, I don't think. I know I have one - the book deserves no less than a top position in my ranking of favorites.
July 8, 2021
My favorite Kimo mystery yet! The mystery has so many twists and turns, murder, arson, blackmail, and so so much more. It’s been a year since the last book and Kimo has spiraled down after his breakup with Mike, but this case brings the two back together. I love that Kimo has a new partner who has his back, someone he can trust in this epic mystery. Cause his sexual exploitations have become embroiled in the case.
July 16, 2021
SERIOUSLY!!! Come on Mike! What were you thinking??? KIMO! Dude, run. Mike's non apology, your self-blame for something that is absolutely not your fault and completely out of your control is ridiculous. I know people feel that way about but taking it all in as something you did to cause it, plus the drinking. I really liked how things were developing in the last book but this book has made me change my mind about where this series heading.
August 21, 2021
This was a great story. I enjoyed the mystery side of it and was pleased to see Kimo giving Mike a second chance. I love the wee tidbits of the culture and lifestyle in Hawaii and the history and beliefs that make it different from Mainland USA.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
February 14, 2016
Neil Plakcy has created a distinctive hero in Kimo Kanapa'aka, noble and flawed, searching for himself while also trying to solve the mystery of a deadly fire at a retail strip his father used to own. Who is behind the blaze? Is it an insurance scam, or a cover-up for something far darker? Kimo's investigation is further complicated by the appearance of fire investigator Mike Riccardi, Kimo's ex-boyfriend. Their relationship ended when Mike exacerbated his refusal to come out of the closet by cheating on Kimo while at a conference on the mainland, sending Kimo into a self-destructive spiral even though he pulled the plug.
MAHU VICE is a very enjoyable book from a mystery standpoint, with several twists and interesting reveals. Plakcy has crafted a good storyline as we hunt the true villain alongside Kimo, but it's in his characters, along with the way he textures the tale with numerous, interesting aspects of Hawaiian life, where Plakcy's storytelling shines brightest. Kimo is surrounded by a cast of memorable and well-drawn characters, from his ex-boyfriend Mike to current police partner Ray, his brothers, his highly entertaining friend Gunter, and several other acquaintances who crop up during the investigation. In each case the character feels authentic and real, not mere window-dressing. Plakcy has a knack for evoking the conflicts we can all have within us as people, the inconsistencies and contradictions. He's not afraid of putting emotions on the page, even if they may make his 'heroic' characters seem far less than heroic.
A quick note: MAHU VICE is a book deeply entwined with sex, from that within a loving relationship, to casual sex ranging from 'what's your name again?' fun to kinky or dangerous hook-ups, then even further into the darker realm where sex and money entwine (massage parlours, human trafficking, blackmail, covert recording). So maybe this book won't be for everyone. For me personally, I'm not used to reading descriptions of gay sex in crime novels, and I don't really read romance or erotica (though I like love story elements within tales), so that was interesting to get used to (at times there are plenty of glistening chests and admiring looks at various body parts). But after feeling a bit wary at first, I like the way things Plakcy weaves everything together. It didn't feel overdone. To me at least - and I'm a neophyte to gay crime, so don't have much to compare it to - it seems the love/sex elements are organic and necessary to the crime story and the hero's character, rather than gratuitously put there in an erotica kind of way.
Stepping back, MAHU VICE is a very enjoyable crime novel. It grew on me as I read it, from 'okay, this is decent' to 'I'll definitely read more of this series'. It is book four in Kimo's series, but I didn't feel that I couldn't follow what was going on. Plakcy did a great job weaving in the backstory, particularly when it came to the interpersonal relationships of various characters, or how things had changed between novels (this one doesn't pick up right from where the previous Kimo tale, MAHU FIRE, left off). I felt I knew enough, without being overburdened by exposition. It is a very well-crafted tale, with lots to like.
Recommended.
This review was first published on Crime Watch: http://kiwicrime.blogspot.co.uk/2016/...
MAHU VICE is a very enjoyable book from a mystery standpoint, with several twists and interesting reveals. Plakcy has crafted a good storyline as we hunt the true villain alongside Kimo, but it's in his characters, along with the way he textures the tale with numerous, interesting aspects of Hawaiian life, where Plakcy's storytelling shines brightest. Kimo is surrounded by a cast of memorable and well-drawn characters, from his ex-boyfriend Mike to current police partner Ray, his brothers, his highly entertaining friend Gunter, and several other acquaintances who crop up during the investigation. In each case the character feels authentic and real, not mere window-dressing. Plakcy has a knack for evoking the conflicts we can all have within us as people, the inconsistencies and contradictions. He's not afraid of putting emotions on the page, even if they may make his 'heroic' characters seem far less than heroic.
A quick note: MAHU VICE is a book deeply entwined with sex, from that within a loving relationship, to casual sex ranging from 'what's your name again?' fun to kinky or dangerous hook-ups, then even further into the darker realm where sex and money entwine (massage parlours, human trafficking, blackmail, covert recording). So maybe this book won't be for everyone. For me personally, I'm not used to reading descriptions of gay sex in crime novels, and I don't really read romance or erotica (though I like love story elements within tales), so that was interesting to get used to (at times there are plenty of glistening chests and admiring looks at various body parts). But after feeling a bit wary at first, I like the way things Plakcy weaves everything together. It didn't feel overdone. To me at least - and I'm a neophyte to gay crime, so don't have much to compare it to - it seems the love/sex elements are organic and necessary to the crime story and the hero's character, rather than gratuitously put there in an erotica kind of way.
Stepping back, MAHU VICE is a very enjoyable crime novel. It grew on me as I read it, from 'okay, this is decent' to 'I'll definitely read more of this series'. It is book four in Kimo's series, but I didn't feel that I couldn't follow what was going on. Plakcy did a great job weaving in the backstory, particularly when it came to the interpersonal relationships of various characters, or how things had changed between novels (this one doesn't pick up right from where the previous Kimo tale, MAHU FIRE, left off). I felt I knew enough, without being overburdened by exposition. It is a very well-crafted tale, with lots to like.
Recommended.
This review was first published on Crime Watch: http://kiwicrime.blogspot.co.uk/2016/...
October 30, 2011
3.5 STARS As we open Mahu Vice, we find detective Kimo in a deep personal funk. He's separated from hunky fireman, Mike Riccardi. It seems Mike wanted to remain in the closet, not out to his parents or at work, and as a consequence they had stopped going out together spending most of their times in their apartment. Also, Mike when he was at a convention cheated on Kimo. Kimo didn't realize this until he woke up one morning with the burning sensation of gonorhea. After all this, Kimo broke things off with Mike without a discussion. Kimo feels guilty about the break up, because he thinks he may have overreacted. Huh?
Well he didn't trash Mike's car, Out him at work or throw all his clothes in the street. He simply walked away from a man who didn't want to be seen with him in public, who cheated on him (having unsafe sex) and gave him an STD. What I would call a perfectly sensible decision, breaking things off, is apparently an overreaction in Kimo's mind. Kimo's 'guilt' leads to him spiraling out of control & having punishing sex with everyone on the island. (Well not really. It just seems that way)
All that however, is just background. Kimo has a murder to investigate, and a fire is involved. This reunites him with arson investigator & former lover Mike. Besides trying to navigate his personal feelings for Mike & trying to solve a case, Kimo recent past slutty behavior begins to have consequences in unexpected ways.
The story is more mystery than romance. There's an easy going vibe to Kimo and the way he investigates. It's not edge of your seat suspense but interesting nonetheless. The book also has lots of characters. Some are from prior books (Since I've only read one prior book, I was probably at a disadvantage). Kimo has parents, grand parents, brothers, sister in laws, friends, partners, nemesis and people who want to set him up on blind dates and other guys interested in him. It's been a while since I've read a book with this many characters that come and go. I stopped trying to keep track and figured if they were important to the story, they would stand out.
In the end it all works out for the mystery and for Kimo & Mike. Everything gets solved except the mystery of why Kimo felt so guilty, while Mike, the one who cheated, didn't use protection, didn't tell Kimo and who tried to force Kimo back into the closet, never did.
Well he didn't trash Mike's car, Out him at work or throw all his clothes in the street. He simply walked away from a man who didn't want to be seen with him in public, who cheated on him (having unsafe sex) and gave him an STD. What I would call a perfectly sensible decision, breaking things off, is apparently an overreaction in Kimo's mind. Kimo's 'guilt' leads to him spiraling out of control & having punishing sex with everyone on the island. (Well not really. It just seems that way)
All that however, is just background. Kimo has a murder to investigate, and a fire is involved. This reunites him with arson investigator & former lover Mike. Besides trying to navigate his personal feelings for Mike & trying to solve a case, Kimo recent past slutty behavior begins to have consequences in unexpected ways.
The story is more mystery than romance. There's an easy going vibe to Kimo and the way he investigates. It's not edge of your seat suspense but interesting nonetheless. The book also has lots of characters. Some are from prior books (Since I've only read one prior book, I was probably at a disadvantage). Kimo has parents, grand parents, brothers, sister in laws, friends, partners, nemesis and people who want to set him up on blind dates and other guys interested in him. It's been a while since I've read a book with this many characters that come and go. I stopped trying to keep track and figured if they were important to the story, they would stand out.
In the end it all works out for the mystery and for Kimo & Mike. Everything gets solved except the mystery of why Kimo felt so guilty, while Mike, the one who cheated, didn't use protection, didn't tell Kimo and who tried to force Kimo back into the closet, never did.
September 10, 2019
Good
4 ⭐️
Re-Read
I enjoyed this instalment of Kimo’s story.
It was disappointing to see that Kimo and Mike had separated between the last book and the start of this one. Both are hurt by the actions leading up to the split and the not dealing with it well. This book goes into the damaging behaviour both turned to after the split to deal with their own pain. I enjoyed seeing the brothers band together and stage an intervention early on to get Kimo back in the game and Kimo doing the same to Mike
Kimo again uses sex as an escape and again it gets him in trouble and in the middle of one of his investigations.
I enjoyed the investigation and I liked Kimo’s new partner Ray. He seems a good match for Kimo as he isn’t easily shocked by things Kimo does and has a level head to work through the problem with Kimo.
I also liked that is gave both Kimo and Mike a chance to interact and work on their relationship with both of them trying to take it slow and not get hurt again.
Looking forward to the next one
4 ⭐️
Re-Read
I enjoyed this instalment of Kimo’s story.
It was disappointing to see that Kimo and Mike had separated between the last book and the start of this one. Both are hurt by the actions leading up to the split and the not dealing with it well. This book goes into the damaging behaviour both turned to after the split to deal with their own pain. I enjoyed seeing the brothers band together and stage an intervention early on to get Kimo back in the game and Kimo doing the same to Mike
Kimo again uses sex as an escape and again it gets him in trouble and in the middle of one of his investigations.
I enjoyed the investigation and I liked Kimo’s new partner Ray. He seems a good match for Kimo as he isn’t easily shocked by things Kimo does and has a level head to work through the problem with Kimo.
I also liked that is gave both Kimo and Mike a chance to interact and work on their relationship with both of them trying to take it slow and not get hurt again.
Looking forward to the next one
April 13, 2022
I'm working my way through the Mahu series and enjoying every book so far. A friend discovered Plakcy's dog mystery series and recommended that, but I like Kimo's stories better. Plakcy is definitely a master mystery writer, able to keep several balls in the air at once without dropping any of the story threads or letting up on the tension.
Hawaiian police detective Kimo Kanapa'aka (who happens to be gay) has had a rough year after breaking up with his boyfriend, fire inspector Mike Riccardi (I'd have broken up with him too, btw). Kimo has been experimenting with rougher sex than usual, and might be in over his head. Then, he catches an arson/murder case and ends up having to work with his ex, and it turns out Mike's having trouble dealing as well. Seems he's started drinking...
I enjoy the location, especially when the author tosses in some of the island culture and language. And the cases are realistic and suspenseful, with just enough police procedural information to be interesting (but not overwhelming). The Mahu series is a good read if you like A)police mysteries, B)Hawaii, C)murder stories, or D)gay men. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Hawaiian police detective Kimo Kanapa'aka (who happens to be gay) has had a rough year after breaking up with his boyfriend, fire inspector Mike Riccardi (I'd have broken up with him too, btw). Kimo has been experimenting with rougher sex than usual, and might be in over his head. Then, he catches an arson/murder case and ends up having to work with his ex, and it turns out Mike's having trouble dealing as well. Seems he's started drinking...
I enjoy the location, especially when the author tosses in some of the island culture and language. And the cases are realistic and suspenseful, with just enough police procedural information to be interesting (but not overwhelming). The Mahu series is a good read if you like A)police mysteries, B)Hawaii, C)murder stories, or D)gay men. I'm looking forward to the next one!
June 19, 2020
Once again, Kimo's personal life gets all tangled in the case he is working on. What starts out as an arson case with a dead body in the burned building, quickly becomes a case that includes human trafficking, prostitution, and blackmail. The mystery is interesting and really well done. Every time Kimo uncovers a clue, two more pop up.
As all the threads start to tie together Kimo is also dealing with the fact that Mike is back in his life in a professional capacity and Kimo can't ignore the fact that he is still in love with Mike. They clearly have things to work through, but Kimo is not yet ready to give up on this relationship just yet. Mike has to face some hard truths about himself and what went wrong the first time around with Kimo.
As all the threads start to tie together Kimo is also dealing with the fact that Mike is back in his life in a professional capacity and Kimo can't ignore the fact that he is still in love with Mike. They clearly have things to work through, but Kimo is not yet ready to give up on this relationship just yet. Mike has to face some hard truths about himself and what went wrong the first time around with Kimo.
September 3, 2024
In the fourth instalment of the Mahu series with Honolulu PD investigator Kimo Kanapa'aka, things have gone rocky between Kimo and Mike, sending both of them off the rails. As Kimo starts to pull himself together, some ill-advised choices during his rough patch become entangled in his investigations, unsettling himself and creating risks to himself and others.
Mahu Vice explores the challenges of young LGBT* relationships, the risks of modern dating and online dating sites, and the path to reconciliation, all while delivering a gripping crime investigation. Another enjoyable read with a plot that will keep you reading until you drop.
Mahu Vice explores the challenges of young LGBT* relationships, the risks of modern dating and online dating sites, and the path to reconciliation, all while delivering a gripping crime investigation. Another enjoyable read with a plot that will keep you reading until you drop.
March 5, 2021
I am not sure if it is as a result of bulk reading or if it is a failure by his editor but Mr Plakcy seems to have a problem with repeating thoughts and ideas throughout his books. He started out as my favourite new author but is slowly bit surely becoming very unappealing.
August 10, 2021
Great series
Love the fact that I can go on vacation without leaving home! Learning a lot about same sex relationships with the mysteries thrown it. Great writer, plot and characters! Keep it up! Now on to the next in the series.
Love the fact that I can go on vacation without leaving home! Learning a lot about same sex relationships with the mysteries thrown it. Great writer, plot and characters! Keep it up! Now on to the next in the series.
January 11, 2019
** 4.5 Stars **
March 5, 2020
3.75*
April 9, 2020
Tightly written mystery with more of Kimo’s sexcapades. I enjoy these mysteries because they keep you guessing and the characters are really likable.
March 22, 2021
These mysteries are so ghod. We also get a liberal helping of Kimo's lovelife.
A great series the only rhing I dont like is the fact I can not pronounce the Hawaiian words.
A great series the only rhing I dont like is the fact I can not pronounce the Hawaiian words.
July 19, 2021
Love they mystery.
Romance starts off on the outs, but is rekindling.
While in on the outs, Kimo was taking a lot of sexual risks.
I'm enjoying this series more and more as it goes on.
Romance starts off on the outs, but is rekindling.
While in on the outs, Kimo was taking a lot of sexual risks.
I'm enjoying this series more and more as it goes on.
September 28, 2021
First-rate, intricate mystery. The relationship part I was less thrilled with ().
August 7, 2023
I didn't like this book my love ya. Sorry..
August 1, 2021
Another enjoyable entry in this series.
September 1, 2011
Wonderful combination of family, friendship, romance, and murder investigation -- I find myself being engrossed with the fourth book of Mahu series. Somewhere along book #3, Kimo finds his way to my heart, better than the first two books. Maybe because the insertion of romance with that fireman, Mike Riccardi.
I was a bit surprised when the book opened with Kimo informing us readers that him and Mike had broken up after only six months of relationship. Then, I got excited. Why? Because the blurb implies that Kimo and Mike are finding their way together again. I'm ALWAYS excited for that. I love stories about ex-es (or the one that got away) because second chance is amazing. I like Mike, the first time he appeared in book #3. I think he fits Kimo well, EVEN if I'm not a fan of his mustache (yes, NOT a fan of Tom Selleck here :p).
Aside from the romance, I also enjoy Kimo's interaction with his brother and friend, Gunter (which is an entertaining character!) as well as new partner, Ray. I think once I find myself being interested with Kimo (including his thoughts, his feeling, and how he handles himself after being outed two years ago), I also accept his life better, including the mistakes he makes. It's like reunited with a good friend and gets an update of his life.
-- And as an Asian, the while Asian mix in the characters is a nice thing.
I was a bit surprised when the book opened with Kimo informing us readers that him and Mike had broken up after only six months of relationship. Then, I got excited. Why? Because the blurb implies that Kimo and Mike are finding their way together again. I'm ALWAYS excited for that. I love stories about ex-es (or the one that got away) because second chance is amazing. I like Mike, the first time he appeared in book #3. I think he fits Kimo well, EVEN if I'm not a fan of his mustache (yes, NOT a fan of Tom Selleck here :p).
Aside from the romance, I also enjoy Kimo's interaction with his brother and friend, Gunter (which is an entertaining character!) as well as new partner, Ray. I think once I find myself being interested with Kimo (including his thoughts, his feeling, and how he handles himself after being outed two years ago), I also accept his life better, including the mistakes he makes. It's like reunited with a good friend and gets an update of his life.
-- And as an Asian, the while Asian mix in the characters is a nice thing.
December 29, 2011
This is the fourth installment of the Mahu series (although there is a book of short stories called Mahu Men which takes place between Mahu Surfer and Mahu Vice.) This was a hard book to start. When I read through the first few paragraphs I was in shock. Kimo and Mike had split up? WHAT???
Then something horrible happens - the very first building Kimo's father ever built on his own has burned down and arson is discovered. Now Kimo must work with Fire Inspector and ex-boyfriend Mike Riccardi to find out who set the fire and why.
In typical Plakcy formula, the plot thickens and twists throughout the book, as does the relationship between Kimo and Mike. While both of the men have their issues (and they are not necessarily easy ones to deal with), they still have to work together; but there is a wall of tension, anger, hurt, and humiliation between them. Even though I was heartbroken to find out they had split up, I couldn't put the book down as I read chapter after chapter into the night.
As I always remind you, if you're looking at this for a first Plakcy/Mahu read, go back to the first book in the series and read through them in order. That way you don't miss out on anything!
Then something horrible happens - the very first building Kimo's father ever built on his own has burned down and arson is discovered. Now Kimo must work with Fire Inspector and ex-boyfriend Mike Riccardi to find out who set the fire and why.
In typical Plakcy formula, the plot thickens and twists throughout the book, as does the relationship between Kimo and Mike. While both of the men have their issues (and they are not necessarily easy ones to deal with), they still have to work together; but there is a wall of tension, anger, hurt, and humiliation between them. Even though I was heartbroken to find out they had split up, I couldn't put the book down as I read chapter after chapter into the night.
As I always remind you, if you're looking at this for a first Plakcy/Mahu read, go back to the first book in the series and read through them in order. That way you don't miss out on anything!
May 18, 2014
4.5 stars rounded up
This is the fourth book in this very good gay mystery series about police officer Kimo Kanapa'aka. It opens some 18 months or so after the previous book, with Kimo's relationship with fire officer Mike Riccardi having broken down around a year before and Kimo is not in a good place. When a series of murder/arson attacks occur the pair find themselves working together to try solve the crime - which involves prostitution and trafficking and for Kimo is yet again a little to close to home as his personal life becomes tangled up with the case.
As always there is a real sense of place in these books, from the geographical references to the Hawaiian music details given throughout. There is a great cast of supporting characters, in particular Kimo's family and friend Gunter. The mystery plot is strong and the romance side of it is muted, but you can't help but want Kimo and Mike to pull through as a couple. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
This is the fourth book in this very good gay mystery series about police officer Kimo Kanapa'aka. It opens some 18 months or so after the previous book, with Kimo's relationship with fire officer Mike Riccardi having broken down around a year before and Kimo is not in a good place. When a series of murder/arson attacks occur the pair find themselves working together to try solve the crime - which involves prostitution and trafficking and for Kimo is yet again a little to close to home as his personal life becomes tangled up with the case.
As always there is a real sense of place in these books, from the geographical references to the Hawaiian music details given throughout. There is a great cast of supporting characters, in particular Kimo's family and friend Gunter. The mystery plot is strong and the romance side of it is muted, but you can't help but want Kimo and Mike to pull through as a couple. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
September 29, 2012
I didn't like this nearly as much as some of the others in the series. I felt like it was really kink-negative (perhaps unintentionally) and Kimo's angst was ridiculous. Also, there was no reason he should feel bad for breaking up with the boyfriend who cheated on him, but who passive-aggressively goes to the STD clinic where their ex's parents work to get tested? And then tells them said ex has a drinking problem (which magically resolves, just like the cheating problem)? And why does the Honolulu PD need to involve civilians in everything? And is everyone Kimo ever sleeps with except the fireman evil? The mystery was not one, either. Meh. I'll read the next one, but if they don't improve, I'll be done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2013
A suspicious fire at a retail strip previously owned by Kimo's father leads to Kimo and Mike having to work together again. Seeing Mike again forces to Kimo to realise that neither of them have weathered the break-up very well and maybe it's time to think again. Except that Mike has his own problems to deal with and Kimo seems to be intimately involved with the case yet again.
I had to check several times as I was reading this that I hadn't missed a book - this is the fourth book in the series and a lot seems to have happened since book 3 - including that Kimo has dumped Mike.
That said, there isn't really anything missing - it all gets explained within the context of the plot so it comes good in the end.
I had to check several times as I was reading this that I hadn't missed a book - this is the fourth book in the series and a lot seems to have happened since book 3 - including that Kimo has dumped Mike.
That said, there isn't really anything missing - it all gets explained within the context of the plot so it comes good in the end.
November 17, 2013
The Mahu series seems to be hitting its stride in this installment. I appreciated all the twists and turns and bits of information, even if some of the coincidences were too convenient -- and I liked the complications and vulnerabilities of Kimo's life and his reactions to and recovery from the ups and downs of his personal life. I did think that , but I very much appreciate how human and complex Kimo's character is turning out to be.
IMHO this series is getting better from book to book. I look forward to the rest of it.
IMHO this series is getting better from book to book. I look forward to the rest of it.
January 30, 2017
Another gripping episode with Kimo and his family and many cohorts.
Whilst the mystery element is standalone, the best enjoyment comes from the development of Kimo and the other characters.
The mystery element this time dealt with the nasty underbelly of human trafficking, sex slaves and just horrid control freaks. Well written, though sometimes Kimo has to miss some obvious points to keep the story moving.
Mike and Kimo have obviously had issues since the end of book 3 so it was good to see a slow rebuild there.
And Kimo's new partner Ray seems solid gold.
Whilst the mystery element is standalone, the best enjoyment comes from the development of Kimo and the other characters.
The mystery element this time dealt with the nasty underbelly of human trafficking, sex slaves and just horrid control freaks. Well written, though sometimes Kimo has to miss some obvious points to keep the story moving.
Mike and Kimo have obviously had issues since the end of book 3 so it was good to see a slow rebuild there.
And Kimo's new partner Ray seems solid gold.
January 11, 2011
I did like this story of Kimo - and I will look for the other Kimo stories, but sometimes Kimo rambles on and I wasn't always sure what the rambles had to do with the story - except for us to be in Kimo's mind. Which is sort of the point anyway, as he goes through live changing events.
And my epub copy of the story failed to recognize any of the Hawaiian dialects, so some of the words had multiple question marks - which was a distraction more than anything.
And my epub copy of the story failed to recognize any of the Hawaiian dialects, so some of the words had multiple question marks - which was a distraction more than anything.
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