I felt like I was back in the 60’s with the main character being a surfing bum and living in Hawaii. This, of course, led to him finding a dead body floating in the water. The book also gives you lessons in the Hawaiian language and is written in “beach bum” language which was hard to follow and understand for me. The main character works with foster children by teaching them to swim and surf. More 60’s vibes. It wasn’t a book I enjoyed at all.

Just could not get into this book. Chapters seen to drag along with the story line. I like stories that grab from the beginning and find it hard to put the book diwn and this was nit the cae with this book.

I love a good mystery/thriller but felt this book went beyond a thriller to become a preaching activist book. Will not read more by this author.

3.5 Stars Thank you NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. Highly recommend for fans of investigator/character driven mystery thrillers. I loved Pono. Also, enjoyed the extensive descriptions of Hawaii and it’s history. Had a little trouble following all the bad guys. I’m not a regular reader of mysteries as I’m inpatient, but I think fans of the genre will enjoy this read..

Did not like the animal cruelty that was in the book. After the first mention I still read the book but the second time was too much. Would not read from this author as I don't like this method of writing.

Saving Paradise by Mike Bond is a murder mystery set in Hawaii. Pono Hawkins is a vet living in Hawaii that spends his days surfing. When he finds a journalist’s body in the ocean, it becomes his personal mission to solve the crime. Mike Bond weaves so much of Hawaii’s culture into this book that it is nearly worth reading for that part alone. The story itself is well developed and I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

I just couldn't get into this book. It starts with a surfer in Hawaii finding a body in the ocean. Then it rambles. It talks about politics and the history of Hawaii amongst other things. I just wanted to read about the mystery, so I finally gave up.

Saving Paradise by Mike bond.
When Special Forces veteran and Hawaiian surfer Pono Hawkins finds a beautiful journalist drowned off Waikiki he is quickly caught in a web of murder and political corruption. Trying to track down her killers, he soon finds them hunting him, and blamed for her death. 
This was an ok read. Pono was ok. Good In places. 4*.

This book was literal garbage! I had hoped once the story got going the majority of trash would fall away as the mystery unfolded but that was so very much not true. I think the main character must have slept with half the island of Oahu and had crude conversations with the rest. The styling of the story was all over the place, like an angry 12 year old was trying to tell a story. And although the murder that was supposed to be the main plot of the story was rather interesting, the grim and grisly of the crime and its aftermath were greatly diminished by all the unnecessary language and sex scenes. This author will not be on my future to read list and I will not be listing this book on my blog except as a PSA of what not to read.....ever.

This was a good solid read. This book has a beautiful cover that matches the location it is set in, Hawaii. This book not only includes a murder mystery but dives into political and environment twists as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.

I enjoyed this book. Conspiracy mystery involving dirty politicians and reporters determined to get to the truth. The setting of Hawaii added to the story because these things can take place even in paradise. Good read.

Saving Paradise was fast paced, with an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it. I loved the setting of Hawaii. and would recommend this book!

Murder, conspiracy, and Hawaii, all part of this book. It comes out strong. A murdered journalist, oh there is so much in just that plot to work with! Politics, dirty deeds, and a smidgen of romance are all included as well. Pono is a strong male lead character, and one I could read a bit more of if I'm in the right mood.

My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.

Pono Hawkins loves to surf but this morning having Sylvia Gordon's dead body float up to him as ended that for the day. First the police tell him she was murdered with fresh water in her lungs, then it is an accidental death and the fresh water diagnosis has disappeared. She was a journalist. Pono decides to see what she was investigating. His journey takes him into the world of politics and corporate corruption. The story gives you some history of Hawaii. Pono gets help where he can and takes us on some island hopping.

I havent read Mike Bond before, but I am actively looking for my next fix. Mike Bond writes in such an authentic voice, that I cant wait to read what he has written from other cultural perspectives. Explain me how that happened.

This was a ok book. The only problem in the beginning was the amount of character introduction. I was able to keep up, just irritated. Overall, liked and finished the book.

The story was ok but I did not care for the characters or manner of speaking. I found it distracting.

I simply couldn't finish this one. I quit not even 20% in due to grammar mistakes. I don't have a review published because, frankly, I don't have anything positive to say about what I read.

I understand the informal language and awkward grammar could potentially be the author trying to convey things from the character's POV, but once I encountered missing commas and a need for improved sentence structure, I just couldn't do it.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview this title!

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
This was a pretty good thriller with action, suspense and a plot that kept me wanting to read on for more. I did enjoy the characters and the setting but was a little put off by Pono at times but it was the story itself that kept me going.