The Black Pearl

It’s Hawaii. It’s hot. It’s sunny. It’s a little bit wild. It’s also 1939, on the eve of the greatest war in history, at what would become the epicenter of the earthquake that shook America to its feet and brought it into the war. This story, however, is about the characters inside the place, the tourists and the residents. Max Frazier is a very private detective. Charlotte is an officer’s wife. Tober is a police chief’s deputy. All of them are involved in a drama surrounding some very valuable missing jewelry.

Moore is a classic style writer with a lot of respect for his characters. Despite the fact that the book is written as a largely first person work, from the perspective of Max Frazier, each of the characters receives a very in-depth and intimate treatment. Coupled with the remarkable character development is a flowing and easy to follow storyline.

Bidwell Moore’s work The Black Pearl reveals the tantalizing and humid world of 1930’s Hawaii in a way that respects its subject and respects its readers. It’s a quick read for anyone, not because of its length, but because it’s hard to put down. For anyone looking for a mystery, a bit of history, or just plain entertainment, this definitely belongs on your coffee table.