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Passport to Peril #4
Hula Done It?
Dead in the Water
For travel escort Emily Andrew and her fellow Iowans, aloha means "hello" to all the sun, surf, and scrumptious cuisine their Hawaiian cruise has to offer. But for Professor Dorian Smoker, a renowned expert on the legendary Captain Cook, aloha also means "good-bye" -- as in "man overboard."
Sure, it could have been an accident. But Emily wonders if some guest with a grudge might have knocked off the opinionated professor. Or maybe it had something to do with that missing journal Nana's friend lent him -- the one with the mysterious treasure map. Emily figures the map is probably a fake. But when another copy turns up, she and her friends take off, rafting down rivers and plunging through jungles to find the treasure themselves. Unfortunately, Professor Smoker's killer just might have the same idea. And this tropical heat wave could quickly turn into a crime wave...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 25, 2005
7 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 5, 2016
This is book number four in the Passport to Peril series, starring tour escort Emily Andrew and the group of Iowans she takes on various vacations. This time they are aboard the Aloha Princess exploring the Hawaiian Islands. The major attraction is renowned scholar, Professor Dorian Smoker, who is an expert on Captain Cook and his explorations of the South Pacific islands.
Oh, my …. The characters are cardboard, the plot is thin, and the dialogue is tortured. I had no interest in the supposed love triangle – probably because Emily doesn’t seem very interested in either guy. There’s a major “buried treasure” element to the plot, which is central to the whole mystery, but never really captured my attention. It was just ridiculous. Hunter did manage to add a few tidbits of Hawaiian history, but not really enough to give a real sense of the islands.
Oh well … it was a fast read, and it satisfied a challenge I’ve had for over a year to read a book set in Hawaii.
Oh, my …. The characters are cardboard, the plot is thin, and the dialogue is tortured. I had no interest in the supposed love triangle – probably because Emily doesn’t seem very interested in either guy. There’s a major “buried treasure” element to the plot, which is central to the whole mystery, but never really captured my attention. It was just ridiculous. Hunter did manage to add a few tidbits of Hawaiian history, but not really enough to give a real sense of the islands.
Oh well … it was a fast read, and it satisfied a challenge I’ve had for over a year to read a book set in Hawaii.
October 17, 2023
This is a fun series and I really enjoy the play between the characters. These are crazy adventures.
September 3, 2015
Hula done it? by Maddy Hunter is the 4th book in A Passport to Peril mystery series. Emily Andrews and her Iowan tour group are cruising the Hawaiian Islands when the main speaker and Captain Cook authority is thrown overboard just after being asked to authenticate a recently discovered journal. Fortunately nanna had kept the treasure map from the journal but soon others obtain copies and are searching for the treasure. I love this series and found this book just as funny and entertaining as the others. I love all the characters in the tour group with all their talents and quirks and how they are quick to help out when needed.It is always a fun time reading of their adventures with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
December 20, 2020
Who knew a Hawaiian cruise could be so dangerous. Not just a murder, but people breaking bones, getting sick, and lots of bumps and bruises. Emily and her fellow Iowans seem to find, and frankly almost enjoy, trouble wherever they travel. Their group makes me laugh and I truly enjoyed this travel tale. Throw in two men dueling for Emily’s love and it was quite a fun read. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and it was nice to at least go there in reading while travel remains out of the question. I hope to go one day, but also hope it’s slightly less dramatic than the travelin’ Iowans’ trip.
October 22, 2009
In this entry in Maddy Hunter's humorous "Passport to Peril" mystery series, travel escort Emily Andrews brings her group of senior citizens from Iowa on a Hawaiian cruise. Also on the cruise is Professor Dorian Smoker, an expert on Captain Cook. Soon after one of the Iowans gives Smoker a journal with a treasure map that may lead to buried treasure, Smoker is thrown overboard by a mysterious assailant and presumed dead. There are plenty of suspects, including several people who disagreed with his theories on Captain Cook and several students who had an affair with Smoker. Emily finds herself not only investigating the murder, but also helping the Iowans try to find the buried treasure. When one of the treasure hunters is murdered and Emily herself is attacked, she realizes she needs to solve the mystery fast before anyone else gets hurt.
"Hula Done It" is a very funny mystery with lots of quirky characters. Emily is a lot of fun and her Nana is a hoot. Especially memorable characters are Jonathan, who is a waking disaster and Margi, who is obsessed with germs and carries an amazing array of items to prevent catching them. Duncan and Etienne, rivals for Emily's affection, are also on board. There are plenty of humorous moments in the book, although the humor in the scene where Emily takes a disastrous helicopter tour seems a bit forced. On the other hand, the Halloween costume party, where everyone starts acting like the character they are dressed as is laugh out loud funny. The mystery itself is nicely plotted, with Hunter throwing in a nifty twist at the end.
Well worth reading.
"Hula Done It" is a very funny mystery with lots of quirky characters. Emily is a lot of fun and her Nana is a hoot. Especially memorable characters are Jonathan, who is a waking disaster and Margi, who is obsessed with germs and carries an amazing array of items to prevent catching them. Duncan and Etienne, rivals for Emily's affection, are also on board. There are plenty of humorous moments in the book, although the humor in the scene where Emily takes a disastrous helicopter tour seems a bit forced. On the other hand, the Halloween costume party, where everyone starts acting like the character they are dressed as is laugh out loud funny. The mystery itself is nicely plotted, with Hunter throwing in a nifty twist at the end.
Well worth reading.
July 22, 2011
Fun series - Emily and Nana are both endearing, but I have a feeling I will burn out on them before I read the last book.
March 7, 2023
#4 in the series. In this installment, the crowd from Iowa is aboard a cruise ship touring Hawaii. There's a murder, a buried treasure, and of course, Emily is torn between her hunky Swiss policeman and another tour director that was featured in a previous book. Fortunately, Jack is not in this book. But we do have bad storms making things even more interesting. And a walking human bad luck charm. Lots in this book, and it was solidly written.
I liked how the author tied everything up at the end. No spoiler here, but it came from left field and boy, it really worked. I also thought the ending was cute.
I liked how the author tied everything up at the end. No spoiler here, but it came from left field and boy, it really worked. I also thought the ending was cute.
February 28, 2018
While I generally love this series, this one was hard to read on the Kindle because the editing was so very sad. A lot of terms, words or expressions are in italics, and they ran into other words all the time. Same thing for words in caps. Frustrating and totally detracted from the story. I have been reading this series out of order, and I know consequent books didn't have such a problem [that I noticed]. Still loved Nana and the wacky seniors in Emily's tour group regardless, and have more of the books on my TBR.
July 7, 2020
I really loved this book maybe in part because I have taken a cruise around Hawaii so could relate in part to the story. I love the characters from Emily to Nana, to all her fellow Iowans. The story line kept me turning page after page and kept me both entertained and interested. I really do not like Etienne and much prefer Duncan. The book ended on a cliffhanger.
May 10, 2021
This was a fun little cozy mystery. It has a lot of humor, fun characters and a pretty good story. Sometimes the humor was a bit over the top, but that's okay, it was never intended to be taken seriously. The fact that the mystery was pretty good was just a bonus. A good beach book.
September 13, 2017
Kindle
February 18, 2018
I really enjoy this series with all the funny, eccentric elders in Emily's tour group.
April 9, 2019
Fun read
I enjoyed this 4th book of the series. Emily, the main character is still a bit annoying, but other things in the story made up for it.
I enjoyed this 4th book of the series. Emily, the main character is still a bit annoying, but other things in the story made up for it.
August 5, 2019
Fun!! Maddy Hunter added a very funny Halloween costume party on a cruise ship with this silly group of 80 year olds... loved it. Plus the mystery was good too ;-)
December 17, 2019
I have now read the first 7 books in this series (not in order) and have enjoyed all of them.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
September 1, 2020
Another fun who done it adventure for Emily and her seniors.
January 16, 2021
This series is so goofy and so fun. Emily is besieged with elderly tourists and would-be-lovers yet again. I wish her ex husband had made an appearance but I guess you can’t have everything.
June 14, 2021
Interesting book. I guessed the mystery fairly early on, but there were enough other details to keep me interested.
Read
October 5, 2024SO BAD.
September 23, 2023
Read this whilst onboard the Pride of America cruise. A predictable cozy mystery with all the characters from the original books.
October 13, 2014
This series makes me want to go on vacation. I wouldn't mind going with a group like the group from Iowa. And I don't like group vacations. But this group knows the importance getting to meals on time.
Nana and Tilly look like the fun ones in the group that have some sense. the rest of them seem suspect in my eyes. Maybe from the fact that the others in the group don't get as much page time as Nana and Tilly.
The mystery was okay. I wasn't really focused on it because I usually get the killer wrong and I spend too much time on trying to figure it out anyway. I wouldn't have got it right anyway because of the twist at the end.
The blasted love triangle. What was the point of it in this story? I forgot all about Duncan from the previous book, so I certainly wasn't expecting him coming out of the water on the boat.
What annoyed me the most about this Love Triangle was Emily's attitude towards all of it.
Etienne made you that mad that you are willing to give Duncan a go? What the hell?
I'm too stubborn enough to continue with the series. The vacation spots in these books are places I either have been to or really want to visit. In some cases it's cheaper to read about them than pay the damn airfare.
Nana and Tilly look like the fun ones in the group that have some sense. the rest of them seem suspect in my eyes. Maybe from the fact that the others in the group don't get as much page time as Nana and Tilly.
The mystery was okay. I wasn't really focused on it because I usually get the killer wrong and I spend too much time on trying to figure it out anyway. I wouldn't have got it right anyway because of the twist at the end.
The blasted love triangle. What was the point of it in this story? I forgot all about Duncan from the previous book, so I certainly wasn't expecting him coming out of the water on the boat.
What annoyed me the most about this Love Triangle was Emily's attitude towards all of it.
Etienne made you that mad that you are willing to give Duncan a go? What the hell?
I'm too stubborn enough to continue with the series. The vacation spots in these books are places I either have been to or really want to visit. In some cases it's cheaper to read about them than pay the damn airfare.
February 12, 2017
Wasn't one of my favorites of the series I read so far. Took me longer to get though but still a fun read at times.
September 11, 2008
Hula Done It?
Maddy Hunter
Mystery
310 pages
copyright: 2005
isbn: 0-7434-8292-1
Dead in the Water
For travel escort Emily Andrew and her fellow Iowans, aloha means "hello" to all the sun, surf, and scrumptious cuisine their Hawaiian cruise has to offer. But for Professor Dorian Smoker, a renowned expert on the legendary Captain Cook, aloha also means "good-bye" -- as in "man overboard."
Sure, it could have been an accident. But Emily wonders if some guest with a grudge might have knocked off the opinionated professor. Or maybe it had something to do with that missing journal Nana's friend lent him -- the one with the mysterious treasure map. Emily figures the map is probably a fake. But when another copy turns up, she and her friends take off, rafting down rivers and plunging through jungles to find the treasure themselves. Unfortunately, Professor Smoker's killer just might have the same idea. And this tropical heat wave could quickly turn into a crime wave...
Maddy Hunter
Mystery
310 pages
copyright: 2005
isbn: 0-7434-8292-1
Dead in the Water
For travel escort Emily Andrew and her fellow Iowans, aloha means "hello" to all the sun, surf, and scrumptious cuisine their Hawaiian cruise has to offer. But for Professor Dorian Smoker, a renowned expert on the legendary Captain Cook, aloha also means "good-bye" -- as in "man overboard."
Sure, it could have been an accident. But Emily wonders if some guest with a grudge might have knocked off the opinionated professor. Or maybe it had something to do with that missing journal Nana's friend lent him -- the one with the mysterious treasure map. Emily figures the map is probably a fake. But when another copy turns up, she and her friends take off, rafting down rivers and plunging through jungles to find the treasure themselves. Unfortunately, Professor Smoker's killer just might have the same idea. And this tropical heat wave could quickly turn into a crime wave...
September 1, 2016
Oh, what to say. I think I just need to throw out the idea of anything realistic when reading this series, and then I will be happier.
Emily and group are on a cruise of Hawaii when a famous Professor falls overboard. Unfortunately, he took something that one of Emily's group had loaned him. This leads to some treasure hunting on the island and a lot of confusion as Emily tries to figure out who-dun-it.
I don't understand how a love triangle popped up in this series and since I hate them, it doesn't make me happy.
I did get a weird kick out of seeing what horrible things could happen to the people, especially poor Jonathan - I've never seen worse luck.
Emily and group are on a cruise of Hawaii when a famous Professor falls overboard. Unfortunately, he took something that one of Emily's group had loaned him. This leads to some treasure hunting on the island and a lot of confusion as Emily tries to figure out who-dun-it.
I don't understand how a love triangle popped up in this series and since I hate them, it doesn't make me happy.
I did get a weird kick out of seeing what horrible things could happen to the people, especially poor Jonathan - I've never seen worse luck.
April 11, 2016
"I'm Emily andrew, full-time coordinator of global excursions for a senior travel club and person most likely to misinterpret a lot of things related to life, death, romance, and spastic eye movements." (p.3)
Emily hits her stride as tour escort in her fourth outing - along with the usual mayhem, murder and silliness! This time, we're taking a cruise to the Hawaiian islands and a world-renowned professor takes a dive after a lecture. With more than a handful of suspects, an accident-prone fellow cruiser, her seniors, and the two men vying for her hand, Emily takes us on a riot of a ride through her attempt at sleuthing out the truth. Bernice and the gang that made me laugh throughout G'Day to Die (the first Maddy Hunter I picked up, but actually book #5 in the series) are as feisty as ever. As usual, I loved the ending confrontation - made especially hilarious in costume! ;)
Emily hits her stride as tour escort in her fourth outing - along with the usual mayhem, murder and silliness! This time, we're taking a cruise to the Hawaiian islands and a world-renowned professor takes a dive after a lecture. With more than a handful of suspects, an accident-prone fellow cruiser, her seniors, and the two men vying for her hand, Emily takes us on a riot of a ride through her attempt at sleuthing out the truth. Bernice and the gang that made me laugh throughout G'Day to Die (the first Maddy Hunter I picked up, but actually book #5 in the series) are as feisty as ever. As usual, I loved the ending confrontation - made especially hilarious in costume! ;)
January 1, 2014
A Deadly Treasure!
Emily Andrew does it again! Landmark Bank takes the senior traveling group on a Hawaiian Cruise. On this cruise the group is accompanied by Professor Dorian Smoker a lecturer on Explorers, particularly Captain James Cook. Tilly, a member of the tour group and also a professor brings to light a possibly authentic diary of Griffin who sailed with Captain Cook. From this point, the strangeness begins.
Poor Emily, will she ever get to just be a guide on the trips instead of a detective. I absolutely love all of the stories in the Peril to Passport Series. This story was especially funny and well written as usual. I always learn something and I always feel as if I am on the trip with the seniors. I did miss Jackie on this trip and hope to catch up with her in the next book. I love Nana and her quirky since if humor. The Dicks also are very entertaining. I was even glad to see old Bernice back. I will give the story 4 stars.
Emily Andrew does it again! Landmark Bank takes the senior traveling group on a Hawaiian Cruise. On this cruise the group is accompanied by Professor Dorian Smoker a lecturer on Explorers, particularly Captain James Cook. Tilly, a member of the tour group and also a professor brings to light a possibly authentic diary of Griffin who sailed with Captain Cook. From this point, the strangeness begins.
Poor Emily, will she ever get to just be a guide on the trips instead of a detective. I absolutely love all of the stories in the Peril to Passport Series. This story was especially funny and well written as usual. I always learn something and I always feel as if I am on the trip with the seniors. I did miss Jackie on this trip and hope to catch up with her in the next book. I love Nana and her quirky since if humor. The Dicks also are very entertaining. I was even glad to see old Bernice back. I will give the story 4 stars.
April 23, 2008
This is the 4th book in a series by Maddy Hunter about Emily Andrew who is a travel guide for a group of senior citizens from Iowa. They have traveled to several exotic locations and Emily met a hunky Swiss man who is her current beau. This trip finds them on a cruise through the Hawaiian Islands where of course another murder occurs. Somewhere in the book one of the characters says that 4 dead bodies is the average on their trips but they make it through this one with only 2.
Emily likes to think she is a sleuth and can solve the crime, but she usually has a lot of help from Etienne (her beau) and the group of senior citizens.
This is a good read and I recommend this series!
Emily likes to think she is a sleuth and can solve the crime, but she usually has a lot of help from Etienne (her beau) and the group of senior citizens.
This is a good read and I recommend this series!
April 13, 2013
I forced myself to finish this book because I'm always curious as to how Hawai'i is portrayed. I suppose that a specialist on Captain Cook would use English notes for his history, but hard to relate to the names and history used today. There were too many errors on directions and geography to be believable. The characters were all annoying, from the main character on down. The thought of a large number of tourists digging along the Wailua River using spoons "borrowed" from their cruise ship was depressing. Overall, a disappointing read.
Read
August 25, 2016I am loving this series of books. For me, they are quick reads with just enough humor to keep me interested.
Emily Andrew is on a Halloween cruise around the Hawaiian islands. A professor who specializes in James Cook fell off the side of the cruise ship. Emily and her trusty tour group of senior citizens are up to the challenge of finding out what happened to Dorian Smoker, the professor.
Notable highlights of the story:
There is something to do with extra size condoms in the book. It's hilarious.
Also the treasure hunting is very interesting.
Emily Andrew is on a Halloween cruise around the Hawaiian islands. A professor who specializes in James Cook fell off the side of the cruise ship. Emily and her trusty tour group of senior citizens are up to the challenge of finding out what happened to Dorian Smoker, the professor.
Notable highlights of the story:
There is something to do with extra size condoms in the book. It's hilarious.
Also the treasure hunting is very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews