Yellowfin (Ben McMillen Hawaiian Mystery Series)

Rating:
Summary: OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
Review: "Yellowfin" by Mark Brown, is a fast paced thriller set in the seductive paradise that is The Big Island of Hawaii. This well written thriller has all that you could ask for in a mystery novel, action, suspense, a good plot, and some romance on the side.

Mark Brown captures much of the feel of Hawaii, the sights, sounds, and the feel of the tropical paradise. The only discordant note in this otherwise excellent novel, is the authors complete misunderstanding of race relations in Hawaii. A major theme is the racism of the white controlled police department only giving promotions to white officers, and how this effects this effects Ben McMillen the 'hapa' police detective and his mentor Tobi. This could not be further from the truth here in Hawaii, ( Hawaii Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna, Deputy Chief Harry Kubojiri, Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim, Council Chairman James Arakaki) the use of this tired and overused crutch of anti-white racism is getting old, especially when in Hawaii it's the other way around.

While I enjoy the Polynesian/Hawaii culture and history very much [their rich and vibrant history is an essential part of the seduction of Hawaii], Mr. Brown seems to have developed a sycophantic attraction to the indigenous people here.

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
READABILITY: (A-), PLOT: (B), CHARATERS: (B), DIALOGUE: (B-), SETTING: (A+), ACTION/COMBAT: (B-), ANTAGONISTS: (B), ROMANCE: (B-), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG)

I would recommend; Charles Knief's Books 'Diamond Head', 'Green Flash', 'Sand Dollars', and especially 'Silversword', if you want GREAT Hawaii mystery/adventures!

Mahalo nui loa!

Rating:
Summary: Just a great mystery - brings Hawaii closer to home
Review: This is just a good old fashioned mystery novel that grabs the reader in the first two pages. It is truly a wonder that more people have not found Mr. Brown's books. If you have traveled to the islands and long for the Pacific, palms swaying in the breeze, beautiful sunsets and Far East intrigue, read Yellowfin.