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Robert W. Stephens
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Aloha Means Goodbye (A Murder on Maui Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Robert W. Stephens (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 680 ratings

A gruesome murder. A friend framed. One detective races to stop another bloody masterpiece…

Edgar Allan “Poe” Rutherford just lost his job, his girl, and his chance at a relaxing island vacation. When the brutal murder of a celebrity artist is pinned on his friend, Poe refuses to lose his best buddy to the Maui penitentiary. As he works his way down the gallery guest list, he navigates through bloated egos, heated rivalries, and more than a few eccentric personalities along the way. But he never expected the hunt for truth to reveal a second chance at love…

While the entire island of Maui is convinced his friend is the killer, Poe thinks he has a shot of convincing the smart, sexy police detective Alana Hu of the truth. Despite getting off on the wrong foot with Alana, Poe can’t help but detect a growing spark. His only hope is to win Alana over to his side before the real killer escapes… or paints the island with Poe’s blood.

Aloha Means Goodbye is the entertaining first book in the Murder on Maui series of mysteries with a hint of romance. If you like charismatic characters, artistic whodunits, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Robert Stephens’ captivating mystery.

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  1. Book 1 of 16
    A Murder on Maui Mystery
  2. Print length
    220 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 12, 2012
  6. File size
    1.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 16 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Colorful characters populate Stephens’ (Nature of Evil, 2012) murder mystery set in a tropical paradise. Hapless hero and first-person narrator Edgar Allen “Poe” Rutherford has a life in shambles. He flees to Maui for some desperately needed R&R at the invitation of his lifelong friend, Doug Foxx. The destination is Lahaina, an old seaside town with a thriving artist colony. The town should be idyllic, but it’s a vipers’ nest: Everyone seems to have a tangled past, and all the artists hate one another. No one is more hated than the most successful artist, Doug’s girlfriend, Lauren, who has superior talent but no original ideas, so she steals other artists’ ideas and outdoes the originator. Early on, though, Lauren is stabbed to death, and Doug is caught red-handed. He flees the scene with Lauren’s blood all over his clothes, and to make matters worse, the two had been arguing heatedly just before she stomped out of an art show. Despite the overwhelming evidence, did Doug actually murder his girlfriend? Poe intends to find the real killer and set his old friend free. Enter Poe’s love interest: Detective Alana Hu of the LPD. Things get off on the wrong foot for Alana and Poe and their uneasy relationship, but love sneaks up on them both. The rest of the cast fills out nicely: Nick James, who was planning to sue Lauren for the theft of his ideas; Xavier, “the pharaoh,” who channels Egyptian royalty while living in the pyramid he built; William Kelly, sculptor, who lives with a bimbo in a treehouse; and Bernard Henderson, photographer and terminal alcoholic—all have their reasons to want Lauren dead. How many islanders will die before Poe figures things out? The straightforward plot moves along briskly toward a conclusion that is impressively ingenious and surprising. Fans of local color and eccentric characters won’t be disappointed.

About the Author

Robert W. Stephens is a writer and filmmaker. After graduate school, he worked for a variety of video production companies as a production assistant and grip on commercials, infomercials, and documentaries.Eventually, he moved up to writing, producing and directing for many Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, and government organizations.

Over the years, though, he began to feel the desire to get back to telling his own stories through both novels and independent films. To date, Stephens has published 10 novels, including the Murder for Maui mystery series, the Alex Penfield novels, and the standalone dark thrillers Nature of Evil and The Drayton Diaries. His first film, House of Fallen, is a gothic thriller about the hunt for fallen angels, and it received distribution in 2011.

In his spare time, Stephens enjoys traveling and photography.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008KWN1QK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eleven 22 Entertainment LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 12, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1621118329
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 16 ‏ : ‎ A Murder on Maui Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 680 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Robert W. Stephens

Robert W. Stephens

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Robert W. Stephens is a writer and filmmaker. After graduate school, he worked for a variety of video production companies as a production assistant and grip on commercials, infomercials, and documentaries. Eventually, he moved up to writing, producing and directing for many Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, and government organizations.

Over the years, though, he began to feel the desire to get back to telling his own stories through novels and independent films. To date, Stephens has published 17 novels, including the Murder on Maui mystery series, the Alex Penfield novels, and the standalone dark thrillers Nature of Evil and The Drayton Diaries. His first film, House of Fallen, is a gothic thriller about the hunt for fallen angels, and it received distribution in 2011.

In his spare time, Stephens enjoys traveling and photography. For a free e-book copy of his books Aloha Means Goodbye and Ruckman Road, visit his website at robertwstephens.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
680 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this mystery book to be a quick, entertaining read with interesting characters and a first-person narrative that includes personal observations. The story features twists and turns that keep readers guessing, and one customer notes how the crime elements are balanced with humor.

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ReadabilityMystery contentCharacter developmentWriting stylePacingHumor
34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and relaxing, describing it as light entertainment that can be read in two sittings.

"Great read! I really, really liked this book...." Read more

"...It’s not graphic at all, even though it’s direct. I enjoyed this book...." Read more

"...Good read after all." Read more

"...It delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, temporary escape from reality into a whirlwind adventure on Maui with some colorful characters, the..." Read more

32 customers mention "Mystery content"30 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery content of the book, which features interesting twists and turns and keeps readers guessing throughout.

"Really liked this book. Wonderful murder mystery. Good plot, good characters and humor. Wow...." Read more

"Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Never boring, good storyline, keeps you guessing and keeps you interested. A must read, a fast read and a good read." Read more

"...A mystery with romance and humor—loved it!" Read more

"Good mystery, interesting characters, and Maui!..." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them interesting, with one customer particularly appreciating the main character's narrative style.

"...The main character narrates the story, often speaking directly to the reader, which was an interesting approach...." Read more

"...There are several interesting characters in the story that serve to make a murky, hard to solve mystery. I will read the next book in the series." Read more

"...I liked Poe as a character—- a sort of goofy 30 something—- and will definitely read the next in the series" Read more

"The main character is likeable. The book's narrative is seamless and kept me interested. All the characters have their quirks...." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, particularly its first-person narrative with personal observations.

"He writes in the first person as if he’s telling you a story, literally. It’s not graphic at all, even though it’s direct. I enjoyed this book...." Read more

"...The reading is easy. I liked the writer's style. But the main character is sort of cliche, haole meets island girl...." Read more

"...The writing is just mediocre...." Read more

"I like the author's style of writing. It's like he's talking directly to you, so it pulls you into the story. Very enjoyable read." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, finding it quick and easy to follow.

"...The reading is easy. I liked the writer's style. But the main character is sort of cliche, haole meets island girl...." Read more

"...the murder - although he takes you on twists and turns, it's easy to follow and great to find out if we've guessed right!..." Read more

"...The story was good and I was entertained from the beginning. It was decently paced, told from a first person point of view...." Read more

"Quick read and a good mystery book. 1st Book I have read by this author. He is very good. It’s about murder on Maui...." Read more

6 customers mention "Humor"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning how the crime elements were lightened by it.

"...There's plenty of who-done-it mystery, action, humor and even a little romance in each book. Poe and his (few) friends make for great entertainment...." Read more

"...I found that the book contained humor, mystery, well-developed characters, and enough about the island d of Maui to keep us inteested...." Read more

"...I enjoyed reading about the beautiful island of Maui. Crime was lightened by humor and Poe is a loveable man seeking to find his way." Read more

"...books written in the first person, but this was so well written and witty, that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can not wait to read more!" Read more

In the quest for an engaging story.....
3 out of 5 stars
In the quest for an engaging story.....
After our recent Hawaii trip, I thought this book looked really good and I love a good mystery so I bought it. The writing is just mediocre. The story is ok, but the book didn't really keep me engaged, so I kept putting the book down and then struggling to pick it back up. Quality literature is kinda a thing for our family and this sadly, really wasn't it!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • mysterylover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good mystery, interesting characters, and Maui!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was my first book by its author, but now I will read the others in this series. The main character narrates the story, often speaking directly to the reader, which was an interesting approach. I found that the book contained humor, mystery, well-developed characters, and enough about the island d of Maui to keep us inteested.

    My pet peeve is when I buy a book and find lots of grammar and usage errors. I am quick to write negative reviews of those books. I am happy to say that only one small error jumped out at me (a sentence starting with It, when it should have been I). I can overlook one small typo, especially when the book is as good as this one!

    I would recommend this to readers who like twists and turns in stories, as well as to those who enjoy reading book set in Hawaii.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Light entertainment quick read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    He writes in the first person as if he’s telling you a story, literally. It’s not graphic at all, even though it’s direct. I enjoyed this book. I won’t rewrite the story here, but as someone who goes to Maui a lot, I enjoyed revisiting the island through Poe’s eyes. The story was good all the way through, some wrote that he was too immature, but he fully admits it. It’s part of his charm as he knows he’s awkward with women.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JH & DDDH
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great kickoff to the series
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The first "Poe" book I read/listened was Poe's First Law, the 10th or 11th in the series. I so enjoyed it I had to find this 1st book in the series, and I was not disappointed as it more than sets the stage for the following books. There's plenty of who-done-it mystery, action, humor and even a little romance in each book. Poe and his (few) friends make for great entertainment. I definitely plan on continuing with series...give it try!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • J. C. Sandoval
    3.0 out of 5 stars Meh
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I wanted to give this a 3.25. I know that may sound odd but that's what I felt after reading it. It was interesting enough for me to want to finish the book, but I'm left on the fence whether I want to continue with this series. A part of me thinks it will get better since there are so many sequels.
    I was drawn to the tale because it was Maui and I thought a thriller. It was Maui, but a thriller, not so much. It was a murder mystery, but more like an episode of a wanna be sitcom or old episode of Magnum PI (not the new series, the old one). The reading is easy. I liked the writer's style. But the main character is sort of cliche, haole meets island girl. He also meets a busty woman and they (spoiler alert) did the mambo, also cliche. I'm not a prude, I just found it cliche. I say sitcom because I'm not quite sure if the writer intended for the Xavier fellow to be either eccentric or comical. There seems to be a lot of 4 star reviews so maybe it's me.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In this story the protagonist is faced with a of uncertainty. His friend's girlfriend is murdered and the friend is arrested for the killing. The protagonist is certain his friend didn't do it and stumbles through investigating to learn the truth. There are several interesting characters in the story that serve to make a murky, hard to solve mystery. I will read the next book in the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • No
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Vacation Reading for those headed to Maui for vacation
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I love to read mystery novels set in vacation spots when I’m on vacation—- it’s my version of reading a tour guide. This one was perfect for our Maui trip. The narrator’s comments about south Keihi road (no left turns possible) we’re dead on, and the local color was excellent. I liked Poe as a character—- a sort of goofy 30 something—- and will definitely read the next in the series
    One person found this helpful
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  • Linda Allen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humor and mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I like the author's style of writing. It's like he's talking directly to you, so it pulls you into the story. Very enjoyable read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • sheryllynnr
    4.0 out of 5 stars starts off slow,finishes with a bang
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    i found this a little slow starting off,but it all clicked together and i was having fun reading this. I loved how each character had an idea who the murderer was. I was surprised who it really was. The Detective seemed like she had a chip on her shoulder,but then she seemed to let her guard down. Some vacation Foxx asks his friend who had come to Maui for the very first time. He sits through a parade and sees this beautiful woman,he asks who she is but Foxx refuses to tell him.They all go to an art show that highlights several local artists.He meets Foxx's girlfriend and then checks out the local talent. He decides he is going to look for his friend and finds Lauren in back of the building dead. He calls the police and then looks for Foxx at his home. ......
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs. L. E. Howard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, light reading with good plots
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 13, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the 3rd Maui mystery book of Robert Stephens that I have read and I find them interesting reading with plenty of mystery, but I particularly like Robert's style of writing - with the little personal notes included.
    They would be excellent books to encourage someone to start reading or read more as within a few lines you soon find you want to read more.
    I highly recommend Robert J. Stephens as an author
    Report
  • L. Wirth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Mystery in Paradise
    Reviewed in Canada on November 28, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was a great read. Perfect for those long bus rides home. It takes you to the warmth of the Hawaiian Islands where interesting people and a murder mystery awaits. I love how the author talks to you the reader and engages the reader into the whole story. I can't wait to read the next book and see how Poe, Alana and Foxx are doing.
    Report
  • JJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I quite enjoyed this book and the jaunt round Maui.
    Edgar Allen Rutherford, known as Poe, has just broken up with his girlfriend of five years and goes to Maui to visit an friend for a while.
    There is a murder almost as soon as he arrives and his friend is arrested. Though an architect by trade Poe stays to do whatever he can to help.
    He is an amusing character who talks a lot to you, the reader, about his thoughts and actions, an interesting device.
    The people he meets are well-fleshed out and his stumbling journey to the truth is worth following.
    I might try book two now.
    Report
  • Lucky Dan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect beach book
    Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Actually met the author on vacation in Jamaica and when I heard about his books I bought the first one on Kindle. Enjoyed it thoroughly, if rapidly. A good, easy, entertaining read. Laugh out loud funny in several places and a nice little mystery to keep one turning the pages. The surprisingly tender love story was the cherry on top.

    Recommended and thanks Mr. Stephens!
    Report
  • Dawn S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Personal point of view.
    Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I like the approach of knowing what the author is thinking. Enjoyed the diverse characters.
    Report

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