Latest Books Danger on Maui by R Barri Flowers

In Hawaii to research a mass murder, true crime writer Daphne Dockery seeks out the lead detective on the case. Kenneth Kealoha is glad to help—and eager to get to know her better. They’re exploring their instant connection when Daphne realizes that she’s being stalked. Has an obsessed fan tracked her to the island, or has the serial monster Ken is hunting chosen Daphne as his next victim?

“Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices.” — Statesman Journal

“Flowers delivers the goods. An exotic setting, winning characters, and realistic procedural details make Murder in Maui a sure hit with crime-fiction readers.” — Bill Crider, Edgar winner and bestselling author

“Murder in Honolulu, is a gripping tale of crime and investigation, set in a vivid, gritty island underworld. It is filled with excitement, a sense of place, and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” — Douglas Preston, New York Times bestselling author

“Infidelity and murder in paradise lead to a one-of-a-kind case for PI Skye McKenzie Delaney, and an enjoyable ride for the reader. Definitely put this one on your list.” — John Lutz, Edgar winner and bestselling author on Murder in Honolulu

“A police procedural with a complex plot, told from multiple viewpoints. The reader gets the added benefit of a virtual vacation on Maui.” — Laurie Hanan, Hawaii mystery author on Murder on Kaanapali Beach

“Murder in Maui is terrific. Gripping writing, wonderfully rounded characters you really care about, and vivid locations–this novel is a real and rare treat.” — Peter James, international bestselling author

“R. Barri Flowers writes with the passion and knowledge of someone who truly knows his craft. A steamy, non-stop thrill-ride through the seamy underbelly of Hawaii.” — Allison Leotta, former federal prosecutor and author on Murder in Maui

R. Barri Flowers recently spent some time with The Big Thrill discussing his latest romantic suspense novel, DANGER ON MAUI.

Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

The setting took shape first. Using the island of Maui as the backdrop for a crime thriller was a natural for me as a frequent visitor to this tropical paradise, with plenty of fun places to hide the skeletons, so to speak.

R. Barri Flowers

What attracts you to this book’s genre?

As a longtime fan of romantic suspense and crime thrillers, I love the art of the chase, in terms of investigating the crime, identifying the killer, and of course, the process of falling in love and having a happy ending, in spite of the challenges and danger along the way.

What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

As Book 4 of a four book series, the biggest challenge was to make sure there was no drop off in the quality of the plot, strength in characters, and a satisfying ending, while being able to stand on its own from the first three books in series.

With each book taking place on a different island in Hawaii, DANGER ON MAUI, gave me the opportunity to put the spotlight on this magnificent island in the sun for readers to take in.

Was there anything new you discovered, or surprised you, as you wrote this book?

Yes, I discovered that there are always new and exciting things to discover about Maui, no matter how many times one visits this tropical paradise. This was useful in developing the plot and giving readers more to enjoy along the way.

No spoilers, but what can you tell us about your book that we won’t find in the jacket copy or the PR material?

DANGER ON MAUI is not only a top notch crime thriller and novel of romantic suspense, but also a travelogue that will transport readers to the island to discover much about this tropical paradise.

What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

Many authors and books have influenced my career. Such authors include Dashiell Hammett, Daphne du Maurier, Thomas Hardy, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Sidney Sheldon, Danielle Steel, Erich Segal, Mickey Spillane, Jacqueline Susann, Robert Ludlum, Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz, John Steinbeck, and the list goes on.

Books that left their mark on me include 84, Charing Cross Road, Celebrity, The Other Side of Midnight, Love Story, The Bridges of Madison County, The Maltese Falcon, The Tower Treasure, A Woman of Substance, Valley of the Dolls, The Christmas Shoes, The Thorn Birds, and more.

As a male author writing for Harlequin, do you find it more challenging to write romantic suspense than the female authors who traditionally dominate the genre?

No genre is gender-specific, per se, as it relates to one’s ability to master. Or, in other words, if you understand human nature and the dynamics and nuances of romantic conflicts and resolving these in a credible way while weaving a great and realistic crime story in romantic suspense fiction, then of course men or writers of other gender identity are equally capable as women in delivering a gripping and satisfying tale for all readers to enjoy for years to come.

R. Barri Flowers is an award-winning criminologist and bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including spinetingling crime, suspense, mystery, and legal thriller fiction, entertaining young adult mysteries, and riveting true crime books. He has also written a number of short stories and articles over a long writing career, including guest posts on Mystery Readers Journal, Write for Harlequin, and Killer Nashville Blog.

Barri is the editor of the acclaimed true crime anthology, Masters of True Crime: Chilling Stories of Murder and the Macabre, and co-editor of the mystery anthologies, Murder Past, Murder Present and Murder Here, Murder There. His mystery short story, “The Wrong End of a Gun,” was published in Seattle Noir. The author’s true crime bestseller, The Sex Slave Murders, was “selected as one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books.”

As a proud graduate of Michigan State University, Barri is the recipient of the prestigious Wall of Fame Award from its renowned School of Criminal Justice, among other accolades. As a highly sought-after expert of violent criminality, victims, and offenders, the author has appeared on popular television crime investigative documentary series, such as the Biography Channel’s Crime Stories and Investigation Discovery’s Wicked Attraction, and Oxygen’s Snapped: Killer Couples.

To learn more about the author, please visit his website.