Well, it was very good. I think I really like this author, Mike Bond. Can’t figure out if he is a liberal or conservative, maybe Libertarian like me. Regardless, he believes in Right and Wrong. Although fiction, he makes a case here that most politicians are not for the People but what they can gain monetarily out of their political careers. Seems to me that is just the case, especially in this day and time. A very political piece of fiction that is probably right on. Pono, the main character, i...

I'd honestly love to give this review 3.5 stars, not just 3, but that's not an option. On the plus side, *Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller* by Mike Bond is a real page-turner. The plot's intricate, full of twists and turns, and you won't discover the killer's identity until almost the very end. On the downside, that plot can get *too* intricate, and I found myself a little lost a couple of times. The story is set in Hawaii, and it's constantly island-hopping, which I think people familia...

I really wanted to love Mike Bond's *Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller*. It had so much potential, but ultimately felt a bit drawn out. The core story was interesting, and the Hawaiian setting was definitely unique, but the dialogue grated on me. I also struggled to connect with any of the characters.The plot centers on a murder investigation led by an ex-military guy trying to find the killer. It involves big business, corrupt government, and our protagonist getting framed for crimes he ...

I was completely hooked by the start of *Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller* and desperately wanted to love the whole thing just as much. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't even finish it. I got almost halfway through before throwing in the towel. Life's too short to slog through a book you're just not enjoying. I really didn't gel with Mike Bond's writing style, and the story felt all over the place. There were too many different ideas fighting for attention, and none of them got ...

A tropical island setting and a murder? I'm already hooked and ready for this journey to begin!The opening page immediately transported me to the beauty and wonder of Oahu, Hawaii.Surfing: zero. Dead body: one.Sylvia literally crashes into Pono Hawkins as he hits the surf. Except she isn't breathing anymore.I love everything about this guy Pono Hawkins. He's rough around the edges, loves animals…and the ladies…served in Afghanistan, even did time in prison, but he's definitely not the bad guy.An...

DNF

(I don't rate books I don't finish.) Honestly, I couldn't get through *Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller* by Mike Bond. I'm not going to leave a star rating since I didn't complete it.

A solid, suspenseful thriller set in Hawaii, with a plot so timely it feels ripped from today's headlines. Pono, a surfer and former Special Forces operative, is out for an early morning surf when he discovers a body in the water. The cops are called, and Pono soon learns the victim was an investigative journalist digging into a story about wind farms in Hawaii. The characters are engaging, and the descriptions of the Hawaiian Islands are stunning. Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller is a g...

3 1/2 stars out of 5While I love a good mystery, this one leaned a little too heavily into environmental activism and politics at times. It had the traditional red herrings, and some of the characters were pretty forgettable.*Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller*'s ending ties everything together neatly for the readers. It almost felt like Mike Bond, the author, had a word count limit, causing everything to wrap up so quickly.The characters are likable enough, but once the book ends and I mo...

A conspiracy thriller unfolding in the vibrant landscapes of Hawaii! I thoroughly appreciated the unique setting and gaining insight from a Hawaiian perspective. However, I must admit that the plot of *Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller* felt somewhat convoluted at times. Additionally, the book leaned a bit too heavily into political diatribes for my liking. Despite these minor drawbacks, it proved to be an enjoyable and genuinely exciting read. If you're looking for thrilling book reviews...

Any author who writes a book set in Hawaii clearly has a passion for the islands! :)My husband and I kicked off our marriage with a trip to Hawaii – 36 years ago. Since then, I've read many books about Hawaiian culture – historical novels, beautifully textured tales of darkness and light... true "aloha experiences.""Saving Paradise: A Pono Hawkins Thriller" is compellingly original. This isn't just another book about surfing, volcanoes, hula, beaches, and romance. It's a complex murder mystery t...