This was unexpectedly darker than I would expect a cozy mystery to be. Without getting into spoilers, let's just say there's a lot of pain and grief due do a loved one's death.

The mystery was interesting but the characters were quite bland and I felt like all the elements and info about Hawai'ian culture were not seamlessly incorporated with the text, it felt like a combo of ficiton and nonfiction about hawai'ian words and culture and history but the two components weren't mixed properly - like oil in water.

So... it was okay, but I won't be continuing with the series.

Molten Death is the first book in a new cozy mystery series set in Hawaii by Leslie Karst. Released 2nd April 2024 by Severn House, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback due out late 4th quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a very well written and engagingly constructed murder mystery with an appealingly intelligent 60 year old female amateur sleuth on holiday in Hawaii after a personal family tragedy. Another bizarre tragedy (seeing a booted foot disappearing under lava) fires her up to find out whose booted leg it was disappearing into the lava, and moreover how and why in a weirdly understandable therapeutic way.

The characters are quite well rendered, believable, and the book is peppered with neat trivia about the islands, their history, and unique geophysical characteristics. The MC is in a F/F stable marriage, and though there's some discussion in the book about their relationship (especially in the aftermath of a personal tragedy), it's not a central feature.

The book is marketed as the first book in a series, but upcoming volume(s) are not on the publisher's schedule yet (presumably second quarter 2025 at the soonest). The mystery here is self contained and it works very well as a standalone.

Four stars. Satisfying, complete, and well written. It would make a good buddy read, or a public or home library acquisition.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Valerie and her wife Kristen are in Hawaii as a way for Valerie to begin to recover from the death of her brother, Charlie, in a fiery car wreck. Kristen visited years before she met Valerie and made friends with Isaac. Now the couple are Isaac’s houseguests.

While most people picture Hawaii as sunny, they’ve run into constant rain since their plane landed. Although the rain stopped, one thing won’t change—the area is made up of volcanic black rock. Isaac says they need to see the lava flow since the island is also an active volcano—not the most comforting thought.

Valerie lags a bit behind when they approach the viewpoint. Careful where she steps, she sees lava creep over what surely can’t be someone’s leg? By the time she could call Kristen and Isaac, the leg, and presumably the body attached to it, disappeared under the molten rock. Do they believe her or think her mind played a trick on her?

To convince Kristen and Isaac, and maybe herself, of her sanity, Valerie investigates. The report of a missing man spurs her desire to prove the truth. Her questions lead her to small time drug dealers, black market avocados, a geothermal plant, a jealous wife, and betrayed husbands. As their vacation days dwindle, Valerie worries, will she find the truth before it’s time to return to Los Angeles?

This is the first in a new series. Valerie and Kristen are a good match although, like any couple, they do get on each other’s nerves now and again. Luckily, their differences don’t ruin a good relationship. Isaac knows the area and is a good host. His speech varies from schoolteacher English to the more casual pidgin phrases but it’s easy to understand. There’s a glossary at the back of the book to help if readers are curious. Recipes for a mai tai, poke three ways, grapefruit and avocado salad with papaya-yogurt dressing, miso-sesame chicken, kalua pork, and papaya chutney are included.

Karst paints the sounds and smells of the islands onto the page without disrupting the story. My favorite part starts, “And then she heard the train.” The two paragraphs that follow are pure poetry and will transport readers onto the island in the blink of an eye. I hope this is the start of a long running series.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery, the first in a series, as it's entertaining and solid.
Valerie, Kristen, and Isaac are clever and fleshed out characters and I hope to catch with them soon.
The setting is lovely, I wished I could be there, and the plot is fast paced and solid.
It's a good mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A delightful mystery that transported me to the Big Island. I loved following Valerie, when her relaxing vacation with Kristen, goes sideways after spotting a dead body in the lava.

Not only did this novel feature an unguessable whodunnit and whydunnit, but I appreciated the detailed insights about Hawaiian culture and history. Don’t forget to have snacks handy while you’re reading because this definitely made me hungry—for delicious eats and more in the series. Also, very much appreciated the extra recipes and Pidgin dictionary in the back.

A hot new series for cozy mystery lovers!

This book was an absolute delight! Set in Hawaii, the story follows Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen as Valerie stumbles upon a melting corpse at the foot of a volcano. What follows is a captivating blend of mystery, scenic views, Hawaiian cuisine, and Hawaiian language.
The author’s vivid descriptions and authentic characters drew me into the story, making it impossible to put down. The incorporation of geothermal elements and extremists added an intriguing twist to the investigation, keeping you hooked until the satisfying conclusion.
This is a must-read for cozy mystery fans, offering a fun whodunit with a tropical backdrop that will transport you to the Hawaiian islands. Plus, the addition of wonderful recipes in the back of the book, from cocktails to main dishes, was a lovely touch!

What could be more relaxing than a vacation in Hawaii, especially when it’s in celebration of two important life milestones? California-based Valerie Corbin is about to turn sixty, and her wife Kristen is soon to retire as well. When Kristen’s friend Isaac offers to let them stay in his house on the Big Island of Hawaii for the duration of their trip, they’re more than happy to accept.

Isaac is both native Hawaiian and a wonderful host, driving them around to various activities, including witnessing an active lava flow while it’s still dark out. But Valerie spots something more than just mesmerizing volcanic activity when she sees a boot being engulfed by lava. Worse, she can tell that the boot is definitely still attached to a body. Before she can show anyone else, however, the evidence is swiftly destroyed by molten rock.

Kristen doesn’t quite want to believe her, and while the cops are happy to let her file a report, there’s no proof of any wrongdoing beyond her say so. Determined to prove that she’s not making things up – and not a little haunted by the recent death of her brother in a fiery car accident – Valerie decides to plunge into investigating the death anyway. Never mind that she’s brand new to the island and barely knows any of the people here or their customs. Better to be thought an interfering fool, she believes, than to be dismissed as having an overactive imagination. But when her inquiries put her in the sights of a killer, will she come to rue her desire to prove to the world that she really saw a dead body?

This debut novel in the Orchid Isle mystery series deftly treads that fine line between amateur sleuthing and being an incurable busybody, as Valerie bravely, if not a little quixotically, navigates Hawaiian culture with both respect and determination. She sometimes makes a fool of herself, but her commitment to uncovering the truth is laudable, especially since it helps find closure for those who cared about the victim. Leslie Karst’s loving portrayal of island life is also convincingly realistic, as Valerie finds herself going far past the well-worn tourist paths in her pursuit of justice.

There were six recipes included in this book, all of dishes described in the text. I knew I was in for a treat no matter what I selected, as I’ve greatly enjoyed all the recipes of Ms Karst’s that I’ve attempted from her previous culinary cozies. From Molten Death, I decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Miso-Sesame Chicken

1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or minced (about 3 tablespoons)
½ cup miso
½ cup sake
1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 large chicken thighs
chopped chives and/or black sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Mix all ingredients except chicken together in a bowl until smooth.

Pat dry the chicken, then place either in a large bowl or in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix, making sure each piece is covered with marinade. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator (covered, if in a bowl) for at least four hours, or overnight. Remove from the fridge and bring up to room temperature prior to cooking.

If baking, preheat oven to 375°F. Cover the bottom of a large roasting pan with foil (for easy clean-up – the marinade tends to burn on the bottom of the pan), shake off any excess marinade, then place the chicken pieces in the pan, skin up. (Save the excess marinade for a later step.) Roast until brown and crispy on top, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F – about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. (You may want to turn the temperature up to 425°F for the last ten minutes, to ensure a crispy skin.)

If grilling, place the chicken pieces skin-side down over medium-high heat. If the grill is too hot, they will burn, so keep an eye on them. When browned, flip them over and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once the chicken has finished roasting or grilling, remove it to a plate and cover to keep warm. Pour the excess marinade (and any liquid in the roasting pan, if that's how you prepared the chicken) into a saucepan and bring it up to a low boil over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, then pour it into a gravy boat to be served along with the chicken and rice.
END QUOTE

This chicken is amazing, literally the closest equivalent to the meat served in Hainanese chicken rice that I’ve ever enjoyed outside of a Malaysian restaurant. I chose to bake my chicken and found that to be an extremely fuss-free way to prepare this delectable dish, though I should have probably turned my roasting pan around in the oven halfway through the cooking time for a more even browning. The marinade is absolute perfection, especially if you like ginger. It’s got the perfect balance of salt and tang and umami, with just a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar. I actually didn’t have any sake on hand but wanted to use up some rice vinegar, so diluted that with water for an excellent substitute.

The finished chicken is perfect with a side of rice, as the author suggests, but I also recommend serving it with greens such as wilted spinach or steamed bok choy, for a complete and healthy meal. I’m definitely putting this delicious, uncomplicated recipe into my family’s regular meal rotation.

Next week, we head back to the mainland to bake an unusual dessert while investigating a suspicious suicide. Do join me!

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Molten Death by Leslie Karst
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 271 / Genre: Cozy Mystery

Valerie and her wife Kristen are on vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii celebrating their retirement. Valerie is also grieving over the recent loss of her brother. But before they can fully embrace the laid-back healing aloha vibes of the island, Valerie catches a glimpse of a shoe attached to a foot attached to a leg right before it’s all completely engulfed by flowing lava! Unable to get the image out of her head and infuriated that Kristen doesn’t seem to believe her, Valerie launches into a full investigation of her own of who that person was and what happened.

This was a nice cozy mystery and was especially fun because of the setting on the Big Island. And since they’re on vacation, they did a lot of fun activities that made me really want to go there! It also incorporated a lot of the local culture and customs. This was a high 3 stars for me.

Thank you, @NetGalley, @BookSparks, and @LeslieKarst for my gifted copy.

Molten Death by Leslie Karst is a superb start to a new, cozy mystery series.

Will Valerie figure out whose body she saw in the lava?

Valerie Corbin
Our sleuth is Valerie. She and her wife, Kristen, are on vacation in Hawaii. Valerie is still grieving the death of her younger brother in their home state of California. Kristen is worried about Valerie. She hopes that this vacation will help Valerie return to her old self. They will be celebrating Valerie's 60th birthday while there.

At first, I didn't care for Valerie, but after reading her point of view for the entire book, I started liking her. She wants to be herself, but she also wants respect and love. Valerie is having a hard time opening up to her wife about her grief. Being in a new place with no memories of her brother helps a bit.

The Mystery
While visiting the lava fields early one morning, as the others hike away, Valerie sees a boot and a leg being smothered by the lava. She is curious, but it also brings her back to her brother's death. However, Kristen and their friend don't really believe that what Valerie saw was a body. Now, nothing is left, so no one can know what Valerie saw.

The whole sleuthing starts out as Valerie trying to prove that she isn't losing her mind. She saw what she saw, and she is going to find a way to prove it.

Four Stars
I enjoyed Ms. Karst's writing style and the setting. It did feel as though Valerie and her friends were fascinated by the lava. That seems a bit weird to me. However, I still like the story that she was telling with Valerie moving forward. My rating for Molten Death by Leslie Karst is five stars. I do recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.

There are a few recipes at the end of the book. They are Val's Mai Tai, Poke Three Ways, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Papaya-Yogurt Dressing, Miso-Sesame Chicken, Kalua Pork, and Papay Chutney. There is also a glossary of Hawaiian and Pidgin words and phrases.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Molten Death by Leslie Karst.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Molten Death by Leslie Karst is a cozy mystery featuring an retired sapphic couple, and the first book in the Orchid Isle Mystery series.

First off, the cover artist did a bang up job with this one!

Our main character, Valerie, is a retired caterer who recently suffered the loss of her younger brother due to a car accident. She travels to Hawai'i with her wife, Kristen, to take a vacation in hopes to heal. One day, they walk a lava field at sunrise and Valerie swears she saw a boot attached to a leg being covered by lava though everyone else doesn't quite believe it.

It's so nice to find cozy mystery series with a mature heroine. Valerie turns sixty during the course of this book.

The book does a great job describing the breathtaking scenery of the island. Apparently, the volcanic activity described in the book is modeled after an eruption that happened in 2018 on the Big Island, which is pretty cool.

There's also great descriptions of food and drink, as Valerie is a bit of a foodie. I learned a lot about avocados, and had a huge craving for fresh fruit while reading the book. There are several recipes included, including poke three ways, grapefruit and avocado salad with papaya-yogurt dressing, miso-sesame chicken, and kalua pork. Also included in the back of the book is a glossary of Hawaiian and Pidgin words and phrases, which was super helpful for me.

If you're into cozy mysteries with mature heroines or set in tropical locations, give this one a try!

A well researched cozy mystery starring a retired foodie lesbian in beautiful Hawai'i.

You can tell that the author is very well acquainted with the island, and has done their research because the nuance and culture of the island shines through in this book. As the first book in what looks to be a series, there are often groan moments getting the main character to start sleuthing that I am happy to say never happen in this book. The plot flows organically as we follow Valerie try to find out more about the mysterious body she saw disappear. The plot was also more than just the typical cozy with layers about the political complexities of Hawai'i, Valerie dealing with a great deal of PTSD from a recent death, as well as looks at the local cuisine and culture of the different groups on the island.

A great cozy that also delivers on food and culture.

MOLTEN DEATH (An Orchid Island Mystery Book #1) by Leslie Karst is an entertaining cozy mystery featuring a retired lesbian foodie protagonist set on the lush, big island of Hawaii with beautiful descriptions of island locations and delicious island fare. This is a delightful new amateur sleuth who happens upon a murder in paradise written by a new to me author who has me hooked.

Valerie Corbin and her wife, Kristen have come to Hawaii for a vacation to hopefully reconnect and mentally heal after Valerie’s car accident in which she watched her brother die. They are staying with Kristen’s Island native friend, Isaac. When they go to watch the sunrise and walk on a lava field, Valerie falls behind and sees a boot in the distance that she goes to investigate and discovers it is in a lava flow and attached to a leg that is quickly disappearing.

Valerie is convinced a murder has been committed, but she has no proof now that the lava has done its job of destroying the evidence. Even though no one believes her, she is determined to discover who is missing and get justice for them.

I enjoyed Valerie and her sense of determination even when it gets her in trouble. While she investigates, the reader gets to follow her to many beautifully written scenic destinations on the island and gets to read descriptions of tropical and local island cuisine. I also liked that the Valerie and her wife were mature characters. Isaac is the perfect bridge between the white women and Hawaiian native culture, history (both past and present), and cuisine. The plot is unique with the lava destroying any evidence and causing everyone to question whether Valerie saw the leg and boot even as she questions the suspects. A good ending with everything tied up in the end and Valerie and Kristen considering a permanent move to the big island.

Overall a delightful cozy mystery that also delivers on beautiful geography, culture, and cuisine.

A nice start to a potential new series. Valerie and her wife Kristin are meant to be on vacation on Hawaii but no.....Valerie sees a man enveloped by lava. Or did she? She's convinced there was someone and that the person was murdered so she investigates. I liked this for the local color - the food, the rain, the scenery-and for the mature characters. Karst is an experienced cozy writer who knows how to keep you guessing. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I stumbled upon a recent review comparing this book to Nancy Drew which struck a chord with me. It evoked a wave of nostalgia, transporting me back to the days of my childhood. The unique setting and conflict provided a welcome departure from the norm, and the writing itself was solid. I appreciated the opportunity to delve into Hawaiian culture and sample the accompanying recipes. The murder mystery aspect exuded a cozy atmosphere, filled with tropical vibes and heartfelt moments. Altogether, it made for a swift and enjoyable afternoon read.

Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

MOLTEN DEATH by Leslie Karst

I’m so glad my own trips to Hawai’i have been more peaceful, but this twisty plot makes for a very interesting adventure. Who was that body lost in the lava flow and how did it happen? Everyone seems to think Valerie imagined the boot with green laces that disappeared before she could even get a photo, but she can’t get it out of her mind until she solves the mystery. Despite dangers and disruption of the relaxing vacation with her wife, she persists in seeking clues, meeting people who might be friends and allies or might be murderers . . . how to tell?
Besides the satisfying plot, there are descriptions of the island’s beauty, culture, and food . . . so sumptuous that I was tempted, again, to think about moving there. Oh, and there are recipes, which for me are also fiction, but delicious to think about. This is a “put everything else on hold and lose sleep” book, a delight!

The author knows Hawaii well encapsulating all that we know of the island in presenting this well-written, well-researched, and well-executed drama, where the beauty of the island is the backdrop. This book immediately grabbed my attention from the discovery of the body part in the lava, and I couldn’t put the book down until all was said and done. Valerie was determined to uncover the truth, especially when no one believed what she saw. Her persistence pays off in other ways which kept me engaged in all that was happening with the residents and potential suspects. The mystery was nicely done with a few red herrings that kept me in the game. The pacing was on par with how well this story was being told. Leslie delivered an enticing whodunit with panache, a good start to the series, and I look forward to more exploits with Valerie, Kristen, and their friends. Bonus, delectable recipes.

Cozy mystery with great Hawai‘i atmosphere
This was a very pleasant surprise. I picked up this cozy mystery by an author I didn‘t know because it was set on Hawai‘i - and I have fond memories of visiting the islands. And the book fully delivers on the setting: totally authentic, starting with the rain pouring down in Hilo. I had a good chuckle when the mature female couple (Valerie and Kristen) vacationing there was totally taken by surprise by the amount of rain necessary to fuel the tropical paradise. I loved the food, the insertion of lava flows and eruptions, the island pidgin and of course the marvelous hula.
The cozy mystery is embedded into all this and amateur sleuth Valerie who just retired doggedly tries to discovers whose leg and boot vanished before her eyes in an active lava flow. Given that Valerie and Kristen are on vacation and their quirky friend, Isaac, has lots of great ideas about what to do on Big Island the mystery takes at times a backseat. But Hawai‘i is showcased front and center - so no complaints about this enjoyable read at all.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.

In this series debut, Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen are in Hawaii's Big Island to heal after the recent loss of her brother. During an early morning visit to an active lava flow, Valerie is shocked to see a boot attached to a leg being engulfed by the hot lava. But Kristen & their local friend Isaac don't believe her. Determined to identify the victim, Valerie starts snooping. Talking to locals sends Valerie in different directions but it's a good distraction until she ends up confronting the killer.

This is a promising start with stunning island sights, local superstitions & plenty of yummy local Hawaiian dishes.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.

Leslie Karst's latest series debut, Molten Death, offers readers a captivating journey into the heart of Hawai'i, blending rich cultural immersion with an intriguing murder mystery. From the tantalizing flavors of Hawaiian cuisine to the enchanting rhythms of the hula dance, Karst's narrative paints a vivid portrait of the tropical paradise.

The story explores not only the mystery at hand but also the complexities of Valerie and Kristen's relationship, strained by the recent loss of Valerie's brother. As Valerie struggles to convince others of what she's seen, including her skeptical wife, tensions mount, threatening to unravel their bond. Yet, amidst the turmoil, their journey becomes one of reconciliation and renewed connection, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Karst masterfully weaves together Valerie's determined sleuthing with the couple's explorations of Hawai'i's diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. Whether delving into tourist hotspots or uncovering hidden gems off the beaten path, each excursion offers a glimpse into the island's vibrant scenes, enriching the reader's experience.

While the story delivers on many fronts, I found the resolution of the murder mystery to be somewhat predictable, with the killer's motive feeling clichéd.

Nevertheless, Molten Death marks a promising start to Leslie Karst's cozy mystery series, offering a tantalizing blend of suspense, romance, and cultural immersion that's left me eagerly waiting for the next installment.

A sapphic thriller? I needed you to say no more in order for me to pick it up.

Valerie Corbin and her wife, Kristen are vacationing in the beautiful Hawai'i, but things take a turn when they see a person who is completely covered in lava. They begin to investigate to help the locals figure out what is going on.

I read a review where someone compared this to Nancy Drew, and it really felt that way to me. I found myself transported back to my childhood days and it can be hard to get that nostalgic feeling. Overall, this felt very cozy and fun to me.

Thank you to netgalley & the publisher for this arc copy.