The Fire Thief

Description

Celebrated travel writer and expert Debra Bokur makes her fiction debut with The Fire Thief, a police procedural mystery that explores the nuanced culture and captivating beauty of Hawaii via its two very different lead characters- a veteran police captain and the granddaughter of one of Hawaii's most respected spiritual leaders. The scenery may be beautiful, but dangerous secrets are buried beneath paradise in this first thriller featuring Maui detective Kali Mahoe. Under a promising morning sky, police captain Walter Alaka'i discovers the body of a teenage surfer bobbing among the lava rocks of Maui's southeastern shore. Closer inspection reveals something far more sinister than the results of a savage wave gone wrong. Now that Alaka'i is looking at a homicide, he solicits the help of his niece, Detective Kali Mahoe. Kali sees evidence of a strange ritual murder, a suspicion reinforced by a rash of sightings of a noppera-bo-a faceless and malicious spirit many believe to be more than superstition. When a grisly sacrifice is left on the doorstep of a local, and another body washes ashore, Kali fears that the deadly secret ceremonies on Maui are just beginning. As the skies above Maui grow darker, and as she balances reason and superstition, Kali can only wonder- Who'll be the next to die? And who-or what-is she even on the trail of? "Bokur's welcome debut nimbly contrasts the Hawaii of sun and golden beaches with its less well-known underbelly of poverty, discrimination, and crime. Fans of strong female cops will look forward to Kali's further adventures." -Publishers Weekly "The Fire Thief has all the elements of a great mystery-crackling tension, brisk pacing, a vibrant setting, and a flicker of paranormal . . . or is it?" -Wendy Corsi Staub "An exciting blend of Hawaiian folklore and mystery. From page one to a stirring finish, Debra Bokur delivers a real page turner here." -Tracy Clark

Debra Bokur is an author, journalist, editor, screenwriter, and illustrator. Her work has appeared in a variety of domestic and international media outlets, including National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Spa Magazine, Experience Life Magazine, Natural Home, Yoga Journal, Global Traveler, and Women's Adventure. She is the recipient of the 2015 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers since 2002, Debra was part of the original team of travel correspondents at Jetsetter.com. Learn more at DebraBokur.com.