Kula: The Famous Surfing Dog (Surfing Detective Mystery Series)

These comments are inspired by my reading of "Kula" a few days ago. For the most part, though, my observations actually pertain to all three of the Surfing Detective novels so far published; i.e., including "Murder On Molokai" and "Wipeout!"First, I appreciate that the author, Chip Hughes, has chosen to write in the first person. Plot development is somewhat more difficult when everything happens through the protagonist's real-time perceptions (with a little assistance from occasional flashbacks, of course). Yet, this method tends to personalize the reading experience, allowing the reader to become more directly involved with the story. Moreover, the Surfing Detective, Kai Cooke by name, exhibits a wry sense of humor in his manner of describing the events and predicaments that ensnare him. His story-telling is most enjoyable.Second, Mr. Hughes consistently achieves a perfect balance as among the use of action, dialogue, self-reflection and what one might call "scene setting" (descriptions of people and places, etc.) . Too many writers get bogged down with one or another of these elements, which can cause a story to descend into tedium. Mr. Hughes manages to keep it all in good harmony, and his stories all proceed at an agreeable pace. This makes reading a true delight rather than a chore.Third, the plots are imaginative, intriguing and quite captivating. The stories unfold in a sequence of twists and surprising revelations, all in keeping with the classic detective/mystery genre. Also, unlike many of that breed, it is easy to follow the evolution of these stories (i.e., without becoming confused and having to go back and re-read earlier passages for clarity). It's a cliche, I know, but I really do have trouble putting the Surfing Detective books down after starting them.Fourth, the characters are real and alive, yet colorful and intriguing at the same time. None are perfect, and all have flaws, including Kai Cooke himself (perhaps a number of flaws in his case). In other words, the characters are just like real people (except a lot more interesting than most). I especially enjoy the exchanges in pidgin.Finally, with respect to "Kula," I feel obliged to lodge one negative sentiment regarding the story's end. It leaves the reader with an uncomfortable sense of uncertainty, and I think that an appropriate epilog would have been welcome. I will not give anything away by describing what plot threads were left loose, but I was a bit disappointed that they were not neatly tied off.Be that as it may, "Kula," like its predecessors, is an excellent and entertaining book. I look forward to Kai's next adventure, and I hope that there will be many more to come.

This was better than his first book, and now I have to read the third to find out if he gets the girl

seemed like a fluff detective story at first. got more intriguing and interesting as things changed and with good descriptions and explanation about things Hawaiian . Enjoyable, not real deep or heavy, we’ll paced, especially starting about the middle

This is a good story, never any dull moments. It's a travelog of Hawaii and the native language. I'm not sure is Kai is Hawaii. Didn't catch that in the beginning of the story. Enjoy the read.

"Kula," Chip Hughes third book, is another killer tube ride in the Surfing Detective series. Like the previous two books, this one is short (250 pages) and sweet. As the story opens Kai Cook has been hired to find a wealthy gold dealer and radio personality's titular golden retriever.Kai can't believe how far he's fallen, turning into Ace Ventura, and now every other message on his answering machine is another distraught pet owner. But like every story Kai gets himself into, things are in no way what they seem.As always, Cook manages to squeeze in some board time--seems like there's always a good swell running when he's got detective work to do. We get to know Tommy Woo, Kai's piano-playing, dirty joke cracking attorney a little better, and there's more of Kai's pidgeon interviews with locals than in previous books, and I really love that dialect, which Hughes just nails every time.I understand Chip has three more books in the works, and I can't wait. His first book: "Murder on Moloka'i" is just about the most perfect detective story I have ever read, and his second: "Wipeout!" is a minor masterpiece filled with vividly limned characters, including the TWO widows of big-wave rider who disappeared in a wipeout at huge Wiamea.It's all been just great stuff, and now "Kula" is pure gold.

People say I train dogs, but in many ways I train people. - Cesar MillanChip Hughes sends Kai Cooke, the Surfing Detective, into the heartwrenching world of dog fighting that plagues the Hawaiian islands. Yet he leaves it in the background, giving Kai the opporutnity to demonstrate his sleuthing skills, act as a big brother to a neglected teenager, and team up with a sexy partner. (And this is a cozy mystery, so there is a happy ending for the animals). Hughes delivers a fast paced action adventure with vivid descriptions of Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui. The author introduces readers to a capable heroine who can handle the criminal element as well as Kai's romantic overtures. And then there is Kula - a dog worth the rescue.KULA will appeal to readers who appreciate cozy mysteries, tropical settings, and animal lovers. I purchased a copy of KULA for my personal enjoyment.

Kai Cook, the surfing Detective is called to the Honolulu hilltop mansion of radio pitchman Barry Buckingham. Buckingham wants Kai to find his daughters missing dog. Kula is a surfing dog and the one thousand dollars offered can't hurt. Kai does not know about finding missing pets but a old friend and ex-K9 cop, Maile Barnes knows the ropes. Teaming up with the beautiful Maile has Kai thinking about his life, his future and maybe what he is missing. Maile Barnes, is a old friend and almost girlfriend from his past. I loved all of the Surfing detective books and the only complaint that I have is when Kai saw the newspaper articles, in this book Kula, I couldn't see them as there was just blank spaces. So I kind of missed out on the whole story. This was not the authors fault, but I am surprised that no one mentioned it. Maybe it was just my book.... Show less

This is a quick read with an unusual background. The characters don’t really come to life so it doesn’t engender any emotion or commitment to them. I don’t feel any inclination to read more in the series.

Had this book in my collection for a while to read , glad I finally got round to reading it. Missing family pet , two murders ?missing person ? Blackmail. Very enjoyable well done.

Good enough story,main character likeable and believable.one point though the story fizzed along like a rocket but ended like a damp squib.

An enjoyable story. (I read anything with a Golden Retriever in it!)

Interesting story. This is the second Kai Cooke book (pun intended) I have read and I am now beginning to feel I know him.