@arjaybe --- I have never been a 'Nix user, but I will comment that I have seen reference in Lifehacker (used to be a great site for tech tips, now more a general e-zine) to using Kindle Previewer in WINE.
https://lifehacker.com/5406505/54065...inux-with-wine
Is that how you were using it? The reason I ask, is that I open MOBI books stored on my hard-drive that I created which have never been through the Amazon system. You should be able to do the same to access the MOBI files you have created.
I don't understand why it gave you such hassles!