Murder, Local Style
by Leslie Karst

Retired caterer Valerie Corbin investigates a suspicious poisoning in this Orchid Isle cozy culinary mystery, featuring a feisty queer couple who swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions in tropical Hilo, Hawai‘i.

A dinner to die for!

It’s been an eventful transition, but retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen are finally settling into life on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Val’s even joined the neighborhood orchid society to make some new friends. So when she’s asked to step in to cater their latest social event, as the newbie of the group she can’t exactly say no.

But what should have been a straightforward gig is soon a dining disaster when the food from the event poisons and kills the society president. As Val herself becomes a suspect in the murder investigation, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Who would want to kill the mild-mannered president of the orchid society?

Turns out the list is longer than a celebrity chef’s tasting menu. Apparently some of the residents did not “love thy neighbor.” Can she reveal the killer’s identity before they strike again?

This mouthwatering cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Ellen Byron, Jennifer J Chow, Lucy Burdette, and Raquel V Reyes, and includes a selection of delicious Hawaiian recipes to cook at home.

Reviews

“A meaty mystery with lush descriptions of Hawaiian cuisine, geography, lifestyle, and the impact of weather events”

Booklist on Waters of Destruction

“Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes while enjoying the entertaining mystery”

Kirkus Reviews on Waters of Destruction

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining”

Booklist on Molten Death

“A suspenseful dive into the Hawai‘i tourists don’t see, introducing engaging protagonist Valerie Corbin and the fascinating, quirky island community she learns to love. And of course there is delicious food! A terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

New York Times bestselling author Deborah Crombie on Molten Death

“A gorgeous yet deadly setting, a tenacious amateur sleuth, and a real head-scratcher of a mystery. Will leave readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle”

New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay on Molten Death

“[An] entertaining cozy series launch . . . Readers will be hungry for the sequel”

Publishers Weekly on Molten Death

“As mysterious as a Hilo rain, fragrant as lychee, melodious as Hawaiian pidgin, and tasty as loco moco, Leslie Karst’s Molten Death transports the reader to the best that the Big Island can offer. You won’t want to leave!”

USA Today bestselling author Naomi Hirahara on Molten Death

“With its compelling characters and engaging look at the culture and customs of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Molten Death is a delightfully immersive whodunnit. Fans of well-plotted, suspenseful mysteries with a foodie element will eat this one up!”

New York Times bestselling author Kate Carlisle on Molten Death

“Leslie Karst’s passion and personal connection to Hawai‘i shine on every page. She’s created a heroine you’ll adore and a mystery that’s both touching and twisty. I loved it!”

USA Today bestselling author Ellen Byron on Molten Death

“[A] fascinating look at all things Hawaiian”

Kirkus Reviews on Molten Death

Leslie Karst

The daughter of a law professor and a potter, Leslie Karst is the author of the Lefty Award-nominated Sally Solari culinary mysteries, as well as the IBPA Ben Franklin and IPPY silver award-winning memoir, Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. Leslie waited tables and sang in a new wave rock band before deciding she was ready for a “real” job and ending up at Stanford Law School. It was during her career as a research and appellate attorney in Santa Cruz, California that she rediscovered her youthful passion for food and cooking, at which point she once again returned to school – this time to earn a degree in culinary arts. Now retired from the law, in addition to writing, Leslie spends her days cooking (and eating!), gardening, cycling, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o’clock. She and her wife and their Jack Russell mix split their time between Hilo, Hawai‘i and Santa Cruz, California.

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Editions

Murder, Local Style by Leslie Karst is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483165887th April 2026144 X 222mm224$29.99
Hardback97814483165887th April 2026144 X 222mm224£21.99
Ebook97814483165717th April 2026N/A224£12.99
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