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Mahu #2
Mahu Surfer
"An eminently likeable hero—the kind of man’s man you just want to hug." —Daniel M. Jaffe, author of The Limits of Pleasure
Mahu is a generally negative Hawaiian term for homosexual, and for police detective Kimo Kanapa’aka, being gay doesn’t make for an easy life. Especially when you’re publicly outed. Now, semi-retired, Kimo must go undercover and stop a brutal killer. Already three surfers have been shot dead, and Kimo must infiltrate the close-knit surfing community, knowing his only way back to active duty is to catch a killer he may know all too well.
Neil S. Plakcy is the author of Mahu and co-edited Paws & Reflect: Exploring the Bond Between Gay Men and Their Dogs. He lives in Florida.
Mahu is a generally negative Hawaiian term for homosexual, and for police detective Kimo Kanapa’aka, being gay doesn’t make for an easy life. Especially when you’re publicly outed. Now, semi-retired, Kimo must go undercover and stop a brutal killer. Already three surfers have been shot dead, and Kimo must infiltrate the close-knit surfing community, knowing his only way back to active duty is to catch a killer he may know all too well.
Neil S. Plakcy is the author of Mahu and co-edited Paws & Reflect: Exploring the Bond Between Gay Men and Their Dogs. He lives in Florida.
317 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2007
87 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
238 books650 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 6, 2021
The second in the Mahu series, this is a solid mystery -- the best I've read in a while -- with well-developed secondary characters. Homicide Detective Kimo Kanapa'aka has a plain but distinctive voice. He's not a deep thinker, or a brooder, or a tormented soul wallowing in angst. He's basically a nice but unremarkable guy who tries to do his best. He makes for a convincing cop. I like him.
I'm happy to report that this isn't a romance. Kimo just came out of the closet after all, involuntarily and very belatedly at age 32, so he's got a lot of stuff to process. Romance is the last thing he needs at the moment. Some sex, sure... but meeting and connecting with other gay guys is still brand-new to him, so mistakes are being made. At least he's smart enough to learn from them. I anticipate a love interest showing up eventually, later in the series, but in the meantime I'm quite content not knowing who or when it will be. There's plenty enough to keep my attention here as Kimo interacts with family, friends, and coworkers. It's a rich world Plakcy has created, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.
I'm happy to report that this isn't a romance. Kimo just came out of the closet after all, involuntarily and very belatedly at age 32, so he's got a lot of stuff to process. Romance is the last thing he needs at the moment. Some sex, sure... but meeting and connecting with other gay guys is still brand-new to him, so mistakes are being made. At least he's smart enough to learn from them. I anticipate a love interest showing up eventually, later in the series, but in the meantime I'm quite content not knowing who or when it will be. There's plenty enough to keep my attention here as Kimo interacts with family, friends, and coworkers. It's a rich world Plakcy has created, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.
May 29, 2014
Once again I’ve immersed myself in the quiet easy flow of Plakcy’s writing. Kimo is getting more comfortable with the decision he took in the first book and he is fast becoming a guy I would want to hang out with. I especially enjoy the camaderie with his friends and family. I am coming to discover him bit by bit as he finds himself. Again Plakcy interweaves the story with Kimo so effortlessly, that it makes you wonder why other writers have such difficulty doing so.
This second book explores further something that happened in Kimo’s past, which had caused him to go into denial and say no everything was OK. But when the past came knocking he had no option but to look it in the eye and call it by its name.
People and their interactions are very well written. Bit by bit a picture of the victims and other characters in this particular story is built up with every nuance of their lives examined before us. In this Kimo is as bull-headed as Maigret. Although I had my suspicions about the final resolution, the ending left me whirling with an open mouth and I think it left Kimo like that too.
I am glad that I am only in book two and am trying not to let myself read this series as a go as I want to let myself enjoy it.
......................................
September 15, 2014
"I ended up at the top of Mount Tantalus, overlooking Honolulu....I looked out at the city for a while, saw the line of surf where waves broke against the shore, planeloads of tourists landing and taking off from Honolulu International, the steady traffic of tiny cars along the ribbon of the H1, the highway the federal government requires us to call an interstate. I guess subconsciously I’d hoped that coming up there would allow me to put all my troubles into perspective, see myself as just one of those infinitesimally small people below me, going about their daily lives....I’m not sure it worked...."Made a HUGE mistake here, people.
I read the first book, Mahu, in November 2012 and didn't pick up this book, Mahu Surfer, until June 2014. At some point in that year and a half I'd forgotten that I enjoy Plakcy's quiet writing style and really like Kimo, Plakcy’s Hawaiian police detective hero.
There’s not a lot of flash in this series; you’re not going to find 15 uber bad guys with M16s chasing some bad boy detective who has the time management skills to fit in a quick boink in a semi-private elevator, before blowing said bad guys away.
Nossir.
But you will find Kimo, a thoughtful detective who having only recently come clean about one set of lies, must now tell a whole new set in order to solve a series of murders.
Oh, and you will find one or two boinks. And multiple uses of the term "brah" -- which this mainlander greatly enjoys.
September 2, 2018
TW: mention of past rape/sexual assault, mention of drug use (off page characters and briefly of a minor character)
4.5 stars
I thought I was going to have to open this with a rant about Kimo's unprofessional professionalism and threaten to not read anymore books until he learned to but then thankfully, he was called to the mat for it. In fact, everything that was starting to worry me was eventually addressed and examined, and given the brevity they deserved. It was refreshing, and makes me hopeful this is an author who truly does examine all angles of his characters' actions and all the implications of them.
This book starts off right where the last one ends, with Kimo reporting to his new assignment with the Honolulu PD. He's sent undercover to check on the deaths of three surfers, which means encountering the man who had raped him ten years earlier. He's still well-known thanks to the news coverage of his outing at the police force and still adjusting to being an openly gay man.
This is still primarily a mystery and a well-crafted one. Unlike too many other mysteries in this genre I've read, Kimo doesn't ignore the obvious connections in order to build up false suspense. And when he does ignore evidence, he owns up to it - and that's still not necessarily the answer. This one kept me guessing, even when I thought I might know the whodunit.
This struck that perfect balance between mystery and family drama and Kimo's struggles to understand himself and his sexuality now that he's no longer hiding it. His family is also making the adjustment, his parents are amazing, his brothers are a little slower but supportive in their own ways. (Except maybe Lui. He's an opportunist assbutt and needs to learn what "off the record" means and start applying it to his brother. Lui's still on probation with me.) We also get some follow up on events from the previous book.
Half a star off because of typos (missing words mostly, but it was enough to stop me at a few points and try to figure out what the missing word was supposed to be) and because of a dropped subplot.
4.5 stars
I thought I was going to have to open this with a rant about Kimo's unprofessional professionalism and threaten to not read anymore books until he learned to but then thankfully, he was called to the mat for it. In fact, everything that was starting to worry me was eventually addressed and examined, and given the brevity they deserved. It was refreshing, and makes me hopeful this is an author who truly does examine all angles of his characters' actions and all the implications of them.
This book starts off right where the last one ends, with Kimo reporting to his new assignment with the Honolulu PD. He's sent undercover to check on the deaths of three surfers, which means encountering the man who had raped him ten years earlier. He's still well-known thanks to the news coverage of his outing at the police force and still adjusting to being an openly gay man.
This is still primarily a mystery and a well-crafted one. Unlike too many other mysteries in this genre I've read, Kimo doesn't ignore the obvious connections in order to build up false suspense. And when he does ignore evidence, he owns up to it - and that's still not necessarily the answer. This one kept me guessing, even when I thought I might know the whodunit.
This struck that perfect balance between mystery and family drama and Kimo's struggles to understand himself and his sexuality now that he's no longer hiding it. His family is also making the adjustment, his parents are amazing, his brothers are a little slower but supportive in their own ways. (Except maybe Lui. He's an opportunist assbutt and needs to learn what "off the record" means and start applying it to his brother. Lui's still on probation with me.) We also get some follow up on events from the previous book.
Half a star off because of typos (missing words mostly, but it was enough to stop me at a few points and try to figure out what the missing word was supposed to be) and because of a dropped subplot.
October 14, 2017
Mahu Surfer was actually the third mystery I wrote, though it was the second to be published. I can clearly remember being out walking my dogs, and thinking about Kimo and his life. I thought, wouldn't it be cool if he could go undercover on the North Shore of O'ahu and use his background as a surfer to get insight into a closed community up there.
That's when I realized that I had to hold off on publishing Mahu Fire, in which Kimo meets hot fire investigator Mike Riccardi. Kimo needed to make some gay friends first, and work on his own for a while before he could come back to the HPD and feel ready to resume work as a detective. So I pushed aside revisions to Mahu Fire and focused on a new adventure for Kimo that would introduce his new boss, Lieutenant Sampson, and give him time for emotional growth.
That's when I realized that I had to hold off on publishing Mahu Fire, in which Kimo meets hot fire investigator Mike Riccardi. Kimo needed to make some gay friends first, and work on his own for a while before he could come back to the HPD and feel ready to resume work as a detective. So I pushed aside revisions to Mahu Fire and focused on a new adventure for Kimo that would introduce his new boss, Lieutenant Sampson, and give him time for emotional growth.
September 20, 2022
3 very reluctant stars
For the most part I’m an easy-going and forgiving girl. I try not to judge characters for their actions, because I’m not them, I’m not there and it’s their (fictional) lives they can do whatever they like with. But I know I have at least one hard limit and this book crossed it. Drinking and driving do not go together – at all.
“I was a little drunk by then. Still able to function, still able to drive, but my defenses were dangerously low.”
And these two sentences definitely coloured my view of the book and the main character – who incidentally is a cop and should know that drinking and driving is always a no go. And he admits to being drunk!
The overall story was a good one, but… well the above kind of soured things for me quite a bit.
For the most part I’m an easy-going and forgiving girl. I try not to judge characters for their actions, because I’m not them, I’m not there and it’s their (fictional) lives they can do whatever they like with. But I know I have at least one hard limit and this book crossed it. Drinking and driving do not go together – at all.
“I was a little drunk by then. Still able to function, still able to drive, but my defenses were dangerously low.”
And these two sentences definitely coloured my view of the book and the main character – who incidentally is a cop and should know that drinking and driving is always a no go. And he admits to being drunk!
The overall story was a good one, but… well the above kind of soured things for me quite a bit.
September 6, 2019
Great addition
4⭐️
Reread
Great addition to the series. I was again worried that I wouldn’t take to this one as quickly as it was a reread, and I did struggle with the start but all of a sudden I was invested and wanted to know who did it.
I love Kimo. He is a great MC. He makes mistakes and doesn’t think at times, but that makes him more relatable in my opinion. I liked that this one combined his love of surfing with his job and gave him a chance to do both.
Looking forward to the next one
4⭐️
Reread
Great addition to the series. I was again worried that I wouldn’t take to this one as quickly as it was a reread, and I did struggle with the start but all of a sudden I was invested and wanted to know who did it.
I love Kimo. He is a great MC. He makes mistakes and doesn’t think at times, but that makes him more relatable in my opinion. I liked that this one combined his love of surfing with his job and gave him a chance to do both.
Looking forward to the next one
July 3, 2025
Many things fit kind of awkwardly in this sequel due to the undercover investigation in a surfer community. On its own, the situation felt puzzling (untrained cop sent in undercover due to a murder investigation?) but then it also instigated situations where Kimo becomes fuzzy as a character (repeating that he’s lying to people during, before and after). Dunno, felt the author didn’t really manage to pull off the layered storytelling that requires.
I found the community interesting, and a lot of the introduced characters too. Kimo’s exploration of his sexuality leads him to dumb mistakes, but it also feels authentic not to have him in love immediately or thinking things through completely.
I found the community interesting, and a lot of the introduced characters too. Kimo’s exploration of his sexuality leads him to dumb mistakes, but it also feels authentic not to have him in love immediately or thinking things through completely.
August 26, 2017
Excellent !
Kimo is asked to go undercover to investigate the murders of three surfers in North Shore.
This time Kimo is alone, no partner, no family to lean on, and he is still grappling with his new found freedom as an openly gay man.
Another well crafted mystery , and the complexities that confound Kimo as he discovers what being out entails.
Kimo is asked to go undercover to investigate the murders of three surfers in North Shore.
This time Kimo is alone, no partner, no family to lean on, and he is still grappling with his new found freedom as an openly gay man.
Another well crafted mystery , and the complexities that confound Kimo as he discovers what being out entails.
November 14, 2008
Kimo Kanapa’aka is a detective working on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and has recently been outed on television by his brother, who works for the local station. The Honolulu police chief decides to use Kimo’s outing as an opportunity to send Kimo undercover to investigate the surfers, and three murders on the north shore near Pipeline. Kimo is the perfect candidate since he was a competitive surfer before joining the force. The fact that he’s been outed so publicly provides the chief an opportunity to report that Kimo has left the force due to pressures regarding his sexuality.
Kimo wants to use this case as a way to regain respectability with his fellow officers, but once he begins to infiltrate the close-knit surfer community, he finds he must immerse himself in the north shore’s gay enclave in order to uncover information. Once he gets tangled within the gay web, he finds himself falling deeper and deeper into trouble, both in terms of the case and his personal life.
The story is a glimpse into a sometimes funny, sometimes sexy, sometimes sad struggle of a gay man trying to prove himself in the straight dominated field of law enforcement, while solving a murder case. Watching Kimo juggle his career aspirations, his family obligations, and his sexual needs felt very real. Although I’m not a fan of detective stories, the ending did not particularly surprise me. I found this read rather interesting because I could identify with Kimo’s struggle to blend his sexuality into his professional and family life. It was the main character, rather than the plot, that kept me turning pages.
Being a traveler, I did have one regret: I was hoping that the story would give me more of a feel for life on the islands, and there was some description of the landscape and the culture, but it came in little nibbles, certainly not enough to make a full meal. However, if you like a well written detective story, and the idea of a dark skinned, hunky, Hawaiian surfer snapping the cuffs on you ups you heart rate, then by all means, this will be an enjoyable read.
Kimo wants to use this case as a way to regain respectability with his fellow officers, but once he begins to infiltrate the close-knit surfer community, he finds he must immerse himself in the north shore’s gay enclave in order to uncover information. Once he gets tangled within the gay web, he finds himself falling deeper and deeper into trouble, both in terms of the case and his personal life.
The story is a glimpse into a sometimes funny, sometimes sexy, sometimes sad struggle of a gay man trying to prove himself in the straight dominated field of law enforcement, while solving a murder case. Watching Kimo juggle his career aspirations, his family obligations, and his sexual needs felt very real. Although I’m not a fan of detective stories, the ending did not particularly surprise me. I found this read rather interesting because I could identify with Kimo’s struggle to blend his sexuality into his professional and family life. It was the main character, rather than the plot, that kept me turning pages.
Being a traveler, I did have one regret: I was hoping that the story would give me more of a feel for life on the islands, and there was some description of the landscape and the culture, but it came in little nibbles, certainly not enough to make a full meal. However, if you like a well written detective story, and the idea of a dark skinned, hunky, Hawaiian surfer snapping the cuffs on you ups you heart rate, then by all means, this will be an enjoyable read.
August 22, 2011
Into the second book of Mahu series and I still find myself struggling to get some sort of emotional liking to Kimo. I don't know what is it in this book that makes Kimo feels "distant" and it's a bit difficult for me to pay attention to his 1st voice narration. It's definitely not because I don't like Neil Plakcy's writing, considering I love his "Have Body, Will Guard" series. Maybe I haven't just warmed up to Kimo just yet.
However, the investigation in the second book is more interesting than book #1. I like Kimo going undercover, trying to gather clues from other surfers, regarding the death of three surfers. I also I'm not such a huge fan of the threesome scene. At least Kimo seems to enjoy it :).
I like the information of Kimo's past -- how he is being brought into the "gay side" of him. I like his family so much, especially his father (gosh, it's so endearing to hear Kimo's dad making a stance about his son!).
I will still try the next book in the series. Maybe I will be more engaged to Kimo's life ...
However, the investigation in the second book is more interesting than book #1. I like Kimo going undercover, trying to gather clues from other surfers, regarding the death of three surfers. I also I'm not such a huge fan of the threesome scene. At least Kimo seems to enjoy it :).
I like the information of Kimo's past -- how he is being brought into the "gay side" of him. I like his family so much, especially his father (gosh, it's so endearing to hear Kimo's dad making a stance about his son!).
I will still try the next book in the series. Maybe I will be more engaged to Kimo's life ...
March 8, 2015
We rejoin Kimo as he is moving to a new office since the last book and being reinstated as a police officer. Yet his boss would like him to keep this secret and go undercover into the northern surfing towns to help solve the murders of a couple of surfers. As an ex-semi-professional surfer, Kimo is the best fit, but after coming out and airing all his secrets in the last book, lying to family and friends is not high on his priority list.
Reality and a sense of duty convince him to do it however, so we get lots of surfing. Lots. As well as a man who is finally able to be himself but is also working out what and who that is.
Mystery wise, a little laboured at times and a few too many sexual intrigue links that are a bit unnecessary. And I picked the murderer heaps earlier than the end of the book. But still a fun read.
For more reviews visit http://rusalkii.blogspot.com.au/
Reality and a sense of duty convince him to do it however, so we get lots of surfing. Lots. As well as a man who is finally able to be himself but is also working out what and who that is.
Mystery wise, a little laboured at times and a few too many sexual intrigue links that are a bit unnecessary. And I picked the murderer heaps earlier than the end of the book. But still a fun read.
For more reviews visit http://rusalkii.blogspot.com.au/
July 16, 2021
I'm starting to like Kimo a bit better, although he makes horrible decisions. Sometimes it's like a train wreck, you just can't look away. I like that he is getting out more and making friends in the gay community and that he seems to be working on accepting his life as an out gay man.
March 14, 2021
I love the slow progression of the mystery investigation in these books.
Kimo has ro go undercover on the north shore to investigate the deaths of three surfers. As usual I didnt see the whodunnit.
Kimo has ro go undercover on the north shore to investigate the deaths of three surfers. As usual I didnt see the whodunnit.
November 17, 2008
I read this book, not because of the gay theme, but because I am reading a mystery set in every state in the Union, by an author whose work I haven’t read before. I got to Hawaii and, because I’d read some of his posts on an online mystery discussion group, decided to try one of Neil Plakcy’s MAHU series. (Mahu is a, not necessarily complimentary, Hawaiian term for homosexual).
When the book opens, the protagonist, Detective Kimo Kanapa'aka, is reporting for duty at his new assignment within the Honolulu PD. In the previous book (MAHU, which I haven't read yet), he underwent a series of traumatic events, which included his self-acknowledgment that he was gay, being outed on local television, and suspension from duty. He soon learns that his new boss wants him to go undercover immediately, pretending that he has not been reinstated to the force, in order to investigate three surfer shootings on the North Shore of Oahu. Kimo has some trouble with this request as it involves lying to his friends and family, but his love of surfing and police work win out and he accepts the assignment.
Returning to the North Shore, where he had spent time surfing before joining the police, brings back a lot of memories for Kimo. Having only recently come out, he's also testing himself socially and sexually as a gay man. I'm not normally enthralled by sex scenes in mysteries, but the few that take place in MAHU SURFER are useful both for plot reasons and character development. As Kimo searches for a connection among the murdered surfers, he reconnects with the surfing culture and discovers several possible suspects and more than one motive.
I had a few reservations about the ending of the book, which left one promising plot element hanging. But overall this was a very enjoyable read with a wealth of detail about island life and the diverse population of Hawaii. One thing I found particularly refreshing was Kimo's relationship with his family, especially his parents. Too often, even in the mystery genre, parents are presented as (a) toxic monsters, (b) pathetic nonentities who have nothing to talk about with their sleuthing children, or (c) heroic figures impossible to live up to. Kimo's parents are loving and supportive in difficult circumstances, and he obviously loves and respects them. He also has two great friends in Harry and Terri, who each bring their own skills and backgrounds to help him solve the mystery. I hope to see more of them when I read the previous and further adventures of Kimo Kanapa'aka.
When the book opens, the protagonist, Detective Kimo Kanapa'aka, is reporting for duty at his new assignment within the Honolulu PD. In the previous book (MAHU, which I haven't read yet), he underwent a series of traumatic events, which included his self-acknowledgment that he was gay, being outed on local television, and suspension from duty. He soon learns that his new boss wants him to go undercover immediately, pretending that he has not been reinstated to the force, in order to investigate three surfer shootings on the North Shore of Oahu. Kimo has some trouble with this request as it involves lying to his friends and family, but his love of surfing and police work win out and he accepts the assignment.
Returning to the North Shore, where he had spent time surfing before joining the police, brings back a lot of memories for Kimo. Having only recently come out, he's also testing himself socially and sexually as a gay man. I'm not normally enthralled by sex scenes in mysteries, but the few that take place in MAHU SURFER are useful both for plot reasons and character development. As Kimo searches for a connection among the murdered surfers, he reconnects with the surfing culture and discovers several possible suspects and more than one motive.
I had a few reservations about the ending of the book, which left one promising plot element hanging. But overall this was a very enjoyable read with a wealth of detail about island life and the diverse population of Hawaii. One thing I found particularly refreshing was Kimo's relationship with his family, especially his parents. Too often, even in the mystery genre, parents are presented as (a) toxic monsters, (b) pathetic nonentities who have nothing to talk about with their sleuthing children, or (c) heroic figures impossible to live up to. Kimo's parents are loving and supportive in difficult circumstances, and he obviously loves and respects them. He also has two great friends in Harry and Terri, who each bring their own skills and backgrounds to help him solve the mystery. I hope to see more of them when I read the previous and further adventures of Kimo Kanapa'aka.
September 30, 2008
I enjoyed this mystery set in Hawaii, and following the exploits of a HPD detective Kimo Kanapa'aka. He is 50% Hawaiian, part of a large and loving family and in this book just returning from an un-fair and illegal suspension. This is the second book in the Kimo Kanapa'aka series.
In the first book, among other things Kimo was publicly outed as a gay man, and the force suspended him. I have yet to read the first book, because it is out of print, but plan to get it when it is re-published in March of 2009.
In the second book he is coming back to work and determined to continue as a good cop. He wants to be accepted and respected again. His new boss has other ideas. He has no problem with Kimo being gay, but he wants to use the publicity that Kimo is no longer with the force, to have him go to the North Shore and investigate the murders of 3 surfers, undercover. The surfers won't talk to cops. Of course Kimo, just escaping the closet, is not happy to be asked to live a lie again, especially to friends and family.
Kimo goes north and settles in as a surfer. In many ways he is picking up where he left off before he went to the police academy. He meets new people, old friends and personal problems that the younger Kimo couldn't deal with, so he ran and left them unresolved. The story blends Kimo's investigation, his past issues, and his attempts to establish and live his present life as an openly gay man.
The mystery is interesting and develops well and has many suspects. There is a slight no-no when an important person to the mystery, is barely mentioned, and then pops up with a major role. There are some questions left unresolved, but they may be picked up in the next book, or perhaps just left like real life for someone else to deal with.
The Hawaiian setting is wonderfully depicted and seems to be accurate. The characters are believable, interesting, thoughtful, and well done. The writing is good, and it is a meaty good read.
To quote Amazon: "Readers should be prepared for explicit gay sex."
I plan to read the next book in the series: Mahu Fire, and the first book when it comes out it March.
In the first book, among other things Kimo was publicly outed as a gay man, and the force suspended him. I have yet to read the first book, because it is out of print, but plan to get it when it is re-published in March of 2009.
In the second book he is coming back to work and determined to continue as a good cop. He wants to be accepted and respected again. His new boss has other ideas. He has no problem with Kimo being gay, but he wants to use the publicity that Kimo is no longer with the force, to have him go to the North Shore and investigate the murders of 3 surfers, undercover. The surfers won't talk to cops. Of course Kimo, just escaping the closet, is not happy to be asked to live a lie again, especially to friends and family.
Kimo goes north and settles in as a surfer. In many ways he is picking up where he left off before he went to the police academy. He meets new people, old friends and personal problems that the younger Kimo couldn't deal with, so he ran and left them unresolved. The story blends Kimo's investigation, his past issues, and his attempts to establish and live his present life as an openly gay man.
The mystery is interesting and develops well and has many suspects. There is a slight no-no when an important person to the mystery, is barely mentioned, and then pops up with a major role. There are some questions left unresolved, but they may be picked up in the next book, or perhaps just left like real life for someone else to deal with.
The Hawaiian setting is wonderfully depicted and seems to be accurate. The characters are believable, interesting, thoughtful, and well done. The writing is good, and it is a meaty good read.
To quote Amazon: "Readers should be prepared for explicit gay sex."
I plan to read the next book in the series: Mahu Fire, and the first book when it comes out it March.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 12, 2021I honestly don't know how to rate this. The book could do with a content warning for homophobia, problematic attitudes towards sex in general and the normalization of sexual assault.
In Mahu it makes sense for Kimo to be conflicted about his sexuality and to have absorbed societal prejudices. Now Kimo is working undercover and has more freedom to explore his sexuality it becomes clear that he is incredibly damaged. What's not as obvious is the author own beliefs; I'd be a lot more comfortable with the series if I was sure Plakcy was deliberately writing a deeply flawed MC to allow future character growth or to play with a morally ambiguous MC.
I will keep reading the series. They mysteries are engaging and I Kimo's character has a lot of potential.
In Mahu it makes sense for Kimo to be conflicted about his sexuality and to have absorbed societal prejudices. Now Kimo is working undercover and has more freedom to explore his sexuality it becomes clear that he is incredibly damaged. What's not as obvious is the author own beliefs; I'd be a lot more comfortable with the series if I was sure Plakcy was deliberately writing a deeply flawed MC to allow future character growth or to play with a morally ambiguous MC.
I will keep reading the series. They mysteries are engaging and I Kimo's character has a lot of potential.
September 10, 2009
This is a well written mystery set in Hawaii. The main character, a cop who has recently come out as gay, is sent to do an undercover job on the North Shore of Oahu to find out who's killing surfers.
Neil Plakcy has created an interesting character in Kimo, a man who is still struggling with being out there as gay and finding his way in the gay world, while at the same time, dealing with hostilities in the force due to his coming out.
The mystery part of this book is very well done and keeps a good pace and balance of investigation with what's revealed, with the killer way ahead of Kimo until the very end.
As far as Hawaiian culture goes, the author clearly knows what he's talking about, with places being very specific as well as language and cultural norms being well done.
I'll definitely pick up the other books in this series.
Neil Plakcy has created an interesting character in Kimo, a man who is still struggling with being out there as gay and finding his way in the gay world, while at the same time, dealing with hostilities in the force due to his coming out.
The mystery part of this book is very well done and keeps a good pace and balance of investigation with what's revealed, with the killer way ahead of Kimo until the very end.
As far as Hawaiian culture goes, the author clearly knows what he's talking about, with places being very specific as well as language and cultural norms being well done.
I'll definitely pick up the other books in this series.
February 16, 2014
This is the second book about Hawaiian police detective, Kimo Kanapa'aka and follows closely on the heels of the first book. Having had his suspension overturned Kimo joins a new department, or rather, to his friends and family he doesn't. Whilst they think that he has headed to another part of island to surf and think about his future in fact he's working undercover to discover more about the recent murders of three surfers.
This is much more a crime/police procedural story with a gay protagonist than it is any form of M/M romance and I really liked the realism of Kimo coming to terms with his new status of being an out gay man whilst juggling a difficult case and his extended family. Definitely need to keep going with this series.
This is much more a crime/police procedural story with a gay protagonist than it is any form of M/M romance and I really liked the realism of Kimo coming to terms with his new status of being an out gay man whilst juggling a difficult case and his extended family. Definitely need to keep going with this series.
October 8, 2008
Solid effort, decent product. The mystery is well-constructed, and if it did not exactly leave me breathless, I was at least entertained. The Hawaiian setting is interesting and unique enough that there was a real sense of place and culture. Kimo, our main character, feels and sounds fairly realistic, if a little idealistic. Unfortunately, I think that my biggest problem with this book isn't really the book, but the fact that I read it after I read the third book, so it was more like backstory. I already knew what was going to happen next, and was frustrated by that. Sad but true.
July 26, 2008
I liked the protagonist. He's a Honolulu police detective who recently came out as a gay man. Kimo is the kind of guy you'd like to have as a friend. This is a surfer adventure where he's working under cover. On as side note, if you go to the author's website, he'll send you an autographed book plate.
July 2, 2021
Great mystery! I am loving this series so far. Kimo goes undercover into the surfing culture of Hawaii to solve a series of murders. I learned so much about surfing and the culture surrounding it. And the murderer? I never saw it coming, had me fooled till the end. We also see Kimo going though some self growth as an open gay. Overall, loved it, I couldn’t put the book down till I finished it.
July 8, 2021
I'm liking it. I'm glad it's not jumping to a big romance right away. It's good that Kimo has a little time to be free to explore before he jumps into a relationship.
I liked the undercover as a surfer. His parent are cute.
I think this is one of those series that slowly creep up on you. You like it a little more each installment until your completely hooked. At least that's my hope.
I liked the undercover as a surfer. His parent are cute.
I think this is one of those series that slowly creep up on you. You like it a little more each installment until your completely hooked. At least that's my hope.
November 13, 2007
The Hawaiian setting and details of the series are quite well done, but I can't say that after two books I'm particularly "engaged" with Kimo as a protagonist. I'm willing to read a third Mahu book, hoping he'll put the past behind him and move on.
July 3, 2015
Keep on reading. Great story.
July 3, 2017
I like the way Kimo is developing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 5, 2021
An interesting character
Somehow I got the second book in a series by Neil Plakcy before any others, so essentially i was dropped in an already moving stream. Written in first person, this story works on a number of levels. Before I say more, here's my disclaimer: I use my Kindle to read, and as I finish I'm flipped to a screen outside the book, where one can buy the next one or write a review. More and more, I'm writing reviews. But due to the nature of Kindle and its OS, from outside of the book it's not easy to flip back in and out of it. And, you ask, why am I telling you this? Because I'm now somewhat handicapped when it comes to details.
Especially with first person narratives, things like the correct spelling of a character 's name becomes are problem. Let alone places - and especially places outside mainland USA. Like the Mahu series, for instance. From memory, almost anything I attempt to say about locations in Hawaii will highlight my geographic incompetence - or at least reveal how unwilling I am to spend my reading time as a virtual geography student. And, much like Toby Neal, Plakcy incorporates the islands into his story. So now, having set you up, it's time to get on with it.
Kimo - the protagonist and narrator, is about to resume work after recovery time following that case from the first book. During that case, he was shoved out of the closet by a news story that let the world know he's gay. But before he can get back to the 9 to 5 of police work, his new boss asks him to go undercover to solve a case. Three people have been killed at North Shore - Hawaii's best surfing area, home of the Pipeline and Banzaii breaks, among others. Kimo is known to all as a surfer, making him a good choice. in order to proceed however, he has to lie to family and friends. For all the time Plakcy invests in giving us Kimo's worries about how his family will react, the actual reaction near the end seems far too small. However, he does suggest there will be more fallout - perhaps in a later volume. I'm not thrilled when an author plants a landmine and doesn't diffuse it, hoping it will spur later sales.
There are sex scenes in the book. If brief description of gay sex offend you, turn away. But to his credit, I think they are well written and straightforward. Far from pornographic, they are absolutely in keeping with the main character. Indeed, a running issue through the book is his dealing with his homosexuality and how others I teach with him. Watching how that develops may be reason enough to read more of the Mahu series. Add to that some solid character building with Kimo's parents, family and friends, some knowledgeable writing incorporating surfing, a well crafted mystery and I fully expect to read more in this series.
Somehow I got the second book in a series by Neil Plakcy before any others, so essentially i was dropped in an already moving stream. Written in first person, this story works on a number of levels. Before I say more, here's my disclaimer: I use my Kindle to read, and as I finish I'm flipped to a screen outside the book, where one can buy the next one or write a review. More and more, I'm writing reviews. But due to the nature of Kindle and its OS, from outside of the book it's not easy to flip back in and out of it. And, you ask, why am I telling you this? Because I'm now somewhat handicapped when it comes to details.
Especially with first person narratives, things like the correct spelling of a character 's name becomes are problem. Let alone places - and especially places outside mainland USA. Like the Mahu series, for instance. From memory, almost anything I attempt to say about locations in Hawaii will highlight my geographic incompetence - or at least reveal how unwilling I am to spend my reading time as a virtual geography student. And, much like Toby Neal, Plakcy incorporates the islands into his story. So now, having set you up, it's time to get on with it.
Kimo - the protagonist and narrator, is about to resume work after recovery time following that case from the first book. During that case, he was shoved out of the closet by a news story that let the world know he's gay. But before he can get back to the 9 to 5 of police work, his new boss asks him to go undercover to solve a case. Three people have been killed at North Shore - Hawaii's best surfing area, home of the Pipeline and Banzaii breaks, among others. Kimo is known to all as a surfer, making him a good choice. in order to proceed however, he has to lie to family and friends. For all the time Plakcy invests in giving us Kimo's worries about how his family will react, the actual reaction near the end seems far too small. However, he does suggest there will be more fallout - perhaps in a later volume. I'm not thrilled when an author plants a landmine and doesn't diffuse it, hoping it will spur later sales.
There are sex scenes in the book. If brief description of gay sex offend you, turn away. But to his credit, I think they are well written and straightforward. Far from pornographic, they are absolutely in keeping with the main character. Indeed, a running issue through the book is his dealing with his homosexuality and how others I teach with him. Watching how that develops may be reason enough to read more of the Mahu series. Add to that some solid character building with Kimo's parents, family and friends, some knowledgeable writing incorporating surfing, a well crafted mystery and I fully expect to read more in this series.
February 24, 2021
The case progression and character arcs are great. Seeing the way Kimo tries to navigate a gay milieu as a clueless baby gay rings true and the gay drama that results is so authentic even when the murderous aspects of it seem too over the top.
There are several continuity errors I found particularly jarring. One is when they're planning the family luau. They make a big deal about getting the dad on the water to surf with his sons but when the day actually arrives, there's no mention of the dad surfing. Sure, that could have been dealt with off-page but we know enough about the family dynamics now that it would have been a more poignant moment to have the four men on the water together.
The more jarring moment is when Kimo is driving and hears the radio news report. At first, the announcer says that the victim's identity is being withheld until they notify the next of kin. That's fairly standard in the initial reports of death. But then they link Kimo and name the victim and go on and on about their relationship. I was like, 'what?' I had to reread it to make sure I hadn't missed something but it was the editors who missed the continuity error. At that point, I had already suspended enough disbelief to just carry on, but if you're a stickler for such things, consider this your 'head's up.'
All-in-all, a wonderful follow-up to a great first book. More surfing - but you knew that from the title - and more braiding the threads of Kimo's personal and professional lives to bring down the baddies while evolving as a person.
There are several continuity errors I found particularly jarring. One is when they're planning the family luau. They make a big deal about getting the dad on the water to surf with his sons but when the day actually arrives, there's no mention of the dad surfing. Sure, that could have been dealt with off-page but we know enough about the family dynamics now that it would have been a more poignant moment to have the four men on the water together.
The more jarring moment is when Kimo is driving and hears the radio news report. At first, the announcer says that the victim's identity is being withheld until they notify the next of kin. That's fairly standard in the initial reports of death. But then they link Kimo and name the victim and go on and on about their relationship. I was like, 'what?' I had to reread it to make sure I hadn't missed something but it was the editors who missed the continuity error. At that point, I had already suspended enough disbelief to just carry on, but if you're a stickler for such things, consider this your 'head's up.'
All-in-all, a wonderful follow-up to a great first book. More surfing - but you knew that from the title - and more braiding the threads of Kimo's personal and professional lives to bring down the baddies while evolving as a person.
July 29, 2024
Mahu Surfer is the second installment in the Mahu series by Neil S. Plakcy. In this crime-mystery novel, Kimo Kanapa'aka, an avid surfer and detective with the Hawaii Police Department, juggles his passion for surfing with solving crimes. This time, Kimo goes undercover to investigate the mysterious shootings of three surfers on the North Shore of O'ahu.
It continues Kimo's journey of self-discovery and coming out, as he encounters different men and dabbles in different encounters. As his professional and personal lives start to intertwine, the danger of murder gets uncomfortably close. Despite the tension, Kimo’s family and friends offer their support in their own ways. The story is well-written and easy to read, the plot is filled with suspense and intrigue, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.
This book is another enjoyable read, and I'm excited to continue with the rest of the series!
It continues Kimo's journey of self-discovery and coming out, as he encounters different men and dabbles in different encounters. As his professional and personal lives start to intertwine, the danger of murder gets uncomfortably close. Despite the tension, Kimo’s family and friends offer their support in their own ways. The story is well-written and easy to read, the plot is filled with suspense and intrigue, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.
This book is another enjoyable read, and I'm excited to continue with the rest of the series!
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November 30, 2025DNF series. Completed book one. Audiobook. Series following the same homicide detective main character. Book one is narrated by Joel Leslie who did a great job with the MANY characters, a vast majority who have accents. Book two is a different narrator, Stan Jenson, who sounds like a 100 year old reading from a rocking chair. He is also reading at a pace that seems like he just wants to get this done, one of the most unappealing narrations I have come across. This is supposed to be a sexy surfer cop in great shape, somewhere in his late 20s/early 30s. The voice does not match at all and is unpleasant. Same voice/narrator for book 3. not good.
Book one laid out a great backstory and character, making the reader look forward to learning more and starting a journey. I’ll have to pick this back up when I feel like reading with my eyes, instead of with my ears.
Hawaii, homicide detective, m/m, series 13 books.
Book one laid out a great backstory and character, making the reader look forward to learning more and starting a journey. I’ll have to pick this back up when I feel like reading with my eyes, instead of with my ears.
Hawaii, homicide detective, m/m, series 13 books.
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