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Terry Ambrose

Writing is like a good barbecue sauce, if it ain't bold, it ain't worth doing.

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You are here: Home / Books / Big Island Blues

Big Island Blues

October 1, 2014 By Terry 68 Comments

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Big Island Blues

Big Island Blues

$2.99
Author: Terry Ambrose
Series: McKenna Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 2014
Length: 274 pp.
ASIN: 1502813726
ISBN: 9781502813725

McKenna, a former skip tracer, flies to the Big Island of Hawaii to help find his best friend’s missing niece. No sooner has McKenna’s search begun than he’s got a teenage hacker messing with his investigation, has uncovered deep family secrets, and is caught in the middle of a twenty-year-old plan of revenge. Even worse, everyone he questions is spooked by a 70-year-old Indian curse on a 1942 Martin guitar.

With a killer on the loose and his best friend’s very hot sister pressuring him for results, McKenna’s got more than trouble in paradise, he’s got a volcano ready to blow.

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What the pros are saying about Big Island Blues

“Big Island Blues sizzles from a gripping beginning to a finale both taut and sweet. As they say in the islands – maikaʻi loa” (Hawaiian for very good).—Bestselling and award-winning author Carolyn Hart

“Move over Magnum, goodbye Dano.  McKenna’s a real deal dude who verbally jousts with a raft of quirky characters while propelling the action forward at a breakneck pace.” — Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Cacklberry Club Mysteries, and Scrapbook Mysteries.

[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/ka87siu2FC0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

Other McKenna Mysteries

Photo Finish

Kauai Temptations


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About the Author
Terry Ambrose

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don't know, that's the guy who finds the people who don't want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job. The other part of my job was to collect money from deadbeats. I must confess, I never personally stole a car, but did sometimes hire big guys with tow trucks to work in the dark and “help” when negotiations failed. Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage

Other Books in "McKenna Mystery"
Photo Finish
Kauai Temptations
Honolulu Hottie
Mystery of the Lei Palaoa
North Shore Nanny
A Damsel for Santa
Maui Magic
The Scent of Waikiki
Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All Series

  • A Seaside Cove Mystery
  • Happy Homicides
  • License to Lie
  • McKenna Mystery
  • Trouble in Paradise

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Filed Under: Books, Books - Featured, My Books Tagged With: Big Island, Big Island Blues, cozy mystery, crime fiction, Hawaii, mystery

About Terry

I started out as a skip tracer. Just in case you don’t know, that’s the guy who finds the people who don’t want to be found. It was the little things—getting paid to lie—that made skip tracing the fun part of the job.

Those years of chasing deadbeats taught me many valuable life lessons, such as liars come from all walks of life, and always keep your car in the garage.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kai W. says

    November 15, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    I haven’t been to Hawaii. I hope to visit there in the near future. I still debating between an island-hopping cruise or stop by the main island.

    Reply
  2. Jana Leah says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    I’ve never been to Hawaii. Would love to visit. Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Melissa Green Hartley says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:11 PM

    I have not read this book or been to Hawaii but it looks like an intriguing book 🙂
    Thanks.

    Reply
  4. Teresa says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    I have not read the book, nor been to Hawaii. Totally lacking here! 🙂 The book sounds really good though. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Christine Beasley says

    November 11, 2014 at 8:39 PM

    I have been to Hawaii and would like to go again.

    Reply
  6. Marcy Maddox says

    November 10, 2014 at 7:58 PM

    I have read Photo Finish and enjoyed it. McKenna apparently loves the ladies. His best friend’s sister is hot? Luckily he is not really that shallow. He does great detective work and has a determination to get the job done. Look forward to ready another in this series.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 12, 2014 at 5:42 AM

      You’re right, Marcy, he’s not really that shallow. He’s just been lost, but is gradually finding himself. I hope you enjoy the next one!

      Reply
  7. Luna Airis says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:01 AM

    I havn’t read the books yet, but I plan to in the coming months. It is almost winter after all!

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:39 AM

      Once winter sets in, you can go someplace warm and sunny, Luna. Well, virtually, anyway. Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  8. pat says

    November 10, 2014 at 7:59 AM

    I would love to go to the islands.

    Reply
  9. Jody Tanis says

    November 10, 2014 at 7:37 AM

    Sounds great! I have been to Kauai and Oahu but I really want to go to the big island and see the volcano fields. Being a scientist, anything like that fascinates me!

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:40 AM

      Kilauea is definitely impressive, Jody. if you want to see some up-close-and-personal shots, take a look at my Friday Fotos from a couple of weeks ago at Friday Fotos—Big Island Lava http://terryambrose.com/2014/10/friday-fotos-big-island-lava/

      Reply
  10. Anne says

    November 10, 2014 at 6:25 AM

    I haven’t read Big Island Blues yet, but I have been to Hawaii, several of the islands more than once.

    Reply
  11. Robyn Konopka says

    November 10, 2014 at 4:10 AM

    Sounds Awesome!

    Reply
  12. CarleyC says

    November 10, 2014 at 4:08 AM

    I really enjoy Terry Ambrose books…..mysteries are my favorite, however honestly have not had opportunity to read this latest one. I have been to Hawaii and could live there all the time instead of living in cold weather anytime.

    Reply
  13. Jennifer Essad says

    November 9, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    McKenna comes across as being gruff but inside he’s just a teddy bear…..I appreciate your novels as I’m able to visualize where they take place, I don’t fly anymore so as much as I’d enjoy being on the Island I know I will never go there. I’d like to ask you if you’re a people watcher ? For me it’s fun to sit on a bench in the park or at a table at a cafe and just see what’s going on around me. I love to see the kids play, the laughter, the warmth of the day, interactions of others around me.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:25 AM

      Aloha, Jennifer. I am a people watcher. in fact, I enjoy writing in a place like Starbucks because I can see what’s going on around me, grab an interesting characteristic from another person. I’m also one of those eavesdroppers who’s constantly listening to not so much what people say, but how they talk. I try to bring those dialogue styles into my writing. Thanks for the question and for reading! Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
      • Jennifer Essad says

        November 11, 2014 at 9:02 PM

        I’ve always enjoyed our city park, it’s right on the main avenue in the heart of retail/restaurants with sidewalk seating and banks, city offices as well as law firms, a hotel and so much more. Thanks for the reply – Happy Thanksgiving

        Reply
  14. Cheri Oggy says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:54 PM

    I have been to the Big Island. I would absolutely love to go there again by reading your book!

    Reply
  15. ceblain says

    November 9, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    I have been to Hawaii a few times but never to the Big Island. I would love to go again, but flying is not possible due to severe medical problems since last winter. I am hoping to order this book very soon. I have so many books that I want to get and buying all of them just isn’t possible, but this sounds so special that I am going to put it on my list to get soon. Thank you for the nice newsletter/blog each time; I really enjoy reading them. Sincerely,
    Cynthia in Massachusetts

    Reply
  16. Shelley Summers says

    November 9, 2014 at 7:03 PM

    I HAVE NOT BEEN TO HAWAII

    Reply
  17. maryanndimand says

    November 9, 2014 at 7:01 PM

    Your professional experience really grounds your work– wherever in the world you set it.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:27 AM

      Thanks Maryann! At the time, it didn’t feel that way. But, in looking back, I see how it really helped. Good luck in the contest!

      Reply
  18. Joye says

    November 9, 2014 at 6:31 PM

    I have visited Hawaii and it is colorful and beautiful. I have yet to read one of your books. They sound like the kind I enjoy

    Reply
  19. dazcat says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:55 PM

    It is my husband’s dream to go to Hawaii, maybe someday, but at least love reading about it:)

    Reply
  20. Lynne says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:31 PM

    I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.

    Reply
  21. Yolanda Gamble says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    Thanks for the chance to win. Book sounds fabulous!

    Reply
  22. Julie McDonough says

    November 9, 2014 at 4:16 PM

    I have not been to Hawaii, but I have always wanted to go.

    Reply
  23. Felina Jo Pence says

    November 9, 2014 at 4:05 PM

    My husband lived in Hawaii for 11yrs but I have never been there. It is on my list of places to kayak at.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:29 AM

      Oh Felina, you definitely need to tell your husband it’s time to share the experience!

      Reply
  24. Sally says

    November 9, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    Thanks for the chance to win. I have not read it but a Hawaiian cowboy sounds like an crazy mix. Hawaii is on my bucket list.

    Reply
  25. Debbie Warila says

    November 9, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    I haven’t had the chance yet to read Big Island Blues, but I’m looking forward to it. I lived on Oahu for a while when I was in 2nd grade. I loved swimming in the ocean every day, and I loved the laid-back atmosphere there.

    Reply
  26. Sally Gass says

    November 9, 2014 at 1:30 PM

    SEEMS LIKE A WARMING BOOK HOPE TO WIN AND ENJOY THANK YOU.

    Reply
  27. RosemarySimm says

    November 9, 2014 at 1:21 PM

    I live in Florida and get plenty of tropical paradise, however, reading takes me to different places and customs. Reading Big Island Blues may change my mind and I will travel to Hawaii myself. Aloha !!

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:30 AM

      Aloha Rosemary. There’s definitely something special about Hawaii. Florida definitely gives you a tropical paradise, but the Aloha spirit in Hawaii really adds to the experience. Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  28. Bessamy says

    November 9, 2014 at 1:12 PM

    I have not been to Hawaii, but I want to go someday. My husbands cousin got married there last year.

    Reply
  29. L.A. Remenicky says

    November 9, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    i haven’t been to Hawaii, on my bucket list!

    Reply
  30. Robin Coxon says

    November 9, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Your books take the reader on a trip to Hawaii with the touch you provide. I’ve never been there but my husband has and he has shared his adventure prior to our marriage.

    Reply
  31. LindaKish says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:44 AM

    I only went to Hawaii once, in 1969. I’d love to go back.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:31 AM

      Oh my gosh, how much it’s changed. You won’t recognize it! Time to go back, Linda! Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  32. Teresa says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    Am looking forward to this read as I enjoy a good mystery. The fact that I fell in love with Hawaii while vacationing has nothing to do with it (Right, LOL) and that I’m a Blues lover. Hmmm, guess this will go to the top of must reads.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:32 AM

      Oh Teresa, you’re in for a treat! All your favorites. Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  33. Robin Driscoll says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    This is a great book. I enjoyed it very much!!

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:32 AM

      Thanks Robin, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  34. Joseph A Hawkshaw says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:21 AM

    I have never been to Hawaii but every state in the united states would love to go.

    Reply
  35. Kimberly Mayberry says

    November 9, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    I have never been to Hawaii, but it is on my Bucket List. I do enjoy reading books that are set in the places I want to visit; it is like a little taste of being there!

    Reply
  36. Melody Gonser says

    November 9, 2014 at 10:58 AM

    Big Island Blues sounds like a book worth. I am interested in finding new authors to read. I have never been to Hawaii. Sounds like a beautiful place to visit. I look forward to reading your books. Thank you for the chance to enter giveaway.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:34 AM

      Aloha Melody, if you ever get the chance to go there, you’ll love it. Maybe the book will offer you encouragement to make the trip! Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  37. Susan Atkins says

    November 9, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    I would like to read this

    Reply
  38. Red says

    November 9, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    Books sound good !!

    Reply
  39. Connie Williamson says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    I’ve been to Oahu but never The Big Island, Kauai, or any of the other Hawaiian Islands. have always wanted to, though. I’d love to read this book!

    Reply
  40. Laurie P says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:58 AM

    Loved all of the Islands, want to go back.

    Reply
  41. clynsg says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    Have never been to Hawaii–one of only 2 states that I have never visited!

    Reply
  42. Kat says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:35 AM

    love this author!

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:34 AM

      Mahalo, Kat! I hope I never let you down! Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  43. anne says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    A very timely novel which sounds captivating and intriguing. Hawaii sounds wonderful and McKenna someone with integrity and strength of character.

    Reply
  44. Suzan Morrow Farrell says

    November 9, 2014 at 9:05 AM

    Any book set in Hawaii is a good escape for me from the Minnesota winters.

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:35 AM

      Yikes! Minnesota! Big Island Blues might be a good way to start the new year! Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  45. Colleen C. says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    I have not been to Hawaii yet, but other family members have and say it is beautiful… hope to go one day!

    Reply
  46. Heather R. says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    This book sounds fast-paced and exciting! Cool setting, too.

    Reply
    • Heather R. says

      November 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM

      I have never been to Hawaii, but I woould love to go and see the volcanoes.

      Reply
      • suspensewriter says

        November 10, 2014 at 11:36 AM

        We got to see the Kilauea lava flowing into the ocean at night a few years ago while on a cruise ship. Totally cool. And impressive. There’s so much power. Best of luck in the contest!

        Reply
  47. Barbara Tobey says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:41 AM

    I have been to Hawaii, so I enjoy reading books with this setting.

    Reply
  48. Yaritza Santana says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    Haven’t read yet but looking forward too. I haven’t been to Hawaii but would love to go someday.

    Reply
  49. Margie says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    I enjoyed the scam article. I haven’t read this book and have never been to Hawaii. But this book looks fascinating. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

    Reply
    • suspensewriter says

      November 10, 2014 at 11:38 AM

      Glad you liked the scam tip, Margie! I hope you decide to read Big Island Blues. If you do, let me know what you think. Best of luck in the contest!

      Reply
  50. Karin says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Sounds like a lovely day in paradise to me 🙂

    Reply
  51. Sally Schmidt says

    November 9, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    I look forward to the latest scam tips. Now I have to read this book!

    Reply

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