New Novel, Claws of the Dragon, Offers Intrigue,
Deception, Violence and Romance as Characters Seek Valuable Ancient Jewels on Big Island of Hawaii

CLAWS OF THE DRAGON is the second adventure/intrigue/romance novel in a trilogy from Hawaii writer JoEllen Heath (author of Tiger Eyes). It deals with the conflicting efforts of four impassioned primary characters to obtain four valuable ancient jewels, and it also relates the nasty activities of a gang of motorcycle thugs and a vicious murderess/drug dealer.

“The story line for my books was inspired by a journal written in 1862 by an ancestor of mine, about his travels and experiences as a Merchant Marine captain sailing from Denmark to the China Sea,” Heath explains. “Life here on the island of Hawaii was much simpler and different in the 1970s, so I tried to capture that environment, as well as the enchanting beauty and dramatic powers of nature here, as my characters scheme and act with and against each other to obtain possession of a great treasure. In the first novel, three of them obtained pieces of the treasure, and CLAWS OF THE DRAGON deals with what they do to get hold of the other jewels. This involves deception, treachery, manipulation, lust, violence and unexpected romance.”

Behind the four stones lie mysterious secret powers which will give huge benefit to anyone who aligns them in an ancient ceremony. Protagonist Crystal is seeking to obtain and hold onto the rich legacy her father left her. Handsome Andrew, who has fallen in love with her despite having deceived her in the previous boo follows Crystal to Hawaii, to claim the treasure for himself (obtain her two jewels), under the pretense of protecting her from great danger. Rusty, an archaeologist who wants to achieve credibility for his discovery of an undocumented ancient race of indigenous people living in the Hawaiian Islands, possesses a huge emerald that Andrew and Crystal both covet. Lloyd, an attorney who also has his eye on the treasure, harbors designs on Crystal as well.