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Nathan Heller #8
Damned in Paradise
Nathan Heller has tackled the most notorious crimes of the century over the course of seven novels, and now he faces one of the greatest challenges of his career, the famous Massie case. Clarence Darrow is past his prime but still a brilliant defense attorney when he asks Heller for a meeting at New York's celebrity hangout, Sardi's. Darrow wants Heller along when he takes on the tragic and twisted revenge murder of a "native" Islander who was one of five men accused of raping a beautiful socialite, Thalia Massie. The defendants are, surprisingly, the woman's husband and mother, along with two Navy men. The case is sordid, tainted with bigotry and lies, and filled with contradictions. The job, then, is this: uncover what really happened. As tensions mount and the case finds its way to the courtroom, the truth becomes disturbingly clear. Darrow's performance is spellbinding, but will the final verdict spell justice?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1996
71 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Max Allan Collins
811 books1,326 followersReceived the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 29, 2022
Heller is recruited by Clarence Darrow to aid in the defense of the husband of Thalia Massie in Hawaii. I don't really know much about the case, so I was able to read it as a mystery, without already having a suspect in mind.
Heller meets Buster Crabbe and the man that inspired Earl Der Biggers to create Charlie Chan.
On the whole, a fairly good mystery.
Heller meets Buster Crabbe and the man that inspired Earl Der Biggers to create Charlie Chan.
On the whole, a fairly good mystery.
April 6, 2024
It's been some time since I last read a Heller novel, but it was just like meeting up with an old friend. And this had the added attraction of a case with which I was familiar, but not overly familiar. While he's still working on the Lindbergh kidnapping, Heller is approached by old family friend Clarence Darrow to act as his investigator for his trial in The Massie Affair. I was generally familiar with the basics of the case, because Darrow is a hero of mine. But it's not one of those cases that I've made an intense study.
By way of background, in September 1931, Thalia Massie, the wife of a Navy Lieutenant based in Pearl Harbor was found wandering around area of Ala Moana having clearly been assaulted in some way. Massie was related to both the Bell (Alexander Graham) family and the Roosevelt family. She was also well known for considering herself to be "better" than rest of the Navy wives. The investigation was, at best, poorly done and ultimately five non-whites (native Hawaiians, Chinese and Japanese), were charged with assaulting and raping Massie. The trial of the five ended up in a hung jury, the jury being split down racial lines. Before retrial could take place, Massie's mother, husband, and two enlisted sailors kidnapped and murdered, Joseph Kahahawai, after he refused to confess (they had previously threatened to throw another of the defendants off a cliff). Darrow was hired to defend the four on the murder charge. It was an odd case for Darrow who came out of retirement to take it. Darrow, at this point in his career, was not given to representing rich, white people. And the racially charged nature of the case and Hawaii, in general, made it an odd mix. Darrow ultimately asserted a temporary insanity defense on behalf of Lt. Massie because of the stress of his wife's assault and rape, which, according to Hawaiian law at the time inured to all the defendants. The jury (again made up of a mixture of races) came back with Manslaughter convictions, which really was a testament to Darrow's skill as a defense attorney. The Territorial Governor (under severe pressure from both the Navy and from Congress, which was threatening to put Hawaii under martial law) then commuted the sentence to one hour detention in his office.
The entire case was a travesty of justice and it's a case that I've always been disappointed in Darrow for taking. I recognize that he was hurting for money after the stock market crash and fully accept that everyone deserves a vigorous defense. But...damn! He should have been better.
Of course, Heller's role in this, is to figure out what really happened. And he does. It's almost universally accepted now that the five defendants who became known as the Ala Moana Boys were railroaded by the white portion of the Hawaiian police establishment. Typically Collins will find an alternate theory of the case that Heller will find out is correct. In this one, I think, Collins came up with Heller's conclusion himself. And I don't find it particularly satisfactory. But, whatcha gonna do.
Still, even though I don't like the ultimate conclusion, it's a very entertaining book and it gives a ton of opportunity to look in to a time and a social situation of which I was largely unfamiliar. And Heller gets to meet a couple of real-life celebrities (besides Darrow) in an pretty organic manner in Buster Crabbe and Duke Kahanamoku. So it's another very good entry.
By way of background, in September 1931, Thalia Massie, the wife of a Navy Lieutenant based in Pearl Harbor was found wandering around area of Ala Moana having clearly been assaulted in some way. Massie was related to both the Bell (Alexander Graham) family and the Roosevelt family. She was also well known for considering herself to be "better" than rest of the Navy wives. The investigation was, at best, poorly done and ultimately five non-whites (native Hawaiians, Chinese and Japanese), were charged with assaulting and raping Massie. The trial of the five ended up in a hung jury, the jury being split down racial lines. Before retrial could take place, Massie's mother, husband, and two enlisted sailors kidnapped and murdered, Joseph Kahahawai, after he refused to confess (they had previously threatened to throw another of the defendants off a cliff). Darrow was hired to defend the four on the murder charge. It was an odd case for Darrow who came out of retirement to take it. Darrow, at this point in his career, was not given to representing rich, white people. And the racially charged nature of the case and Hawaii, in general, made it an odd mix. Darrow ultimately asserted a temporary insanity defense on behalf of Lt. Massie because of the stress of his wife's assault and rape, which, according to Hawaiian law at the time inured to all the defendants. The jury (again made up of a mixture of races) came back with Manslaughter convictions, which really was a testament to Darrow's skill as a defense attorney. The Territorial Governor (under severe pressure from both the Navy and from Congress, which was threatening to put Hawaii under martial law) then commuted the sentence to one hour detention in his office.
The entire case was a travesty of justice and it's a case that I've always been disappointed in Darrow for taking. I recognize that he was hurting for money after the stock market crash and fully accept that everyone deserves a vigorous defense. But...damn! He should have been better.
Of course, Heller's role in this, is to figure out what really happened. And he does. It's almost universally accepted now that the five defendants who became known as the Ala Moana Boys were railroaded by the white portion of the Hawaiian police establishment. Typically Collins will find an alternate theory of the case that Heller will find out is correct. In this one, I think, Collins came up with Heller's conclusion himself. And I don't find it particularly satisfactory. But, whatcha gonna do.
Still, even though I don't like the ultimate conclusion, it's a very entertaining book and it gives a ton of opportunity to look in to a time and a social situation of which I was largely unfamiliar. And Heller gets to meet a couple of real-life celebrities (besides Darrow) in an pretty organic manner in Buster Crabbe and Duke Kahanamoku. So it's another very good entry.
November 13, 2024
Good thing I was able to stay up late to finish this book, as I had to see how it ended. Number 8 in Max Allan Collins' Nathan Heller series, it focuses on the Massie case in 1930s Hawaii (then a United States territory). Heller is a tough-guy Chicago cop in this story as he has not yet become a private detective. He is a man who seems to have a bizarre interest in seeing that justice get done. That sense of fair play receives a real challenge when he gets leave from the CPD to work for his father's old friend, the legendary defense lawyer Clarence Darrow, as Darrow's investigator on the case in Honolulu. The island of Oahu may be a paradise but Heller finds himself working on a case rife with bigotry, lies, and secrets.
Collins has become one of my favorite crime story authors and this one was definitely up to his usual high standards. In fact, I'm feeling somewhat generous and will give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Collins has become one of my favorite crime story authors and this one was definitely up to his usual high standards. In fact, I'm feeling somewhat generous and will give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
August 4, 2021
Except for a threatening, wind-blown scene atop a cliff on the Pali and a climactic fight in a ‘30s era Honolulu shantytown, Nathan Heller doesn’t seem Damned in Paradise. In fact, our Forrest Gump of detectives (in terms of brushing shoulders or interacting with famous people) seems to do quite well with a fictitious heir to Alexander Graham Bell’s fortune. In the meantime, what’s not to like about mixing with the likes of Clarence Darrow, “Buster” Crabbe of Olympics and film-tv fame, and surfing great Duke Kahanamoku? If that isn’t enough, how about a humorous, but important, supporting role by Chang Apana, the Honolulu detective who inspired Earl Derr Biggers’ Charlie Chan of novel and silver screen fame.
Indeed, while Clarence Darrow does exude a certain amount of wily charm in the story, Chang would have stolen the show on stage or film. The “proof of concept” for the fictional Chinese detective plays along with the Derr Biggers’ personality for the sake of humor and the occasional good lines. He good-naturedly, if not quite as enigmatic as his fictional namesake, uses those faux-Confucianisms that provide a signature for the character. Although the afterward confesses that many of the faux-Confucianisms in Damned in Paradise were concocted by Max Allan Collins for the purposes of the novel, some are quite good. At a key point, Heller is informed, “Mind is like parachute, only work when open.” (p. 102) At another point, Heller is amazed that a muscle-bound tough guy defers to Chang, to which Chang responds, “If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion.” To which Heller replies, “What stinger do you have in your tail?” (p. 234) Chiding a colleague on the force for being too zealous in his duties, the police detective pronounces, “Too late to dig well when house is on fire.” (p. 293)
But as the Honolulu detective says at another point in the book, “Hell with Charlie Chan” (p. 272), since the meat of the book deals with the historical Massie Affair (well, it was the Massie scandal, furor, controversy, crisis, case, or whatever, but “affair” seems the right term, considering the way Collins, as Heller, presents it. A young Navy wife is brutally raped (presumably) and beaten. The alleged assailants get off on a mistrial. Vengeful husband, callous mother-in-law, and loyal friends try to force a confession out of one of the alleged assailants. The would-be confessee ends up as the decedent and the co-conspirators are caught when transporting the corpse to Oahu’s famous “blow-hole” where they intend to dispose of the corpse. The conspirators are arrested and, in a case of “white” versus “colored,” the forces of wealth and privilege raise enough money to get Clarence Darrow for the defense and, at Darrow’s insistence, Nathan Heller as their investigator.
Many believe that the Massie controversy and its racial riptide were responsible for delaying Hawaii’s eventual statehood by two decades. The attitude of the commanding admiral in the novel is close enough to the recorded positions of racism and imperialism of the three highest ranking officers in the Navy at the time that one wo nders how the then territory managed to avoid outright interracial warfare. Darrow and Heller find out the “truth” (as speculated by Collins in reconstructing the incident for the purposes of the novel) and Darrow provides an ingenious solution for keeping Hawaii from becoming subject to martial law in the extreme (though there are elements that crop in from time to time in real life).
Damned in Paradise is an exciting adventure and an intriguing mystery. It has all of the elements of an excellent book. Alas, it suffered for me in being a little too vivid in smearing the idyllic image of Hawaii that colors my memories of pleasant times and it suffered for me in that everyone, including Darrow and Heller, seemed a little too comfortable in their (sometimes enlightened and sometimes not) self-interest for me to have an unequivocal empathy for any of the characters. Of course, if you notice the two uses of “for me” in the preceding sentence, you know that not everyone will rate this book where I do.
Indeed, while Clarence Darrow does exude a certain amount of wily charm in the story, Chang would have stolen the show on stage or film. The “proof of concept” for the fictional Chinese detective plays along with the Derr Biggers’ personality for the sake of humor and the occasional good lines. He good-naturedly, if not quite as enigmatic as his fictional namesake, uses those faux-Confucianisms that provide a signature for the character. Although the afterward confesses that many of the faux-Confucianisms in Damned in Paradise were concocted by Max Allan Collins for the purposes of the novel, some are quite good. At a key point, Heller is informed, “Mind is like parachute, only work when open.” (p. 102) At another point, Heller is amazed that a muscle-bound tough guy defers to Chang, to which Chang responds, “If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion.” To which Heller replies, “What stinger do you have in your tail?” (p. 234) Chiding a colleague on the force for being too zealous in his duties, the police detective pronounces, “Too late to dig well when house is on fire.” (p. 293)
But as the Honolulu detective says at another point in the book, “Hell with Charlie Chan” (p. 272), since the meat of the book deals with the historical Massie Affair (well, it was the Massie scandal, furor, controversy, crisis, case, or whatever, but “affair” seems the right term, considering the way Collins, as Heller, presents it. A young Navy wife is brutally raped (presumably) and beaten. The alleged assailants get off on a mistrial. Vengeful husband, callous mother-in-law, and loyal friends try to force a confession out of one of the alleged assailants. The would-be confessee ends up as the decedent and the co-conspirators are caught when transporting the corpse to Oahu’s famous “blow-hole” where they intend to dispose of the corpse. The conspirators are arrested and, in a case of “white” versus “colored,” the forces of wealth and privilege raise enough money to get Clarence Darrow for the defense and, at Darrow’s insistence, Nathan Heller as their investigator.
Many believe that the Massie controversy and its racial riptide were responsible for delaying Hawaii’s eventual statehood by two decades. The attitude of the commanding admiral in the novel is close enough to the recorded positions of racism and imperialism of the three highest ranking officers in the Navy at the time that one wo nders how the then territory managed to avoid outright interracial warfare. Darrow and Heller find out the “truth” (as speculated by Collins in reconstructing the incident for the purposes of the novel) and Darrow provides an ingenious solution for keeping Hawaii from becoming subject to martial law in the extreme (though there are elements that crop in from time to time in real life).
Damned in Paradise is an exciting adventure and an intriguing mystery. It has all of the elements of an excellent book. Alas, it suffered for me in being a little too vivid in smearing the idyllic image of Hawaii that colors my memories of pleasant times and it suffered for me in that everyone, including Darrow and Heller, seemed a little too comfortable in their (sometimes enlightened and sometimes not) self-interest for me to have an unequivocal empathy for any of the characters. Of course, if you notice the two uses of “for me” in the preceding sentence, you know that not everyone will rate this book where I do.
March 15, 2014
Nate Heller takes a leave from the Chicago PD in 1931 to work as Clarence Darrow's investigator in what turned out to be Darrow's last case - the defense of three US sailors and the mother-in-law of one of them, accused of murdering a native Hawaiian who had recently been acquitted of assaulting and raping the wife of one of the sailors. The Massie case was notorious at the time and several other books have been written about it.
What I liked best about this was the picture of life in Hawaii - the natural beauty, the tourist scene and the seamy backstreets, the naval presence, the endemic racism. The picture of Darrow as the consummate defense attorney is complex and more than a little cynical, and the character of Honolulu police detective Chang Apana, the real life model for Charlie Chan is fascinating. The mix of fact and fiction is very well done, the cameos by actual historic figures like Buster Crabbe are a treat.
What I liked best about this was the picture of life in Hawaii - the natural beauty, the tourist scene and the seamy backstreets, the naval presence, the endemic racism. The picture of Darrow as the consummate defense attorney is complex and more than a little cynical, and the character of Honolulu police detective Chang Apana, the real life model for Charlie Chan is fascinating. The mix of fact and fiction is very well done, the cameos by actual historic figures like Buster Crabbe are a treat.
February 17, 2020
The stage is set as the ship pulls in to Oahu following the meet at Sardi's previewed in Blood and Thunder and repeated here.
Surprise guest (so far) appearance by a personal major pop culture favorite.
Grim account of outrageous conspiracy with curiously mild effect on a major cast figure.
Heller starting to act up in a promising direction.
An invitation of mixed potential results in a (useful?) confrontation.
One of the more satisfying endings in the series.
Unusual "present-day" preview of Flying Blind fills out the package.
Surprise guest (so far) appearance by a personal major pop culture favorite.
Grim account of outrageous conspiracy with curiously mild effect on a major cast figure.
Heller starting to act up in a promising direction.
An invitation of mixed potential results in a (useful?) confrontation.
One of the more satisfying endings in the series.
Unusual "present-day" preview of Flying Blind fills out the package.
January 13, 2023
Damned in Paradise was an exceptional entry in the Nate Heller series. Set in 1932 Hawaii, Heller is assisting Clarence Darrow who is providing the defense in a controversial murder case. Although sensational and well known at the time, the Maddie case has faded in the public memory; Max Allan Collins brings it to life and deftly handles the case’s complexities for the layperson to provide an entertaining mystery in a lush environment.
As always, the appearances of historical figures adds to the enjoyment. A fascinating tale set early in Nate Heller’s career.
Highly recommended.
As always, the appearances of historical figures adds to the enjoyment. A fascinating tale set early in Nate Heller’s career.
Highly recommended.
February 3, 2019
This story goes right back to 1932 with Nate Heller still in Chicago PD but seconded to help the 75 year old Clarence Darrow in the Massie case in Honolulu. An assault and rape and subsequent murder are well covered as Collins again insinuates heller in a true historic case
March 13, 2023
Another outstanding Nathan Heller novel. Collins private eye delivers an atmospheric history lesson that is both entertaining and enlightening in a nearly forgotten dark chapter in our nations history.
December 27, 2013
Interesting location & characters without knowing who did it until the very, very end.
September 18, 2017
Case Dismissed
Nate Heller, MAC's noir historical detective knew everyone there was to know in the 1930's and 1940's - that is, according to his memoirs. This one is set in 1932, and young Nate is still a cop - until Clarence Darrow - a buddy of Nate's dead dad - asks him to take leave to be his private investigator on the 'famous' Massie case in Hawaii.
Thalia Massie - the wife of a lieutenant in the US Navy - was allegedly raped by 5 natives, and when the jury could not convict, Tommie Massie, his mother in law and two sailors, kidnapped and murdered one of the supposed assailants. CD is hired to exonerate the four, and Nate digs up the murky truth. Of course, irresistible Nate winds up in the sack with the beautiful cousin and in a spurt of detective genius, solves the crime. He is ably assisted by Chang Apana, who was the model for Charlie Chan - this gives MAC license to issue dozens of wise old Confucius type sayings.
The mystery here is pretty good, there is little co-incidence and quite a bit of decent legal philosophising. Heller emerges a Zelig like giant, and his youth plays to his character's strengths - he is a bit rougher than in later tales and all the better for it.
Nate Heller, MAC's noir historical detective knew everyone there was to know in the 1930's and 1940's - that is, according to his memoirs. This one is set in 1932, and young Nate is still a cop - until Clarence Darrow - a buddy of Nate's dead dad - asks him to take leave to be his private investigator on the 'famous' Massie case in Hawaii.
Thalia Massie - the wife of a lieutenant in the US Navy - was allegedly raped by 5 natives, and when the jury could not convict, Tommie Massie, his mother in law and two sailors, kidnapped and murdered one of the supposed assailants. CD is hired to exonerate the four, and Nate digs up the murky truth. Of course, irresistible Nate winds up in the sack with the beautiful cousin and in a spurt of detective genius, solves the crime. He is ably assisted by Chang Apana, who was the model for Charlie Chan - this gives MAC license to issue dozens of wise old Confucius type sayings.
The mystery here is pretty good, there is little co-incidence and quite a bit of decent legal philosophising. Heller emerges a Zelig like giant, and his youth plays to his character's strengths - he is a bit rougher than in later tales and all the better for it.
January 26, 2019
Rating between 3.5 & 4
another solid entry i thought in this series from collins.
the mixing of a real murder trial and investigation with his fictional chicago private investigator (at this time still a cop) works very well.
the background characters which were based on real people gave added interest to the story ('Buster' Crabbe and the real-life inspiration for charlie chan were nice cameos and added colour).
the setting of hawaii made a nice change of pace and setting for the story, and i must admit i prefer the stories set before 1950. Not sure why but they work the best at keeping my interest.
A difficult one to rate really as it could be any where from 3 to 4 stars, but in my rating system 4 stars is very good and a probable re-read at some point. and despite me enjoying the majority of these stories i don't think i will ever get around to reading them again, life being too short and having a tbr pile taller than everest at the moment.
So overall a good addition to the series, worth reading and one i would recommend to anyone considering the Heller series.
another solid entry i thought in this series from collins.
the mixing of a real murder trial and investigation with his fictional chicago private investigator (at this time still a cop) works very well.
the background characters which were based on real people gave added interest to the story ('Buster' Crabbe and the real-life inspiration for charlie chan were nice cameos and added colour).
the setting of hawaii made a nice change of pace and setting for the story, and i must admit i prefer the stories set before 1950. Not sure why but they work the best at keeping my interest.
A difficult one to rate really as it could be any where from 3 to 4 stars, but in my rating system 4 stars is very good and a probable re-read at some point. and despite me enjoying the majority of these stories i don't think i will ever get around to reading them again, life being too short and having a tbr pile taller than everest at the moment.
So overall a good addition to the series, worth reading and one i would recommend to anyone considering the Heller series.
October 27, 2025
This Nate Heller stories is really a great series. Max Collins takes a historic case and weaves a great story. As with Collins other novels he does his research at the highest level. This one deals with the rape of a navy officer's wife in 1932 and caused great racial problems in Honolulu at he time. Nate Heller is as hard nose as he always is and solves the case. Along the way he runs into some interesting historic people. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2017
Another good one in the Nate Heller chronicles
I have become a true fan of these tales. I am always impressed with the depth of the research that goes into the novels, the historical depictions of famous characters, and how Mr. Collins weaves them all into an engaging tale of mystery. Highly recommend.
I have become a true fan of these tales. I am always impressed with the depth of the research that goes into the novels, the historical depictions of famous characters, and how Mr. Collins weaves them all into an engaging tale of mystery. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2018
The novel is set in 1931 and has series character Nathan Heller traveling to Honolulu to help Clarence Darrow investigate the Massie rape case. Buster Crabbe makes a cameo appearance, and the real-life model for Charlie Chan plays a role. Fun read!
December 9, 2020
"Honor Killing" by David Stannard is one of my favorite non-fiction books of a little known but pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. "Damned in Paradise" does a pretty good job capturing the basic facts of the case and putting it in a fast-paced package.
July 4, 2023
Entertaining crime novel based on the 1932 "Massie Affair," a sensation at the time but largely forgotten today. I'd give the book five stars but I think the author went a little overboard with the number of sex scenes.
February 17, 2024
Aloha Murder
This Nate Heller novel occurs in Hawaii pre WWII, BEFORE Hawaii attained statehood, I love the extensive historical research that Collins bases his steamy thrillers on.
This Nate Heller novel occurs in Hawaii pre WWII, BEFORE Hawaii attained statehood, I love the extensive historical research that Collins bases his steamy thrillers on.
July 5, 2024
Another so so entry into the Nate Heller series. Which means to me, it was a good read. I definitely recommend it. Just not a high point for the series. Mr Collins is a master, even his so so books are a good read. For me, all of his books are like lays potato chips.
February 6, 2020
A very, very enjoyable read. Couldn't put it down.
November 14, 2020
One of the characters in this book was the detective that Charlie Chan was based off of. It made the audiobook sound ridiculous LOL.
December 5, 2023
A little heavy on the trial aspect for me personally, but a fascinating look at pre-WW2 Hawaii
February 1, 2016
Damned In Paradise, A Nathan Heller Novel by Max Allan Collins is a fictional accounting of The Massie Case. Though no more or less dramatic than the true crime stories written about the case, it is easy reading, very true to “fact” as the facts are known and recorded, and includes an alternate suggestion for a possible outcome, also based on recorded fact. My time was well-spent reading this novel.
Other stories relating the same researched details of the case include:
Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright, with intro by Glen Grant;
Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;
Local Story by John P. Rosa (copyright 2014) examines the events from a new perspective raising questions involving universal awareness;
Hawai‘i’s Scandal by Cobey Black; and
Honor Killing by David Stannard.
Finally, there is The Massie Case by Peter Packer and Bob Thomas copyrighted 1966 when information was released, though it had always been available. This true crime, uncensored story tells in detail the known facts and speculation of an alleged gang-rape in the Hawaii Territory in 1931-1932.
The authors used all information available to them and published their accounts of racial violence and murder, the actions of a husband and mother to avenge a hateful act, and the defense presented by a world-renowned attorney, Clarence Darrow.
The Massie Case was released in 1966 along with two other books (Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright; Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;) relating the story in similar fashion. The words “notorious” “sensational” and “controversial” accurately describe events surrounding this series of tragedies, but the reader new to this tale may find their application unexpected and shifting.
What did happen that late night in 1930s Waikiki?
Was a young married Caucasian female raped multiple times? By a group of local boys? The ones she identified? What circumstances led up to whatever did happen, and why did someone else have to die before an uncomfortable peace was established?
Whether you read the true crime stories or the novels, the facts shimmer and shift equally. And unless you have ice water in your veins, you will develop opinions and draw conclusions. The events that became known as “the Massie Case” is that kind of a case.
Other stories relating the same researched details of the case include:
Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright, with intro by Glen Grant;
Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;
Local Story by John P. Rosa (copyright 2014) examines the events from a new perspective raising questions involving universal awareness;
Hawai‘i’s Scandal by Cobey Black; and
Honor Killing by David Stannard.
Finally, there is The Massie Case by Peter Packer and Bob Thomas copyrighted 1966 when information was released, though it had always been available. This true crime, uncensored story tells in detail the known facts and speculation of an alleged gang-rape in the Hawaii Territory in 1931-1932.
The authors used all information available to them and published their accounts of racial violence and murder, the actions of a husband and mother to avenge a hateful act, and the defense presented by a world-renowned attorney, Clarence Darrow.
The Massie Case was released in 1966 along with two other books (Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright; Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;) relating the story in similar fashion. The words “notorious” “sensational” and “controversial” accurately describe events surrounding this series of tragedies, but the reader new to this tale may find their application unexpected and shifting.
What did happen that late night in 1930s Waikiki?
Was a young married Caucasian female raped multiple times? By a group of local boys? The ones she identified? What circumstances led up to whatever did happen, and why did someone else have to die before an uncomfortable peace was established?
Whether you read the true crime stories or the novels, the facts shimmer and shift equally. And unless you have ice water in your veins, you will develop opinions and draw conclusions. The events that became known as “the Massie Case” is that kind of a case.
May 10, 2013
What can I say? Murder, rape, sex, and famous people. This is a classic scenario for a Nathan Heller story. A naval officer’s wife accuses four Hawaiian natives of raping her. When it looks like the men will not be charged the woman’s mother, husband, and a few of his men kidnap one of the accused rapists to try and get a confession. In their interrogation the man is killed. For the defense the family is able to get the famous lawyer Clarence Darrow to come out of retirement. For an investigator Darrow arranges the Chicago detective Nathan Heller to take a leave of absence and join him in Hawaii. Heller encounters a beautiful woman, dangerous crooks, and a legendary Hawaiian detective.
I am not familiar with the Massie case that is the basis for this book so I can't say much about the historical nature of the book. As a story it is great. When I was a kid my grandfather showed me several Charlie Chan movies that he had seen as a kid. I did not know that Chan was based on a real character who appears in this novel.
I am not familiar with the Massie case that is the basis for this book so I can't say much about the historical nature of the book. As a story it is great. When I was a kid my grandfather showed me several Charlie Chan movies that he had seen as a kid. I did not know that Chan was based on a real character who appears in this novel.
November 22, 2013
An excellent reprise in this novel of a notorious crime of the 1930s. Chicago detective, Nate Heller, has been appropriated by Clarence Darrow, to support his defense of four white murderers of a Hawaiian youth.
Collins explores the racist heritage of Hawaii, the consequences of military's presence in Oahu, and the real threat of the elimination of elected government for a somewhat remote territory of the USA. The plot includes crime, sex, and the appearance of another interesting detective. It builds to a surprising ending from a measured set-up that doesn't allow Heller to do any detecting until a third of the book has passed. Any more said would compromise the delightful plot twists that Collins uses to tell his story and within which he weaves a history that both shocked and awed me in succession.
Collins explores the racist heritage of Hawaii, the consequences of military's presence in Oahu, and the real threat of the elimination of elected government for a somewhat remote territory of the USA. The plot includes crime, sex, and the appearance of another interesting detective. It builds to a surprising ending from a measured set-up that doesn't allow Heller to do any detecting until a third of the book has passed. Any more said would compromise the delightful plot twists that Collins uses to tell his story and within which he weaves a history that both shocked and awed me in succession.
March 15, 2016
I have enjoyed several of Max Collins' detective novels, including most of the original Nate Heller/True Detective offerings. Several of the True Detective novels are closely based on actual persons and historical events. Damned in Paradise is set in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1931/1932 and follows a notorious rape case that was followed by an equally notorious revenge killing of one of the accused rapists by the victim's husband. Collins does an excellent job of adding life to these lively bare facts. I like Collins' novel about Amelia Earhart, FLYING BLIND, even better than DAMNED IN PARADISE but all of the True Detective books are very well written.
August 10, 2013
I love the Nate Heller series by Max Allan Collins. This one is about the last "big" trial by the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view), Clarence Darrow in 1932. He also spends some time showing us the social, political and economic environment of Hawaii at that time, which makes for some interesting reading. Also in the book is Chan Apana, who is the real-life person that was the basis of the fictional character, Charlie Chan. Overall, a very good read and highly recommended to all who like Historical Fiction or Detective Mysteries (which usually don't go together).
July 7, 2013
A change in pace for the Nathan Heller mysteries -- not a gangster or famous politician in sight -- but one which adds new nuance to the series and illuminates a particularly interesting part of American (and Hawaiian history). Although the trial portions of the novel (preceded over by Clarence Darrow) drag on a bit, the portrait of 1930s Hawaii is riveting. Plus, there's a major role for Chang Apano, the real-life inspiration for Charlie Chan.
August 19, 2012
One of the things I like so much about these Nathan Heller novels is that he tells at the end of the story about the people who are real and how their lives ended up. Don't know if he does this in his other series - haven't read any of them yet - but I sure do enjoy his stories. He makes his locations so real, his people are real to me probably because most of them are (were) real.
January 20, 2013
Very interesting fictionalized history of a murder of an island man in retaliation of an alleged rape of an officer's wife. The pre-WWII Hawaii is described beautifully, the characters (mostly based on real people) are fairly one-dimensional, with the angels and demons clearly represented. Nicely wrapped up and the end.
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