A protest turns deadly—and Kimo Kanapa’aka’s family is caught in the crossfire.
Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa’aka is working security at a rally for Hawaiian sovereignty when a gunshot cuts through the crowd. An elderly woman is killed just feet from Kimo’s mother and nephews.
For Kimo, this isn’t just another case.
It’s personal.
As he and his partner Ray Donne dig into the victim’s background, what looks like a political act quickly unravels into something far more complex—drawing them into a web of rival factions, hidden money, and long-buried secrets.
But the deeper Kimo goes, the closer the danger comes to home.
Off the job, life isn’t any easier. Moving in with fire investigator Mike Riccardi should have brought them closer—but clashing expectations, family pressures, and the realities of building a life together are testing them in ways neither expected.
As violence escalates and loyalties fracture, Kimo must navigate both a deadly investigation and the fragile bonds of the family he’s trying to build.
Because in Hawaii, ohana means more than blood.
It means everything worth protecting.
“Plakcy’s storytelling is tight, flawlessly executed, eminently interesting and inspiring.” —George Seaton, Out in Print
“Neil S. Plakcy’s Mahu series is one of my favorites.” —Melanie M., Joyfully Jay
“To the mystery genre, Kimo Kanapa‘aka is a refreshing tropical breeze.” —Janie Franz, MyShelf
Books in the Lambda Literary Award–finalist Mahu series have won praise from mystery fans and from mainstream publications including Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal.
