Book Review: Middle Grade Hawaiian Island Detective Club, book 3

Ukuleles Undercover (Hawaiian Island Detective Club, book 3)  Cheryl Martin

Middle Grade Readers

Comfort Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1938388286

Paperback, $8.99 

When threats and warnings intermingle with the melodic sounds of ukuleles at the local music school, Leilani and The Hawaiian Island Detective Club members set off to solve another case! Who could be behind the threats? Could it be Leilani's mean math teacher, Mr. Edwards, who also happens to be her mom's new boyfriend? Or, perhaps it's Chad Rivers, Mrs. Lee's former boyfriend. Can Leilani learn to balance the case with her own new-found love? Could there be a third culprit in their midst? One thing is for sure: when it comes to the Hawaiian Island Detective Club, some things aren't what they seem! 

My review:

What a delight to catch up with the Hawaiian Island Detective Club. They’ve had a busy summer, and now that Leilani’s cast is off her arm, she’s surfing again—with the cute new boy in the neighborhood who is in her grade at school.

This time pesky little brother Kimo is responsible for the new mystery, when he reports that someone is leaving nasty notes at his after-school music lessons. Leilani’s more of an outdoor girl, and the thought of playing a musical instrument, even if it was a joyful memory of her late father’s ukulele playing, makes her cringe. Worse than staying inside three times a week to be embarrassed at music is the fact that her math teacher, strict Mr. Edwards, might be romantically linked to her mom!

Join the charming group of eighth graders as they delve into their latest adventure to help Kimo’s music teacher, klutziness, hives, and dreamboat eyes included. Kids will love the humor and feel at home with these characters; grown-ups will remember all the angst and sweetness of being on the verge of teenaged.

 

Cheryl Martin is a graduate of the University of Oregon. After pursuing a successful Parks and Recreation career, Ms. Martin now focuses on her passion - writing mystery novels. The Hawaiian Island Detective Club combines her love of all things Hawaiian and her fascination with intrigue. A wife and mother of three grown children, memories of raising her spirited kids inspire many of her characters' quirks, relationships, and mishaps.

Cheryl Martin and the Hawaiian Island Detective Club--busy again!

About the Book, Ukuleles Undercover, book 3 of the Hawaiian Island Detective Club series:

 

Someone’s leaving threatening notes on music stands, in cases, on stacks of music and in the bathrooms. Kimo takes ukulele lessons and is very concerned about his teacher, Mrs. Lee, the kids and the music school, so he asks Leilani to join the class to investigate the mystery. She’s not happy since she’s a surfer girl, not a musician. Maile and Sam join her in class which makes the whole thing bearable.

Cheryl, what inspired you to write mysteries for kids and this series?

I was first inspired to write as a child, reading Nancy Drew. I knew at that young age that I would one day write a mystery!

Striving to do what God has placed in front of me motivates me to keep pressing forward. Sharing wholesome mysteries filled with fun, humor, mishaps and unexpected moments for kids to enjoy also motivates me to continue this amazing journey.

I have always loved Hawaii ever since I lived there while attending The University of Hawaii. I combined that with my interest in writing for ages 8-12 years and The Hawaiian Island Detective Club was born!

The three books in this series are entitled Pineapples in Peril, Menehunes Missing, and Ukuleles Undercover.

What do you do for fun and relaxation when you’re not writing?

I love to grow veggies, blueberries and raspberries on my deck. I also love to sing, and am part of my church’s drama team—challenging, yet rewarding. I sometimes work-out with my son and do push-ups with the Oregon Duck (the U of O mascot) whenever Oregon scores—and, yes, they’re men’s push-ups! I’m practicing for another great fall of football and push-ups!

Tell us a little about your family:

I have a great husband, three amazing kids and two adorable Persian cats, Nala and Thor.

My oldest son, Ian, has his own home and works for Nautilus. My daughter, Ashley, is married to a wonderful man, Dave. She works for Portland State University and he is a lawyer for a Portland, Oregon firm. They just made me a first-time “Tutu” with the birth of their son, Ewan. My youngest son, Shane, wants to be an artist for a Graphic Novel company. In between working at a movie theater, he’s busy working on projects—not unlike being an author!

 

Connect with Cheryl:

My website

My blog all about Hawaii

You can also connect with me on my facebook author page 

Twitter

If “tweeters” would like to comment on The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, they can add any of the following hashtags: #Detective #Hawaii #Hawaiian #Ukuleles #Undercover #Kids #Parents #Moms #Homeschool #HIDC