Deborah Turrell Atkinson The Green Room

The Green Room

Deborah Turrell Atkinson

Poisoned Pen, Oct 2005, $22.95, 370 pp

ISBN 1590581997

On the island of Oahu in Hawaii, native Storm Kayama and her lover Ian Hamlin opened up a law office in a small converted house about a mile from Honolulu. Her very first client is Stephanie Barstow who wants Storm to represent her in a divorce from her husband Marty who will definitely contest it. Stephanie and her son believe that Barstow will be coming to the island shortly and they are proven right.

Barstow and his partner Steve O'Reilly are putting together a high stakes surfing competition The Intrepid where the surf is so high the only way the contestants can get to waves is by jet skis. The person thought most likely to win is Nahoa but he is killed when he is caught in a cave and then washed out to sea. His molars are missing as were those of another surfer who also drowned a short time ago. The police believe it is a coincidence but Storm, who knows the island legends, believes something about the contest is off kilter. When someone breaks into her home to see what information she has on her computer and discs, she starts her own investigation which puts her in danger and later almost gets Storm and Hamlin killed.

Readers get to see the real Hawaii through the eyes of the heroine, a headstrong, independent and feisty woman who is a good role model because she doesn't let anyone make her feel less than she is. Vivid descriptions of the island, a glimpse into the Hawaiian myths and an exciting plot makes THE GREEN ROOM the perfect reading experience.

Harriet Klausner