Mahu | 
 enlarge | Author: Neil S. Plakcy
Publisher: Haworth Press
Category: Book
Buy New: $106.94
New (3) Used (5) from $39.60
Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 702727
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Pages: 282
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 6 x 0.6
ISBN: 1560235330
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9781560235330
ASIN: 1560235330
Publication Date: August 1, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
The tropics get steamier in this sizzling murder mystery. Honolulu police detective Kimo Kanapa'aka is the best on the force, but he lives with a secret he barely acknowledges even to himself. His days are spent serving and protecting Hawaii, surfing the waves and bedding female tourists. One night, he inadvertently sees someone dump a body in an alley outside a gay bar, and, because of his own inability to come to grips with his sexuality, makes a decision that threatens all that is important in his life. As Kimo and his partner search the tropical paradise for the killer, he struggles to find his way as an openly gay man in a macho world. Unable to deny the truth any longer, Kimo begins the process of coming out, of understanding and accepting his homosexuality, all while trying to find answers to a mystery that involves his own family. Mahu - a negative Hawaiian term for homosexuals - introduces a unique character to detective fiction. Kimo Kanapa'aka is a handsome, mixed-race surfer living in Honolulu, a police detective confronting his homosexuality in the atmosphere of macho bravado within the police force. A man of intelligence, strength, honesty, resourcefulness and intense dedication to the people of Hawaii, Kimo is a hard-boiled hero readers will never forget. Fast-paced, intricately plotted and thoroughly enjoyable, this is a sexy, surprisingly moving mystery that is as much about discovering oneself as it is about catching a killer.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Beautiful. November 12, 2008
Sarah (NZ)
This was defnitely a different read for me, not an ebook and not strictly a romance, but I could not resist picking it up. Surfing, cops and a mystery were a rather huge temptation and I am certainly glad I did. br / br /Kimo was an incredibly engaging character. It was not that he leapt off the page but rather quietly shared his story with honesty, feeling and flaws. I can only imagine the struggle a man in his position and occupation would go through coming to terms with his sexuality and also the public nature of this disclosure to his family and colleagues. But Kimo, even when he is low, had this very strong sense of self and with it a quiet confidence. He is sharp, intelligent and has an honorable feel about him that I found very readable. He's also sexy as hell and this doesn't hurt either! br / br /The relationships Kimo has with his family were well drawn and the dynamics that are played out in the book are a huge part of what made this so enjoyable. I am quite sure if I had a problem with a sister we'd sit down and discuss it but not Kimo and his brother. There is a scene about half way through, a scuffle, that had me laughing, rolling my eyes and thinking - boys! Even his relationship with his mum and dad was something quite special. br / br /I loved the setting of Hawaii and the descriptions were evocative, drew me in and made me wish I was there. In one part of the book Kimo gets up early one morning to surf after a hard night, `... it's like you can imagine some god pulling back the night revealing the day for you.` Big, beautiful sky and sea. My bags were packed! The island feel of the book was appealing due to living in a pacific country myself. I think I have said before that most books I read are set in the continental US and while Hawaii is a state it still feels like somewhere closer to home and I could identify with some of the cultural references. I also found some of the history that slips into the story fascinating. br / br /This was such an enjoyable read and there are two more books in the series with another coming in 2009. I was also interested to see that there are some Kimo-rotica in several anthologies which you check out at Neil's website. The version of Mahu I read is now out of print but is being re released in March of 2009 by Alyson Books. It has a gorgeous new cover to match later releases in the series. br / br /Definitely a book for the summer and I cannot wait to read more about Kimo Kanapa'aka. Fingers crossed my lovely bookstore in the city has book 2!
 Kimo Thrills March 18, 2008
Fiona Manning (CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was very intrigued to read this having stumbled across this book on the internet. I love anything to do with Hawaii, surfing and I love mysteries. I have to say Kimo is a compelling character despite some flaws in the story-telling. For example, it's hard to understand how he can shop at Liberty House with his mother when those stores were bought out by Macy's many years ago. Little things like that and the Zippys scene gave the author away as somebody who really hasn't spent all that much time in the islands. br /Still, despite the 'mystery' that gives itself away quickly and some questionable police procedural, I'm giving the book four stars because I do like Kimo and will start on his next adventure tonight!
out and surfing October 27, 2007
Dennis J. Norman (Valparaiso, IN USA)
Mahu and the sequel, Mahu Surf, hit at the heart of a man struggling with his identity. Neil Placky captures the inner turmoil as well as the honest protrayal of the effects on family and friends. In the real world, there are not always happy endings. Placky keeps it real. br / I look forward to many more books in this series.
love Hawaiian mysteries October 7, 2007
V. A Ortiz (Tybee Island, GA USA)
I am an avid mystery reader and my favorite are Hawaiian. So I bought this book. It is fantastic. He does a great job of taking you to Oahu and his characters are so believable. I am just about to order his next book...Mahalo Mr. Plakcy.
Hawaii closet opens September 24, 2007
Richard Fucik (Kailua-Kona Hawaii)
Entertaing story, easy read. Genuine depection of how being gay is regarded in the Hawiian islands and how family and friends can play such a factor in the decision to come out. Many that have been to or live in Oahu will recognise the settings...
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