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Hawaii CI #1
The Big Island Killer
To catch a serial killer stalking paradise
they’ll risk everything…
Few leads. No witnesses. Detective Logan Ryder is running out of time to stop a serial killer from claiming a fourth woman on Hawaii’s Big Island. Grief counselor Elena Kekona puts her life on the line to help when she discovers she resembles the victims. But Logan’s reserve—and Elena’s secrets—could turn their instant attraction into a devastating endgame that both might not survive…
they’ll risk everything…
Few leads. No witnesses. Detective Logan Ryder is running out of time to stop a serial killer from claiming a fourth woman on Hawaii’s Big Island. Grief counselor Elena Kekona puts her life on the line to help when she discovers she resembles the victims. But Logan’s reserve—and Elena’s secrets—could turn their instant attraction into a devastating endgame that both might not survive…
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2022
10 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
R. Barri Flowers
269 books98 followersR. Barri Flowers is an award-winning criminologist and bestselling author of romantic suspense, crime and thriller fiction, crime nonfiction and true crime, relationship novels, young adult mysteries, and children's books.
The author is a member of the International Thriller Writers,
The author is a member of the International Thriller Writers,
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 10, 2022
An enjoyable and entertaining read featuring likable lead characters Detective Logan Ryder and Grief Counselor Elena Kekona, interesting secondary characters (I especially liked Elena’s brother Tommy), a surprising mystery, and a wonderful setting on Hawaii’s Big Island.
August 28, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense/Mystery, and this is the first book in the Hawaii CI series. The romance in this book was not my favorite because it was cheesy instant love. I just was not liking the romance in this book. I did enjoy the mystery, but I felt the suspense was not great. I just overall wanted more from this book. The ending I did not see coming, and I really loved the ending of this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Intrigue) or author (R. Barri Flowers) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 8, 2025
This book starts out intriguing, but becomes too unbelievable as it goes on. I like the Hawaii setting and the two main characters, but their love story was very rushed. The identity of the killer was a surprise, but the details around it were too far-fetched.
September 1, 2022
This is a difficult book to review. I loved the Hawaiian setting and thought the suspense was well done. But the romance was a little too insta-love for me. The story opens as Logan, and fellow members of the Hawaii PD go over two murders with disturbing similarities, leading them to believe they have a serial killer on their hands. When the meeting is over, the police chief informs Logan that he's made an appointment for Logan to meet with a grief counselor. It has been three months since Logan's partner was killed during a domestic violence call, and it is affecting Logan's work. He's not thrilled with the idea, but he goes.
Elena enjoys her work as a grief counselor. Having lost her husband unexpectedly three years earlier, it feels good to help others through their grief. She lives alone in the house she shared with her husband, though her younger brother lives in a smaller house on the property. Though she hasn't given up on the idea of loving again, she hasn't been in any hurry to start dating.
The development of the relationship between Logan and Elena was incredibly fast. The sparks between them were evident when they met, though they kept things professional during his two sessions with her. Once that was over, they were free to see each other on a personal basis. It didn't take long for Logan to make the first move, and they quickly moved to the stage of being unable to keep their hands off each other. I didn't see much in getting to know each other though deepening their relationship is on both minds. There are a few bumps in their road, such as her brother coming under suspicion as the killer and Logan's worry about Elena being able to handle his job. Logan is concerned about her safety while the killer is on the loose, and he is right to do so. But when everything is over, it's only a short time between when they meet and the "I love you, will you marry me?" moment.
The suspense, on the other hand, was terrific. The serial killer is careful to leave no clues behind, making it difficult for the police to produce any leads. Their frustration was understandable as each task force member applied their specialties to stopping the killer before they could strike again. The intensity increased with each new murder, and I was glued to the pages as I waited to see what would happen. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Elena fell into the killer's clutches just as the task force got a break in the case. I never saw that angle coming. The ending was exciting, and I loved seeing Elena's actions.
My biggest problem with the book is that some writing felt very awkward. Some word choices felt odd, such as when Logan laughed "generously" followed by Elena laughing "jovially." And "exchanging tasty tongues" while kissing sounded ridiculous. There were also a few occasions where I felt there were needlessly detailed descriptions. Who cares that Elena's bedding was "a double-brushed microfiber duvet" and a "sateen-cotton sheet"? Just pull back the covers and be done with it!
I will still read the next book in the series.
#netgalley
Elena enjoys her work as a grief counselor. Having lost her husband unexpectedly three years earlier, it feels good to help others through their grief. She lives alone in the house she shared with her husband, though her younger brother lives in a smaller house on the property. Though she hasn't given up on the idea of loving again, she hasn't been in any hurry to start dating.
The development of the relationship between Logan and Elena was incredibly fast. The sparks between them were evident when they met, though they kept things professional during his two sessions with her. Once that was over, they were free to see each other on a personal basis. It didn't take long for Logan to make the first move, and they quickly moved to the stage of being unable to keep their hands off each other. I didn't see much in getting to know each other though deepening their relationship is on both minds. There are a few bumps in their road, such as her brother coming under suspicion as the killer and Logan's worry about Elena being able to handle his job. Logan is concerned about her safety while the killer is on the loose, and he is right to do so. But when everything is over, it's only a short time between when they meet and the "I love you, will you marry me?" moment.
The suspense, on the other hand, was terrific. The serial killer is careful to leave no clues behind, making it difficult for the police to produce any leads. Their frustration was understandable as each task force member applied their specialties to stopping the killer before they could strike again. The intensity increased with each new murder, and I was glued to the pages as I waited to see what would happen. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Elena fell into the killer's clutches just as the task force got a break in the case. I never saw that angle coming. The ending was exciting, and I loved seeing Elena's actions.
My biggest problem with the book is that some writing felt very awkward. Some word choices felt odd, such as when Logan laughed "generously" followed by Elena laughing "jovially." And "exchanging tasty tongues" while kissing sounded ridiculous. There were also a few occasions where I felt there were needlessly detailed descriptions. Who cares that Elena's bedding was "a double-brushed microfiber duvet" and a "sateen-cotton sheet"? Just pull back the covers and be done with it!
I will still read the next book in the series.
#netgalley
August 23, 2022
I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Intrigue and the author
R. Barri Flowers. So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.
The Big Island Killer is the first book in Hawaii CI series. This is also the first book I read by R. Barri Flowers. I was a little worried that I would like The Big Island Killer it started off slow it did pick up and I enjoyed the storyline 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
R. Barri Flowers. So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.
The Big Island Killer is the first book in Hawaii CI series. This is also the first book I read by R. Barri Flowers. I was a little worried that I would like The Big Island Killer it started off slow it did pick up and I enjoyed the storyline 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
February 10, 2024
A perfectly ok murder mystery for when you want to read something set in Hawaii.
August 11, 2022
Other than an unfamiliar work I determined to be an unknown peers, this was hard to put down. It s a tad slow to get started but bam it’s off and running and doesn’t really slow down until it’s finished, I was surprised at the end and angle I didn’t see.
September 2, 2022
I am not going to lie you will need to suspend your belief when reading this Harlequin Intrigue novel. This what people think when they hear Harlequin books. The villain is over the top, lead Logan and Elena are beautiful and perfect for each other. Even though she is Logan therapist. The writing doesn't stand out, but most Harlequin books are simple stories that are used for escape.
With all that the story is fast paced, and readers will enjoy this quick easy read to escape from the real life they are surround by.
Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Barri Flowers The Big Island Killer.
With all that the story is fast paced, and readers will enjoy this quick easy read to escape from the real life they are surround by.
Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Barri Flowers The Big Island Killer.
September 1, 2022
‘The Big Island Killer’, with its exotic Hawaiian location, is an enjoyable read. Detective Logan Ryder, still grieving for the loss of his partner, meets grief counsellor, Elena Kekona, and must stop a serial killer before he loses his new love. It’s a mixture of mystery, intrigue and romance, with a good dash of Hawaii thrown in.
January 30, 2023
Book by State Challenge(Hawaii)🌺
This was a five star read for me! A big dose of mystery, second chance love with Detective Logan, oh and a serial killer on Big Island going after women that looks like the main character Grief Counselor Elena!
This was a five star read for me! A big dose of mystery, second chance love with Detective Logan, oh and a serial killer on Big Island going after women that looks like the main character Grief Counselor Elena!
March 1, 2023
From Pain To Love
Set in Hawaii, Detective Logan and Elena the counselor have suffered a great loss. Their jobs and losses have thrown them together. Suspense, mystery, and a serial killer are the driving factors with a twist. The ending was a shocker.
Set in Hawaii, Detective Logan and Elena the counselor have suffered a great loss. Their jobs and losses have thrown them together. Suspense, mystery, and a serial killer are the driving factors with a twist. The ending was a shocker.
January 28, 2024
As a therapist myself, I just couldn’t get with the whole dating your former client thing. Or the whole violating HIPAA left and right thing. Professional boundaries? Didn’t exist in this world. I’m ok with suspending disbelief, but this stretched it.
Read
August 1, 2022Romantic Suspense, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Hawaii CI (Book #1)
Miniseries
Hawaii CI (Book #1)
Read
August 1, 2022Romantic Suspense, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
Hawaii CI (Book #1)
Miniseries
Hawaii CI (Book #1)
August 29, 2022
Absolute nonsense - flat, stereotypical characters including a heroine who repeatedly violates HIPAA and a cartoon villain, and horrific writing.
Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 3, 2023
I enjoyed the book, but the romance definitely took a back seat and felt rushed. I’m still reading the next book though.
December 12, 2024
Quick easy read with a twist
March 16, 2026
Chaotic and crazy, but also highly entertaining lol
It's nothing like any other Harlequin I've ever read.
It's nothing like any other Harlequin I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews