A warm tropical location, colorful characters, and a plot that keeps you turning pages sums up Catherine Bruns’ brand new release, DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA. The sixth book in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series, which is written by different authors, DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA is Catherine’s first contribution to the series and the first I’ve read…and I’m hooked!
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I so enjoyed the protagonist, Carrie Jorgenson. She’s had a very difficult life and has moved from Vermont to Hawaii to escape it, thinking once she’s reunited with her surfer boyfriend, life will be perfect…except it’s not. Carrie starts the story out as a weak personality, wanting to please everyone else without regard to her own well being but discovering the murder victim provides the catalyst for her personal growth. Not only does the author portray Carrie becoming a stronger person but she also provides more humorous moments. I got several laughs over her desire to become a professional singer when in reality her voice can end a karaoke party pretty quick. And then there’s Tad, a quirky character, full of life and encouragement, and I’m hoping that he will fill the role of future sidekick. The story starts out with a quick pace that continues throughout the entire book. There are many, many people who wanted the Big Kahuna dead and the author kept me guessing the entire time, right up to the suspenseful finale!
Catherine includes several recipes at the back of the book, including Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa, which she has graciously allowed me to share. Poncho is the chef at Loco Moco Café where Carrie works and where the Big Kahuna meets his demise. Terrific as an appetizer served alongside tortilla chips or served over grilled fish or chicken, this dish will transport you to tropical paradise! I’ve been to Hawaii numerous times and one of the must-have dishes is Pulled-Pork sandwiches. Catherine includes a recipe for Pulled Pork in her book and my husband is dying for me to make it. Made in a slow-cooker, it will be the perfect accompaniment for Super Bowl parties along with Poncho’s Pineapple Salsa!
Amazon Synopsis
From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns, comes an Aloha Lagoon Mystery that proves sometimes paradise isn’t all it’s served up to be.
New to both Hawaii and the Aloha Lagoon Resort, Carrie Jorgenson has big dreams of stardom. But while she awaits fame and fortune, she’s forced to accept a job waitressing at the resort’s The Loco Moco Café. It isn’t long before she discovers the dish on her new boss—also known to many as “The Big Kahuna.” Hale Akamu is rich, handsome, repulsive…and dead. When Carrie discovers Hale’s lifeless body, she’s suddenly forced into yet another role—amateur sleuth. With everyone from Carrie to the saucy chef to the café’s hot assistant manager under suspicion, Carrie needs to track a killer before she becomes his next main entrée!
Be sure to grab a copy DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA while it’s on sale for $0.99! This special release price ends soon.
A huge thank you to Catherine Bruns for providing winner’s choice of either a print copy or an e-book copy of DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA for one lucky winner! Print limited to U.S. residents only. Contest ends Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 2 green chile peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together pineapple, red and green peppers, corn, onions, green chile peppers, orange juice and cilantro.
- Season with cumin, salt and pepper.
- Cover and chill in fridge until serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with grilled fresh fish or chicken!
- Most major chain grocery stores sell pre-cut fresh pineapple.
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I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would prefer an e-book copy of DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA.
I would prefer a print book please.
I would like an e-book of Death of the Big Kahuna.
I love pineapple and this recipe looks so fresh and can’t wait to try it out.
I would prefer a print book.
Thank you!
I would love to win a print copy of this book as I would like to donate it to my small town (900+) library which is just now starting to add cozies to the collection, thanks to a new librarian.
Doward, how wonderful!
An ebook copy would be fine — if I spill pineapple salsa on it, I can just wipe it off!
Would love to win a print copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
Print copy, please.
Great recipe!
A print book would be great. I have some many ebooks filed that they get lost in the shuffle!
I would love to win a print copy. Sounds like a fun read.
I would prefer a print copy of DEATH OF THE BIG KAHUNA should I be lucky enough to win!
I’m literally going to the grocery store at lunch today to get the stuff to make this salsa this weekend! It looks SOOOOOOO YUMMY!!! I’m a sucker for chips and salsa.
I still prefer real print copies of books. It’s a comfort thing for me. I’ve always loved sitting with my iced tea or hot tea and covering up with a blanket (this time of year) and just reading.
I would like a print copy of “Death of the Big Kahuna”.
I would love a signed print copy of Death Of The Big Kahuna. Thank you for the chance to win it. Looks like an interesting book.
I would love a print copy! Thank you for the chance to win! Looking forward to reading this.
print. thanks for chance.
I would prefer a print only thank you so much for asking the preference. The recipe sounds so good ! Plus the book sounds really good so excited to read and post reviews!
Hawaii sounds good…I will try the recipe…I am going against the grain here and saying ebook please..then I can start reading faster. Thank you..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Thanks for a chance to win! Either print or ebook will be fine
I would prefer a print book. I would also prefer a plane ticket to Hawaii tucked in the pages.
thanks for the contest.
Salsa looks yummy. I would love to win a print copy.
I loved the review & I can’t wait to try this recipe! A print book would be da Bomb Diggity please ?
Love the recipe. Can’t wait to make this salsa . I would love a print book.
I would prefer a print copy. Thanks for the chance to win. Awesome giveaway and recipe.
Would appreciate a hardcopy of the Death of the Big Kahuna. And thank you for the pineapple salsa recipe. My daughter is really into salsa for just about everything. So I will have this ready for her next visit.
Hmmmm, intrigued by the recipe as well as the book! Thanks for posting!!
If I win, I’d like a print copy please. We were in Hawaii, a year ago. Would love to win and be taken back to the warm, tropical weather. This area received 15 inches of snow, a few days ago.
I would love a print copy of this book. Thank you for the chance.
Print! Thanks so much!
If I win, I would prefer a print copy. I’ve seen lots of marketing efforts on this book for the past couple of weeks — good job! Thanks for a chance to enter.
I would prefer a print copy. I do have a Kindle, but have a lot of books already there and it’s so hard to find the one I want.
Hubby and I were just talking about salsa the other day — tomato style for Mexican dishes mostly — and I mentioned I knew there were other salsas, like pineapple. He said he’d like that (he loves pineapple), and then here I come across this recipe. I will definity have to try it.
donna {dot} durnell {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
printed copy please!!!!
I would love to have a print copy of your book. Thank you for the chance!!