Fire and Vengeance (Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery, #3)

by Robert McCaw

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Fire and Vengeance is a modern murder/corruption procedural set in Hawaii and the third book in the Koa Kāne series by Robert McCaw. Released 26th May 2020 by Oceanview, it's 336 pages and available in audio and ebook formats.

This is a procedural with an ensemble cast and the added contrast of what should be an idyllic paradise setting with a horrific corruption/murder scandal and the subsequent murder of a wealthy local construction company owner. The titular protagonist has a conflicted and flawed past himself along with being forced to navigate problems with his immediate family (his brother's incarcerated). There are some scenes (the beginning, with burnt and dead schoolchildren particularly) which might be too graphic for some readers (me included).

The writing is competent but struck me as choppy and abrupt in some places. It reads more like a military thriller (a la Tom Clancy) than a police procedural for a small town police force. I found it somewhat difficult to develop a rapport with the lead character. It's possible that's due to the fact that I read this one as a standalone. I had no trouble following the story, though some of the secondary characters were challenging to keep straight. I also had some issues with the liberal use of the Hawaiian language throughout the book. It added verisimilitude, but where it wasn't explained in context, it left me a bit confused.

I suspect that my issues with the book were due more to my preconceptions than the author's stylistic intentions (i.e., my fault). I went into the book expecting Hawaii Five-0 and got Jack Reacher.

Definitely readable, and enjoyable, just not what I was expecting.Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.