He Huli ʻUlaʻula: A Study in Scarlet

Set in Hawaiʻi of the Monarchy era, this Holmesian pastiche follows the adventures of Kamaka Holmes, distant cousin to the famed detective. Her cousin, Fevronia Watkins, takes the role of Dr. John Watson. I shall let her open the story in her own voice:

I was born in 1872, in Worcester, Massachusetts in the fair hills and glens of New England. Our farm was somewhat secluded from the town, and my mother wished me to remain by her side, so I did not attend school. Rather, I was educated at home, My reading was varied, and ranged from the Bible to Alexander Pope. My parents were strongly liberal in their ideas, and supported emancipation and suffrage for all.

My Father, Jonathan Bearnard Watkins, had been born in Worcester some thirty years before my own arrival, and it was his family's farm to which he had brought his bride, my mother. Born Cairisti na Muire Holmes, she traveled across the Atlantic Ocean with him to embark on this new life. They had met while he was on holiday in Scotland, and his parents are said to have been much surprised at her arrival. They were able to enjoy a long honeymoon, as my own arrival was some years later.

In the year 1884, both of my parents died of consumption. Those few relatives I had in New England were burdened with troubles of their own, and had no wherewithal to spend on an orphan such as myself, nor did they wish to be in contact with one who had had close association with such a dread disease.

It was determined that my little inheritance should be used to book passage for me to the Hawaiian Islands where my Mother's Brother should assume my maintenance. This was deemed especially appropriate as his wife had died two years before, and he had a girl near in age to myself. It was thought that we two girls should be companions and comfort each other in our mutual maternal losses.

This girl, Lydia Kamakaʻimiʻike Kāwau Holmes, my own cousin, became my dearest friend. Herein I offer my chronicles of her life and adventures.

As an educator in Hawaiian history, culture, and arts, I am always seeking fun and interesting ways to teach. The late monarchy era of Hawaiʻi was a time of rapid change, and understanding it helps bring understanding of modern Hawaiʻi.

The series begins in New England and Hawaiʻi of the late 1800s and is based on extensive research of the place and era. It follows our characters as they grow up, leave their islands for advanced education, serve in two world wars, and return to their islands.

Historical persons are written with fidelity to historical documentation

Main characters are largely based on members of my own family from current and past generations

Supporting characters are based on family friends from the same eras

This book appeals to those who love Holmes, history, pastiche, mystery, Hawaiʻi, and dynamic young women. Readership ranges from middle schoolers through retirees.

Research notes, educational aids, and other materials may be found in my Patreon page, patreon.com/TheAdventuresOf.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] for information on educational rates, special programs, presentations (in person and via Zoom), and activities