Lono Waiwaiole Wiley’s Refrain

Wiley's Refrain

Lono Waiwaiole

St. Martin's, Dec 2005, $24.95, 288 pp.

ISBN: 0312349092

In Portland, Oregon, poker professional Wiley learns from Danny Alexander that he got promising young jazz musician Ronnie a part-time gig. Afterward Wiley laments to his pal, Leon (friends since their days of being abused in elementary school by their teacher Mrs. Boomer) that he prays that Danny has his head on straight or the talented Ronnie might suffer. The gambler will soon realize how accurate his comment proves to be when someone murders Ronnie.

Wiley takes the homicide personally as he and his family knew the victim. With the help of Leon, they begin walking the mean streets of Portland, but the clues take a spin to Hawaii. Wiley who has never set foot on the home of his family tree heads to the Aloha State where he expects to pound the stuffing out of Danny, who he blames and the proof seems to affirm his involvement. However, Wiley finds that one red herring after another takes him down a different path.

The third Wiley escapade is an exciting thriller that takes the hero/antihero (depending on whether you are on the receiving end of either his or Leon's fists) on an intriguing noir adventure. The flashbacks and side comments to his past enable the audience to see much more of Wiley's moral system that demands justice vigilante style immediately. Though the motive behind the need for vengeance that drives Wiley and Leon to seek the killer never seems fully developed fans will appreciate his latest adventure.

Harriet Klausner