The Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries...
Natalie's Sojourns Through Murder...And other writings
A Frame, or two, for your thoughts...
Can you guess the origin of the distinctive gold frames that appear on the covers of all of the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries?
Y e n f o r M u r d e r
Softcover: ISBN: 9781951122850
eBook: ISBN: 9781951122867
A CASE OF LARCENY...AND MURDER
Honolulu journalist Natalie Seachrist has had visions all of her life. Surprisingly, she experiences a vision of a Buddhist minister meditating at her altar. When a sharp sound crashes into her consciousness, Natalie watches as the serene woman falls to the floor suddenly. Later, while browsing through an antique auction brochure, Natalie and Keʻoni see a statue of the ancient Shākyamuni Buddha which Keʻoni realizes was stolen during the now cold case that haunted the end of his career with the Honolulu Police Department. Soon Keʻoni and Natalie find themselves diving into the realm of international auctions and estate sales. Aided by Miss Una, Natalie’s fleet-footed feline companion, surprising objects emerge from unexpected places. What prompted these crimes of murder and larceny? Was it the chance to acquire riches, or religious zeal at the thought of possessing such a rare religious artifact? Can the conjoined cases be solved, or will the scanty evidence simply be returned to HPD’s cold case files?
A flavorful dip into Hawaii’s cross-cultural currents amid cozy mystery sleuthing
A semiretired journalist’s visions of a murder and theft within a Buddhist temple prompt the investigation of a cold case in this fourth installment of a mystery series...Traveling journalist Natalie Seachrist, nearly retired and writing a local food/drink/entertainment column, is enjoying living in an inherited family cottage in her native Hawaii with boyfriend Ke’oni, a former homicide detective–turned–security consultant. Then, as is typical for her, Natalie has intriguing visions—this time, about the killing of a female minister in a Buddhist temple as its Buddha statue is stolen...Arizona-based author Burrows-Johnson lived in Hawaii for two decades, and her love for the state infuses this sensory-and fact-filled narrative, providing readers enjoyment and education regarding the Hawaiian lifestyle, history, and culture...
Jennifer Soper, US Review of Books
Recommended by the US Review of Books
...a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural...The plot moves at a steady pace, balancing suspense, detective work, and personal reflection. Burrows-Johnson keeps readers hooked by gradually revealing new twists, ensuring the mystery remains unpredictable but never overwhelming... Burrows-Johnson’s vivid storytelling transports readers to Hawaii, weaving a suspenseful tale filled with intrigue and rich cultural details. One of the story’s standout elements is its richly drawn setting. Burrows-Johnson paints a vibrant picture of Hawaii, from serene Buddhist temples to local communities. The cultural depth in the story adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the mystery feel more immersive and multidimensional. The story also offers a glimpse into the traditions and philosophies of Buddhism, adding an educational component to the mystery. The attention to historical accuracy and artistic references gives readers a deeper appreciation of the story’s setting... Beyond the murder mystery, the story touches on the concept of fate versus free will as Natalie grapples with the responsibility of her visions and how they influence the unfolding events. The historical and artistic details make the story feel even richer, appealing to readers who enjoy mysteries with an intellectual edge. The book does an excellent job of weaving together elements of past and present, drawing parallels between historical events and modern-day mysteries.
The Fourth Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery
M u r d e r s o f C o n v e y a n c e
WINNER 2019 NEW MEXICO/ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS
FICTION, ADVENTURE-DRAMA
Finalist- Mystery Crime and Cover Design-Fiction (6x9)
Hardcover: 978-1-932926-72-9
Ebook: 978-1-932926-72-0
Journalist Natalie Seachrist and her boyfriend private investigator Keʻoni Hewett are delighted to plunge into a Chinese New Year Aloha Scavenger Hunt. But when she realizes a haunting dream is actually one of her continuing visions of murder, the pair again volunteer to help his former partner, HPD homicide detective John Dias. Soon her expanding visions and the unrelenting assistance of feline companion Miss Una link two murders separated by sixty years to a mystery woman in red... and a false clue hinting at a priceless white jade Kuan Yin statue.
Her visions may spark an investigation, but Natalie’s research skills, stemming from her days in travel journalism, are what lead her to answers. The author’s bountiful details explore Hawaii’s history and culture, as scavenger hunt clues direct Natalie and Keoni to historical landmarks and the inquiry includes Chinatown in Honolulu. Though Burrows-Johnson tends to linger on descriptions of Hawaii’s food and handsome locales, this tactic meshes with Natalie’s investigative approach….A whodunit as smart and engrossing as the unlikely gumshoe.
Michael Radon, US Book Review 4 of 5 stars
The pace of this story naturally transitions from the scavenger hunt and its locales to the identity of the murderer...and gives the reader a grounded perspective before launching them into the action. Fans of a lighter mystery with rich characters and environments will devour this latest Seachrist story.
Tamara Benson, San Francisco Book Review 4 of 5 stars
There are many reasons to recommend this novel. The descriptions of each destination and the players' race during the scavenger hunt are well done and leave the reader ready to book-travel to see the sights first-hand. The visions add an interesting paranormal twist to what could be just another crime novel. The relationships between the neighbors are wonderful and something that really makes the characters likable. And, of course, any murder mystery that involves a cat is a winner from the start!...All in all, this novel was definitely worth the read, and I look forward to more in the series.
Frank Kaleba, Amazon Book Review 5 stars of 5
Clearly Jeanne's best yet. A swirling mix of the Asian immigrant experience, a modern scavenger hunt, revenge and murder, all set onto the perfumed tropical stage that is Oahu. Natalie Seachrist, the central character, once again proves she can chart a course through a baffling mix of clues and menace to solve the puzzle of a frozen corpse from decades past. As I read it, I was sure I was tagging along with Natalie, enjoying the sights, tastes and excitement of the tropics.
M u r d e r o n M o k u l u a D r i ve
2018 ARIZONA LITERARY EXCELLENCE CONTEST
2nd PLACE, Published Fiction
2018 NEW MEXICO/ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS
Winner, Cover Design-Fiction (6x9)
Finalist, Mystery-Cozy
Hardcover: 978-1-932926-60-6
Softcover: 978-1-932926-80-4
Ebook: 978-1-932926-62-0
Natalie, her mischievous cat Miss Una, and boyfriend Keʻoni Hewitt have moved to a Lanikai cottage. Seaside bliss evaporates when her chilling vision is confirmed by a moonlit garroting. Discovery of a suspect’s body at Diamond Head Beach may solve the case. But a tour of historic Kawai Nui Marsh puts Natalie's new friends in the crosshairs of a wily adversary. Does the murder's resolution lie in the victim’s past, or among her seemingly innocuous companions?
Kirkus Reviews...a winsomely detailed setting . . . the protagonist is first-rate. The plot offers a couple of impressive twists…A diverting tale led by a smashing amateur detective...Tamara Benson, San Francisco Book Review, 4 Stars... this book is truly a good book for a rainy day and has been a pleasure to read. Susan Miller, Manhatten Book Review, 4.5 Stars. The use of Hawaiian words and explanations was also a very nice touch, making me feel that I was part of the local culture. . . . It's nice to read about characters of all ages...The story had many layers as well as some twists and turns, which kept me glued to the pages...N. Jones, Amazon, 5 Stars. This is my first Natalie Seachrist story, but won't be my last. The story was quick paced, yet lingered appropriately on Hawaii life. The author took time to develop each character, and ensure their place in the story was appropriate.
P r o s p e c t f o r M u r d e r
2017 NEW MEXICO/ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS
Winner, Cover Design- Fiction (6x9)
Finalist, Mystery-Suspense
Hardcover: 978-1-932926-45-3
Softcover: 978-1-932926-88-0
Ebook: 978-1-932926-47-7
E-Audio: 978-1-932926-48-4
Writer Natalie Seachrist has always had visions. But envisioning her grandniece’s body draped over a vintage car shatters her world. Aided by PI Keoni Hewitt and her cat Miss Una, Natalie moves to the Honolulu foothills apartment where Ariel died. There she discovers the owners’ Shànghăi origins…and discord. Will Natalie learn the truth about the death before the case is closed? Or has she put herself in the way of a murderer who's willing to kill again to hide their secret?
Midwest Book Review. A deftly crafted and impressively engaging read..."Prospect for Murder" clearly demonstrates novelist Jeanne Burrows-Johnson as a master of the mystery/suspense genre. DJ Sakata, Good Reads, 4.5 Stars. Being a resident of Hawaii, I could not pass up a murder mystery based in Honolulu. It was thrilling while at the same time oddly relaxing to read a story with so many local references to places, food, culture, and traits....The writing was insightful, observant, emotive, and intelligent...Cherie Jung, Over My Dead Body. The reader’s attention will be captured the on page one of the prologue with the author's descriptive writing style. The pacing of the narrative was perfect. The characters were well-developed, the storyline plausible… AudioBook Reviewer, Audible. [She] did an excellent job of reading the book. The enunciation and clearness of her speech as well as the passion was not over the top or fake…Her voice was soothing and calming.
Artist Yasamine June
The award-winning book covers for the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries [as well as that for the forthcoming Conversations with Auntie Carol] were designed by Yasamine June. Her many talents include: Creative Direction; Fine art; Graphic Design; Illustration; Photography; Typography; and Videography. You can learn more about her at YasamineJune.com/about.