Back in town after years away, an out of work journalist, Maya Wong, takes a job in her hometown in Waikiki, Hawaiʻi, to ghostwrite Parker Hamilton's biography. The day Maya meets the Parker, a successful land developer, she meets two other men, Parker's father Charles, and a young man about her age who is wandering about the grounds of the Hamilton estate but is not seen again.

Parker's father dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, and police are on the case soon. The homicide detective in charge of the case, Koa Yamada, is the man Maya was involved with before she left for the mainland.

As Maya eases back into life on the island and into her family's and friends' lives, she quickly discovers that none of them are happy about her new job working for someone whose family has been integral in destroying part of the original inhabitants' legacy, whether from seizing power many years earlier, or in buying up land, and gentrifying neighbourhoods.

Maya also learns that there have been a series of robberies along the beach that she likes to run on.

When Maya learns that the police are after the young man she met on the estate, she is convinced he had nothing to do with the murder because of things that she observed, and through successive conversations she has with the family. She begins digging into matters, earning herself her former boyfriend's annoyance, and the violent attention of robbers. She also learns more about the Hamiltons, and about the effects gentrification is having on the locals, who are being priced out of good locations for their businesses and homes. Maya does end up figuring out what is really going on, and in the process strips the shine off the Hamiltons.

Even though the mystery had a lot of moving parts, it took a secondary place to my interest in Maya and her reintegration into her old life in Waikiki. Seeing the changes wrought by tourism and unchecked land development has altered the look and feel of the island, and the livelihoods of those who have been there for generations.

I also liked the tough conversations Maya has with her friends and family about her long disappearance from home, as well as the tense relationship she has with former romantic partner Koa. There is plenty of interesting detail here to continue to work through if Jennifer K. Morita decides to continue Maya adventures. I would read them if she did, as I enjoyed this solid story with a "research and looking for clues" approach to solve a mystery with much money and influence at stake.

I switched back and forth between the prose and the audio. Voice actor Jennifer Robideau uses a variety of tones and inflections to inhabit all the characters. Her work as Maya was a pleasure to listen to, from Maya's reluctance and ambivalence at the novel's opening, but which gradually transforms into something more adamant when she determines to find out what happened at the estate, especially as she learns how close to home the Hamilton plans reach in Waikiki. Robideau also brings a verve to Maya's best friend Lani that I really enjoyed.

Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Spotify Audiobooks for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

Ghosts of Waikiki was a “good not great” for me. Still worth a read if you’re into amateur sleuth novels and island life / settings.

The good:
- The author clearly knows a lot about Hawaiian culture and history and has a lot of love for the islands.
- the story starts off great and is easy to get into

The not so good:
- characters outside of the main two were confusing and not distinctive enough to keep separate in my mind
- ending seemed rushed but slow at the same time, certain parts very predictable

The neutral:
- narration by Jennifer Robideau was very robotic but the word pronunciations and accent helped with the Hawaiian names and setting.
- the plot was neither outstanding nor terrible, some chapters were written very well and others were slow and hard to stay invested.

Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and Jennifer K. Morita for the audio ARC!

By now you know I’m such a fan of crime fiction and I love when I discover a new author or series that brings their twist to the genre.

The setting and culture play such a part and really jump off the page. The author’s connection to Hawaii and the culture bleeds through.

I really connected with Maya and loved her tenacity to write her story and keep working on her book as things piled up. I like the little bit of romance thrown in. A little second chance maybe.

I’m so grateful to have both the book and audiobook for this one. The immersive read helped with both the pronunciation and remembering the Hawaiian based names. Jennifer Robideau Did such a good job narrating. She brought the suspense, romance, culture and setting to life.

The story matched the cover and kept me immersed and guessing who would be uncovered as the ki

I did not like the audio production of this book - I found it incredibly difficult to listen to because it felt like a robot was speaking. I tried changing the speed of the narration and it did not work for me. Unfortunately I could not finish this one.

*Ghosts of Waikiki* by Jennifer K. Morita is a fast-paced, engaging mystery that blends family drama, romance, and intrigue against the lush backdrop of Hawai'i. Maya Wong, a struggling journalist turned ghostwriter, is pulled into a web of secrets and danger after the controversial land developer she’s working for is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Maya juggles her tense relationships with family, friends, and her ex, Detective Koa Yamada, she becomes an unlikely amateur sleuth determined to uncover the truth. Morita’s writing is sharp and vibrant, capturing both the beauty of the Hawaiian setting and the complexity of the characters’ lives.

While the plot offers plenty of twists and suspense, the real strength of the novel lies in its rich, relatable characters. Maya is a compelling protagonist—intelligent, resourceful, and flawed, as she tries to navigate the chaos of her professional and personal life. The romance with her ex adds an emotional depth to the story, while the investigation itself is full of surprises. However, the pacing occasionally falters, with some stretches of the plot feeling predictable or slower than others. Additionally, the narrator’s delivery was choppy and disjointed, which constantly took the reader out of the story.

Overall, *Ghosts of Waikiki* delivers a fun, atmospheric mystery with a strong sense of place and a likable lead, making it an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense.

I typically avoid murder mysteries with amateur detectives due to their unrealistic nature, but this novel featuring journalist Maya Wong stands out. Her investigative skills and connection to the family involved lend credibility to the story. Maya's relationship with the police detective provides her with insider information, despite his warnings to stay away. Driven by curiosity and her reporter instincts, she pursues the case of Charles Hamilton's murder, realizing the danger of being hunted.
The narrative begins with Maya taking a ghostwriting job for a controversial developer after her newspaper's closure, creating internal conflict as she struggles with her role in harming her native Hawaiian community. This ethical dilemma intensifies when Charles Hamilton II dies suspiciously, prompting Maya to investigate despite the risks.
The story captures a cat-and-mouse dynamic while maintaining believability, enhanced by authentic Hawaiian dialogue. Morita's engaging writing style marks her as a promising new voice in crime fiction. "Ghosts of Waikiki" is a strong debut that I highly recommend to mystery lovers, and I look forward to more from Maya Wong.
I enjoyed the narrator!

This book followed Maya's return to Hawaii and her new job as a biographer, which is cut short when one of the subjects is murdered. I enjoyed exploring Oahu with her as she reconnected with family and friends all the while investigating who was behind the murder of her new boss. Morita does a great job of making Maya seem like both a newcomer and a native at the same time, delving into the ways that outsiders are treated at times. I also enjoyed the character development that was achieved from introducing her ex boyfriend as an unlikely partner to try to solve the murder.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this audio!!

I LOVED this book! It was a bit slow in the beginning but then boom I was hooked!! I finished it in one sitting! My first by this author but will not be my last!!

Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer K. Morita, narrated by Jennifer Robideau, is an engrossing audiobook that captivates from start to finish. Morita's storytelling weaves a compelling tale that immerses listeners in the rich cultural landscape of Hawaii, while Robideau's narration perfectly captures the cadence of the native islanders' speech, lending an authenticity that brings the characters to life. Her performance creates a visceral connection to the story, making the listener feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles. The book also powerfully highlights the effects of overdevelopment on the land and its people, providing a poignant reflection on cultural preservation. (I received an advance listener copy and all opinions are my own.) This audiobook is a beautifully evocative experience, blending powerful narrative with exceptional narration.

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

For an audiobook to work, the narrator has to really pull you into the story. There should be emotion in the voice, which is why AI generated narration is so awful. I had to check and double check that this book wasn't narrated by AI, and after finishing it, I'm still not sure I believe that a real person was reading this book. IT was so flat I couldn't stand to listen to it. Had this not been an ARC, I would have stopped before the end of the first chapter. The dissatisfaction with the narration took any enjoyment from the book and the story.

After this publishes, I might look for a print copy and try again.

I'm rating this 1 star FOR THE NARRATION ONLY. I couldn't get into the actual story enough to rate the story, plot or characters.

I was really excited to listen to this. The blurb made this an instant request for me and I was so happy to be chosen to check it out. That being said, I could not get into the audio. I plan on picking this up on Kindle and traditionally reading it as the audio was just not for me.

The newspaper Maya Wong is working for is dying and now she needs to find a new job. The last thing she expected would be to return to home to Hawaii and take a job as a ghost writer for Parker Hamilton, a rich land developer. Of course she also didn’t expect for Parker’s father to die shortly after one of she meetings with the family. Being a former reporter, she naturally can’t help her curious nature and of course begins to look into the matter, much to the displeasure of Detective Koa Yamada, who just happens to be an ex-boyfriend. And is someone now following her? And if so, why? Does it have anything to do with Charles Hamilton’s death? This is the first time I’ve heard Jennifer Robideau’s vocal work and she delivers solid narration. Interesting characters, a fantastic locale, and a well plotted mystery make this an impressive debut for Jennifer K. Morita. I’d like to thank Spotify Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audio version of Ghosts of Waikiki.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3L3MCR8FPX9UK/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Ghosts of Waikiki by Jennifer Morita is an engaging who-dun-it mystery that follows a ghostwriter caught in a web of intrigue. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii, the story expertly blends suspense with a rich sense of place. Morita not only crafts a compelling plot with clever twists, but also makes a point of staying true to the culture of Hawaii, thoughtfully incorporating local traditions, customs, and the island’s unique atmosphere. The writer’s attention to cultural detail enhances the story, giving it an authentic feel. With sharp writing, intriguing characters, and a well-paced narrative, Ghosts of Waikiki is a satisfying mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre.

The audio version was great! Narrator did a good job with the accent.

I felt like I was watching an episode of Hawaii 5-0 while reading this debut author.

We have Maya, an ex-reporter going back to Hawaii to be a ghost writer for a land developer. Once she is back in Hawaii, she ends up in the middle of a murder investigation and reconnects with her high school sweetheart who is a detective.

What I loved about the story is I felt like I was right back home with mentioning local restaurants and traditions. I enjoyed the characters and really loved how the story portrayed how everyone knows everyone in the island.

I didn't guess the killer and enjoyed how it all tied up.

I appreciate that that author actually wrote conversations with pidgin since that is 💯 accurate.

Jennifer Robideau did a great job with the narration with the pronunciation of Hawaiian words as well using pidgin.

Thank you @crookedlanebooks @netgalley for a copy of the audiobook.

Ok I loved this one! A few main reasons: 1) the audiobook is great because the speaker nails all of the Hawaiian words, the local slang and the pidgin language and I loved it. Highly recommend especially if you don’t know how to read those words, or have ever been to Hawaii
2) I loved the setting! I’m very similar to the author, not Hawaiian, or kama’aina but basically grew up there. I loved being able to follow the characters around the island and know where they were. I loved the local food talk, the culture as well. I was able to connect and relate to it and it made me feel at home.

I did enjoy the mystery! I felt like it was different from most mysteries and very relatable to local Hawaiian life/difficulties. I loved the characters as well, Maya reminds me of a lot of the other mystery book series that have strong female characters, who seek out answers for themselves (Finlay Donovan, Vera Wong, Meddelin Chan). I was still guessing till the very last few chapters which is always a good sign!

I’m impressed by this book as it is also a debut for this author! Excited for more from her!

Jennifer K. Morita’s Ghosts of Waikiki is a captivating mystery that blends Hawaiian culture, family tension, and a gripping murder investigation into a story that is as atmospheric as it is engaging. With vivid descriptions of Waikiki and a rich cast of characters, Morita transports readers to an island paradise tinged with darkness and intrigue.

The story follows Maya, who reluctantly returns to her hometown only to find herself entangled in a murder that hits too close to home. The plot expertly balances personal stakes with the twists and turns of the investigation, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. Maya’s emotional journey—navigating strained family dynamics while confronting the unexpected dangers around her—is as compelling as the central mystery.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to surprise. While the ending may not align with what some readers might anticipate, it is nevertheless satisfying and true to the story’s core themes. Morita’s ability to defy expectations adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the book not just a whodunit but a nuanced exploration of trust, resilience, and self-discovery.

For fans of mysteries with a strong sense of place and character-driven storytelling, Ghosts of Waikiki is a rewarding read. It combines a richly atmospheric setting with a tightly woven plot that will keep you turning the pages. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Hawaii or the pull of a great mystery, this book delivers on both fronts.

A murder mystery set with the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. Maya has returned to her hometown, hired to be a ghost writer, for a deep dive into a very wealthy family. What was supposed to be basically a puff piece turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Lots of great writing, suspense and a great twist.

Thank you to Netgalley and Spotify books for the advance listener copy.

Thenarrator was great. She perfectly enunciated the Hawaiian dialect perfectly.

4 stars

Journalist Maya Wong returns to her native Hawaii to be a ghostwriter for a controversial land developer. When the patriarch of that family is found dead, she is forced to work with her ex who is now a homicide detective before she becomes the next victim.

I was immediately drawn into the setting. Having lived in Hawaii, and in the same neighborhoods that Maya frequents, I loved the nostalgia I felt for the islands and it's people. Morita creates an immersive environment for readers who are familiar with Honolulu, and those are are not. Maya goes through a transition when she returns home. She's stuffy and has lost her accent to the mainland. Over time, her character settles in and those cultural norms of her childhood return. The way this is written feels so natural and I loved how she reconnected with the community she grew up with.

The mystery of Charles Hamilton's death was well done. The secrets and betrayals wove together to cast suspicion on several characters. I was eager to find out how all of the details would come together and finished this within 36 hours. I love when a book keeps me on my toes. I also appreciated the glimpse we get into the complicated social structure that exists in Hawaii, oftentimes pricing native people out of the land they've lived on for generations.

I alternated between reading a physical copy of this book and the audio. I really enjoyed the audio and hearing the Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout. I am looking forward to what comes next for Maya Wong!

Fascinating look at Maya Wong’s return to Hawaii and her new job as a biographer, which is cut short when one of the subjects is murdered. I enjoyed exploring Oahu with her as she reconnected with family and friends all the while investigating who was behind the murder of her new boss. Morita does a great job of making Maya seem like both a newcomer and a native at the same time, delving into the ways that outsiders are treated at times. Not too heavy, great for a beach read or a rainy afternoon.

The bright colors combined with palm trees on the cover already had my interest piqued, the synopsis drew me in further, so I applied to listen/review on NetGalley.

It got off to a slow start, but I couldn’t help but almost feel like it did drop me in Hawaii so I was in. Eventually, it did pick up a bit interest-wise and if the narrator wasn’t so awful, I’d have been hard-pressed to put it down. (As it was, I had to listen in short bursts because the sound was rather torturous.)

Overall, the ‘mystery’ itself was okay—predictable and lacking in originality, but what isn’t anymore? The tropical setting and the fun action scenes kept the read worthwhile.

3 stars.


🎧 Audio:
One of the worst ‘performances’ I’ve ever heard. This was not a performance, it was nothing but a supposed human (sorry, I’m not convinced this isn’t AI-narrated) dictating words with no emotion whatsoever. The weird way she paused where periods and commas didn’t actually exist was distracting from the reader experience, and her monotone was extremely difficult to stay away through. If this hadn’t been a review copy, I’d have DNF’d to spare myself.


Absolutely open to more from this author, but it may need to be eyeball-read, if this is the sort of ‘narrator’ they approve. I love audiobooks but, they’re expensive. If I could stand the droning on of bots, I could simply have Alexa and Siri read my (much cheaper) ebooks to me, using a person who sounds like a robot is an odd and unfortunate choice.