Today it’s my turn to be in the Kitchen Spotlight and I thought it would be fun to talk about orchids, since some of you might be wondering, why are my books called the "Orchid Isle" mystery series? Well, the answer is that the Big Island, officially known as Hawai‘i Island, is also known as the Orchid Isle. And once you’ve been here, you’ll understand the reason for this: orchids absolutely thrive in this tropical climate.
a tree fern with orchids in my Hilo neighborhood
Orchids are native to nearly every part of the world except Antarctica, with the highest diversity originating in tropical and subtropical regions. They are most heavily concentrated in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, but also the Himalayas and the Andes mountains of South America, particularly in Ecuador and Colombia.
Three species are native to the Hawaiian Islands, and non-native orchids were first introduced in the late 1800s, with significant importation by Asian laborers and wealthy residents by the turn of the 20th century. Massive cultivation of orchids started after World War II, at which time Hawai‘i Island—where much of the commercial cultivation took place—first earned the moniker, “the Orchid Isle.”
They’re now very much a part of island life here. Folks make them into lei to present to friends, family, and honored guests.
at one of my book events here in Hawai‘i some years back
And most everyone has at least a few orchids growing in their garden. Here’s one with a local gecko peeking out from behind:
They’re so common that you even see them at the local land fill! Here’s Robin, having fun with a huge pile of orchids (Dendrobiums, I’m pretty sure) someone dumped along with their palm fronds and other green waste.
So when it came time to come up with a name for my mystery series set here on the Big Island, I decided to call them the Orchid Isle Mysteries.
The first two books in the series, Molten Death and Waters of Destruction, focused on volcanoes, and the river and sea, as you can guess from their titles. But for the third book, I realized that given the name of the series, I really needed to put some orchids in the story! Thus was born Murder, Local Style (which just released on April 7), in which Valerie joins the local orchid society as a way to make new friends and get to know her neighbors better.
Some years ago I was a member of an orchid society in Santa Cruz, California (where I live when I’m not in Hilo), and so I was able to draw from that experience in writing the book. But I still had to do a fair amount of research. Orchid people know their stuff, and I didn’t want to get anything wrong!
I was lucky enough to visit a vanilla farm (a variety of orchid) here on the Big Island a couple years ago, where we learned all about the process for growing vanilla plants and making your own extract. Inspired, I bought some vanilla pods for myself and made my own vanilla extract. (You can read about it here on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen.)
vanilla pods growing at the vanilla orchid farm
This gave me an idea for one of the subplots of the new book: Since Valerie is a retired caterer for the film and TV business in Los Angeles, I decided to have her volunteer to help run the annual benefit dinner the society is putting on. And one of the stars of the meal is a chocolate mac-nut tart, using vanilla made by the orchid society president from the vanilla plants that he propagates.
Alas, things go very wrong when the food from the dinner ends up poisoning the guests at the dinner, and fingers are pointed directly at the newcomer haole, Valerie.
Okay, so maybe this wasn’t the best way to make new friends, after all....
READERS: Have you ever tried to grow orchids, or any other finicky plant? How did it go?
🌱 🌸 🌿
Just Released!
Orchid Isle Mystery #3
Available for purchase here.
"The beauties and customs of Hawai‘i provide a striking backdrop for a murder with an unexpected motive."
Kirkus Reviews
🍍 🌴 🍹
Out now in paperback!
Orchid Isle Mystery #2
Buy link here.
2026 Lefty and Agatha Award Finalist
for Best Mystery/Contemporary Mystery!
"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."
Kirkus Reviews
Also available
in paperback!
Orchid Isle Mystery #1
Buy link here
2025 Lefty Award Finalist
for Best Mystery!
“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”
Booklist
This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly.
Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:
“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”
--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay
“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”
--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie
2024 Lefty Award Finalist
for Best Humorous Mystery!
This newest Sally Solari mystery
is available for purchase here !
Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:
“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”
--Publishers Weekly
“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”
--Kirkus Reviews
Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops,
the Law, and Cooking for RBG
is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award
and the IPPY Award!
Buy link here
-Foreword Reviews (starred review)
"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."
-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-
All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.
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