Primitive Secrets
By Deborah Turrell Atkinson  

     Primitive Secrets takes an interesting look at murder and Hawaiian legend. This book introduces us to Storm Kayama, a new lawyer who has been working with her family's friend Miles Hamaski as a law clerk. She soon becomes wrapped up in Miles' murder, along with a few others. Even when Storm goes to the Big Island to take a weekend vacation, she is mixed up with fear and questions of “why.” Throughout the book, old Hawaiian legends are intertwined, especially when danger approaches.

      It is apparent that Ms. Atkinson has lived in Hawaii and has studied the myths and legends of the mystic Islands. At times, the legends can appear farfetched, especially for the mainland dwellers, but it adds a unique twist to an ordinary mystery. The plot of the murder is realistic and has several characters who could have been the murderer. The story could only take place in island nations where there is a lot of mystic lore. The character development could have been a little bit more in-depth, but the reader still gets a feel of what Storm is going through.

      Again, Primitive Secrets links up business murder and mystic Hawaiian folklore. The legends are well-developed and explained to the reader.