Say Aloha to Murder! Official Blog for the 2009 Left Coast Crime Convention
March 7 - 12, 2009 Waikoloa - Hawaii, HI

Here’s a nice review of LCC09 Guest of Honor Barry Eisler’s novel, Killing Rain, by Debra Purdy Kong. Thanks to Debra for giving us permission to reprint it here.

Freelance assassin, John Rain, has been hired to kill Manny Lavi, a fairly well-protected and cautious family man whose nefarious business dealings are causing problems for the Mossad. But Rain’s new partner and expert sniper, Dox, is going to help pull this off, which may or may not be a good thing. Rain’s used to working alone and Dox’s loud, laid-back personality isn’t Rain’s idea of a perfect team fit.

When things go wrong, it’s not Dox’s fault, but Rain’s. He freezes at the crucial moment, which makes his employer unhappy enough to want him dead. Rain launches an intriguing cat-and-mouse game that jumps from the Philippines to Bangkok to Hong Kong, as he vows to finish the job and pursue those who want him dead.

KILLING RAIN is a terrific mix of thriller and psychological study of an increasingly world-weary hit man. This mix of weariness, determination, self-preservation, and growing doubt about his future in this business make the book a gripping, multi-layered read.

Not many authors could make me feel sympathy for a professional assassain, but Barry Eisler does. KILLING RAIN is a sophisticated, clever thriller with a lot of depth and, odd as it may seem, a lot of heart. As a bonus, the author provides a useful essay on surveillance techniques to prevent one from becoming a victim of crime. He also adds definitions of the types of martial arts used in the story, plus a list of Rain’s top ten jazz CDs. Very cool. This is another series I’ll definitely read from the beginning.

Alameda Rec & Parks is offering a Beginning Hula class this spring:
 Aloha! Come experience a part of Hawaii in a beginning level hula class. This 6 week course, which is open to tane (men) and wahine (women), will start with a few basic steps & culminate in a performance ready dance. Class attire is comfortable stretch clothing that allows you to move with ease. Fun, aloha and exercise are all in one place! Instructor: Lani Cid 6 sessions Fee: $70 Serendipity Studios (1451 Webster Street) Wednesdays, March 19-April 23, 7-7:45 PM Wednesdays, April 30-June 4, 7-7:45 PM

There are some fabulous web site links to Hawaiian Food information and recipes. For a taste of LCC 2009 and food of Hawaii see this story. Below is a summary of the article:

AGUSTIN TABARES / ATABARES@STARBULLETIN.COM

Big Island farmed baby abalone is one of many new seafood products being produced close to home.

Time’s ripe for local fare

More grocery store shoppers and restaurant patrons are demanding food produced naturally in Hawaii

STORY SUMMARY »

By Keiko Ohnuma

Special to the Star-Bulletin

Of the many food trends clamoring for shelf space in 2008, one clearly stands out: The mood in food is going to be green — and we’re not talking leafy vegetables. Hawaii chefs and gourmet grocers alike report that people are demanding naturally produced food as never before, and the whole industry is paying attention.

Labels reading “organic,” “free-range,” “grass-fed,” and “wild-caught” are rapidly edging out the dowdy “all-natural” in supermarkets. And in the coming year, “people will become more picky about where their food comes from, more concerned about tainted food — and that’s not only from China, but all over the world,” says chef Alan Wong, who echoes a growing concern among Hawaii chefs for purity, authenticity and transparency in food sourcing.

Wong sees a growing emphasis on buying local in the coming year, not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to strengthen relationships with Hawaii producers of food. Indeed, as rising fuel costs stoke a nationwide concern for “food security,” Hawaii continues to depend largely on food imports, as land here has proved too valuable to devote to agriculture.