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Chef Dani Rosetti #2
Murder in Kauai
It seemed pretty simple.
Cater an event on the island of Kauai
For wealthy businessmen
And then spend some time surfing and sunbathing.
Wrong!
When the beautiful Asian talk show hostess,
The wife of their client,
Is targeted for murder,
There goes the Hawaiian vacation!
When Dani and Arthur agree to cater a special dinner party in Kauai, they plan on doing nothing afterward but show Anna, Dani’s ten-year-old niece, how to surf and snorkel. It didn’t quite work out that way.
They’re thrust into the investigation of the attempted murder of their host’s high-profile wife. His resort compound, where he and his wife live, is impenetrable, so who would have had access to her bedroom and her pillbox?
Sit back and take an armchair trip to Hawaii while Dani and Arthur search for a motive – and the person who wanted to kill the host’s beautiful wife!
Cater an event on the island of Kauai
For wealthy businessmen
And then spend some time surfing and sunbathing.
Wrong!
When the beautiful Asian talk show hostess,
The wife of their client,
Is targeted for murder,
There goes the Hawaiian vacation!
When Dani and Arthur agree to cater a special dinner party in Kauai, they plan on doing nothing afterward but show Anna, Dani’s ten-year-old niece, how to surf and snorkel. It didn’t quite work out that way.
They’re thrust into the investigation of the attempted murder of their host’s high-profile wife. His resort compound, where he and his wife live, is impenetrable, so who would have had access to her bedroom and her pillbox?
Sit back and take an armchair trip to Hawaii while Dani and Arthur search for a motive – and the person who wanted to kill the host’s beautiful wife!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2020
585 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 8, 2021
I would love to get a job (all expense paid) in Hawaii. When Dani and Arthur agree to do a catering job at a very rich couples house in Hawaii they were thrilled. They were even allowed to bring their niece and her small dog. Everything was supplied for them--including a Nanny and all their meals cooked for them at the separate cottage (more like an extremely large apartment!
All the other guests were also extremely wealthy and people who did business with the owner. They were from all over the world. Plenty went on but then the owner's wife had to ask for help. Someone was trying to kill her!!
Besides being Dani's sou chef--he was also a private eye. He, of course agreed to try and help figure out who wanted her dead. There were many who could be the person.
I actually did not guess this one--it caught me unaware. But because of it all there was an actually very happy ending!!
All the other guests were also extremely wealthy and people who did business with the owner. They were from all over the world. Plenty went on but then the owner's wife had to ask for help. Someone was trying to kill her!!
Besides being Dani's sou chef--he was also a private eye. He, of course agreed to try and help figure out who wanted her dead. There were many who could be the person.
I actually did not guess this one--it caught me unaware. But because of it all there was an actually very happy ending!!
May 18, 2022
According to the Laws of the Medes and Persians, one vacationing in Hawai'i is required to read cheesy murder mysteries set in Hawai'i while in Hawai'i. Not one to scoff at the law, I read this book (and several others of its ilk). This is a self-published cozy murder mystery in which no one commits murder. It perhaps represents a sub-genre which could be called "attempted murder mystery." The setting is the paradisiacal Island of Kaua'i. The characters in this novel are too perfect to be credible. The chef is a genius. Her sous chef is a private investigator who knows everything and everybody. Her niece is the most perfect of little girls. All of the characters -- good and bad -- seem overdrawn and unidimensional. There is overmuch conversation between the chef and her sous sorting out theories of the case: who is trying to murder the potential victim? Much of that ought to be internal dialogue for the reader. There is scant attention paid to the setting, which was a disappointment. There are, however, recipes included at the end and one of those -- the Layered Turtle Cheesecake -- looks worthy of any attempt. Harman has apparently written dozens of these sorts of formulaic cozy murder mysteries; I look forward to missing them.
October 6, 2021
I'd give this book a zero if I could. I only got to pg 23, and couldn't take anymore. This book should be read by creative writing students as to what NOT to do. So much of her dialog contains no actions. Are they seated, smoking, picking their noses, what? Just straight dialog, and repeating peoples' names every other line. She also gives detailed info out of the blue. In chapter one, she explains she was almost killed by a car bomb, just as she's describing her SUV! I flipped through it to see who got killed--no one--an attempted murder, huh?
I researched how she became a USA bestselling author, and found out you only need 6,000 books sold in a week. Did she buy them all herself? Cheat, cheat, cheat!
There is no way this book was a best seller. It was AWFUL--like reading a junior high's novel.
She also talks about going to Hawaii on a nine-seat airplane. Could that plane get there without having to refuel? A nine-seater can fly 1500 miles without refueling, Hawaii is 2, 541 miles from LAX.
Just sayin...
I researched how she became a USA bestselling author, and found out you only need 6,000 books sold in a week. Did she buy them all herself? Cheat, cheat, cheat!
There is no way this book was a best seller. It was AWFUL--like reading a junior high's novel.
She also talks about going to Hawaii on a nine-seat airplane. Could that plane get there without having to refuel? A nine-seater can fly 1500 miles without refueling, Hawaii is 2, 541 miles from LAX.
Just sayin...
December 17, 2020
A Privately Owned Resort on the Na Pali Coast
A very wealthy couple hire Chef Dani to come to Kauai to prepare one dinner for 10 people. Dani has her brother's Lear Jet, inherited after he died, along with his 10-year-old daughter whom she adores. Her BFF, Arthur, is a pilot and flies them to the island. Arthur's real job is private investigator. Are their hosts estranged? Is one of the business couples threatening to kill their hostess? While enjoying the private house in the small luxury resort, Arthur and Dani must solve the mystery and save Lucy. Excellent story.
A very wealthy couple hire Chef Dani to come to Kauai to prepare one dinner for 10 people. Dani has her brother's Lear Jet, inherited after he died, along with his 10-year-old daughter whom she adores. Her BFF, Arthur, is a pilot and flies them to the island. Arthur's real job is private investigator. Are their hosts estranged? Is one of the business couples threatening to kill their hostess? While enjoying the private house in the small luxury resort, Arthur and Dani must solve the mystery and save Lucy. Excellent story.
May 24, 2022
Great Dianne Harman mystery
I love reading a mystery set in one of my favorite Hawaiian islands, Kauai. It was interesting to hear about the work of a famous chef. However, I would not place the setting in piece of a state park. That is criminal.
I love reading a mystery set in one of my favorite Hawaiian islands, Kauai. It was interesting to hear about the work of a famous chef. However, I would not place the setting in piece of a state park. That is criminal.
February 22, 2021
Another easy light hearted mystery to solve, with no dead bodies. This is the first book in this series that I have listened to but it is a fun, quick listen that flows along nicely with out taxing the brain keeping track of who everybody is. Perfect for a cozy mystery. The author went with something different when introducing the suspects, you were told who they were as part of a guessing game, then had a snippet of why they didn't want to attend the party before going back to the main characters. I think this worked well because you didn't get to meet them all in the story, despite them being suspects and there alibi's were provided by other people. The plot was simple but I loved the location, Hawaii features in so many tv shows that I had no problem picturing it and understanding the little nuances that make it special, like the receiving of the flower lei.
When Dani receives an invite the cater a party on Hawaii for a rich business man and his partners, she takes along her niece Anna and husband Arthur to have a once in a life time holiday. The party goes off with out a hitch but just as they are about to relax and enjoy the sun and surf, the business man's wife asks for there help. When introduced Arthur had asked a lot of security questions about the exclusive resort and when her life is threatened she turns to when someone tampers with her pills. The only people who could get anywhere near her bedroom are her husband, the staff or there guests. Can Dani and Arthur find out how before it turns deadly?
The narrator was okay but I did find in some places her delivery was a little bit flat.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When Dani receives an invite the cater a party on Hawaii for a rich business man and his partners, she takes along her niece Anna and husband Arthur to have a once in a life time holiday. The party goes off with out a hitch but just as they are about to relax and enjoy the sun and surf, the business man's wife asks for there help. When introduced Arthur had asked a lot of security questions about the exclusive resort and when her life is threatened she turns to when someone tampers with her pills. The only people who could get anywhere near her bedroom are her husband, the staff or there guests. Can Dani and Arthur find out how before it turns deadly?
The narrator was okay but I did find in some places her delivery was a little bit flat.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 22, 2020
A charming who-done-it mystery
I just love this author’s cozy mysteries, especially when life throws curveballs in my lap and, let’s face it, 2020 has been an avalanche of curveballs. I always know when I need a fun, easy, read to sweep me away to distant shores, Dianne Harman has my back.
Murder in Kauai was particularly interesting for me as I visited Kauai many years ago and this book brought back beautiful memories woven into a charming who-done-it mystery.
If the intended victim hadn’t noticed her pillbox had slightly moved from where she always kept it on her side table, the case (and story) would have taken a very different path. Who knew obsessive compulsive behavior could save a person’s life?
This is such a fun story, I highly recommend Murder in Kauai — or any of Diane Harman’s fabulous cozy mysteries! You won’t be disappointed.
I just love this author’s cozy mysteries, especially when life throws curveballs in my lap and, let’s face it, 2020 has been an avalanche of curveballs. I always know when I need a fun, easy, read to sweep me away to distant shores, Dianne Harman has my back.
Murder in Kauai was particularly interesting for me as I visited Kauai many years ago and this book brought back beautiful memories woven into a charming who-done-it mystery.
If the intended victim hadn’t noticed her pillbox had slightly moved from where she always kept it on her side table, the case (and story) would have taken a very different path. Who knew obsessive compulsive behavior could save a person’s life?
This is such a fun story, I highly recommend Murder in Kauai — or any of Diane Harman’s fabulous cozy mysteries! You won’t be disappointed.
March 15, 2022
This book was different compared to other Dianne Harman books: there was NO murder; an attempted murder, yes. This story takes place in a private resort of Kauai. Dani, her souls chef Arthur, and niece Anna flew in their private plane to cater a dinner for a Chinese businessman. The dinner guests were clients of Donald Chan and his wife Lucy. All guests had their private villa with views of the ocean along with their own chef for their meals! While there, Lucy confides in Dani that she received death threats. With the help of Arthur’s security company and their friend,Jake, and others, they were able to find the threat and who paid that person to carry out the potential death plan. This book was very enjoyable and very easy reading. Thankfully, Dani and others were not put in danger. the recipes at the end of the book are a great treat! Am ready for book #3!
March 2, 2025
I’ve never given any book as low a rating as this one, but usually I choose books to read after reading other people‘s reviews. This one I picked up while on vacation in Kauai and thought it would be a fun read. It really was not.
First, this is not a book. Rather, it is a long short story, between the large print and basically each line being its own paragraph, and its length at 170+ pages.
Second, this story could be set anywhere - no in depth descriptions of this beautiful island, just references to beaches and locations.
Third, the writing seems very amateurish, stilted unrealistic conversations with way too much use of each person’s name. And how many times was Lucy’s “trilling laugh” mentioned? Lots of other adjectives to use. This book was just not very good.
First, this is not a book. Rather, it is a long short story, between the large print and basically each line being its own paragraph, and its length at 170+ pages.
Second, this story could be set anywhere - no in depth descriptions of this beautiful island, just references to beaches and locations.
Third, the writing seems very amateurish, stilted unrealistic conversations with way too much use of each person’s name. And how many times was Lucy’s “trilling laugh” mentioned? Lots of other adjectives to use. This book was just not very good.
August 29, 2021
Dani has been hired to cater an event on the island of Kauai for a wealthy businessman. Arthur is going with her as well as Dani’s niece Anna. They are looking forward to some vacation fun while they are there. But it isn’t long before they find out that their client’s wife is the target of an attempted murder and they are thrown into another investigation. There goes their hopes of nothing but rest and relaxation! The characters were fun together and the whole story was a very enjoyable cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the narration of the audiobook.
April 3, 2025
Audiobook: I was entertained by this mystery. I appreciated the setting as the story took place on the island of Kauai. I liked Dani and Arthur's relationship. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery. I appreciated the recipes. I thought Anna Wheeler's narration was fine as her pronunciation was good and her voice pleasant; however, at times, she seemed bored during her recitation. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
January 2, 2023
Disgraceful!
Yet again rich people illegally sneak a dog into Hawai'i.
All he!! would break lose if someone, no matter how rich, tried to bribe their way to buying and building on the Napali Coast.
It's also obscene to suggest a Kaua'i election could be bought to have the sheriff in the pocket of a foreigner or anyone for that matter.
I'll stop there: you can tell just how angry and disgusted I am at this horrible depiction of my beloved state.
Yet again rich people illegally sneak a dog into Hawai'i.
All he!! would break lose if someone, no matter how rich, tried to bribe their way to buying and building on the Napali Coast.
It's also obscene to suggest a Kaua'i election could be bought to have the sheriff in the pocket of a foreigner or anyone for that matter.
I'll stop there: you can tell just how angry and disgusted I am at this horrible depiction of my beloved state.
March 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the book. I love the main characters and how they all work so well together. It is so much fun trying to figure out who is trying to kill the victim. Dianne has away to make you think are right there where ever the story is taking place. I can wait to stay the next book in this series and see what will happen and to whom. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys travelling and see different place in the world and love a little mystery to go along with it.
February 22, 2021
Fantastic Series
I am loving this series! The location in this one is fantastic. You can almost visualize where they are. Makes me want to take a trip to Hawaii when it’s safe to do so.
Storyline was fantastic! The characters are interesting. The food sounded fabulous! Makes you wish you were a billionaire.
I am loving this series! The location in this one is fantastic. You can almost visualize where they are. Makes me want to take a trip to Hawaii when it’s safe to do so.
Storyline was fantastic! The characters are interesting. The food sounded fabulous! Makes you wish you were a billionaire.
December 5, 2020
A Hawaiian Adventure!
The setting for this storyline is just fantastic! You can picture the place in your mind, the ocean, the villa’s, the flowers. The rich live their lives wonderful, but are not safe from murders either!
The setting for this storyline is just fantastic! You can picture the place in your mind, the ocean, the villa’s, the flowers. The rich live their lives wonderful, but are not safe from murders either!
January 9, 2021
Simplistic plot of a nature that has been depicted in multiple previous novels, TV shows, etc. Stilted language that does not flow naturally. OK for a quick read, but not memorable. It did not inspire me to want to read other works by this author.
February 18, 2021
Dani is invited to cook
Good plot. Different type of story than the typical cozy murder mystery. Crazy expensive beautiful private resort. Dani is invited to cook for a party of 10 people at $500 a plate in Hawaii. The whole family is going. A lot of interesting things develop.
Good plot. Different type of story than the typical cozy murder mystery. Crazy expensive beautiful private resort. Dani is invited to cook for a party of 10 people at $500 a plate in Hawaii. The whole family is going. A lot of interesting things develop.
Read
February 19, 2021Another great read
Having been to Hawaii multiple times I loved the references to the beauty of surroundings. The story line was a strong one inter woven with suspense. Ready to read more of this series!
Having been to Hawaii multiple times I loved the references to the beauty of surroundings. The story line was a strong one inter woven with suspense. Ready to read more of this series!
Read
January 9, 2022I thought that the writing was rather juvenile. In this book she has become the guardian of a 10 year old girl, but the writing makes the girl seem as if she were about 7. The story is cute, but I am hampered by the writing style.
February 2, 2022
2nd in this series finds the chef Dani headed to Kauai with her niece and soul chef. Once there, they help to solve the mystery of who tried to kill the sponsor’s wife - another quick and entertaining read
February 28, 2022
I think this book is meant for young adults. It is far too simple, double spaced, repetitive and ridiculous dialogue. Definitely not recommended for grown adults who appreciate well written literary works. This book should clearly be advertised as Young Adult fiction.
March 22, 2023
I didn't like this one as much as the first in the series. The writing was very simplistic and seemed stilted. Closed up the "attempted murder" in the last few pages of the book and never really named the mastermind to the plan.
March 28, 2023
Murder In Kauai
This is the second in the Chef Dani Rossetti Cozy Mystery Series. Beautiful beaches, tasty menu and an attempted murder provides an easy flow of this story. Fast paced and well written. The reader won't be disappointed.
This is the second in the Chef Dani Rossetti Cozy Mystery Series. Beautiful beaches, tasty menu and an attempted murder provides an easy flow of this story. Fast paced and well written. The reader won't be disappointed.
November 1, 2023
wealthy problems
This is the book you should read if you want to see how the rich and really rich people live. Fantastic setting and interesting very wealthy characters. The plot is interesting and the recipes look and sound fantastic.
This is the book you should read if you want to see how the rich and really rich people live. Fantastic setting and interesting very wealthy characters. The plot is interesting and the recipes look and sound fantastic.
June 29, 2024
Interesting Mysteries
Some of the characters in this story were likable and others were not. Figuring out who was behind the plot was complicated and intriguing. The reason for the mystery was not. I like Dianne Harman's work, but this one wasn't my favorite ending.
Some of the characters in this story were likable and others were not. Figuring out who was behind the plot was complicated and intriguing. The reason for the mystery was not. I like Dianne Harman's work, but this one wasn't my favorite ending.
December 8, 2020
Great book
This is my favorite series by Dianne Harman. I read all of her books but this is my new favorite.
This is my favorite series by Dianne Harman. I read all of her books but this is my new favorite.
December 8, 2020
Great Series
I couldn't put this down. I really enjoy this series and the recipes. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I couldn't put this down. I really enjoy this series and the recipes. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 27, 2020
Murder attempt
I loved reading about this attempted murder and how it was solved by a sous chef/security company owner and the chef he works with.
I loved reading about this attempted murder and how it was solved by a sous chef/security company owner and the chef he works with.
December 31, 2020
Hawaiian hijinks
Another delightful mystery for Dani and Arthur set in Hawaii as they try to find out who is threatening their hostess.
Another delightful mystery for Dani and Arthur set in Hawaii as they try to find out who is threatening their hostess.
January 18, 2021
Another Great Cozy
Dianne Harmon again brings us another great cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and characters.
Dianne Harmon again brings us another great cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews