Susan, our Murder on Maui [murder mystery dinner] was last night, and it was an outstanding success! Just wanted to let you know how much fun we had, and I’m sending a picture of the cast and directors. – Linda Zimmer
THE STORY: This luau fundraiser for the Hawaiian Association of Authentic Leis (HAAL) hosted by Harold Logan can’t help but turn deadly with so many nefarious characters in attendance.
THE PRIMARY SUSPECTS:
Harold (Albert) Logan: The owner of the Pineapple Haven Hotel (it was part of his divorce settlement). His marriage to Stella Capwell was a big mistake but she was filthy rich and he did get this hotel from her and he did get to return to his place of birth. So why is she coming here tonight? He has a feeling he ain’t gonna like the reason.
Bambi Bianca: Harold’s girlfriend, or as she says, fiancée. An ex-con who’s clearly pure white trash and who’ll use anybody and everybody if it works to her advantage. For Harold, she puts the “l” in “lei” so no one better come between her and her man, including his ex.
Stella Capwell: Harold’s miserable and mean ex-wife from NY. She now realizes she was a bit too generous in giving this hotel to Harold. Her accountants have told her it could be a big moneymaker. So she’s back and she has a plan — a plan that sends Harold and anyone associated with him back to the gutter from whence they came.
Mrs. Abigail Wiggins: She claims to be an author and expert on island voodoo (hmm, is Hawaii known for it’s voodoo???). While she’ll gladly contribute to HAAL tonight, she also senses that something evil is going to happen but she just isn’t sure what. She has an interesting connection to Stella.
Donny Wo: A lounge singer. Harold hired him to sing at the luau but only after Donny barraged the man with daily calls and daily appearances. Harold didn’t really want any entertainment – he has a tape deck and cassettes, what more do people want?
Thomas Q. Magnus: A private eye. He and Abigail are chums and he’s here at her request because of her premonitions. And like Abigail, he’s an avid supporter of anything having to do with the preservation of Hawaiian tradition and lore. What turns out to be a bonus of sorts for Thomas is the fact that he’ll get to confront Stella Capwell. She still owes him money for the job he did for her.
Rebel Hanukkaiiaihani: He’s Harold’s business partner. When Harold makes money, Rebel makes money. And vice versa. Nice arrangement. Unless they lose money of course.
Ruth Astoria: Stella’s daughter from her first marriage. A snotty little tramp with a bad, bad, bad attitude. She hates her mother, well, because she’s her overbearing mother. She also has a love/hate relationship with Harold. Tonight may decide which it’ll be: love or hate.
