Review of Tropical Scandal

[Stephen Christopher 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tropical Scandal" by David Myles Robinson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Tropical Scandal by David Myles Robinson is book five of the Pancho McMartin series. This crime thriller set in Honolulu begins when dying 80-year-old Isaac Golblum asks Pancho to take over a criminal case.

Small-time drug dealer Dayton Kalama has been accused of murdering his grandmother with an overdose of Vicodin. This makes no sense for Pancho, as Dayton’s tutu (as he called her) had just recently bailed him out of jail. Did Dayton do it? Was it suicide? Or was there a third party involved? You’ll have to read the book to find out the answer to that.

I love that the author doesn’t waste the readers’ time; the action begins right from the first chapter. By the end of Chapter 2, you know this will be a page-turner, and it is. The story builds up to a highly satisfying ending.

The plot is a lot more complicated than a suspected murder. There’s corruption at high levels, a family with more than their fair share of secrets, and drug dealing/usage everywhere, even in the most unlikely places.

David Myles Robinson is a retired Honolulu trial lawyer and circuit court judge. His knowledge of the legal system makes his writing even more fascinating. He provides just enough detail about locations and venues that I feel like I know Honolulu without having ever been there. That’s some expert writing right there.

Another aspect of the book I love is that the chapters are short. Often, I only have a few minutes to spare so I can get through at least a chapter or two.

The book's highlight for me is the banter between Pancho and Drew Tulafono, his office pal and chief investigator. If only every working relationship were this cool, we’d have no workplace issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the two of them numerous times.

Usually, I prefer to read book series in order, but I’d already picked this up before realizing it was well into the series. The thing is, it works as a standalone novel. The protagonist reminisces about the past just enough to fill in any gaps. Once again, the author demonstrates his skill.

One significant benefit of reading a book well into an author’s career is the minimal errors. I counted one only.

After reading just one book, I’m an instant fan of David Myles Robinson and plan to binge-read the entire series and his other novels.

There’s absolutely nothing for me to fault about Tropical Scandal, and it’s with glee that I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. The storyline, character development, realistic dialogue, short chapters, and exceptional editing make this my favorite read of 2024 so far. I recommend this book to lovers of courtroom dramas.

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Tropical Scandal
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Anu Anand]

Hi Stephen, thank you for sharing such a detailed and honest review. Your insights into the plot and characters are very helpful. I, too, appreciate books that jump right into the action without unnecessary filler, and the short chapters are definitely a plus. Your review has made me excited to dive into this book. Thanks again for your perspective!

[Priya Murugesan]

A very good review, Stephen! I totally loved this book and am very glad that you too enjoyed it!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Hi Stephen, thank you for sharing such a detailed and honest review. Your insights into the plot and characters are very helpful. I, too, appreciate books that jump right into the action without unnecessary filler, and the short chapters are definitely a plus. Your review has made me excited to dive into this book. Thanks again for your perspective!

ohhh I'm delighted that this review has excited you to read the book. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the series from book 1.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

A very good review, Stephen! I totally loved this book and am very glad that you too enjoyed it!

Hehe, it was your review that inspired me to read, so a big big thank you to you. I loved it, and plan to read the entire series.

[Priya Murugesan]

A very good review, Stephen! I totally loved this book and am very glad that you too enjoyed it!

Hehe, it was your review that inspired me to read, so a big big thank you to you. I loved it, and plan to read the entire series.

Thank you

[Alissa Nesson]

This sounds like a really cool book. I love mysteries and legal dramas. I haven’t read a good suspense novel in too long. Thank you for the recommendation!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

This sounds like a really cool book. I love mysteries and legal dramas. I haven’t read a good suspense novel in too long. Thank you for the recommendation!

Hi Alissa, yes, this is my favorite genre and it's not always easy to find a book as great as this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Adrian Bouknight]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tropical Scandal" by David Myles Robinson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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Tropical Scandal by David Myles Robinson is book five of the Pancho McMartin series. This crime thriller set in Honolulu begins when dying 80-year-old Isaac Golblum asks Pancho to take over a criminal case.

Small-time drug dealer Dayton Kalama has been accused of murdering his grandmother with an overdose of Vicodin. This makes no sense for Pancho, as Dayton’s tutu (as he called her) had just recently bailed him out of jail. Did Dayton do it? Was it suicide? Or was there a third party involved? You’ll have to read the book to find out the answer to that.

I love that the author doesn’t waste the readers’ time; the action begins right from the first chapter. By the end of Chapter 2, you know this will be a page-turner, and it is. The story builds up to a highly satisfying ending.

The plot is a lot more complicated than a suspected murder. There’s corruption at high levels, a family with more than their fair share of secrets, and drug dealing/usage everywhere, even in the most unlikely places.

David Myles Robinson is a retired Honolulu trial lawyer and circuit court judge. His knowledge of the legal system makes his writing even more fascinating. He provides just enough detail about locations and venues that I feel like I know Honolulu without having ever been there. That’s some expert writing right there.

Another aspect of the book I love is that the chapters are short. Often, I only have a few minutes to spare so I can get through at least a chapter or two.

The book's highlight for me is the banter between Pancho and Drew Tulafono, his office pal and chief investigator. If only every working relationship were this cool, we’d have no workplace issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the two of them numerous times.

Usually, I prefer to read book series in order, but I’d already picked this up before realizing it was well into the series. The thing is, it works as a standalone novel. The protagonist reminisces about the past just enough to fill in any gaps. Once again, the author demonstrates his skill.

One significant benefit of reading a book well into an author’s career is the minimal errors. I counted one only.

After reading just one book, I’m an instant fan of David Myles Robinson and plan to binge-read the entire series and his other novels.

There’s absolutely nothing for me to fault about Tropical Scandal, and it’s with glee that I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. The storyline, character development, realistic dialogue, short chapters, and exceptional editing make this my favorite read of 2024 so far. I recommend this book to lovers of courtroom dramas.

******
Tropical Scandal
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Thank you for this review, Stephen! Murder mystery books are always fun! Especially in a beautiful setting like Hawaii. As always, your reviews are detailed and well written for clarity! I will keep an eye out for more of your content and greatly appreciate your contributions. Thanks again!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Thank you for this review, Stephen! Murder mystery books are always fun! Especially in a beautiful setting like Hawaii. As always, your reviews are detailed and well written for clarity! I will keep an eye out for more of your content and greatly appreciate your contributions. Thanks again!

Thanks Adrian, this was my book of the year so far. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

[Blueberry Dragon]

Thank you for a nice introduction to the author and a good book to start his series. I've recently started enjoying murder mysteries again, so this may be a good add to my reading list. Thanks @Stephen Christopher 1.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Thank you for a nice introduction to the author and a good book to start his series. I've recently started enjoying murder mysteries again, so this may be a good add to my reading list. Thanks @Stephen Christopher 1.

This isn't really a murder mystery, as we know who the bad guy is right from the start. if you're looking for a good murder mystery (and you don't mind it being part romance) take a look at this book that I reviewed: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=534008, I think you'll enjoy this one.

[Anaïs Quesson]

It is a good thing when books in a series can be read as standalones. Maybe you missed some of the previous character development, but you can still appreciate the full potential of this book. Great review!

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Tropical Scandal" by David Myles Robinson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Tropical Scandal by David Myles Robinson is book five of the Pancho McMartin series. This crime thriller set in Honolulu begins when dying 80-year-old Isaac Golblum asks Pancho to take over a criminal case.

Small-time drug dealer Dayton Kalama has been accused of murdering his grandmother with an overdose of Vicodin. This makes no sense for Pancho, as Dayton’s tutu (as he called her) had just recently bailed him out of jail. Did Dayton do it? Was it suicide? Or was there a third party involved? You’ll have to read the book to find out the answer to that.

I love that the author doesn’t waste the readers’ time; the action begins right from the first chapter. By the end of Chapter 2, you know this will be a page-turner, and it is. The story builds up to a highly satisfying ending.

The plot is a lot more complicated than a suspected murder. There’s corruption at high levels, a family with more than their fair share of secrets, and drug dealing/usage everywhere, even in the most unlikely places.

David Myles Robinson is a retired Honolulu trial lawyer and circuit court judge. His knowledge of the legal system makes his writing even more fascinating. He provides just enough detail about locations and venues that I feel like I know Honolulu without having ever been there. That’s some expert writing right there.

Another aspect of the book I love is that the chapters are short. Often, I only have a few minutes to spare so I can get through at least a chapter or two.

The book's highlight for me is the banter between Pancho and Drew Tulafono, his office pal and chief investigator. If only every working relationship were this cool, we’d have no workplace issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the two of them numerous times.

Usually, I prefer to read book series in order, but I’d already picked this up before realizing it was well into the series. The thing is, it works as a standalone novel. The protagonist reminisces about the past just enough to fill in any gaps. Once again, the author demonstrates his skill.

One significant benefit of reading a book well into an author’s career is the minimal errors. I counted one only.

After reading just one book, I’m an instant fan of David Myles Robinson and plan to binge-read the entire series and his other novels.

There’s absolutely nothing for me to fault about Tropical Scandal, and it’s with glee that I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. The storyline, character development, realistic dialogue, short chapters, and exceptional editing make this my favorite read of 2024 so far. I recommend this book to lovers of courtroom dramas.

******
Tropical Scandal
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I like a book that has, as part of its plot, good descriptions of the part of the world that the story is taking place in. I always feel that, not only did I read a good book, but I went on a vacation trip as well. The short chapters combined with a page-turning plot make this a book I definitely want to spend time reading. Thanks for this great review. I am sold on this book and its author.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

It is a good thing when books in a series can be read as standalones. Maybe you missed some of the previous character development, but you can still appreciate the full potential of this book. Great review!

The author cleverly referred back to things in the previous books so I didn't feel like I'd missed anything. I do want to go back and read them from the start but unfortunately the first book in the series is really expensive for an ebook