YEN FOR MURDER By Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
MEET NATALIE SEACHRIST
Natalie Seachrist is a semi-retired journalist living in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai`i. In this story, she is expanding her writing career by reporting about the local food and entertainment scene. Living in the Lanikai cottage that was her Auntie's, she and her life partner, retired police detective Ke`oni Hewitt, are enjoying life near a beautiful white sands beach in windward O`ahu, until life intervenes in ways she could never have imagined...
A CASE OF LARCENY...AND MURDER
Honolulu journalist Natalie Seachrist has had visions all of her life. Surprisingly, she experiences a vision of a Buddhist minister meditating at her altar. When a sharp sound crashes into her consciousness, Natalie watches as the serene woman falls to the floor suddenly. Later, while browsing through an antique auction brochure, Natalie and Keʻoni see a statue of the ancient Shākyamuni Buddha which Keʻoni realizes was stolen during the now cold case that haunted the end of his career with the Honolulu Police Department. Soon Keʻoni and Natalie find themselves diving into the realm of international auctions and estate sales. Aided by Miss Una, Natalie’s fleet-footed feline companion, surprising objects emerge from unexpected places. What prompted these crimes of murder and larceny? Was it the chance to acquire riches, or religious zeal at the thought of possessing such a rare religious artifact? Can the conjoined cases be solved, or will the scanty evidence simply be returned to HPD’s cold case files?
The Fourth Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery
REVIEWS OF YEN FOR MURDER
US REVIEW OF BOOKS
Review by Jennifer Soper
"As the images of this chilling vignette fade to the sepia tones I know too well, I release the breath I have been holding."
This is the fourth book in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series. It is a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural. The story follows Natalie Seachrist, a former journalist with an unusual gift: she has visions of the past and future. When she and her partner, Keoni, attend a Buddhist temple luncheon, they expect a peaceful afternoon. Instead, they stumble into a murder mystery when a wealthy donor is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Natalie’s visions start piecing together cryptic details of the crime, she and Keoni are pulled into an investigation that stretches beyond Hawaii, touching on Asian history, art, and politics.
Natalie combines her investigative skills with her supernatural abilities. She’s sharp, resourceful, and refreshingly human, making her easy to root for. Her relationship with Keoni adds warmth to the story, offering moments of humor and tenderness amid the chaos. Their partnership adds depth to the narrative, creating an authentic and compelling dynamic.
The plot moves at a steady pace, balancing suspense, detective work, and personal reflection. Burrows-Johnson keeps readers hooked by gradually revealing new twists, ensuring the mystery remains unpredictable but never overwhelming. Instead of offering easy answers, Natalie’s visions provide intriguing, cryptic clues that she must carefully interpret. As the story progresses, Natalie and Keoni find themselves entangled in a case that is far more complex than it initially seems, involving long-buried secrets and hidden connections that keep the suspense alive until the very end.
Burrows-Johnson’s vivid storytelling transports readers to Hawaii, weaving a suspenseful tale filled with intrigue and rich cultural details. One of the story’s standout elements is its richly drawn setting. Burrows-Johnson paints a vibrant picture of Hawaii, from serene Buddhist temples to local communities. The cultural depth in the story adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the mystery feel more immersive and multidimensional. The story also offers a glimpse into the traditions and philosophies of Buddhism, adding an educational component to the mystery. The attention to historical accuracy and artistic references gives readers a deeper appreciation of the story’s setting.
Beyond the murder mystery, the story touches on the concept of fate versus free will as Natalie grapples with the responsibility of her visions and how they influence the unfolding events. The historical and artistic details make the story feel even richer, appealing to readers who enjoy mysteries with an intellectual edge. The book does an excellent job of weaving together elements of past and present, drawing parallels between historical events and modern-day mysteries.
Burrows-Johnson’s writing is engaging and immersive. Whether describing a tense moment of discovery, a ceremonial ritual, or the beautiful Hawaiian landscape, the prose brings every scene to life, striking the right balance between descriptive detail and narrative drive, keeping the story moving while still allowing readers to savor the atmosphere. The dialogue feels natural, and the character interactions add authenticity to the story, making it feel like the reader is alongside Natalie as she unravels the mystery.
Overall, this book is enjoyable and offers more than just a mystery to solve. Its rich setting, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narrative stand out in the cozy mystery genre. Readers who enjoy stories infused with history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural will find this story particularly rewarding. Burrows-Johnson has crafted a compelling, multilayered mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A flavorful dip into Hawaii’s cross-cultural currents amid cozy mystery sleuthing.
A semiretired journalist’s visions of a murder and theft within a Buddhist temple prompt the investigation of a cold case in this fourth installment of a mystery series.
aveling journalist Natalie Seachrist, nearly retired and writing a local food/drink/entertainment column, is enjoying living in an inherited family cottage in her native Hawaii with boyfriend Ke’oni, a former homicide detective–turned–security consultant. Then, as is typical for her, Natalie has intriguing visions—this time, about the killing of a female minister in a Buddhist temple as its Buddha statue is stolen.
Fortuitously, Ke’oni spots a Buddha statue, strikingly similar to the one Natalie envisioned, in an auction catalog. They inform Ke’oni’s former partner and conduct undercover surveillance at the auction, which is disrupted when a Japanese linguist and local temple member alerts the auctioneer—who’s a member of the Kiyohara family, the same family selling the statue—about the statue’s origins, halting its sale. Natalie and cohorts continue to investigate, attending another sale on Kiyohara estate grounds, re-examining case/coroner files, and, of course, tapping into Natalie’s ongoing interior visions and external observations in effort to solve the crime.
Arizona-based author Burrows-Johnson lived in Hawaii for two decades, and her love for the state infuses this sensory- and fact-filled narrative, providing readers enjoyment and education regarding the Hawaiian lifestyle, history, and culture. Natalie and Ke’oni confer about the case while lying in their outdoor beachside spa, for example, and Natalie’s research relays fascinating info about Buddhism sects, how and why the Japanese came to Hawaii, etc. Natalie’s detailing of meals, although mouthwatering, is, however, a bit digressive. Still, this is perhaps fitting for this book’s overall cozy mystery vibe, showcasing a charming lead and her various pleasures alongside her and community members working together to figure out what exactly jarred this idyllic world.