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Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries #1
COCONUT WIRELESS: Funny Cozy Mysteries
"If you like the MIss Fortune series, you'll love Kat and her clue crew on Maui!"~Reviewer
The coconut wireless is always humming in Ohia, Maui—and the latest topic of gossip is me, Kat Smith.
I’m Secret Service, not Postal Service—but I feel like a criminal when I’m appointed postmaster to a cozy little village on Maui. Turns out I’ve stolen a well-earned promotion from beloved Auntie Pua Chang, who’s been there forever—when all I want to do is hide out in paradise until the witch hunt to kill my career is over. I haven't been in Ohia a day when Tiki the post office cat brings a prize to my doorstep—a piece of the woman who had the job before me. I'm thrust into the middle of a murder mystery, and if I don’t help solve it, I might be next. A fortune-telling general store owner, a hunky Hawaiian pilot, my cat Tiki, and a couple of well-meaning cops named Lei and Pono seem to want to help—but they're Auntie Pua supporters, and she'd be happy to see the last of me. This Hawaii village has more factions than a Mafia convention in Vegas, and I’m on my own tracking a killer with only a grumpy cat for backup.
"Lighter, less intense than than the other Paradise Crime series, but just as engaging."~Reviewer
The coconut wireless is always humming in Ohia, Maui—and the latest topic of gossip is me, Kat Smith.
I’m Secret Service, not Postal Service—but I feel like a criminal when I’m appointed postmaster to a cozy little village on Maui. Turns out I’ve stolen a well-earned promotion from beloved Auntie Pua Chang, who’s been there forever—when all I want to do is hide out in paradise until the witch hunt to kill my career is over. I haven't been in Ohia a day when Tiki the post office cat brings a prize to my doorstep—a piece of the woman who had the job before me. I'm thrust into the middle of a murder mystery, and if I don’t help solve it, I might be next. A fortune-telling general store owner, a hunky Hawaiian pilot, my cat Tiki, and a couple of well-meaning cops named Lei and Pono seem to want to help—but they're Auntie Pua supporters, and she'd be happy to see the last of me. This Hawaii village has more factions than a Mafia convention in Vegas, and I’m on my own tracking a killer with only a grumpy cat for backup.
"Lighter, less intense than than the other Paradise Crime series, but just as engaging."~Reviewer
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2023
488 people are currently reading
3348 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
84 books985 followersToby 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 7, 2024
Kat is a former Secret Service agent who angered a powerful politician and has been reassigned, unbelievably, as a postmaster on Maui. A longtime local employee was hoping for the position, and is making her displeasure known. Tiki, a surly semi-feral cat who comes with the property, brings Kat an unwelcome surprise on her first night in Hawaii, revealing a murder. Kat is determined to help the police solve the crime, even if a handsome pilot who is interested in her refuses to help. The Hawaiian setting is a great asset to this new series.
June 17, 2023
2023 bk 212. This book promised fun and it delivered, along with a mystery that I did not solve before the end of the book. Along the way are quirky characters, a tad of romance, and all of the fun promised when another reviewer compared this title to Jana DeLeon's Miss Fortune series. Great read for a Saturday morning! Oh - and it is set in Hawaii with all the sites, sounds, friendliness, and food!
April 30, 2023
FROM SSA TO WITNESS PROTECTION
Kat Smith loved her career as a Secret Service Agent. She was an excellent agent and would still be doing her job except for a mishap with a Senator. One who made an unwanted pass at her, and she flipped out with a full-on attack based on her PTSD, and he felt embarrassed because she taught him a lesson he would never forget. He retaliated by almost taking her career from her. She was saved by being reassigned to be the Postmaster at Ohin, Hawaii. If you blink, you will miss it. When you find it, it can be a slice of paradise because it has killer views, friends for life, a place to learn new life lessons, and maybe a place for healing Kat’s PTSD. But first, she will have to deal with one Big Problem. Who knew that taking on the job of Postmistress would lead Kat to dead bodies & a threat on her own life! The good news is she has the support of the local Police, newfound friends, and a surprise possible love interest. And, if you want to know about anything or anyone – all you need is the Coconut Wireless!
Kat Smith loved her career as a Secret Service Agent. She was an excellent agent and would still be doing her job except for a mishap with a Senator. One who made an unwanted pass at her, and she flipped out with a full-on attack based on her PTSD, and he felt embarrassed because she taught him a lesson he would never forget. He retaliated by almost taking her career from her. She was saved by being reassigned to be the Postmaster at Ohin, Hawaii. If you blink, you will miss it. When you find it, it can be a slice of paradise because it has killer views, friends for life, a place to learn new life lessons, and maybe a place for healing Kat’s PTSD. But first, she will have to deal with one Big Problem. Who knew that taking on the job of Postmistress would lead Kat to dead bodies & a threat on her own life! The good news is she has the support of the local Police, newfound friends, and a surprise possible love interest. And, if you want to know about anything or anyone – all you need is the Coconut Wireless!
April 29, 2023
Toby Neal is back with an exciting new series featuring Kat Smith, a character we saw in the Paradise Crime series. A former Secret Service agent, she has been more or less banished to Ohia, on Maui, to be the PostMaster. Naturally, there's a body, but there's also a hot pilot and old friends from the Lei Crime books as well.
The interactions between characters are fun, so much humor, just a fun book.
Neal has always been my favorites for great descriptive writing, and she knows Hawaii, having grown up there, so you can see and smell it through her writing.
Fun, easy to read, great mystery, and awesome characters. It's an all around perfect cozy mystery.
The interactions between characters are fun, so much humor, just a fun book.
Neal has always been my favorites for great descriptive writing, and she knows Hawaii, having grown up there, so you can see and smell it through her writing.
Fun, easy to read, great mystery, and awesome characters. It's an all around perfect cozy mystery.
July 3, 2023
Fun story. Looking forward to the next one in the series. (Thanks Martha)
June 22, 2024
Fun tale with new protagonist
A rather straightforward mystery was wrapped up in ribbons when the perp in a bit of a surprise confessed not knowing anyone heard. Meanwhile our heroine Kat and her budding romance made for a pleasant if not overwhelmingly suspenseful couple hours of quick reading, with some characters from other of the author's Hawaiian stories thrown in for fun. [3.5]
A rather straightforward mystery was wrapped up in ribbons when the perp in a bit of a surprise confessed not knowing anyone heard. Meanwhile our heroine Kat and her budding romance made for a pleasant if not overwhelmingly suspenseful couple hours of quick reading, with some characters from other of the author's Hawaiian stories thrown in for fun. [3.5]
April 29, 2023
Kat Smith, a former Secret Service agent
is sent to Ohia, located on very rural Maui.
She will be the new Postmaster. She meets
Tiki, a wild cat who comes with her new
lodgings.
This little town brings with it many problems.
The first presents itself when the cat brings
the new Postmaster a piece of the woman
who was there before her.
Great description. Realistic and entertaining
characters and obnoxious cat.
Smooth flowing writing that will keep you
wanting more adventures with this cast of
characters.
I read this book on Kindle Vella.
is sent to Ohia, located on very rural Maui.
She will be the new Postmaster. She meets
Tiki, a wild cat who comes with her new
lodgings.
This little town brings with it many problems.
The first presents itself when the cat brings
the new Postmaster a piece of the woman
who was there before her.
Great description. Realistic and entertaining
characters and obnoxious cat.
Smooth flowing writing that will keep you
wanting more adventures with this cast of
characters.
I read this book on Kindle Vella.
April 21, 2023
I love this new series and the characters Ms. Neal has developed. The addition of Lei and Pono is a very nice touch. Tiki's antics blend beautifully with the reluctant protagonist - Kat. A delightful series that I am really looking forward to seeing more of. Highly Recommended
April 16, 2023
This book is so good!!! And it's got Lei and Pono, how cool is that! I like Kat, she can definitely take care of herself. And then there's Keone, he's so fine. That old Chiffon's song plays in my head. I just love this author every book I read by her is awesome!! I can't wait for the next book!
May 3, 2023
Love this new series! Toby introduces us to a new character, Kat, with some of our favorite characters, Lei & Pono also included. Tiki, the cat is another character, who starts the mystery off by bringing Kat a special “gift”. This is a light hearted series, guaranteed to make you laugh! Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
November 6, 2023
I like the mysteries in these stories. My only issue is with the main character, Kat. She is too naive for someone who is a secret service agent. Her naiveté gets on my nerves.
October 1, 2023
I don’t usually read cozy mysteries
but Toby Neal’s series is set in Hawaii—how could I not read it? (Context—I grew up on Oahu, left for college, stayed on the Mainland waaaay too long, then came back when I retired. Now living on the Big Island. I’ve *been* to Maui, driven the road to Hana, swum in the Seven Sacred Pools.) I really wanted Ohia to be physically real. It’s certainly real in my imagination! The characters, even the more minor ones, are reminiscent of people I’ve met or chatted with on a walk or at a food truck or over a store counter. (Or heard about in a comedy routine.) There are a few flaws but I’ll go through them quickly, I want to buy the next book in the series:
1) tourists; there are tourists all over Hawaii. All over. Neal mentions a tourist couple once in detail. To keep the setting realistic, there should have been more obvious tourists. To give Neal her due, she made mention of tourists hiking and randomly parking on the road. I think it would have been funny if an obnoxious tourist had tried to buy stamps from “your country” at the Post Office or asked how much a plate lunch cost in “American money.” But that’s just snarky of me. Maybe cozy mysteries aren’t allowed any snark.
Development is also a huge problem in Hawaii, so I was glad to see that Ohia was contending with New Ohia. Wait, poor phrasing—New Ohia was being built; I’m hoping that in future books the New Ohia project will be stopped. I’ll just have to wait and see.
2) Mr K. It’s sweet that this hunky, kind, good looking guy conveniently meets Kat in the book’s opening scene, but that never happens in real life. Not even in Hawaii. I guess that’s the benefit of reading a cozy mystery, rather than a police procedural or a thriller!
3) local people in Ohia warm to Kat much too quickly. In real life it would have taken “a year, or ten” to be accepted. I must say that Neal engineered this extremely well: first it was Kay’s connection on Oahu, then it was her willingness to defend a locally popular woman who’d been accused. Finally, Kat was shown to be relaxed (mostly), friendly, and eager to learn and try new things. All of this would have helped her fit in to Ohia.
but Toby Neal’s series is set in Hawaii—how could I not read it? (Context—I grew up on Oahu, left for college, stayed on the Mainland waaaay too long, then came back when I retired. Now living on the Big Island. I’ve *been* to Maui, driven the road to Hana, swum in the Seven Sacred Pools.) I really wanted Ohia to be physically real. It’s certainly real in my imagination! The characters, even the more minor ones, are reminiscent of people I’ve met or chatted with on a walk or at a food truck or over a store counter. (Or heard about in a comedy routine.) There are a few flaws but I’ll go through them quickly, I want to buy the next book in the series:
1) tourists; there are tourists all over Hawaii. All over. Neal mentions a tourist couple once in detail. To keep the setting realistic, there should have been more obvious tourists. To give Neal her due, she made mention of tourists hiking and randomly parking on the road. I think it would have been funny if an obnoxious tourist had tried to buy stamps from “your country” at the Post Office or asked how much a plate lunch cost in “American money.” But that’s just snarky of me. Maybe cozy mysteries aren’t allowed any snark.
Development is also a huge problem in Hawaii, so I was glad to see that Ohia was contending with New Ohia. Wait, poor phrasing—New Ohia was being built; I’m hoping that in future books the New Ohia project will be stopped. I’ll just have to wait and see.
2) Mr K. It’s sweet that this hunky, kind, good looking guy conveniently meets Kat in the book’s opening scene, but that never happens in real life. Not even in Hawaii. I guess that’s the benefit of reading a cozy mystery, rather than a police procedural or a thriller!
3) local people in Ohia warm to Kat much too quickly. In real life it would have taken “a year, or ten” to be accepted. I must say that Neal engineered this extremely well: first it was Kay’s connection on Oahu, then it was her willingness to defend a locally popular woman who’d been accused. Finally, Kat was shown to be relaxed (mostly), friendly, and eager to learn and try new things. All of this would have helped her fit in to Ohia.
July 1, 2025
Secret Service Delivered
Kat’s life is turned upside down when her secret service career in New York is turned into a delivery service as a Post Master in a quirky village in Hawaii after a sexual assault case against one of her clients brought her career to a halt with said client determined to ruin it. Her bosses decided a ‘witness protection’ ruse was the only way forward until the case in question died down. However as soon as she arrived, with the help of a feral cat Tiki who delivered a present of a human hand to her doorstep and the discovery of the previous postmasters body. Kat has her hands full with an escalating murder investigation and gossiping villagers nicknamed the Coconut Wireless. Tension builds as the case unravels and she finds herself involved in a budding relationship with Mr K something she definitely didn’t see coming and a gradual acceptance by the villagers and Tiki. As with all her novels this authors descriptions of Hawaii make for a beautiful setting, not surprising as she herself is a native of this stunning island. Thoroughly enjoyable with an unexpected twist to the end.
Kat’s life is turned upside down when her secret service career in New York is turned into a delivery service as a Post Master in a quirky village in Hawaii after a sexual assault case against one of her clients brought her career to a halt with said client determined to ruin it. Her bosses decided a ‘witness protection’ ruse was the only way forward until the case in question died down. However as soon as she arrived, with the help of a feral cat Tiki who delivered a present of a human hand to her doorstep and the discovery of the previous postmasters body. Kat has her hands full with an escalating murder investigation and gossiping villagers nicknamed the Coconut Wireless. Tension builds as the case unravels and she finds herself involved in a budding relationship with Mr K something she definitely didn’t see coming and a gradual acceptance by the villagers and Tiki. As with all her novels this authors descriptions of Hawaii make for a beautiful setting, not surprising as she herself is a native of this stunning island. Thoroughly enjoyable with an unexpected twist to the end.
December 14, 2025
This was a cute cozy mystery, with a little light romance thrown in.
Kat Smith is a Secret Service agent who's been sent to "hide out" for a while in Maui as the heat dies down from a scandal in Washington. While she's there, she's been assigned to act as the Post Master for the small town of Ohia.
People start getting murdered around her, and she can't help but to jump in and help solve the crimes.
I listened to the audio, which was bad enough I almost threw in the towel after the first chapter. It was narrated by a synthetic AI voice. If this is the best AI has to offer, it's not about to take over the world anytime soon. Wrong words emphasized (all but killing the humorous lines in the story) and lots of mis-pronounced words (taco isn't pronounced TAKE-O! as just one terrible example). And the AI just slaughtered the Hawaiian names and places.
Eventually I was just laughing out loud at how awful the narration was. But in the future I'll pass on any audio book with synthetic narration.
Kat Smith is a Secret Service agent who's been sent to "hide out" for a while in Maui as the heat dies down from a scandal in Washington. While she's there, she's been assigned to act as the Post Master for the small town of Ohia.
People start getting murdered around her, and she can't help but to jump in and help solve the crimes.
I listened to the audio, which was bad enough I almost threw in the towel after the first chapter. It was narrated by a synthetic AI voice. If this is the best AI has to offer, it's not about to take over the world anytime soon. Wrong words emphasized (all but killing the humorous lines in the story) and lots of mis-pronounced words (taco isn't pronounced TAKE-O! as just one terrible example). And the AI just slaughtered the Hawaiian names and places.
Eventually I was just laughing out loud at how awful the narration was. But in the future I'll pass on any audio book with synthetic narration.
April 30, 2023
Coconut Wireless, Toby Neal's first foray into an Hawaiian Islands based cozy mystery was such a satisfying read. Filled with colorful new characters and some familiar too, I wanted to hang and 'talk story', while drinking some good Kona coffee on the lanai.
The main character, Katherine 'Kat' Smith, is sent to a tiny town on the Hana coast side of Maui to fill in the position of postmaster as the previous one had apparently walked away from the job. Kat has never been a postmaster before, but she has plenty of other government experience working in the Secret Service.
From the start of the story it was hard not to giggle out loud with the humor infused throughout. Hawaiian words are used with clear explanation, so you never feel like a mainlander. Coconut Wireless is a page-turning romp of mystery with a hint of romance, wonderful characters, and great story telling. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
The main character, Katherine 'Kat' Smith, is sent to a tiny town on the Hana coast side of Maui to fill in the position of postmaster as the previous one had apparently walked away from the job. Kat has never been a postmaster before, but she has plenty of other government experience working in the Secret Service.
From the start of the story it was hard not to giggle out loud with the humor infused throughout. Hawaiian words are used with clear explanation, so you never feel like a mainlander. Coconut Wireless is a page-turning romp of mystery with a hint of romance, wonderful characters, and great story telling. I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
May 20, 2024
Reasonable read
A reasonable read even if a bit bizarre.
I say bizarre because Kat Smith is a secret service agent who has been “moved on” from her usual department after an “event”. Bizarre because she is moved from the secret service in Washington D.C. to being a post mistress in Hawaii.
Kat has personal issues dating back to her parents deaths when she was a youngster and those issues are just below the surface in her everyday life and being in Hawaii is no different.
A body is discovered near the shack where she now lives after the cat residing at her shack brings her a gift of a body part.
Kat gets to know the characters in the village where she lives and the wider vicinity. She can’t keep her nose out of the investigation into the death of the person who it turns out is the post mistress before Kat arrived to take over.
Further deaths occur and investigations widen.
It’s an ok story and worth reading.
A reasonable read even if a bit bizarre.
I say bizarre because Kat Smith is a secret service agent who has been “moved on” from her usual department after an “event”. Bizarre because she is moved from the secret service in Washington D.C. to being a post mistress in Hawaii.
Kat has personal issues dating back to her parents deaths when she was a youngster and those issues are just below the surface in her everyday life and being in Hawaii is no different.
A body is discovered near the shack where she now lives after the cat residing at her shack brings her a gift of a body part.
Kat gets to know the characters in the village where she lives and the wider vicinity. She can’t keep her nose out of the investigation into the death of the person who it turns out is the post mistress before Kat arrived to take over.
Further deaths occur and investigations widen.
It’s an ok story and worth reading.
November 8, 2024
Secret Service agent Katherine “Kat” Smith is sent to a small town on Maui, Hawaii to be the postmaster, while the hoopla over an unfortunate encounter with a handsy politician dies down. She’s thinking she just has to lay low for a while and then she can resume her career. But soon she discovers that she has landed smack in the middle of a village controversy or two. And then the post office cat—a hostile and ratty-looking creature named Tiki—deposits a mystery on her doorstep, in the form of the hand of the woman who was the postmaster before her.
Chock full of humor and quirky but likeable characters, this is a fun read, especially for someone like myself who has been to Maui. Toby Neal is a quintessential storyteller and she captures the aloha spirit in this cozy series, just as she has done in her more serious Hawaii-based crime fiction.
I have read the first three of this series and have the next two waiting on my kindle.
Chock full of humor and quirky but likeable characters, this is a fun read, especially for someone like myself who has been to Maui. Toby Neal is a quintessential storyteller and she captures the aloha spirit in this cozy series, just as she has done in her more serious Hawaii-based crime fiction.
I have read the first three of this series and have the next two waiting on my kindle.
April 30, 2023
When a favourite author embarks on a new series, a reader can be unsure if they will enjoy it, just as much as an author may be unsure about the change in their style. You need not fear - Ms Neal has commanded another audience - the cozy mystery readers.
Kat is going to Maui - not for a holiday but to start a new job - postmaster in a small town. On her first day she discovers the body of her predecessor buried in the back yard! Calling in the local police, we encounter old friends from Neal's Paradise Crime series, Lei and Pono. More murders follow, and suspects change as we read further, but we are guided eventually to a "happy" conclusion. I can't wait for the next in the series - welcome to the world of cozy Hawaiian crime Ms Neal.
I was sent an ARC of this title in exchange for this personal review.
Kat is going to Maui - not for a holiday but to start a new job - postmaster in a small town. On her first day she discovers the body of her predecessor buried in the back yard! Calling in the local police, we encounter old friends from Neal's Paradise Crime series, Lei and Pono. More murders follow, and suspects change as we read further, but we are guided eventually to a "happy" conclusion. I can't wait for the next in the series - welcome to the world of cozy Hawaiian crime Ms Neal.
I was sent an ARC of this title in exchange for this personal review.
July 28, 2024
Small Town Camaraderie
Loved the book! The
Writing was engaging and well written. The characters were full bloom and colorful. You got to know them as needed.
This is about Kat, a Secret Service agent who was shipped to Hawaii to work at a a Post Office due to an issue with her last Protectee.
At first she’s hating things. But eventually she comes to enjoy the are and people.
The pilot that first took her to Hawaii turns out to live not far away and they just click. Mainly because he’s kind and generous and willing to respect her.
In her tiny living space behind to PO she’s in inherited a large Calico named Tiki. Her and Tiki seem to get along finally but it’s tenuous.
I don’t want to say too much and you just really have to read it!
Great easy going laugh out loud book with marvelous people and colorful area.
Enjoy!
Loved the book! The
Writing was engaging and well written. The characters were full bloom and colorful. You got to know them as needed.
This is about Kat, a Secret Service agent who was shipped to Hawaii to work at a a Post Office due to an issue with her last Protectee.
At first she’s hating things. But eventually she comes to enjoy the are and people.
The pilot that first took her to Hawaii turns out to live not far away and they just click. Mainly because he’s kind and generous and willing to respect her.
In her tiny living space behind to PO she’s in inherited a large Calico named Tiki. Her and Tiki seem to get along finally but it’s tenuous.
I don’t want to say too much and you just really have to read it!
Great easy going laugh out loud book with marvelous people and colorful area.
Enjoy!
October 14, 2024
What a GREAT book—humorous, likeable characters, exceptional setting and nice ending that makes me want to read more in the series.
I like Kat with her strengths, weaknesses and big feet. Tiki, the feral cat, is a sweet addition. There are lots of Hawaiian vibes, including great food and learning about customs like the aloha greeting where the breath mingles (ha means breath).
“Son of a toadstool!” I’d been raised by my Aunt Fae, who didn’t hold with swearing—so early on I’d gotten in the habit of making up my own cusswords. But if both hands hadn’t been occupied with luggage, I would’ve flipped the bird for sure.
“I found out that Gavin Peabody is a squicky individual who didn’t care much for his cousin Fran.”
“Squicky?” Keone raised his eyebrows, his dimple showing.
“Combo of squidlike and icky. Not a quality human,” I said, with a meaningful glance at Rosie.
I like Kat with her strengths, weaknesses and big feet. Tiki, the feral cat, is a sweet addition. There are lots of Hawaiian vibes, including great food and learning about customs like the aloha greeting where the breath mingles (ha means breath).
“Son of a toadstool!” I’d been raised by my Aunt Fae, who didn’t hold with swearing—so early on I’d gotten in the habit of making up my own cusswords. But if both hands hadn’t been occupied with luggage, I would’ve flipped the bird for sure.
“I found out that Gavin Peabody is a squicky individual who didn’t care much for his cousin Fran.”
“Squicky?” Keone raised his eyebrows, his dimple showing.
“Combo of squidlike and icky. Not a quality human,” I said, with a meaningful glance at Rosie.
April 25, 2023
Toby has offered us a new character who can join the crowd and definitely look over the group. This tall relocated new character Kat, the Postmaster, will add a bit of suspense and a laugh or three on her adventure. Join her on settling into Ohia (don't look on Maui's map) and her new job. She will enjoy this new town and work to solve an unexpected mystery. She's interesting and cleverly stumbles into the Hawaiian lifestyle. Lei and Pono come to assist in solving crimes in the area, Tiki growls from under the table, and a very handsome Keone becomes a friend.
An enjoyable read with a welcome chuckle by an ARC reader who volunteers this review.
An enjoyable read with a welcome chuckle by an ARC reader who volunteers this review.
April 25, 2023
This the first book in her new Cozy Mysteries series; I absolutely loved it. Kat, a former secret service agent, was assigned a position as the new postmaster in Ohia, Maui. I loved learning so much about Maui, Hawaiian culture and customs. The cat Tiki that lives in Kat's shack, brings her a present the first day of a human hand she found nearby. This hand belongs to the prior postmaster, now we have a murder mystery to solve. This book has a number of mysteries/murders, interesting characters, and lots of subplots. It is fast paced, exciting, funny, and very entertaining. And should Auntie Pua Chang have gotten this postmaster job since she has run the post office for quite some time?
November 6, 2023
Funny.
I had a bit of difficulty believing that Kat is a secret service agent. She previously guarded high-ranking people from wanna-be assassins, but gets woozy and weepy when facing a dead body?? But what the heck. I can suspend belief for a couple of hours because I enjoyed the humor. I liked both Kat and Keoni, although I really don't like romance when reading a mystery. I don't mind that they like each other and are romantically inclined - I just hate the verbal foreplay (it's a murder mystery; why take the focus off the mystery?). Anyhow, I liked the writing, and I will probably read the next book.
I had a bit of difficulty believing that Kat is a secret service agent. She previously guarded high-ranking people from wanna-be assassins, but gets woozy and weepy when facing a dead body?? But what the heck. I can suspend belief for a couple of hours because I enjoyed the humor. I liked both Kat and Keoni, although I really don't like romance when reading a mystery. I don't mind that they like each other and are romantically inclined - I just hate the verbal foreplay (it's a murder mystery; why take the focus off the mystery?). Anyhow, I liked the writing, and I will probably read the next book.
September 9, 2024
Enjoyable! Entertaining!!
This is a new author for me, I discovered this series by chance while browsing my Kindle Unlimited and I'm so glad I did. This series is going to be my new guilty pleasure. I love the main character, the Hawaiian setting and most of the new friends she's made. Fast paced, enjoyable with a mystery or two that kept me guessing. I started to suspect someone near the end but the true circumstances were jaw dropping! I have downloaded the remaining books and can't wait to read more, especially with romance in the air with a certain gorgeous pilot. 👏👏🌟🌟📚
This is a new author for me, I discovered this series by chance while browsing my Kindle Unlimited and I'm so glad I did. This series is going to be my new guilty pleasure. I love the main character, the Hawaiian setting and most of the new friends she's made. Fast paced, enjoyable with a mystery or two that kept me guessing. I started to suspect someone near the end but the true circumstances were jaw dropping! I have downloaded the remaining books and can't wait to read more, especially with romance in the air with a certain gorgeous pilot. 👏👏🌟🌟📚
April 25, 2023
My favorite author has done it again! New genre, new series, new story to love! Great look at Hawaiian modern culture, ohana and of course, the beautiful setting. I especially love the main characters: Kat, a Secret Service agent temporally banished to Ohia, Hawaii, and yes, the wily cat, Tiki, with a personality that really needs work! It’s great to also pal around with some of my favorite characters from Ms. Neal’s premier series, the Paradise Crime Mysteries, as they are called upon when (part) of a dead body is ‘gifted’ to Kat by Tiki! Read it!
April 30, 2023
Hitting the wrong person, ended Kat’s job in DC and being put in witness.
protection program and a job in Hawaii.
As the plane takes off she gives us a detail look of the people and the mayhem upon landing.
Giving one the idea that things and people will not be dull for her in Hana, Maui.
It’s a fun story, funny, with characters we have loved from
her other Paradise Crime books. A cat named Tiki, who has an attitude, and gives her presents.
It maybe a cozy, yet so much more to enjoy and read. A winner and looking forward to book 2
Given ATC for my voluntary review
protection program and a job in Hawaii.
As the plane takes off she gives us a detail look of the people and the mayhem upon landing.
Giving one the idea that things and people will not be dull for her in Hana, Maui.
It’s a fun story, funny, with characters we have loved from
her other Paradise Crime books. A cat named Tiki, who has an attitude, and gives her presents.
It maybe a cozy, yet so much more to enjoy and read. A winner and looking forward to book 2
Given ATC for my voluntary review
August 17, 2023
I'm really happy you created a new series.
Well, I mean a new series with some old characters from other series. I am late to this series because I forgot about it and was reminded about it because of your Facebook posts. Coincidentally, I started reading it just before the fire started in Lahaina. So, so sad! Sorry, back to a happier topic, this book! As always with your books, I couldn't take my time reading it. But this time there's another one waiting for me to start. I guess that's a plus because I don't have to wait for the next one.
Mahaho!!
Well, I mean a new series with some old characters from other series. I am late to this series because I forgot about it and was reminded about it because of your Facebook posts. Coincidentally, I started reading it just before the fire started in Lahaina. So, so sad! Sorry, back to a happier topic, this book! As always with your books, I couldn't take my time reading it. But this time there's another one waiting for me to start. I guess that's a plus because I don't have to wait for the next one.
Mahaho!!
March 11, 2024
This was pretty good. I did have a couple of LOL moments. I really liked the main character… but sometimes it was very hard to know she was a secret service person at points. But the story line worked well. I love the red hat society ladies. I think they would be hilarious as main characters. Genius…. I know other books have cliffhangers but this one left you wondering and wanting more. So now I am reading book 2. A shout out to Tiki ….. love her!!!!! Don’t lose that sass Tiki!!!! Happy Reading :)
May 22, 2024
Whispers down the line
A work issue followed by a job change and relocation: what couldn't be worse. A decrepit shack on a beautiful island? A murdered woman found behind said decrepit shack? Being a total outsider with a job she has no clue how to perform? More murder, a nasty cat, and and a cute gent who makes her smile. Follow Kat as she wends her way trying to cope with solving several murders and fitting in. In the process she faces her fears, and earns the respect of the islanders. This is a read you should enjoy.
A work issue followed by a job change and relocation: what couldn't be worse. A decrepit shack on a beautiful island? A murdered woman found behind said decrepit shack? Being a total outsider with a job she has no clue how to perform? More murder, a nasty cat, and and a cute gent who makes her smile. Follow Kat as she wends her way trying to cope with solving several murders and fitting in. In the process she faces her fears, and earns the respect of the islanders. This is a read you should enjoy.
May 3, 2023
While reading Coconut Wireless, I was delighted to encounter some ohana from other Toby Neal books. Lei, Pono, Sophie and others were woven into the story, creating comfort for me in this new tale with Kat. And Kat’s English version Sophie-isms were wonderful additions sprinkled into the story. Even if you’ve never read a Toby Neal book before, the Coconut Wireless story is a great place to start. The characters are engaging and the plot keeps the reader guessing. Mahalo Toby!!
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