SMALL ISLAND: Cozy Humor Mystery with Cat

Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries #2

by Toby Neal

“This series is my new addiction!”~ Reviewer
Nothing's ever as it seems in Ohia, Maui, especially for me, Kat Smith.

I'm Secret Service, not Postal Service, stuck in the back end of paradise and making the best of it when the grasping plans of a developer threaten to take out our small town. Even the evil post office cat, Tiki, is outraged by the hostile takeover of our “small island.” Meanwhile, someone's out there whacking the bad guys. Literally.
I have to find a way to help, or I might lose the place and people I'm coming to love.
"If you like the MIss Fortune series, you'll love Kat and her clue crew on Maui!" ~Reviewer
"Toby Neal does it again!" ~Reviewer

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Amazon, Romance, Humor

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

About the author

Toby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she eventually settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.”

Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.

Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat used to be a secret service agent until she was demoted and reassigned to run a small Hawaiian post office. She has also found a niche helping the local police. There appears to be some shady dealings with a local development formerly run by a local crook who is now deceased. Kat's determined to find out who killed him, and what's behind the development scheme. She's assisted by not only her semi-feral cat but also some older local women and a handsome pilot.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This next installment of a winning series shows, proof positive, that Ms. Neal knows her craft. Her characters continue to delight and amaze us. Reading Small Island is time well spent. I am sure you will agree. Highly Recommended.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Island by Toby Neal is the 2nd book in the Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries series. Kat Smith, a Secret Service agent who has been posted to Ohia, Maui working at the local post office to lie low, investigates the murder of a shady developer. This book follows closely from the first and for such a small isolated town there seems to be plenty of crime and murder. I like Kat who is trained and capable and is able to make good use of her skills. Great characters and a beautiful setting. Lots of fun and a very entertaining cozy mystery.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A DELIGHTFUL COZY MYSTERY!

Small Island (Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 2) is filled to the brim with murder, deceit, money laundering, payoffs, real estate crimes, as well as a whole lot of mischief and mayhem! Toby Neal has written an entertaining cozy mystery that has colorful characters that she describes so well and makes you feel as though you are a part of the scene instead of just reading about the scene. Her setting of the Hawaiian paradise of Ohia, on Maui would be ideal if not for the above-mentioned issues. What better place for a former SSA now Postmaster to help solve crimes aided by her new BFFs, the Red Hat Ladies, and her potential husband material boyfriend (”just friends” as they say) than paradise? Another delightful cozy mystery by Toby Neal!

I was provided a complimentary copy by the author/publisher. The comments expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is at it seems in this little town, forone there is murder . Money is being laundered, drugs coming in. Some interesting characters good and bad. Interesting series to enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are great cozy mysteries and it’s awesome to see Kat’s growth as she overcomes some
Personal challenges while falling in love with her new home.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd in series of Cozy Mysteries with Secret Service Agent Kat in Old Ohia as Postmaster General and Tiki, an ornery cat who has adopted her along with the Red Hat ladies who have taken her under their wing. Add a delicious pilot, a murder and, well I'll tell ya, I couldn't put it down. As a member of Ms Neal's ARC team I am committed to give an honest review and I give this one another 5 stars. Please, keep em coming!

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've been disciplined, banished to an island somewhere in the Pacific... Yes! You can banish me, too, to Mauai, to the most remote part of it. There's a furnished apartment close to the beach, a do-nothing job at the little post office and even a nice little kitty that comes with all that. HA! Previously, there was a murder, kitty is a nasty and demanding creature, and the postal helper has been laundering money and receiving drugs in the little post office. Oh! AND the 'apartment' is little more than a shack with a resident Gecko and a cane spider! Now, in this second book in the series, there is yet another murder, more local hanky panky. At least, there has been SOME redemption in Kat's (the main character, not the kitty) situation. A blazing hot local boy (man) who is very interested in her, old friends of hers (and ours) and kitty is named (Tiki) and sort of tamed! Stay tuned - there's more!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Small Island, Paradise Cozy Mystery #2 by Toby Neal. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Coconut Wireless, reading that first will help you have a better understanding of the characters, setting, and the background for this plot. It’s not that you can’t start with the second book but take my advice and read both of them. You won’t be disappointed.

There is something about this series that has captured my heart. I’m a cat lover and I love how even the personality of the cat is building from book to book. Tiki is a character who I’m sure we’ll hear more from in future books in this series.

Small Island has it all romance, intrigue, drama, humor and of course, it ends with your wanting more! Kat Smith, a Secret Service Agent finds herself in a fictitious town in Maui with a “temporary” assignment as the small-town postmaster. However, she uses the skills she learned as an agent to get involved locally and help solve crimes. And of course, she finds a “friend” who may or may not become more than that.

I’ve been a Neal fan for many years. I love how she creates new characters while having “old friends” pop in for a small or large part in a different series. Small Island doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The new main characters include Kat Smith, Keone Kaihale (Mr. K), the red hat ladies, and my favorite, Tiki the cat. However, characters from her other books including Lei Texeira, Marcella Scott, Pono Kaihale, and more have small and large roles in this story. Time for you to get your copy of Small Island and sit back and let Toby Neal and her characters take you on an incredible journey.

[Midge Jambor · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMALL ISLAND is another treasure from Toby Neal. Set in a small, imaginary town near Hana, Maui, we follow the unpredictable, romantic, challenging, and exciting exploits of Kat, a secret service detective temporarily assigned to a small post office position in a remote part of Maui. Having grown up on Kauai, Toby Neal taps into her extensive knowledge of Hawaii, along with its culture and traditions, as she weaves this story of intrigue, mystery, and, yes, danger that includes not only sleuthing for murderers but the "danger" in being brave enough to fall in love with a very handsome "local" pilot, Keone. Honestly, there isn't much missing to make this a memorable read filled with the wonderful characters we have come to know and love (Lei, Pono, Sophie) while including a whole new fun and complicated cast of characters, right down to members of the Red Hat Society. If you are not yet familiar with Toby Neal's novels, now is the time to treat yourself. If you are familiar with her work, you have another great opportunity to escape and head out for an adventure in SMALL ISLAND. Happy reading!

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Small Island, sidelined Secret Service agent tuned Postmaster, Kat Smith, is recuperating from injuries gained while solving several murders in the little town of Ohia. Yet, there is no rest for the weary and bruised agent as another murder in this small island is discovered.

Sleuthing is in Kat's blood and she just can't help herself from trying to collect the clues and connect the dots of this latest crime. Kat is joined by the local Red Hat Society members, her is he/isn't he boyfriend, Keone, and other members of small Ohia town and law enforcement in pursuit of answers.

Throw in some humorous situations, burgeoning romance, action situations and friendships old and new, and you have a winning combination in Small Island.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun, exciting Toby Neal Mystery. It is a continuation of the first book about Kat, her new position there as Postmaster General here in Old Ohia, Maui. She is recovering and trying to discover the murderer from the first book. There are some crazy, interesting new characters along with friends
found in her other wonderful books. And we have another murder she will deal with. Kat has a handsome male friend, a pilot that seems to care for a lot. Her wild cat Tiki is mellowing out, and always makes things more interesting. Will Kat want to stay here in Old Ohia or take a new job opportunity? Will she figure out both murders? Read this fun book and find out. I love all of Toby's books both fiction and none fiction, she is a gifted writer.

[Sam Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Island is the second book in the Paradise Cozy Mystery series and I am loving it. Ms Neal has such an amazing skill of sharing her love of Hawaii's small islands, their communities, inhabitants, cultures and 'so ono' cuisines, it's impossible not to fall in love with them right alongside her.

The reluctant heroine of the series is up to her neck in intrigue and peril again in this instalment, as her relationships develop with neighbours, new friends including the Red Hat brigade of indominable 'ladies of a certain age', and my favourite character of Tiki, the cantankerous cat that takes over Kat's cottage and her life.

It doesn't seem to matter what genre Toby Neal writes, the results are always well paced, robust in style and story-telling and pretty addictive. This series is no different; read Coconut Wireless and then get stuck into this beauty. Hawaii and a cat, you cant really go wrong.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this novel can be read alone, the characters and plot will make more sense if you have read the first book in this cozy mystery series, as this book starts only hours after the conclusion of Coconut Wireless (Paradise Crime book 1).
Again Ms. Neal shows her craft as you are swiftly drawn into the story. Another murder to solve and helping the local Red Hat Ladies discover who us behind a local housing development seems to involve Kat (an exiled Secret Service agent) in more mysteries. And when she receives a prime job offer back in her Secret Service role will she decide to go back or stay and help her new friends?
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I read gritty thrillers rather than cozies, but this series lies on the border. It has enough murder and mayhem to keep the reader engaged, but also enough charm to warm the heart. The little eccentric community of Ohia is fun getting to know, even though they are racking up a murder rate to rival Cabot Cove! In this installment, Kat uncovers more of the dirty dealings of the Chang family and the New Ohia development. The red hat society ladies also have a leading role in unraveling the mystery.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as, if not more than, the first book in the new series by Toby! It made me LOL many times and had me wondering who was the guilty one once again! Toby writes these wonderfully entertaining books that have me addicted from the start! I am waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. If you love a funny and entertaining “who-done-it” book this is the book (and Series) for you!!

[Lori Rohre · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. This is my first Toby Neal book, and as a Secret Service agent "exiled" as a postal worker in Hawaii, I struggled with believing she could possibly be a Secret Service agent given her phobias and her continued investigation into money laundering and drug smuggling against the direction of her SS supervisor. That said, if you take this for what it is meant to be - entertainment - it was a decent cozy murder mystery.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Quite Feral

I’m in love with Ms Neal’s books! Interesting and colorful with laughs too!
The people and area is written with such aplomb you can help but see it I. Your minds eye. 👁️ the people are beautiful watercolor pictures painted with love ❤️ love 💕.
You learn and understand more as you go.
I appreciate that Kats PTSD is explained and described along with how she’s dealing with in.
I can’t say enough about this book! 📖 just READ it!

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate & Mr K

Second book in this series and just as enjoyable. With the gorgeous Mr K making progress through Kat’s ptsd and and both enjoying the tentative cuddles Kat is becoming more and more at home with, the stunning Hawaiian village she coming to love and the ladies of the Red Hat Society. How will she receive the news when she is called back to New York are the Red Hatters as tight as she and their members think? Only one way to find. Grab this delightful book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat Smith, a former Secret Service agent now working as a small-town postmaster on Maui, gets pulled into a local murder when trouble hits the quiet island community. As she digs deeper, secrets surface, tensions rise, and the charming town isn’t quite as peaceful as it looks. With quirky locals, a touch of romance, and a relaxed island setting, this is a light, cozy mystery that focuses as much on community as on the crime.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to imagine a more laid-back place than Ohia, a fictional small town on the remote east side of Maui near Hana. That is, until secret service agent Kat Smith gets an assignment there as the postmistress. The police are happy to have her help in the investigation of the murder of a developer with sinister connections. She is a little hampered by the lack of cell phone coverage unless she is standing in the edge of the waves on the beach.

[Fran Germinaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is back as the postmaster in Ohia and trying to protect her town from corruption and receives an offer of a job in D. C. on a protection detail. Hard to leave her friends, the Red Hat Ladies and especially “Mr. K”. Lei, Marcella and Pono are always there to help her solve the mysteries that always pop up. And of course Tiki is always around to assist.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and engaging murder mystery set in Ohia, on Maui. The main character is Kat, a Secret Service agent who is now the post master in Ohia. There is intrigue with murders, organized crime, a active group of Red Hat ladies, and a new relationship for Kat. The book is an easy read.

[Christine McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series!

I really enjoyed the first two books!
I was looking for a series that would take
my mind off the 2024 US Election, and I happily found it ... may the "Orange Man" rot in hell, if there is one.
I apologize for my political outburst, but the 'stolen Election' will change the entire world, not just my little life ...

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small Island

A well written story with engaging characters. The elderly Red Hat crew, the store owners and their runes, the handsome ever forgiving pilot, and the grumpy cat all help Kat with her stay on Maui. Even paradise has some greedy individuals trying to take advantage of others.

[GuiltyPleasures · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of Postmaster Sleuth Kat’s adventures in Ohia, HI. She helps to solve a case, gets the PO running smoothly, and enjoys a very slowly developing relationship with a pilot. She and the cat also make peace. It’s a cute story, though the grammar sometimes makes me cringe. Still, the characters are a fun conglomeration of people to get to know.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another humor filled, action-packed, easy to read wonder from Neal. She has the gift of description, making you see and smell the wonders of Hawaii as you are sucked into the life of Kat Smith-PostMaster and the escapades she is involved in. It is an absolute treat to read.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book is so awesome!!! I really like the storyline and I love the characters. I love all the research that my name to this book I am learning about the Hala tree and Noni, which I plan on trying that tea! Of course now I have to see what happens in the next book!!!

[Marie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great, and I definitely recommend it. It was nice to have Marcella, Sophie, Lei, and Pono from the other series included. I love the town Ohia and the quirky characters. The plot will keep you guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[bibiana Perdomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the series and what a blast I had reading it. Kat is former secret service turned post master turned part time sleuth. In this installment we find kat investaging another murder with the help of the red hat society. Working along side with some old and new