Spotlight on Leslie Karst and "Waters of Destruction"

 

Aloha, and welcome to our Spotlight feature here in the Kitchen. Today it’s my day to shine in the spotlight—which is great timing, as book two in my Orchid Isle mystery series, Watersof Destruction, releases next week on April 1.  

 

I received a review from Booklist of the first book in the series, Molten Death, which called it “part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people,” and concluding that “[a]rmchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

This greatly pleased me, not simply because who doesn’t want a favorable review, but also because one of my primary purposes in writing this series has been to do exactly that: introduce readers to my beloved Hawai‘i Island. And in this newest book, Waters of Destruction, that continues to be my intent.

Big Island beach

I’ve lived on the “Orchid Isle” half-time for seventeen years and have been visiting since 1990, and over that time I’ve grown to appreciate how very special a place it is for so many different reasons. First, there’s the fact that the Big Island is home to eight of the thirteen total climate zones that exist on earth, from humid/tropical on the lush windward side of the island to polar/tundra atop the frigid slopes of Maunakea. So no matter whatever is your pleasure climate-wise, you’re bound to find it here.

Second, there’s the unique geology of the island. The presence of two active volcanoes (three, if you count Hualālai, which looms over the tourist town of Kailua-Kona and last erupted in 1801—just yesterday, in geologic terms) is, for me, one of the most compelling aspects of living here. It’s an island still being formed—a living, breathing place where fissures open and spill forth steam and hot lava, where new land is continually being created. And if you ever get the chance to actually witness that hot lava, I can guarantee it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

 

Yours truly at the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption

Lava was the focus of Molten Death, but in the new book, Waters of Destruction—as you can guess from the name—it’s water that’s central to the plot.

My protagonist Valerie has now moved to the Big Island with her wife, Kristen, and in order to meet new people, she takes a job as bartender at the Speckled Gecko, taking over for the previous guy who’s gone AWOL. But within days of starting her new job, Valerie learns that the body of her predecessor has just been pulled from the treacherous Wailuku River—whose name translates to “waters of destruction.” And when her pal Sachiko, who manages the front of the house at the Gecko, becomes suspect number one in his death, Valerie jumps to her aid and begins to investigate.

why the Wailuku River has that name

But have no fear: As in book one, Valerie encounters plenty of delicious local food in Waters of Destruction: seared ahi tuna with a sesame-furikake crust; smoky, succulent kālua pork with papaya chutney; kalbi beef ribs in a teriyaki glaze; macadamia nut-encrusted mahi-mahi; and of course fresh mangoes, pineapples, papaya, breadfruit, apple bananas, lychee, jackfruit, starfruit, the list goes on and on. (And yes, there are recipes in the book!)

 

Hilo farmers market

 

So if you want to take a trip to the Big Island without leaving your living room, you can find all the above in Waters of Destruction and Molten Death—along with engaging mysteries, too, as Valerie and Kristen jump on the case and swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions. 

 

🌴 🍹 🌴

Coming April 1

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Now available for pre-order!

Buy link here.  

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 

And now available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

“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

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Nominee

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

 

 

 

Praise for Justice is Served:

 

"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 

 

-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.