Reviews of Retribution
"I always look forward to Robert's Koa Kane books and this one does not disappoint. A vindictive serial killer is targeting people who are important in Koa Kane's life and he is hell bent on stopping him or her before any more damage is done. Another fast, furious and wonderful read."
– It Was A Dark And Stormy Book Club
"Retribution by Robert McCaw is the fifth book in a series about Koa Kane, the chief detective in Hilo, Hawaii. I've read them all, and you're about to read a rave for this author. Retribution is the best and most sophisticated thriller of this series. While he started out with good stories and great characters in the earlier books, it is clear to this reviewer that McCaw just keeps getting better at his craft."
– Men Reading Books
“This is a book that you are going to be frantically flipping the pages to find out what is going to happen. It balances such an enjoyable level of thrill and mystery while reading that you feel a part of the world. ... This is my favorite book in the series so far!”
– Library of Tortuga
"Retribution is a taut, gritty, and pacey read that I very much enjoyed. I recommend the book for readers of crime, mystery, and thrillers, as the book touches all these categories."
– Crime Fiction Critic
“This fifth book in the Koa Kane series is quite the emotional rollercoaster. It starts off strong, and never lets up, to the point where if you’re a fan of the series, there are some heartbreaking things that take place, but a satisfying ending (in terms of some deaths) makes up for everything. This is the best book yet in the series.”
– Red Carpet Crash
Retribution is everything you want in a thriller. Another great addition to a compelling new series!
—Ward Larsen, USA Today best-selling author of Deep Fake
"Propulsive And Explosive. … Very much recommended.”
Book Anon Blog
"McCaw does a nice job with a complex plot. Koa is not a flawless hero but one who struggles with his own dark, dirty secret. Guilt rears it’s ugly head at the least convenient moment. Office politics go disturbing violent and Koa is pressed to find answers before anyone else dies. I like this series and the Hawaiian history that it incorporates.”
– William Bentrim
“Robert McCaw brings you Hawaii in the way that C. J. Box delivers Montana. Fast-paced and engaging, "As usual, McCaw weaves a complex plot which includes hikers and campsites, beaches and pilot boats, diplomats and terrorists, disguises and false identities, helicopters and underground hideaways, biologists and bartenders, among devices. Readers will find it hard to put down.”
– English Plus
“One of my favorite books in the series, this one is a real roller coaster!”
– Bless Their Hearts, Mom
“Its strong investigative elements help it shine.”
– Mostly Mysteries
"Lies, fears, betrayals, and cold-blooded murders as a killer will stop at nothing until he gets his goal: Retribution. Author Robert McCaw once again takes us into the heart of Koa as he brilliantly plots a novel that is true to life, well-researched, and a must-read.”
– Fran Lewis - Just Reviews
"As a huge fan of this series, I certainly hope that, in the near future, this book gets picked up for a TV/Movie rights. Apart from the scenic setting, there’s mystery to keep one guessing till the end, likable characters and very impressive character development. Koa has a dark and secretive past, but he’s made amends by going on the right path. … If you are looking for an engrossing, unique and one of a kind, riveting page turner, I recommend you to give Retribution by Robert McCaw a try. I don’t mind repeating myself here – read the whole series; you can thank me later.”
– Book Decoder
"Retribution by Robert McCaw a Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery Book 5. A very twisted narrative of deceit within the Hilo Police Department. International intrigue and espionage are woven into this tale with the culprit’s true identity carefully camouflaged. Cliques within law enforcement make solving crimes a personality test.”
— Rosepoint Pub
"Read it. I could, seriously, hardly put it down. It has so many twists and turns that you begin to wonder who is the perp.”
— Book Pleasures
“I think that I enjoyed Retribution the most of all the McCaw novels I have read, and I believe this is because the plot moves quickly and Koa Kane moves just as quickly to get to the heart of the situation.”
— Cyberlibrarian
"Readers will love whatever book of this series they pick up. As you ride around Hawaii with Detective Kane you will thoroughly enjoy the trip.....and you don't have to pack or anything. Just grab a snack and beverage, sit back on your couch or in your gazebo and let McCaw be your tour guide. You will be happy for the pleasant distraction."
— Cozy Mystery
“Kāne is a great character and I love the atmosphere of Hawaii in this series.”
— Subakka.bookstuff
“All I can say is wow! What a book. This is a police procedural that grabs you from the first page and does not let go until the very end.”
– Views on Books
Reviews of Treachery Times Two
"What McCaw has done with his superior plotting is enough to keep readers’ heads spinning long into the night.”
— Book Reporter
“McCaw ably blends police procedural, espionage thriller, and guilt-ridden personal saga. Readers will look forward to Koa’s further adventures.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Another attention-holding adventure”
— Ready, Set, Read
"This book has the perfect mix of culture and suspense-filled mystery. ”Treachery Times Two” is a wild ride that feels like you are sleuthing alongside Koa. It is easy to be immersed into the Hawaiian culture, language, traditions, scenery and smell of this beautiful place, Mr. McCaw does amazing work bringing all this to life with vivid imagery.”
— Toni Osborne’s Corner
"McCaw does a fantastic job with his writing of using the setting of Hawaii to his advantage…A well-crafted mystery”
— The Nerdy Girl Express
"Overall truly an excellent book of its type, one that shows a great layering of plot and characterizations in order to show just how complex we all are – even when we look like we’re not. Very much recommended.”
— Book Anon
"Robert McCaw builds suspense in this multi-layered plot by keeping the tension taut and adding the thrill of exploring an unforgiving landscape in the search for the killer...A rare find, I’d call this a culturally enriched thriller for the picturesque descriptions of Hawaii, its people, their history and traditions. That it comes with a nail-biting mystery is a double bonus."
— Aquamarine Flavours
"The beautiful descriptions of Hawaii, and the engaging characters, especially Koa, drive this series. The mysteries would each read well as a stand-alone, but the whole series is worth checking out.”
— Books I Think You Should Read
"Koa Kane Mystery series is one of my all-time favorite detective series. Treachery Times Two is another fantastic addition to the series. Excellent storytelling, perfectly-portrayed characters and, not one but two mysteries to keep one guessing till the end...I absolutely loved every bit of this story.”
— The Book Decoder
"Another solid Koa Kane novel from author Robert McCaw. A well-written adventure, with lots of twists and turns, keeps the reader on edge throughout the novel. Book four is as good as book one."
— Red Carpet Crash
"I so enjoyed getting lost in this book and read it ravenously. It also made me really want to go back and read the first three books in the series. Highly recommend!"
— Lil Red’s Book Club
"Even better than its prequels, Treachery Times Two brings everything you’ve come to love about the Koa Kāne series – mystery, culture, and characterization – and ups the ante.”
— The Book Review Station
"I have had the pleasure of reading, I think, all of the books in McCaw’s series with Detective Koa Kane. I have loved reading and reviewing them. He has a wonderful way or making the readers feel as if the are part of the story. I enjoyed it immensely and believe you will too."
— Bookpleasures
"As its title suggests, Treachery Times Two is a riveting, double-edged mystery. Whether you enjoy good, old-fashioned police work or a moral tale of right and wrong, this one’s got it all.”
— Story By G. Robert Frazier
“Author Robert McCaw has created another winning novel…If you are a lover of murder mysteries, put this author and this series on your reading queue."
— Men Reading Books
"Robert McCaw has hooked us with his Koa Kāne novels. Treachery Times Two is the fourth in the series starring our native Hawaiian police detective. This may be the best one yet. This tale keeps the reader guessing with surprises to the very end. As with many detective stories, there are clues that readers may overlook, and there are few throwaway lines in this adventure."
— English Plus
Reviews of Death of a Messenger
"A tautly paced, impressively accomplished police procedural marking the beginning of a promising mystery series.”
— Kirkus Reviews
"Death of a Messenger is full of tension and history which should appeal to not only fans of murder mystery and police procedural but also fans of authors such as Preston & Child will eat up!"
— Criminal Element
"Death of a Messenger is an engrossing and mind-blowing police procedural. I highly recommend mystery lovers to give this book a read – you won’t be disappointed.”
— The Book Decoder
"There were plenty of red herrings, quite a few dubious characters who could have been the murderer and I liked trying to work out who it could be. I was incorrect but the ending worked perfectly."
— Steph’s Book Blog
"The story is complex and twisty, and will keep you guessing… a brilliant whodunnit mystery with plenty of twists and fantastic characters. "
— Curled Up with a Good Book
"You do not have to read all the books in the series to enjoy McCaw’s work, but this one is the best. It unveils how Kane got his beginnings. Perhaps this is my favorite thus far because I am a fan of archaeology, the military, and law enforcement. To put them all in one detailed suspenseful case? Bravo!"
— Momma Fargo
"This highly riveting police procedural mystery has everything: relatable characters, Hawaiian terms and language, all explained, as well as interesting history that involves the murder case...“Death of a Messenger,” a noteworthy murder mystery that showcases both the beauty and dark side of Hawaii, is recommended for fans of the genre who also appreciate learning about Hawaii’s history and archaeology."
— SA Examiner
“[Death of a Messenger] is another thrill ride on the island of Hawaii. Author Robert McCaw tops his first two novels, in a story based on the history of Hawaii and has a great climax to the story. Readers won’t be able to put the book down."
— Red Carpet Crash
"This was a book that drew me in and captured my attention, and I raced to get to the end. Very tensely done, and I look forward to future books featuring Koa Kane."
— Girl Who Reads
"The setting of the book is beautifully crafted by McCaw. There are a wealth of characters that somehow does not become confusing. The plot is intricate and the ending is carefully hidden in the weeds. I enjoyed the book and Koa’s implacable tenacity.”
— Pick of the Literate
"Anyone who likes mystery, learning about new places, and suspense will enjoy this Koa Kāne story...The leading character in the series is a relatable, likable, and kind-hearted person, with enough shades of gray to make you want to follow his story."
— The Book Review Station
“A master cover-up that promises to end spectacularly."
— A Girl and Her Book Reviews
"This riveting and immersive fast-paced read was such a joy to read for all the fun twists, a story set within a rich historical background, and plotting so tautly plotted to perfection."
— Nurse Bookie
"If you’re looking for a good mystery set in an unusual setting, this is your book! Koa Kane pieces together the clues and hands you a fulfilled mystery. With topics of astronomy to archaeology, this mystery is full of intriguing topics, twists, and turns."
— If Cats Could Read
"That backdrop and range of topics makes a decent plot even better. Without spoiling anything, what appears to be a fairly typical thriller plot turns out to be satisfyingly complex, and blends well with the various unique elements of this novel."
— The Crime Review
“The web [McCaw] weaves is masterful.”
— Reading for a Moment
"Trying to discern who were the good guys and who were the bad guys was consuming and kept the pages turning in a race to get to the dramatic ending. This series would be easy to recommend to any reader who enjoys stories about Hawaii or police procedurals. I look forward to more books being released in this series.”
— Books I Think You Should Read
"McCaw creates great mysteries that keep you guessing and his work on [Death of a Messenger] showcases Koa Kane’s start and how he came to be the detective we have seen in Fire and Vengeance and Off the Grid...a mystery that is full of twists and turns and fully immerses you in the beauty of the islands, with a curious dark edge."
— The Nerdy Girl Express
"I enjoyed this police procedural set on the big island of Hawai'i quite a bit. I find the main character, Detective Koa Kane, intriguing and look forward to reading more of the series while learning more about the Hawai'ian culture!"
— Christina Marie Reads
"Death of a Messenger is another Koa Kāne thriller. It has a wild, yet believable plot, with the backdrop of the exotic island culture, and a distinctive professional subculture of astronomers. McCaw has done it again! Enjoy!"
— English Plus
Reviews of Fire and Vengeance
"Fire and Vengeance is a treat as well as a learning experience about a different culture. The time spent immersed in the Hawaiian way of life ended up being well worth it, and the culture was practically another character in the story. Fire and Vengeance is hard to put down once things started rolling, and the result is an immensely satisfying thriller.”
— Criminal Element
"McCaw has again cooked up a tasty stew with ingredients from a mix of staples from the crimefiction pantry…makes for fine reading.”
—Booklist
"Interesting local details and a crackling pace”
—Kirkus Reviews
"This story kept my attention and I loved getting to know the characters. It was fast paced with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Read it. Enjoy it. I did."
— Bookpleasures
"Fire and Vengeance is a meticulous mystery. In [this] winding thriller, a conflicted cop wrangles a conspiracy and a family emergency."
— Foreword Reviews
"Koa becomes entangled in a sticky web of deceit as he uncovers a conspiracy that dates back decades.”
—Publishers Weekly
"If you’re into crime mysteries, especially those that take place in exotic locations with interesting characters and interesting back stories, you should check this out.”
— Reading for Sanity
“One of the best mysteries of the year...both realistic and compelling."
— Midwest Book Review
“One of the best mysteries of the year."
— Mysteries Galore
"A highly addictive plot, phenomenal characterization, a hook that immediately places the reader in the story, and easily relatable storyline, and education of living on a volcano and Hawaii all excel in Fire and Vengeance."
— Bestsellers World
“[A] plot-driven mystery that gets bigger and bigger. And to solve what prove to be multiple crimes requires a lot of ingenuity and plotting on the part of the Hawaii police. Yes, Fire and Vengeance is ingenious and igneous fun."
—English Plus
"I think that Robert McCaw is going to go far in the publishing arena. This book had a very complex plot and plenty of action...I really enjoyed the book and recommend it.”
— Pick of the Literate
"I raved about the second book, Off the Grid, and this one is equally gripping...Now, I’ll go back and pick up McCaw’s first book in the series, Death of a Messenger."
― Men Reading Books
"Needless to say, this is fun fast read that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat the whole way."
― TracyReaderDad
“Will keep you on the edge of your seat. McCaw has done a great job of crafting a story that will keep you guessing and wondering what will happen until the very end.”
—The Nerdy Girl Express
"This is an excellent novel from start to finish. I loved the layers to this story, I could never had envisioned the ending but it was perfect for this novel. This is a definite must read – take advantage of this downtime and pick up a copy of this book, you will not be disappointed.”
—Working Mommy Journal
"This is going to come down as one of my favorite detective stories and I am a fan of Robert McCaw's intense writing that kept me up for way too late and immersed me into this amazing story line full of drama, suspense and the thrill of the hunt. I highly recommend this book!”
—Nurse Bookie
"Well written with a steady pace so that you can digest each step, it is a brilliant but heartbreaking story.”
—Sue Hampson, Books From Dusk Til Dawn
"Fire and Vengeance is an unputdownable and riveting mystery….one of the best books I read in 2020.”
—The Book Decoder
"This is a thriller full of tension and drama, it’s a slow burn which builds to make a thoroughly engrossing, edge of your seat read.”
— The Bookwormery
"Instantly captivating, Fire and Vengeance begins by throwing the reader straight into the action and throughout the novel there is not a lag in any of it.”
— Read the Week
"I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who likes police procedurals. It will give you one heck of a ride.”
— JenJen Reviews
"It is a fascinating read, with the action flowing effortlessly through the pages, aided in part by down to earth dialogue...This page turner is the perfect summer read – pack it in your beach bag.”
— SA Examiner
"I haven’t read a lot of books set in Hawaii or focusing on volcanic activity; I found both fascinating, and McCaw’s descriptions intrigued me and held my attention throughout. The characters were a great mix of personalities, quirks, and foibles. Good or bad, they were presented warts and all, and I enjoyed the detail because it really brought the story to life for me.”
— All Things Jill-Elizabeth
“If you’re looking for a page-turner to keep you up at night, then look no further.”
— Hasty Book List
"If you favor true parallels to the real world, grit, action, and page turning stories with plot twists laid out in a well written mystery, then look no further."
—The Boogie Man Is My Friend
“[An] intricate, woven tale of mystery and suspense.”
— The Book Review Station
"This one will keep you turning pages long into the night! It's like a vacation from your stay-cation! Don't miss it!"
—Bless Their Hearts Mom
"Another great thrilling Hawaiian novel with a great character in Koa, a man with a heart of gold, who tries to do what’s right by people. The story starts off strong and is a great ride until the climactic ending."
— Red Carpet Crash
"In Fire and Vengeance, the author has provided a well-structured plot that wasn’t too outlandish, a good pace to the story, and, most importantly a book that kept me interested.”
— Joyful Antidotes
"Lies, deception and greed as author Robert McCaw creates an ending you will not expect and a twist that will shock you."
— Just Reviews
"Well written with a steady pace so that you can digest each step, it is a brilliant but heartbreaking story."
— Books From Dusk Til Dawn
"I imagined myself on a warm beach enjoying the mystery. Nice job, Mr. McCaw."
— If Cats Could Read
"This is a gritty, fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more about Chief Detective Koa Kane!"
— Kerri McBookNerd
"I couldn’t put the book down! I was at the edge of my seat, wondering what would be revealed next...a well-written, fast-paced book that I think most readers will enjoy."
— Riana Shahid
"Between the current building crime, the college history of several key players, and Koa’s own family, there’s a lot of conflict to resolve and truths to unravel. I’d recommend it for those who like suspense and police procedurals."
— Books I Think You Should Read
"McCaw packs a lot of action and intrigue into this book, and you’ll feel like you’re sleuthing right alongside Koa Kane."
— Read with Aimee
"Fire and Vengeance is a compulsive, satisfying adventure."
— The Cyber Librarian
“A fast-paced thriller with a brilliant cultural background of the Big Island region in the Hawaii...Highly recommended!"
— Rain’n’Books
"Robert McCaw has constructed a tightrope of a novel that stretches the nerves of its readers just as perilously as a rope across Hualālai’s crater."
— A Girl and Her Book Reviews
"This was a fast-paced book and the page-turner I was looking for. The reveal at the end was well presented and the last piece of the jigsaw was surprising and it tied everything together. The characters were richly described and fully dimensional. I look forward to reading more titles in this series."
— The Book Cosy
"[Fire and Vengeance] is truly an excellent story. It can be read independently of the two previous novels, a skill many authors don’t have. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, and settings.”
— Bookpleasures
"This is a well-written, complicated crime story with a marvelous sense of place.”
—Midwest Book Review
Reviews of Off The Grid
“Slices of island history and culture, bursts of volcanology, and descriptions of the island’s lush and singular flora and fauna pad the narrative. Those fascinated by Hawaii will best appreciate this one.”
― Publishers Weekly
“Off the Grid is flush with action and vivid descriptions. This unputdownable book is sure to make a mark in the literary world.”
― New York Journal of Books
“Readers who crave watching a smart cop work in a crackerjack police procedural will find a beauty here.”
— Booklist
"Readers who love a complex hard-boiled detective with flaws and secrets, and depictions of Hawaiʻi’s culture and beauty, will be drawn to Koa Kāne and the mosaic richness of an American paradise. Mahalo."
— BookTrib
"Overall, I’d give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It felt like my own private Hawaiian vacation with lots of adventure, from the safe comfort of my own home."
— Books I Think You Should Read
"Koa is a great character and the story set on the island of Hawaii makes for a great location. The story has quite a few twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged throughout until the climatic ending."
— Red Carpet Crash
"You won't be disappointed...well, except when you finish it. Putting this book down is like missing a best friend. "
—Momma Fargo
"Once McCaw gets into the story it’s like a roller coaster, the story kept me involved... if you’re looking for a new mystery writer give McCaw a read."
— Tea, Chocolate and Books
"It is a solid mystery with plenty of twists right up to the surprise ending. The author cleverly develops the story and the clues into a well-crafted suspense. You’ll enjoy this one."
— Mystery Suspense Reviews
"Need a really good beach read? You can't go wrong with Robert McCaw's new release, Off the Grid. This captivating mystery, set in Hawai'i, will keep you absorbed from first page until the last."
— BookLoons
"This is the perfect summer read for murder mystery lovers and is bound to keep you captivated until the very end."
— The Nerdy Girl Express
"This is a remarkable international thriller plot that will more than satisfy others who love to read this particular genre... Well done, Robert McCaw."
— Crystal Book Reviews
“Off the Grid is an intriguing crime mystery novel with enough plot twists to keep the reader turning pages until its jaw dropping ending... A definite must-read."
— SA Examiner
“Totally unique and as powerful as shoreline tsunami, Off the Grid sends the reader into the outer limits of the criminal mind – and it succeeds. Sizzling like a black and blue steak on the grill this murder mystery sparks its own heat!”
— Champagne Living
"This book checks all the boxes – a great venue in Hawaii’s backcountry which is artistically described, a strong protagonist in Koa Kane, a troubling crime that begs to be uncovered, obstacles to solving the case, bad police supervisors, and a love story. The plot is well told and the character development is excellent. This one gets my strong recommendation."
— Men Reading Books
"Off the Grid is a page turner that is lots of fun to read. The artifice that captures the mastermind behind the plot is worthy of Sherlock Holmes himself. To say any more might spoil the fun."
— English Plus Language Blog
"A great read by a talented author."
— On Reading and Writing
"Dedicated mystery readers will particularly like Off the Grid. Readers in Hawai’i will like reading about their home turf."
— The Cyber Librarian
"A well-plotted mystery with a wide cast of characters and far-reaching connections, with just enough departmental politics to keep Koa feeling like a real person doing a real job."
— The Fiction Addiction
"I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery. Add it to your summer must read list now!"
— Bookpleasures
"If you don’t know McCaw, this crime novel, Off the Grid, is the place to start―grisly murders, smart cops and agents, and a unique sense of place on the island of Hawaii.”
— Pick of the Literate
"If you like police procedural dramas and mysteries, you’ll enjoy Off the Grid."
— Read Yourself Happy
"The ending was absolutely brilliant. The suspense is well-maintained throughout the story. The reader is in for a lot of surprises, especially in the second half of the book. If you like books of the genre mystery and thriller - especially a well-concocted police procedural then I recommend you to read Off the Grid.”
— The Book Decoder
