Hell-Bent One Man's Crusade to Crush the Hawaiian Mob [Hardcover]

Ryan delivers his second true-crime tale, this time covering 'Hawaii's underworld.'. . .It's an intriguing tale, to be sure. . . .[T]he book (is) gripping and Marsland's search for justice takes him through a twisted landscape. . . .[T]his will likely appeal . . . to Mafia buffs.Journalist and author Ryan recounts the story of a man on a mission to find justice for his sons murder and take down the Honolulu crime syndicate believed to be responsible. The sordid saga begins in 1975 with the shooting death of Chuckers Marsland amid a plague of violence and corruption in Hawaii with gangsters shaking down gambling operations, offing rivals, and partying with Don Ho. Amid those suspected of the murder are Eric Naone, a violent bodyguard, Ronnie Ching, 'thief, pimp, drug dealer, and professional killer,' and Raymond Scanlan, a corrupt ex-cop with a missing service weapon. Enter 'abrasive, aggressive, tough-talking' Charles Marsland, grieving father and civil attorney turned head city prosecutor, who is intent on speaking out about the legal systems 'incompetence, cronyism, [and] outright corruption.' In addition to avenging his sons death, Marsland seeks to prove that local businessman Larry Mehau is the shadowy godfather of the Hawaiian mafia. The book culminates in a trial against the major suspects after a confession by the notoriously deceptive Ching hoping to exchange information on Mehaus criminal activity for a plea bargain. Ryans well-researched account expertly weaves historical fact into an engrossing true crime narrative to present a fascinating piece of Hawaiian history at odds with its idyllic image highlighting the efforts of a truly unsung hero. Agent: Jessica Papin, Dystel & Goderich.A penetrating look at the darker side of a sunny paradise, the book is sure to be appreciated by those with an interest in true crime or simply those looking for a bit of fast-moving adventurous non-fiction. Ryan, ever a journalist, serves up this juicy pineapple of ló$