After five years in Seattle, Leilani Santiago returns home to the island of Kaua'i in Hawai'i. Her mother has multiple sclerosis, and Leilani wants to help her family with their business, Santiago Shave Ice. When her estranged father, Tommy, returns with his surfing protégé, Luke Hightower, she's a little resentful—with four daughters, Tommy always wanted a son. Then Luke's body is found in the shave ice shack, and Tommy becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Leilani can't believe her father killed Luke, so she juggles a long-distance relationship, the family business, and a budding friendship with a local shop owner to search for the killer. In her first book set in Hawai'i, the Edgar Award-winning Hirahara emphasizes Hawaiian culture while shedding light on native Hawaiian issues with land. It takes time to adjust to the pidgin, Hawaiian, and Japanese words, but, fortunately, the author of the "Mas Arai" mysteries provides a glossary. VERDICT Featuring family loyalties, surfing, and a distinct lifestyle, this character-driven, atmospheric mystery may appeal to new adults and those readers interested in Hawaiian culture.—Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

All is not perfect on the island of Kauai in this uneven series launch from Edgar winner Hirahara (the Mas Arai series), as college dropout Leilani Santiago discovers when she returns home from Seattle to spend her days creating shave ice, the Hawaiian treat, at her family's failing store. Financial problems snowball after her father Tommy Santiago's protégé, champion surfer Luke Hightower, signs a sponsorship deal with a rival to Tommy's latest business venture. When Leilani finds Luke's body in their shave ice shop, her father is the only suspect in the eyes of Sgt. Dennis Toma, the investigating officer, who has a long-standing grudge against Tommy. Leilani must put aside her issues with her charming but unreliable father to find the real killer. Aided by attractive newcomer Sean Cohen, Leilani discovers that even those she loves are capable of murder. The cantankerous Leilani and island setting intrigue, but the murder investigation is overshadowed by subplots including the troubled history of Hawaiian land ownership, the devastating effects of alcoholism, and Leilani's romantic problems. Those who value personal relationships more than the mystery will look forward to the sequel. Agent: Susan Cohen, PearlCo Literary. (Sept.)