Honolulu journalist Natalie Seachrist and her human and feline team investigate the cold case of the murder of a Buddhist minister and the theft of a sacred statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha. As they pursue one of the last haunting cases faced by Natalie’s life partner, former HPD Detective Ke`oni Hewitt, the slim facts and Natalie’s complex visions lead them on a perplexing journey.
Visionary journalist Natalie Seachrist pursues an intriguing cold case of murder and larceny in Honolulu with the aid of her fleet-footed feline Miss Una, life partner private detective Ke`oni Hewitt, and his former partner Lt. John Dias of HPD. Was the murder of a gentle Buddhist minister at her altar and the ingenious theft of an ancient statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha prompted by religious zealousness or greed? Could the family that owns the international auction house have perpetrated this complex cold case? If Natalie and her companions cannot determine who committed the theft, what will become of the priceless statue...and will there be no peace for the Buddhist temple's congregation that is left without resolution of the shocking murder? An international auction, estate sale, Japanese history and Buddhism, conjoin with the distinctive scenery, food, and multiculturalism of all of the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries.
Excerpt
PROLOGUE to Yen for Murder
"Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go."
Jean de La Fontaine [1621 - 1695]
I sit at the back of a darkened theatre-like space, listening to incantation by voices male and female. The word “OM” whispers unceasingly across the large room, as though the chanters take no breath between their intonations of the repeated sound. I inhale and exhale, nearly able to join in with the prolonged nasal baritone range of the prayerful.
At the front of the rows of pews are plum-colored silk drapes that fall
from an unseen ceiling. Framing this tableau are the sepia-toned edges
one expects to see on a vintage photograph. Abruptly, the drapes sweep
open and rise slowly before disappearing. A wide shrine area is revealed.
In the center of its black floor is an altar with a golden standing Buddha,
flanked by two attendant statuettes. On the far left is another smaller al
tar with the statue of a Buddha in seated position. To the right and left
edges of the space are podiums from which the ministers of the temple
address their congregation.
Between the podiums, white pedestals of varying height support a variety of sacred statues. With the images of revered figures from numerous Asian religions, this scene is clearly an altered presentation of reality.
Despite the profusion of mixed faiths, I recognize where I am. It is an exaggerated representation of a Japanese Jōdo Shin Buddhist temple I have
visited and written about on numerous occasions. While I hear the soft
murmuring of voices, I know I am alone. And although I am surrounded by
rich fragrances, there are no lit candles or incense on the altar.
My reverie is broken by the reverberations of a large bell. As if on cue, the unrealistic elements of the scene evaporate, and the true sanctuary
of the temple is revealed.
A middle-aged minister now enters from a door upstage left. Her hair is cut short, providing an attractive frame to her face. Although she wears no makeup, her skin glows with an inner joy. She
wears black rimmed glasses and I cannot clearly see her eyes. Unlike many of her male counterparts, who wear suits under their robes, she is dressed traditionally, even to the black getas on her feet. On top of the layered
clothes hangs a plum-colored surplice embroidered with a gold wisteria
flower.
As the minister walks serenely across the wide stage, she pauses to
bow to honor the spirit that each of the four statues represent. Afterwards,
she turns and glides to the central altar, where she stands in contempla
tion before the standing Amida Buddha for a moment. She lights the candles and joss sticks of incense before her and steps back a couple of paces.
As I breathe in the room’s intensifying scent, I hear the faint clicking of her
prayer beads. I marvel at the peace and joy I feel, as though united with
the woman who stands in front of me.
At that point everything freezes. A profound silence descends. Like
my surroundings, I am transfixed without movement of eye or breath. And then, amidst the idyllic scene, a single sharp sound explodes through my consciousness. I watch, horrified as the gentle woman falls to the floor and the sepia tones of my recurring visions envelop all of the room.
Professional Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
A flavorful dip into Hawaii’s cross-cultural currents amid cozy mystery sleuthing.
Asemiretired journalist’s visions of a murder and theft within a Buddhist temple prompt the investigation of a cold case in this fourth installment of a mystery series.
World-traveling journalist Natalie Seachrist, nearly retired and writing a local food/drink/entertainment column, is enjoying living in an inherited family cottage in her native Hawaii with boyfriend Ke’oni, a former homicide detective–turned–security consultant. Then, as is typical for her, Natalie has intriguing visions—this time, about the killing of a female minister in a Buddhist temple as its Buddha statue is stolen. Fortuitously, Ke’oni spots a Buddha statue, strikingly similar to the one Natalie envisioned, in an auction catalog. They inform Ke’oni’s former partner and conduct undercover surveillance at the auction, which is disrupted when a Japanese linguist and local temple member alerts the auctioneer—who’s a member of the Kiyohara family, the same family selling the statue—about the statue’s origins, halting its sale. Natalie and cohorts continue to investigate, attending another sale on Kiyohara estate grounds, re-examining case/coroner files, and, of course, tapping into Natalie’s ongoing interior visions and external observations in effort to solve the crime. Arizona-based author Burrows-Johnson lived in Hawaii for two decades, and her love for the state infuses this sensory- and fact-filled narrative, providing readers enjoyment and education regarding the Hawaiian lifestyle, history, and culture. Natalie and Ke’oni confer about the case while lying in their outdoor beachside spa, for example, and Natalie’s research relays fascinating info about Buddhism sects, how and why the Japanese came to Hawaii, etc. Natalie’s detailing of meals, although mouthwatering, is, however, a bit digressive. Still, this is perhaps fitting for this book’s overall cozy mystery vibe, showcasing a charming lead and her various pleasures alongside her and community members working together to figure out what exactly jarred this idyllic world.
Yen for Murder Book Review by Jennifer Soper for US Review
"As the images of this chilling vignette fade to the sepia tones I know too well, I release the breath I have been holding."
This is the fourth book in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series. It is a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural. The story follows Natalie Seachrist, a former journalist with an unusual gift: she has visions of the past and future. When she and her partner, Keoni, attend a Buddhist temple luncheon, they expect a peaceful afternoon. Instead, they stumble into a murder mystery when a wealthy donor is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Natalie's visions start piecing together cryptic details of the crime, she and Keoni are pulled into an investigation that stretches beyond Hawaii, touching on Asian history, art, and politics.
Natalie combines her investigative skills with her supernatural abilities. She's sharp, resourceful, and refreshingly human, making her easy to root for. Her relationship with Keoni adds warmth to the story, offering moments of humor and tenderness amid the chaos. Their partnership adds depth to the narrative, creating an authentic and compelling dynamic.
The plot moves at a steady pace, balancing suspense, detective work, and personal reflection. Burrows-Johnson keeps readers hooked by gradually revealing new twists, ensuring the mystery remains unpredictable but never overwhelming. Instead of offering easy answers, Natalie's visions provide intriguing, cryptic clues that she must carefully interpret. As the story progresses, Natalie and Keoni find themselves entangled in a case that is far more complex than it initially seems, involving long-buried secrets and hidden connections that keep the suspense alive until the very end.
Burrows-Johnson's vivid storytelling transports readers to Hawaii, weaving a suspenseful tale filled with intrigue and rich cultural details. One of the story's standout elements is its richly drawn setting. Burrows-Johnson paints a vibrant picture of Hawaii, from serene Buddhist temples to local communities. The cultural depth in the story adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the mystery feel more immersive and multidimensional. The story also offers a glimpse into the traditions and philosophies of Buddhism, adding an educational component to the mystery. The attention to historical accuracy and artistic references gives readers a deeper appreciation of the story's setting.
Beyond the murder mystery, the story touches on the concept of fate versus free will as Natalie grapples with the responsibility of her visions and how they influence the unfolding events. The historical and artistic details make the story feel even richer, appealing to readers who enjoy mysteries with an intellectual edge. The book does an excellent job of weaving together elements of past and present, drawing parallels between historical events and modern-day mysteries.
Burrows-Johnson's writing is engaging and immersive. Whether describing a tense moment of discovery, a ceremonial ritual, or the beautiful Hawaiian landscape, the prose brings every scene to life, striking the right balance between descriptive detail and narrative drive, keeping the story moving while still allowing readers to savor the atmosphere. The dialogue feels natural, and the character interactions add authenticity to the story, making it feel like the reader is alongside Natalie as she unravels the mystery.
Overall, this book is enjoyable and offers more than just a mystery to solve. Its rich setting, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narrative stand out in the cozy mystery genre. Readers who enjoy stories infused with history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural will find this story particularly rewarding. Burrows-Johnson has crafted a compelling, multilayered mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Yen for Murder Review by David K. for AuthorsReading.com
Yen for Murder by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson is the fourth installment in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series—a mesmerizing blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural. The story once again follows Natalie Seachrist, a former journalist with an extraordinary gift: the ability to experience visions that reveal glimpses of both the past and the future. Set against the vibrant, culturally rich backdrop of Hawaii, the novel masterfully intertwines intriguing clues, local heritage, and Natalie’s unique abilities as she unravels a fresh and compelling mystery. Ideal for readers who crave suspense, cultural depth, and a touch of the paranormal, this book offers an immersive and unforgettable journey.
The novel begins with Natalie experiencing a haunting vision of a woman’s murder in an unfamiliar setting. Is it a chilling premonition of a future tragedy she’s destined to become entangled in, or simply a fleeting, harmless dream born of her imagination? Her boyfriend, Ke'oni—a former homicide detective turned security consultant—offers comfort while probing her about the vision. He knows all too well that her visions often manifest in reality or serve as vital clues in unraveling mysteries.
Shortly after, Natalie and Ke'oni look forward to a peaceful afternoon at a luncheon held in a serene Buddhist temple. Surrounded by the calming presence of the community, their day takes an unexpected and dark turn when a woman’s body is discovered. The victim, Reverend Ayameko Koha Fujimoto, a respected female minister, is found with a single gunshot wound to the head. As if the tragedy isn’t shocking enough, the crime escalates when a rare and valuable Buddha statue is brazenly stolen, adding another layer of mystery to the unfolding events.
As Natalie’s visions unveil cryptic details about the crime, she and Ke'oni are pulled deeper into an investigation that only grows more complex. Their search for answers extends far beyond the islands, unraveling hidden ties to ancient Asian history and priceless stolen art. With each discovery, Natalie’s visions become increasingly vivid and unsettling, leading them to startling revelations while placing them in ever greater danger.
An auction catalog reveals the upcoming sale of Buddha statue strikingly similar to the one that was stolen. Ke’oni’s former partner begins an undercover investigation at the event. A startling connection is uncovered—the Kiyohara family. They are not only involved in the auction but are, in fact, the seller of this particular statue. This raises pressing questions: How did the family acquire the statue? What was its dubious origin? Amid the growing suspicions, the item is ultimately withdrawn from the auction.
Throughout the story, Natalie experiences numerous vivid visions that leave her feeling deeply unsettled. One particularly harrowing vision involves a little girl by a riverbank. In this vision, Natalie helplessly watches as the girl, full of life and innocence, slips into the river's water. Despite Natalie’s desperate urge to act, she is unable to intervene, but is forced to witness the tragic scene unfold. The river pulls the girl under, stealing her life as Natalie feels the weight of her own powerlessness. Visions like this lingers with Natalie, leaving her questioning their meanings and grappling with the emotions they stirs within her.
Curious about the cat gracing the cover? Meet Miss Una, a delightful feline who’s more than just Natalie’s cherished pet—she’s a trusted companion and a wellspring of inspiration. With an uncanny knack for appearing at just the right moment, Miss Una’s inquisitive nature infuses an extra layer of charm into the sleuthing adventures. Whether perched gracefully in her favorite spot or shadowing the action with quiet curiosity, she brings a subtle yet enchanting presence to the story. After all, what’s a good mystery without a cat by your side?
This book is more than a murder mystery—it’s a journey through Hawaii’s vibrant landscapes, a glimpse into its rich history, and an introduction to the Buddhist religion. Drawing from her years of living in Hawaii, the Arizona-based author infuses the story with vivid descriptions of the islands' lush scenery and cultural traditions. Burrows-Johnson not only immerses readers in the beauty of Hawaii but also educates them about its deep heritage, seamlessly blending storytelling with her insight.
Featuring an engaging protagonist, a vivid cultural backdrop, and a close-knit community uniting to solve a gripping case of murder and robbery, this story masterfully blends intrigue, warmth, and discovery. Set within a richly detailed cultural tapestry, the narrative brings to life the traditions, challenges, and triumphs of a community bound by a common purpose. The result is an immersive and heartwarming tale that leaves a lasting impression on readers.
Yolanda Carter dreams of owning her own bakery. Employed at a cat shelter, she stumbles across a scheme that threatens to close it down. Will her delicious brownies save them?
While trying to make it big on Broadway, dancer Abby Fouchet finds herself falling in love, falling in rehearsal (!), and trying to outwit a clever killer out to destroy the man she loves.
