by Michael Herr
First published 2006
On Hawaii's Big Island, a family has protected the burial site of the Kuhina Nui, King Kamehameha's beloved wife, for generations. The sacred duty passes from parent to child like an inheritance no one can refuse. But jealousy festers among the family members. Some want the power that comes with knowing the secret location. Others see opportunity where their ancestors saw obligation. When greed finally overwhelms tradition, murder shatters the family bond. The killing destroys more than one life. It threatens to expose the ancient secret and tear apart relationships that have endured for decades. The surviving family members face an impossible choice. They must decide whether to continue protecting the bones or let centuries of guardianship end with them. Their decision will determine if their fractured family can ever heal from the violence that has consumed them.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: family-duty, secrets-and-lies
Setting: Big Island, Hawaii
Period: Generations
183 pages · Paperback · Lulu.Com
Content warnings: murder, violence