Book Review: The Flaming Luau of Death by Jerrilyn Farmer (Madeline Bean #7)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Great story and fun characters in a fun location.

Cons: A few travel log like sections, but a minor annoyance.

The Bottom Line:

Trip to Hawaii

Is anything but restful

Come and tag along

Aloha Danger

The Flaming Luau of Death is the seventh mystery starring party planner Madeline Bean. Normally set in Los Angeles, this one has a different location.

Madeline and her partner Wes are planning a special party. Their assistant and friend Holly is getting married in two weeks, so they're taking her, her sisters, and her best friend on a surprise bachelorette destination party to the big island of Hawaii. And the best part is, Madeline, Wes, and Holly will finally get to be guests at one of their own parties.

But the trouble starts before the plane leaves the ground. Holly just got a threatening e-mail demanding to know the whereabouts of her husband. Seems she's not as single as she said she was, and her high school prom date might be her husband as well. It's a bit hazy. Even so, she has no idea where this guy might be now.

Thinking they'll put this tiny problem behind them for the weekend, they board their plane. But when they arrive, they find a man waiting in Holly's room. When the man later turns up dead, Madeline can't help but investigate. After all, she's never been too good at relaxing. Can she solve this mystery before they return to the mainland? Will these events ruin the party?

It's no secret that I look forward to each book in this fun series. But when I saw the title, I was extra excited. How could a book with a title like that be anything but fantastic? And it didn't let me down. Even with the change of location, on-going storylines are advanced, just a little slower then normal. That had been my biggest worry since I really wanted to know what was going on with some of the characters. As always, the plot is inventive and fun. I dare you to guess where this one leads before the end. And party planner Madeline is a great host, narrating the tale with a breezy style that keeps your attention throughout. There are a few times where the book seems to move from mystery to tour guide, but they are over quickly and the action resumes.

A small word of warning. Because of on going storylines, the last couple books are spoiled. This series is best read in order. Believe me, that will be no chore at all.

Sadly, The Flaming Luau of Death is the last book in this fun series.  If you've missed it, track all of them down and savor every page.

Need to backtrack to the beginning?  Here are the Madeline Bean Mysteries in order.