Ukeleles Undercover

My friend and fellow middle grade author, Cheryl Linn Martin, has released her third book in the Hawaiian Island Detective Series. Ukeleles Undercover continues the adventures of Leilani, Maile, and Sam as they solve mysteries near their home in Hawaii. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of this fun book.

Today, we’re going to interview the two new characters in Ukeleles Undercover. First, we’ll talk with Mr. Edwards.

Mr. Edwards, how are you connected with the kids of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club?

I’m a math teacher at the school. Leilani, Maile and Brandon are in my class. Through them I met Sam. And Kimo . . . well, he’s an amazing kid and my daughter, Abby, adores him. She and Kimo are in the same ukulele class. ’Course Kimo is annoyed by her constant attention. (Mr. Edwards chuckles) I think Leilani finds it amusing—kind of payback for all the annoying stuff Kimo does to her.

I hear the kids call you “Mean Mr. Edwards.”

(He laughs and shakes his head) I figure any good teacher has high expectations of his students. But I also try to temper that with encouragement and praise. Leilani sees that “mean” side more often than she’d like.

About Leilani, she’s pretty good at math, huh?

Yes, she is. That’s why my expectations of her are really high. I even invited her to participate in the Math Masters Club, and she’s doing quite well. Can’t wait for the first competition to see her shine. I know Olivia will be very proud of her.

Olivia? Oh, yes! I heard there was something going on between you and Leilani’s mom.

(Mr. Edwards’ cheeks turn red) Olivia is a wonderful woman and she’s done a great job with Leilani and Kimo, especially during this past year after her husband’s death.

How do Leilani and Kimo feel about you and their mom spending time together?

Kimo seems fine. He’s more worried about having Abby hanging around. (Mr. Edwards sighs) Leilani is definitely having a difficult time. She feels I’m trying to replace her dad . . . and that her mom doesn’t love her dad anymore.

That’s a tough thing.

Yeah, but Olivia is amazing. She’s taking her time with our relationship and spending time reassuring Leilani of her dad’s place in her heart forever. No one will ever replace him, but someday someone will add something different and meaningful to her heart.

(I grin) Thanks for visiting, Mr. Edwards. Good luck with all those crazy connections you and Abby have with the Akamai family.

Now, let’s hear from Brandon:

Brandon, how did you end up involved with The Hawaiian Island Detective Club?

I met Leilani in math class and then discovered that she lived just down the street from me. Leilani got me involved in some mystery thing happening at the music school, but I totally do not like spying and investigating. I’m a surfer guy and I like cars, too, just like Sam. He’s a pretty cool guy. ‘Course Maile and Leilani think Sam’s belching is annoying, but I think it’s pretty cool and wish I had that skill.

So, if you don’t like mysteries, were you able to help Leilani, Maile, Sam and Kimo catch the culprit at all?

(Brandon groans) Yeah, I did volunteer to help Leilani a little, but never again! It ended in disaster.

Hmm . . . that’s not what I heard.

Well, I guess it’s how you look at it. Believe me—I won’t be doing any more snooping or going on any stake-outs again.

(Brandon sighs) ’Course it may not be so easy if I’m hanging out with Leilani. She’s way into this detective stuff.

Oh! So you and Leilani are hanging out, huh?

Uh . . . (Brandon’s face turns bright red) Sometimes we go surfing . . . and maybe get some shave-ice.

You’re new to the island, right?

Yup. Just moved here from Oregon. My mom got totally burned out on all the foul weather there. She wanted lots more sunshine.

I didn’t know they surfed in Oregon.

They do, but you have to wear a wetsuit most of the year. I have a bunch of friends in California so I visited them a lot to ride some great waves and work on my skills.

Thanks for visiting, Brandon, and I hope we’ll hear more from you—maybe even see you involved in another mystery!

Yeah, right! (Brandon waves me off, and I chuckle)