Cheryl Martin has an incredible imagination and she has turned that and her background in Hawaii into a wonderful series for middle-readers, The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. And you don't have to be a tween to love the stories; I was hooked on book one. What is Menehune's Missing about?

It’s just a game, right? Wrong! The Menehune Hunt turns into an eerie intrigue filled with danger as The Hawaiian Island Detective Club tackles their second genuine mystery.

The crazy clues make no sense at all, but Leilani is determined to figure out why the statues of Hawaii’s treasured, Leprechaun-like little people are disappearing during the school fundraiser event, even if it means asking her pain-in-the-pants, ten-year-old brother, Kimo, for help.

A fire, a visit from police, a creepy stakeout, too many suspects and an intense diversion involving Kimo and an irate storeowner hinders their investigation. Leilani worries that they’ll never figure out who’s stealing the odd, yet unremarkable little statues, and why. Are she and her friends in danger . . . from someone they know?

Now, it's time to visit Leilani, the lead detective of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. A friend your son or daughter would love to spend time with:

So, Leilani, what is like being a detective with The Hawaiian Island Detective Club?

Amazing! Maile, Sam and I have been friends since kindergarten when we used to dig in the sand and build castles. They’re the greatest, and even though they may think my stakeout ideas are crazy, they always help me—and we always nail the culprit! ‘Course then there’s Sam’s annoying belching—gross.

What was your favorite part of solving this mystery?

(Leilani giggles) Getting my annoying, itchy cast off!

Actually, I loved spying on Mrs. Wong and watching Kimo do a great diversion job. He may be my annoying I-know-everything little brother, but he really is a good detective. Oh, but don’t tell him I said that—he’ll bother me forever about being a real member of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club.

What about Kimo? Is he still blackmailing you?

Naw. He does know some secrets about me from both mysteries, but as long as I give him some important jobs to do, he won’t tell Mom.

Were you ever scared while solving this mystery?

Only when I thought Kainoa was trapped in a fire. Seeing all that smoke freaked me out big-time! (Leilani blushes) He’s my surfing buddy, and . . . well . . .

Oh, yes, we know!

I mean, have you ever seen Kainoa surf? He’s amazing.

(I wink at Leilani and her face flushes red again) Summer’s over now and school’s about to start. Do you think you’ll have time for another mystery?

(Leilani grins) I don’t know, but I’ll be on the lookout for sure.

Thanks for visiting, Leilani!

Whether it's for a birthday or any other event in your child's/grandchild's life, get Menehunes Missing, better yet, get Pineapples in Peril and then your child will beg you for book two. This is a delightful series and I encourage parents or anyone involved with children to start them on the road to Hawaii with this wonderful series.

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