Picture an American storyteller who weaves Hawaiian legends into gripping mysteries—meet Debra Bokur! With a flair for travel and a knack for suspense, Bokur has carved a unique niche in the literary world through her Dark Paradise Mystery series. Her stories blend the lush landscapes of Hawaii with chilling crimes, captivating readers with every twist.
From her roots as a travel journalist to her rise as an award-winning novelist, Bokur’s journey is as vibrant as the islands she writes about. With over three decades of storytelling, she’s a master at crafting narratives that transport readers to far-off places while keeping their hearts racing.
The Making of Debra Bokur
Debra Bokur’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Holding a BA in Drama from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, she initially explored theater and equestrian sports, training horses in dressage and three-day eventing. Her love for storytelling bloomed through poetry, where she served as poetry editor for the literary journal Many Mountains Moving for over a decade. Bokur’s global travels as a journalist for outlets like National Geographic Traveler and Global Traveler Magazine fueled her fascination with culture and place, particularly Hawaii’s rich lore, which later inspired her novels.
Mentored by bestselling novelist Jack D. Hunter, Bokur honed her craft, blending her poetic sensibility with a journalist’s eye for detail. Her early career saw her penning essays for Celestial Seasonings tea boxes, a whimsical gig that sharpened her ability to craft vivid, concise narratives—a skill that shines in her mysteries.
Debra Bokur’s Unforgettable Stories
Bokur’s Dark Paradise Mystery series, published by Kensington Books, is her crowning achievement. The series follows Detective Kali Māhoe, a cultural anthropologist and Maui police officer who solves crimes steeped in Hawaiian mythology. The Fire Thief (2020) kicks off the series, where a surfer’s mysterious death leads Kali into a web of ancient legends and modern murder. Critics praised its “crackling tension” and “vibrant setting.”
The Bone Field (2021) deepens the series’ atmospheric allure, with Kali investigating a grisly discovery tied to Maui’s past. The Lava Witch (2022) earned a starred Publishers Weekly review, showcasing Bokur’s knack for blending folklore with suspense as Kali probes a murder linked to rumored witches. Bokur’s style is immersive, contrasting Hawaii’s sunlit beaches with its darker undercurrents of poverty and crime, all while weaving in supernatural hints that keep readers guessing.
Beyond novels, Bokur’s poetry and essays reflect her versatility. Her work for Celestial Seasonings and literary journals like Kalliope showcases her ability to evoke emotion in compact forms, while her travel writing captures the soul of places from Iceland to Italy.
Why Debra Bokur Matters
Debra Bokur’s impact lies in her ability to bring Hawaii’s lesser-known facets to life. Her mysteries don’t just entertain—they illuminate the islands’ cultural depth, from ancient myths to modern struggles. By centering a strong female protagonist like Kali Māhoe, Bokur empowers readers with stories of resilience and intuition. Her work bridges genres, appealing to mystery fans, travel enthusiasts, and those drawn to cultural storytelling.
As a rising star, Bokur’s influence is growing. Her awards, including multiple Lowell Thomas Awards for Travel Journalism and the 1996 Frances Buck Sherman Award for Outstanding Woman Poet, underscore her literary prowess. Whether through novels or her ongoing contributions to Global Traveler Magazine, Bokur invites readers to explore the world through her curious, poetic lens.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Fire Thief, The Bone Field, The Lava Witch
- Awards: Multiple Lowell Thomas Awards, Frances Buck Sherman Award
- Fun Fact: Bokur once trained horses professionally!
Snag The Fire Thief and dive into Debra Bokur’s thrilling blend of mystery and Hawaiian lore! Whether you’re a cozy mystery buff or a travel dreamer, her stories will sweep you away.