Murder on Kaanapali Beach (Leila Kahana Mysteries, Book 2)

Book excerpt: Murder on Kaanapali Beach is the highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling Murder in Maui by award-winning crime writer R. Barri Flowers. Maui County homicide detective and composite sketch artist Leila Kahana and her new partner, Detective Jonny Chung, take on the case of a beautiful college instructor found murdered on the island's famed Kaanapali Beach, even as Leila continues to be haunted by a frustrating serial murder case. Joyce Yashiro, who was estranged from her husband, was suffocated when she was forced face down into the soft sand on the beach. The case is anything but simple as the victim’s life and those of the people around her are put under the microscope, with a killer watching every move the police make. In a seemingly unrelated case, Detectives Rachel Lancaster and Trent Ferguson investigate the execution-style murder of businessman Parker Breslin in front of his Kihei home. It seems that more than one person may have wanted Breslin dead and someone made sure it happened. As the two murder investigations progress with a myriad of suspects, a surprising connection between the cases and crimes emerges. But is there one killer or two? As these cases move full steam ahead, there is also a brutal serial killer on the loose. Dubbed the "Zip Line Killer," he has been terrorizing women on the island, strangling them with a zip line, for over a year, while staying safely out of reach of the authorities. Now he has struck again and Leila and Chung, along with Lieutenant Blake Seymour, are determined to bring him down. Do they finally have a break that will put this frightening killer behind bars before he strikes again? Or is he merely toying with them while sizing up his next victim? Bonus material includes a complete mystery novelette, Kaanapali Beach Paradise, and excerpts from the upcoming third book in the Leila Kahana Mysteries series, Murder of the Hula Dancers; as well as the author’s bestselling Hawaii mysteries, Murder in Honolulu and Dead in Pukalani. PRAISE FOR HAWAII MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS BY R. BARRI FLOWERS "A masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure. A terrific read!" -- Douglas Preston, co-creator of the bestselling Pendergast series of novels on Murder in Maui "Gripping writing, wonderfully rounded characters you really care about, and vivid locations." -- Peter James, bestselling mystery author on Murder in Maui "A gripping and tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Author Flowers neatly contrasts the natural beauty of a tropical paradise with the ugliness of murder and its aftermath." -- John Lutz, Edgar winner and bestselling author of Pulse on Murder in Maui "R. Barri Flowers writes with the passion and knowledge of someone who truly knows his craft. A steamy, non-stop thrill-ride through the seamy underbelly of Hawaii." -- Allison Leotta, former federal prosecutor and author on Murder in Maui "Intriguing mystery in a tropical paradise with a dynamic PI. A compelling, intriguing read." -- Allen Wyler, thriller writer on Murder in Honolulu "An exquisitely rich and masterfully constructed mystery... A savvy, smooth, and sumptuous read that's as hot as Waikiki beach sand." -- Jon Land, bestselling author on Murder in Honolulu "Infidelity and murder in paradise lead to a one of a kind case for PI Skye McKenzie Delaney, and an enjoyable ride for the reader. Definitely put this one on your list." -- John Lutz, Edgar winner and bestselling author on Murder in Honolulu "R. Barri Flowers' novel, Murder in Honolulu, is a gripping tale of crime and investigation, set in a vivid, gritty island underworld. It is filled with excitement, a sense of place, and memorable characters. Highly recommended!" -- Douglas Preston, New York Times bestselling author "Go ahead. Take a trip to Hawaii. Murder in Honolulu is your ticket. As long you don't mind a surprise around every corner, Skye Delaney will be your streetwise guide." -- Camille Kimball, author