Review for Twisted Vine by Toby Neal

Title: Twisted Vine

Author: Toby Neal

Publisher: Mythic Island Press

Genre: Suspense/Crime/Contemporary

Publication date: July 16, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-9891489-2-4

ASIN: B00DZZ2KYG

Length: 241 pgs

Print length: 300 pgs

Book Series and number: A Lei Crime Novel # 5

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: No Heat

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, No Heat

The island of Oahu is skyscrapers and rainforests, beaches and boutiques—but Special Agent Lei Texeira is drawn into a shadow world connected by death and the Internet.

Mysterious suicides draw Lei and her team, including tech specialist Sophie Ang, to hunt a criminal who plays with the thin gray line between right and wrong. Lei stirs up a hornet’s nest on the investigation as her past reaches out in a twisted vine of old loves, new technologies and dark vendettas.

“Toby Neal scores a royal flush in this fifth of an unmissable crime series for mystery fans!” J.C. Martin, author of Oracle

My Review:

Once again, Toby Neal has written a book that grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the end. Even after I finished the story, the characters and plot bounce around in my head.

For the first time, Ms. Neal doesn't give the reader a list of possible suspects in the murders of the terminally ill victims. Kudos for writing a novel with such a unique story line that not only touches the readers but the characters too.

The FBI is called in when a series of suicides turn out to be murders instead. With the help of their information technology specialist, Sophie Ang, they find a common thread between the victims. An online site called DyingFriends. Determined to find who's running the site, Sophie creates a profile and delves into the world of the terminally ill. It was really nice to learn more about what makes Sophie tick. And that despite the fact she is very complicated and keeps mostly to herself, there's more to her.

Lei and her partner Ken Yamado interview several people who are very active on the site. Their stories and pain touch a place in Lei and Ken's hearts. The tears flowed several times while I read about Betty, Robert, Mr. Woo's plight and their decisions to take matters into their own hands.

Ms. Neal has penned another fantastic read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end when the mastermind is revealed. So hang on to your hats as you embark on another journey into the life of Lei Texeira and her friends. You're in for a wild ride!

Buy Links:

Amazon: Twisted Vine (Lei Crime Series)

Paperback: Twisted Vine a Lei Crime Novel

Review for Stolen In Paradise by Toby Neal

Title: Stolen In Paradise

Author: Toby Neal

Publisher: Mythic Island Press LLC

Genre: Suspense/Crime

Publication date:

ISBN: 978-0-9891489-0-0

ASIN:B00CBAIBX0

Length: 244 pgs

Book Series and number: A Lei Crime Companion Novel #1

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: Warm

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, Warm

Blurb:

One betta fish, two dead biologists, three trysts, four suspects and thirty-five pairs of shoes add up to complicated days in paradise for Special Agent Marcella Scott.

Marcella gets into sand way over her Manolos investigating the death of a prominent scientist washed up on a Waikiki beach with a bullet hole between the eyes. BioGreen, a genetically-engineered algae that could solve the world fuel crisis, has been stolen from the development lab—a hotbed of intrigue where everyone on the project has something to hide.
Marcella also has a secret vice, more dangerous than expensive shoes—and it leads her into arms that are too close for comfort.

“Toby Neal’s usual breathless suspense plus Agent Marcella Scott’s sexiness feed this reader’s addiction!” Noelle Pierce, author of upcoming Constellation Series

My Review:

I'm really glad Ms. Neal wrote these companion novels. It gives the reader a little more insight into a secondary character that usually isn't seen. Stolen In Paradise is a fantastic read that fills in a lot of the blanks for me.

Marcella is a work-a-holic, so she doesn't have much time for relationships. She's more of a one night stand type of girl. She runs into a local cop while working on a high profile murder case, and he makes her heart go pitter-pat.

Ms. Neal creates a lot of sexual tension between Marcella and Marcus Kamuela that makes the pages sizzle. I believe Marcus is the man who can tame Marcella into a serious relationship.

There are several people who are prime suspects in the murder of biologist, Dr. Trudy Pettigrew. Just when I thought I could figure out who the murdered was, Ms. Neal shifts gears and throws me for a loop. I'm never able to figure out who the guilty ones are until they are revealed in the story.

A lot of action and surprises makes this story a real page-turner and unable to put down.

Stolen In Paradise can be read after Broken Ferns for the most enjoyment. If you like suspense, the Lei Crime series is for you.

Buy Links:

Amazon: Stolen in Paradise (A Lei Crime Companion Novel)

~~Review for Black Jasmine by Toby Neal~~

Title: Black Jasmine

Author: Toby Neal

Publisher: Toby Neal

Genre: Crime/Mystery/Suspense/Contemporary

Publication date: November 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-9839524-6-6

Length: 274 pgs

Book Series and number: A Lei Crime Novel book 3

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: Warm

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, Warm

Blurb:

The island of Maui is turquoise ocean, stunning vistas, and whalesong—but organized crime has a hidden hold, and Detective Lei Texeira tracks evil that hides behind a beautiful face.

Lei and Stevens find a haven on Maui—until their new life as a couple is interrupted by murder. When a nameless teenage girl dies in an apparent vehicular suicide, Lei can’t rest until she finds out what really happened. She blazes through all the wealth and poverty of island society in her quest for justice, rousing a deadly foe—even as she faces the personal demons of commitment and revenge that threaten the only real love she’s ever known.

Black Jasmine by Toby Neal is another great page turner with some unforeseen twists.

The action is fast paced and the characters as always are well written with depth and dimension.

Ms. Neal's writing is so descriptive that I believed that I was in Hawaii feeling the breezes in my hair. She gives just enough insight into the people and culture, the sights of the islands that allows the reader to transport themselves into the pages of the book.

Michael is very patient with Lei and all of her problems, he loves her deeply and it shows in everything he does for her. Although there are times I believe that he gets frustrated with Lei's inability to move past certain obstacles.

Lei is strong willed and a survivor but sometimes her past comes back to haunt her. I admire Lei's determination. I wish she could get over her commitment issues and be happy with Michael. I think he's very good for her. Lei is still jumping first and looking later in her cases, she has learned to trust her gut feelings which makes her methods a little unorthodox but in the end she always gets the bad guy.

Lei and Michael go on a roller coaster ride that starts out with trying to bust a cock fighting ring, to trying to find out who is trafficking people. And if that isn't enough, someone is trying to kill Lei.

Ms Neal's secondary characters compliment the story well and help it move forward.

I had one 'aha' moment that didn't last long as Ms. Neal surprised me again with another curve in the plot. I was very surprised by the ending and I applaud Ms. Neal for making the reader think. The Lei Crime series is a must read series for any reader who likes a lot of action with surprises thrown into the mix. And remember just because a place is beautiful and tranquil like Hawaii, danger and ugliness can lurk in the background.

Buy Links:

Amazon:  Black Jasmine (Lei Crime Series)
Paperback:  Black Jasmine

~~Review for Torch Ginger by Toby Neal~~

Title: Torch Ginger
Author: Toby Neal
Publisher: Toby Neal 
Genre: Crime/Mystery/Suspense/Romance/Contemporary
Publication date: July 12, 2012
ISBN: 0-983952-44-2
Pages: 247
Series: Lei Crime Series, Book 2
Reviewer: Julianne


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews LLC
5, No heat 


Torch Ginger also earned a Reviewer's Choice Award

Lei Texeira transfers to the island of Kaua'i as a detective with the Kaua'i Police Department, because she needs to move on with her life after calling off her engagement to Michael Stevens. Among the lush jungle landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a culture steeped in tradition, Lei is once again pitted against an evil that is hard to comprehend.

Lei and her partner, Jack Jenkins, are investigating a series of break-ins at homes owned by Paradise Realty. A distraught woman contacts Lei about her missing boyfriend who has traveled to the beautiful island to find himself. As the two detectives delve into the man's disappearance, they uncover a meth lab and other people who have gone missing. It seems someone is taking people from the hippie population.

Lei meets the charming Alika Wolcott, who is also a real estate magnate. Lei finds herself attracted to Alika, but she can't seem to get her ex-fiance out of her mind.


Toby Neal has done it again! Torch Ginger, the second in the Lei Crime series, takes Lei on a merry chase of crime, murder, missing people, drugs, and a bizarre cult. Ms. Neal writes with such flair and finesse, bringing her characters to life. I felt as if I was right in the book, following along watching all the drama unfold. She weaves a story of deep emotions, intrigue, mystery, and a little bit of fun. The secondary characters are also mysterious, colorful and add so much to the overall story. As each new character was introduced, my mind went into overtime trying to figure if he or she was the one doing the killing.

Lei is such a kick-butt woman that it's almost too much to think of her as being somewhat vulnerable. Ms. Neal is able to get that vulnerability across with flying colors. As Lei and Alika's relationship progressed, I wasn't sure who I really wanted her to be with. I thought both Alika and Michael were sexy, hot men and would be good for Lei. Michael seemed like he was less likely to be able to let Lei go; he was still trying to get back together. Alika was a playboy and enjoyed living life. I so enjoyed Jack's character, he was so much fun and I really hope that some day he will get his own book and be happy.

The suspects in Torch Ginger were written so well that it was truly difficult to solve who the killer was. I really enjoyed reading Torch Ginger as much as I did book one, Blood Orchids. If Ms. Neal were to write 50 books in this series, I would happily read them all. If you like a good suspenseful plot, laced with some twists and turns, this book is for you.

Buy Links:
Amazon:  Torch Ginger (Lei Crime Series) 
Paperback:  Torch Ginger

~~Review for Blood Orchids by Toby Neal~~

Title: Blood Orchids
Author: Toby Neal
Publisher: Toby Neal 
Genre:  Crime/ Mystery/ Romance/ Contemporary
Publication date: November 27, 2011
ISBN: 0-983952-41-1
Pages: 314
Series:  A Lei Crime Novel, Book 1
Reviewer: Julianne


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews LLC
4 1/2 kisses, 1/2 pepper implied rape, implied romance

Leilani Texeira has had to overcome a lot of obstacles from her past, but she persevered and is a cop on the Hilo Police Department. While she is on patrol, Lei finds two dead teenage girls who appear to have been murdered. And one of the girls, Lei recently busted for drugs. Lei wants to solve this case and becomes obsessed with finding justice for the girls. Lei's friend Mary has also been kidnapped and murdered. Are the two related or separate cases?

Lei is also being stalked. But among all this, Lei feels herself falling for Michael Stevens who has been helping with the case. The killer is closing in and closer than Lei can imagine, but she is determined to solve it. Will Lei be able to catch the killer before the killer catches her?

I normally don't read murder/suspense books; I just don't like graphic details that would make me shudder. I was very leery of starting Blood Orchids, but I quickly found out it wasn't what I expected. Blood Orchids, the first Lei Crime Novel in a series by Toby Neal knocked my socks off. When I wasn't reading the book, I couldn't wait to get back to it—I was that caught up in the story. Ms. Neal’s descriptive writing kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.

All of the characters were very three dimensional and so well written that I felt like I was part of the book. Lei was a great heroine, strong willed and determined, but also with a vulnerable side that was believable. I really admired Lei's strength and liked that she wasn't a whiny, self-centered person. Michael was a little bit more of a secret. He had his own skeletons in his closet to overcome. I would have liked just a little bit more insight to Michael.

The killer was very slick and well prepared to keep his identity a secret. Ms. Neal’s ability to create characters for the reader to place suspicion on is fantastic. I was very surprised when the killer was revealed; I never would have guessed who it was. The story flowed well and takes the reader on a wild ride of emotions, twists, turns, and lots of surprises. Blood Orchids is a debut novel for Ms. Neal and it is magnificent. I encourage everyone to read it.

I also gave Blood Orchids a Reviewer's Choice Award.

Links:
Amazon:
Blood Orchids (Lei Crime Series)
Paperback: Blood Orchids
Barnes & Noble