The daughter of a law professor and a potter, Leslie Karst is the author of the Lefty Award-nominated Sally Solari culinary mysteries, as well as the memoir, Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. Leslie waited tables and sang in a new wave rock band before deciding she was ready for a ""real"" job and ending up at Stanford Law School. It was during her career as a research and appellate attorney in Santa Cruz, California, that she rediscovered her youthful passion for food and cooking, at which point she once again returned to school - this time to earn a degree in culinary arts. Now retired from the law, in addition to writing, Leslie spends her days cooking (and eating!), gardening, cycling, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o'clock. She and her wife and their Jack Russell mix split their time between Hilo, Hawai'i and Santa Cruz, California.
A suspenseful dive into the Hawai'i tourists don't see, introducing engaging protagonist Valerie Corbin and the fascinating, quirky island community she learns to love. And of course there is delicious food! A terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list! * New York Times bestselling author <b>Deborah Crombie</b> * A gorgeous yet deadly setting, a tenacious amateur sleuth, and a real head-scratcher of a mystery. Will leave readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle * New York Times bestselling author <b>Jenn McKinlay</b> * As mysterious as a Hilo rain, fragrant as lychee, melodious as Hawaiian pidgin, and tasty as loco moco, Leslie Karst's Molten Death transports the reader to the best that the Big Island can offer. You won't want to leave! * USA Today bestselling author <b>Naomi Hirahara</b> * With its compelling characters and engaging look at the culture and customs of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Molten Death is a delightfully immersive whodunnit. Fans of well-plotted, suspenseful mysteries with a foodie element will eat this one up! * New York Times bestselling author <b>Kate Carlisle</b> * Leslie Karst's passion and personal connection to Hawai'i shine on every page. She's created a heroine you'll adore and a mystery that's both touching and twisty. I loved it! * USA Today bestselling author <b>Ellen Byron</b> * [A] fascinating look at all things Hawaiian * <b>Kirkus Reviews</b> * A clever premise sets this mystery apart, but it's the chill island vibes, local traditions, and captivating couple, Valerie and Kristen, that will keep readers coming back * Anthony Award finalist <b>Rob Osler</b> * Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven * <b>Publishers Weekly</b> on <b>A Sense for Murder</b> * An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike * <b>Kirkus Reviews</b> on <b>A Sense for Murder</b> * This well-done culinary cozy should win new fans for the ever enterprising Sally * <b>Publishers Weekly</b> on <b>The Fragrance of Death</b> *