One Big Itch: A John Spyer Mystery by Sara Williams is a mystery novel set in Honolulu, featuring the detective John Spyer, a native hapa-haole or mixed race, who is haunted by the ghost of Madame Pele, the goddess of the volcano. I found the liberal sprinkling of Hawaiian words throughout the text to be difficult at first, then it led to the authenticity of the story, which incorporates a lot of Hawaiian history and lore. The characters, some with seedy lives, are lively and convincing and the plot thickens all the way to the end. It is a read that is hard to put down and perfect for an Island trip. However, much of the murder plot makes references to the seedy, illicit sexual life of the hidden side of Hawaii. The perversions are not described, but frequently referred to and become important to the plot. The author keeps you reading, and I liked the new magazine type format, which is easy to hold on a plane or in bed and light to pack

Randy Haverhill’s brilliance has led him to the top of his field in Economics, but he has a dark side that has been swept under the table. When he is found shot and stabbed in the doorway of his home, is it the work of a jealous current wife, a disgruntled ex-wife, an academic rival, or is it really his son, Toby, who is actually charged with his father’s murder? Or, has Randy Haverhill’s proclivity for extracurricular activity finally caught up with him?

Enter, John Spyer, ex-Miami-Dade DEA agent who has gone back to his Hawaiian roots as a carefree private investigator who enjoys his vintage Shelby Mustang, a Hula Girl pie from Twice-a-Slice Pizza, an ice cold drambuie and old friendships. When Spyer is hired by Toby’s mother to prove her son’s innocence, Spyer has to weave his way through half-truths, lies and deceits to get to the truth about who killed Randy Haverhill and why.

One Big Itch is set in Honolulu and the surrounding countryside of the exotic island of Hawaii. Sarah Williams offers the reader enticing descriptions of Hawaii, its history, culture and the people who brought it into the modern world. In addition, the author provides the reader with maps of the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Hawaii and Honolulu, including street maps noted with the location of places, both fictional and real, as described in the novel. Also, in the back of the book the reader will find a glossary of Hawaiian terms and a brief guide to understanding the language.

While the magazine format was cumbersome and awkward to read, I found the author’s writing style sophisticated and smooth, her characters entertaining and fully fleshed out, and the story interesting and well plotted. Overall, a very entertaining read. Recommended.

This is a wonderful mystery with a villain you love to hate. The reality that this really can and does happen just makes the book all that more enjoyable. With the holidays coming, this is a great book to bring along, read on the beach or in front of that cozy fire. And then, just check twice that your jewels are all safe away… Ms. Williams has written a few other mysteries. What I enjoy about her books is the detail to location. Lots of rich details about the towns and cities the characters prance through on their adventures and travels. This adds another dimension to the book.

The Serenoa Scandal is a wonderfully complex story that weaves its tale like a warm southern mist through the back woods of a Sm. southern Florida town. The characters are rich and vibrant and at times you feel like you want to just wisper in their ear a word of advise, or scream at them to wake up. The author draws you into the story from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the last slithering words slide across the page.
A must read for any mystery buff and a delightful tale for all.

The Serenoa Scandal is a fascinating blend of murder and mayhem, of love and loss, and human drama played out against a backdrop that ranges from Florida’s cattle ranches to the New York Commodities Exchange. Sara Williams is a gifted writer who writes smoothly, silkily against either background. This is a book you won’t want to put down and when you’ve finished the last page you want more.

Prudy Taylor Board, author of Murder a la Carte, the first in the Recipes for Murder Series.

“A timely novel that says much about Florida politics, big money, and a landscape that supports both sugar and cattle as well as intriguing characters who reflect a portion of Florida’s diverse heritage.”

I have enjoyed all of Sara’s mysteries. This Full Moon Poker Night tale really has an interesting twist at the end. Last story is fascinating and much like the town I live in. Very country. Looking forward to the next read by Sara! Keep them coming. I give it a 5 star for sure.

In her unique and captivating book One Big Itch, Sara Williams introduces readers to the charming “hapa haole” detective John Spyer. With a narrative that is as enthralling as it is entertaining, Williams effectively blends the genre of murder mystery with the essence of Hawaiian culture.

The protagonist, John Spyer, is an engaging character with significant Hawaiian ancestry despite his English name, which brings to the story a distinctive cultural flavor. His portrayal as a former DEA agent grappling with physical limitations adds an air of authenticity to his character and breathes life into the investigative process. Williams allows Spyer to solve the mystery through wit and intuition, rather than relying on brute strength, making the story more intellectually stimulating and relatable.

The plot is intricate and well-structured, revolving around the murder of the promiscuous economist Dr. Randolph “Randy” Haverhill. Williams dives into a complex web of suspects and motives, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the very end. The injection of dark humor, particularly in the character of Haverhill’s first wife Eva, and the nuances of sexual innuendo add depth and make for a more engrossing read.

The setting plays a significant role in the narrative as well. One Big Itch is not merely a murder mystery; it’s a cultural tour de force. Williams’ description of the history, geography, and idiosyncrasies of the Hawaiian Islands is vivid and detailed, painting a picture that is both exotic and intriguing. The author’s clever use of Hawaiian language further immerses the reader in the unique cultural milieu of the islands.

One Big Itch is a delightfully unconventional novel that is perfect for reading on-the-go. The book manages to tell a compelling mystery while providing readers with a glimpse into the enchanting world of Hawaii, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking an escape into a world of murder, mystery, and exotic locales.

In conclusion, One Big Itch is an intriguing murder mystery imbued with Hawaiian cultural richness and humor, presenting a detective story that departs from the traditional narrative while offering an enlightening and delightful read. I recommend this book to all lovers of mysteries and anyone with an interest in experiencing the enchanting culture of Hawaii through the lens of literature.