
You may also pre-order signed and personalized copies from The Poisoned Pen (before May 18) and Book Soup (before May 20).
Kaua‘i Storm
Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery
Coming from Thomas & Mercer on May 20, 2025!
Returning to Kaua‘i, park ranger Makalani finds her family divided and their way of life at risk in this rich and emotional adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.
After ten years as a national park ranger in Oregon, Makalani Pahukula is back on Kaua‘i for her grandmother’s birthday. Having been gone for so long, Makalani finds the disconnect with her people and their struggles have never been more profound. Neither has her need to reacquaint herself with everything she left behind. When she reaches the homestead, she finds a bickering family and the disconcerting news that her cousins―a failed college football player and a rebellious teenage girl―have gone missing.
Makalani hopes they just ran off, too careless to realize the worry they’ve caused. But when hunters find a dead body in the Keālia Forest Reserve, Makalani fears something ominous is at play, and the search for her cousins grows more desperate. Although her help may not be welcomed by family and locals, Makalani is determined to solve a mystery that poses a greater risk than anyone imagines.
The investigation will open her heart, reawaken her love for the land she calls home, and strengthen her bond with her family. Because no matter how long she’s been away, for Makalani, Hawai‘i is in her blood.
Early Praise for Kaua‘i Storm
“If KAUA‘I STORM is a thriller, Tori Eldridge has taken the genre to another level. A masterful weaving of a mysterious disappearance, an impending luau for the family matriarch, deepening family divides, not to mention political and social strife, this is a story that leads you to the jagged edge of Kauai’s most treacherous cliffs and dares you to jump off. I was consumed.”
―Jasmin Iolani Hakes, award-winning author of Hula
“I truly enjoyed this novel as it transported me to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, The writer’s ability to include Hawaiian language, culture and folklore provided an authenticity that is accurate. The characters are complex, yet relatable, with hearts that seek to preserve their native culture with pride. Eldridge provides a noteworthy addition to any reader’s mystery collection.”
―5-Star NetGalley Review
“The story masterfully weaves together the unique aspects of Hawaiian life: delicious food, tight-knit (and sometimes strained) family dynamics, and the daily realities that come with living in such a complex, beautiful place. The character development is well-paced and feels genuine, drawing you into the ohana (family) relationships while keeping the mystery engaging. Whether you’re a lover of Hawaii or just a fan of well-crafted mysteries, Kaua’i Storm is a book you’ll enjoy and likely recommend to others.”
―Librarian Review
“I really enjoyed the sense of place that Eldridge brings to the story; it’s easy to picture the lush and beautiful but potentially dangerous landscape. The strongest part though is the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian Pidgin, used throughout. It not only brings a lot of depth to the story but from the little that I remember having lived there several years ago, it is spot on, and sounds the way that locals actually speak. There is so much cultural tradition packed in, as well, from food, dance, chanting, folklore, etc., which was all completely fascinating to read about… I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!”
―5-Star NetGalley Review
“[Lily] Wong is one of the greatest heroines of the 21st century.”
“Another amazing book from Tori Eldridge, this time, set on Kauai, the place of my heart. What an eye-opening and honest story about the reality of life for locals on Kauai, far from the touristy paradise Kauai is known for. The MC is engaging and relatable and her struggle to be accepted into her ohana can be felt by anyone who has always felt a bit on the outside. At time pulse pounding and at times touching, Kauai’i Storm will wrap you up in the magic and spirit of the real Kauai and her people. Can’t wait for the next book!”
―Lyn Liao Butler, Bestselling Author of Someone Else’s Life