Hirahara, Naomi: - Naomi Hirahara is the Edgar-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series, including Gasa Gasa Girl, Summer of the Big Bachi, Snakeskin Shamesin, and Blood Hina. She is also the author of the new series of L.A.-based Ellie Rush mysteries, published by Penguin. Her Mas Arai books have earned such honors as the Chicago Tribune's Ten Best Mysteries and Thrillers and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. The Stanford University alumna was born and raised in Altadena, CA, where her protagonist lives; she now resides in the adjacent town of Pasadena, CA.