Review of THE FLAMING LUAU OF DEATH by Jerrilyn Farmer (see her website)

A MADELINE BEAN NOVEL

William Morrow, March 2005

Thanks to a generous offer from a friend, event planner Madeline Bean has planned the perfect bachelorette party for her friend and employee Holly. The only problem is, Holly admits she just might be already married. Still, an 'event' waits no woman and Madeline (Mad), Holly, Holly's many sisters and best friend, along with Mad's event-planning partner jet off to the big island of Hawaii. There, however, they discover all is not well. A man ambushes Holly when she walks into her supposedly vacant room and Holly receives threatening messages. When a local man washes up on the beach, Mad realizes that she needs to get to the bottom of the mystery--even if it might mean missing a massage or even a theraptic wrap.

Mad's investigation takes her to the secret meeting of the Bamboo Four, to a swim with dolphins, to multiple Luau's, and expose her to the charms of ultra-handsome and rich 'Cake.' But the charm of the island and the ultimate resort is marred by tough gunmen who are convinced that Holly, or Mad, can lead them to the reclusive man who just might be Holly's husband.

Author Jerrilyn Farmer (see more BooksForABuck.com reviews of novels by Farmer) spins a charming beach-read tale. Her descriptions of Hawaii ring true and could (despite the occasional murder) be used as tourist advertising. Mad makes a charming character and Farmer's writing made this book a hard one to put down.

Sign me up for the next Madeline Bean party (but don't make me the one who dies first). I am happy to recommend THE FLAMING LUAU OF DEATH.

Four Stars

Reviewed 5/02/05

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