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Paradise #3
Black Jasmine
“Toby Neal's stories have a relentless, charged energy that heats up every page.” Holly Robinson, author of Sleeping Tigers
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.
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.
208 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2012
1492 people are currently reading
2549 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 books984 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 315 reviews
March 12, 2013
EDIT: Here is my full review of the book, as promised a month ago (sorry for the delay).
Loved this book, even if I didn't love the ending. I don't want to put any spoilers in here, so I won't say *why* I didn't love the ending. I did, however, like it enough to still rate the book with five stars.
Lei is her impulsive, gut-chasing best in this book, and she even faces her demons, finally. You'll have to read it to see how she handles it, though.
In this story, Lei's moved...again. This time, to Maui. As always, Ms. Neal's descriptions of Hawaiian life and culture are breathtaking, but never reduce the impact of the action. She layers in detail about the setting seamlessly, and it helps to serve as a beautiful backdrop to the not-so-paradise-like aspects of the plot. And what a plot it is. There are twists, turns, and so many avenues to take, yet Ms. Neal never made me feel overwhelmed with too much information to keep straight.
You don't want to pick this book up right before bed, because once you start it, it's not going to let you go.
Loved this book, even if I didn't love the ending. I don't want to put any spoilers in here, so I won't say *why* I didn't love the ending. I did, however, like it enough to still rate the book with five stars.
Lei is her impulsive, gut-chasing best in this book, and she even faces her demons, finally. You'll have to read it to see how she handles it, though.
In this story, Lei's moved...again. This time, to Maui. As always, Ms. Neal's descriptions of Hawaiian life and culture are breathtaking, but never reduce the impact of the action. She layers in detail about the setting seamlessly, and it helps to serve as a beautiful backdrop to the not-so-paradise-like aspects of the plot. And what a plot it is. There are twists, turns, and so many avenues to take, yet Ms. Neal never made me feel overwhelmed with too much information to keep straight.
You don't want to pick this book up right before bed, because once you start it, it's not going to let you go.
June 18, 2013
I picked this up as a free book in one of my book clubs and I have to say that I was happily surprised that it was such a good read! I might have to pick up some of her other books.
This was a murdery mystery that takes place in Hawaii. A detective and her partner are called in for what seems like a suicide but soon come to find out that it was a homicide. The author lets you have an emotional connection with the detective, Lei as well as the murderer. Nice writing!!
This was a murdery mystery that takes place in Hawaii. A detective and her partner are called in for what seems like a suicide but soon come to find out that it was a homicide. The author lets you have an emotional connection with the detective, Lei as well as the murderer. Nice writing!!
November 2, 2012
4½ stars
In Black Jasmine, Ms. Neal weaves yet another mesmerising mystery set in the exotic locales of the Hawaiian isles. This time, the death of a young girl, the victim of an apparent suicide, leads Detective Lei Texeira on a twisted trail through the island of Maui, from its homeless camps, to the fleets of luxurious cruise ships docking regularly on the island, all the way to its glitzy arts scene, as Lei uncovers the details of an elaborate and cruel organised crime operation.
Once more, Lei’s investigations take the reader on a relentless thrill ride, with clever plot twists that kept me guessing till the very end, proving yet again that Ms. Neal is a master of the whodunit. The fact that Lei herself becomes a target for a professional hit drives the stakes closer to home, and while it does ramp up the tension in the story, I found it just a tad unbelievable just how lucky Lei is to survive that many close shaves in such a short space of time. As one of her colleagues said in the book, she must have nine lives!
In terms of Lei’s private life, I was glad to see her back together with the dashing Detective Stevens, but once again their relationship is strained by her unwillingness to commit to marriage, and the tempting call of a promising career in the FBI. I still can’t decide if I agreed with Lei’s final decision, but the open-endedness of the ending makes me think that this love story is far from over.
On another note, I’m glad that Ms. Neal finally resolves the shadows from Lei’s past. I symphathised with Lei in the first two books, but her hang-ups about her past was starting to wear thin by book 3, so I’m happy she appears to have finally faced up to and slayed her childhood demons.
All in all, Black Jasmine is a satisfying continuation of the Lei Crime Novels, and I continue to look forward to what else Ms. Neal has in store for the series.
In Black Jasmine, Ms. Neal weaves yet another mesmerising mystery set in the exotic locales of the Hawaiian isles. This time, the death of a young girl, the victim of an apparent suicide, leads Detective Lei Texeira on a twisted trail through the island of Maui, from its homeless camps, to the fleets of luxurious cruise ships docking regularly on the island, all the way to its glitzy arts scene, as Lei uncovers the details of an elaborate and cruel organised crime operation.
Once more, Lei’s investigations take the reader on a relentless thrill ride, with clever plot twists that kept me guessing till the very end, proving yet again that Ms. Neal is a master of the whodunit. The fact that Lei herself becomes a target for a professional hit drives the stakes closer to home, and while it does ramp up the tension in the story, I found it just a tad unbelievable just how lucky Lei is to survive that many close shaves in such a short space of time. As one of her colleagues said in the book, she must have nine lives!
In terms of Lei’s private life, I was glad to see her back together with the dashing Detective Stevens, but once again their relationship is strained by her unwillingness to commit to marriage, and the tempting call of a promising career in the FBI. I still can’t decide if I agreed with Lei’s final decision, but the open-endedness of the ending makes me think that this love story is far from over.
On another note, I’m glad that Ms. Neal finally resolves the shadows from Lei’s past. I symphathised with Lei in the first two books, but her hang-ups about her past was starting to wear thin by book 3, so I’m happy she appears to have finally faced up to and slayed her childhood demons.
All in all, Black Jasmine is a satisfying continuation of the Lei Crime Novels, and I continue to look forward to what else Ms. Neal has in store for the series.
June 23, 2024
Lei is a tough cookie and she surely went through a lot of turmoil in this book. She doesn’t give up despite almost dying several times. That ending though! Partly humorous (in a very dark way) and partly heart wrenching. I love the setting and the characters. Lots of emotions after that finale. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
June 4, 2014
Lei Texeira is a determined cop whose mind never veers off the case.
Toby Neal has a knack for creating great characters, both good and bad. Lei Texeira, the lead character is certainly a multi-faceted person. One of the things I like most about her is that you don't always like her and the choices she makes. But she constantly wins you over and makes you understand her reasoning.
Again beautiful Hawaii is the background for this story. I so enjoy the gorgeous descriptions of this enchanting State. Ms. Neal makes you truly feel that you are right there.
The many characters created in this story are so clearly described. They convey all applicable adjectives: Beautiful, scared, menacing, strong, angry, grieving, unstable and many more. I can't begin to explain them.
It's easier to read this series from the first book to enjoy them all more but if you don't it does not take away from the story you're reading.
Toby Neal has a knack for creating great characters, both good and bad. Lei Texeira, the lead character is certainly a multi-faceted person. One of the things I like most about her is that you don't always like her and the choices she makes. But she constantly wins you over and makes you understand her reasoning.
Again beautiful Hawaii is the background for this story. I so enjoy the gorgeous descriptions of this enchanting State. Ms. Neal makes you truly feel that you are right there.
The many characters created in this story are so clearly described. They convey all applicable adjectives: Beautiful, scared, menacing, strong, angry, grieving, unstable and many more. I can't begin to explain them.
It's easier to read this series from the first book to enjoy them all more but if you don't it does not take away from the story you're reading.
March 30, 2014
Black Jasmine a good read
this was the first Toby Neal book I have read. I enjoyed the book. Good strong characters for whom you quickly develop empathy. The story line moves at a good pace without a lot of "filler" material. Normally the use of a local dialect actually written into a novel makes me crazy as few authors can pull it off. Ms Neal does it well and does not overuse it. The mystery was a good who-done-it with good twists and turns. the ending was a little disappointing when the bad guys do each other in. And Lei's decision to move on without the boyfriend and dog was sad but not unexpected. I will definitely read the next installment in this series. recommended for mystery readers. good love connection without overwhelming the mystery part of the book.
this was the first Toby Neal book I have read. I enjoyed the book. Good strong characters for whom you quickly develop empathy. The story line moves at a good pace without a lot of "filler" material. Normally the use of a local dialect actually written into a novel makes me crazy as few authors can pull it off. Ms Neal does it well and does not overuse it. The mystery was a good who-done-it with good twists and turns. the ending was a little disappointing when the bad guys do each other in. And Lei's decision to move on without the boyfriend and dog was sad but not unexpected. I will definitely read the next installment in this series. recommended for mystery readers. good love connection without overwhelming the mystery part of the book.
October 10, 2014
I don't read crime stories as much as I used to, but reading this one makes me wonder why I don't. It is set in Hawai`i and though Maui is not my favorite of the islands it still holds a great deal of culture and charm. It features not one but two villains as dark and evil as anything in the spy thriller genre. Plus, the story leads to a conclusion I didn't see coming, which is always refreshing in a crime thriller. To be actually thrilled down the stretch of a thriller is a treat. Lots of action and deeply intriguing characters. I haven't read the rest of the books in the series, but I have a feeling that jumping in anywhere is fine. There are some back story revelations in this installment but really only enough to whet the appetite for reading the earlier works.
January 20, 2013
I love this series. A crime mystery set in Hawaii. Each book so far has been set on a different island. The characters and events are so real. I can't wait for the next one.
September 26, 2014
Detective Lei Texeira is no newby to the police force when she attends the death scene of a teenager at first thought a suicide. Never one to jumping to conclusions, the ME later rules a homicide and launches she and her partner Pono into a rather complex plot involving the kidnapping and trafficking of young women from countries around the world. Lei is single but tightly embroiled with boyfriend Stevens where they reside in the lush Iao Valley with canine companion Keiki, her Rotty. Stevens is also on the force though out of a different station. Because the nature of the case soon involves the FBI, Lei is again pressured by old FBI friend Marcella to join her. While Lei is involved in the trafficking case up to her eyeballs, she wrestles with staying with Stevens or pursuing the career track--as much as she loves him; and he her, still not quite ready for the wife or mommy track. Intelligent, believable dialogue, characters well developed. The plot moves and grows in intensity with the rare look inside the mind of the co-culprit. How do they keep just outside of the reach of the law? Will she apply to the Bureau or stay in safe Maui-land with Stevens? "How do you keep'em down on the farm"....... Love Maui and Lahaina and enjoy detailed descriptions of the area, the wild and sea life, the language and associated culture. Recommended for all who enjoy travel vicariously....and why wouldn't you?
March 17, 2013
Lei is an officer with the Maui police force and one day she is called to investigate what appeared to be a vehicle suicide.
It isn't and the story unfolds through investigative phases and personal tragedies.
Not a fan of thrillers/mysteries, I often find myself pushing them away. However, Black Jasmine drew me to it with its exotic setting and likeable characters.
I read it in two days and wanted more.
Give it a go. You might as well get transported into that world of exotic bliss I've just come from.
It isn't and the story unfolds through investigative phases and personal tragedies.
Not a fan of thrillers/mysteries, I often find myself pushing them away. However, Black Jasmine drew me to it with its exotic setting and likeable characters.
I read it in two days and wanted more.
Give it a go. You might as well get transported into that world of exotic bliss I've just come from.
June 21, 2014
Great! Did not want the book to end-looking forward to Lei Crime,#4
June 28, 2013
Lei switches islands again and is back with her boyfriend. Although a great mystery, I enjoyed seeing her mature. Great characterization.
First paragraphs
Chapter 1
Detective Lei Texeira tested the rope running through the cleat, giving it a yank before nodding to the fireman controlling the winch. He switched the engine on, and she rappelled down the cliff, keeping her knees bent as she began a slow descent. Blasts of wind off the ocean whirled her curly brown hair. The rocky bluff was marbled with pockets of underbrush, and minutes later she became tangled in a thick clump of strawberry guava. “Stop the winch!” The grind of the machine and the crash of waves masked Lei’s voice, and the rope kept paying out until her full weight rested on the bush.
Neal, Toby (2012-10-03). Black Jasmine (Lei Crime Series) (Kindle Locations 17-22). . Kindle Edition.
First paragraphs
Chapter 1
Detective Lei Texeira tested the rope running through the cleat, giving it a yank before nodding to the fireman controlling the winch. He switched the engine on, and she rappelled down the cliff, keeping her knees bent as she began a slow descent. Blasts of wind off the ocean whirled her curly brown hair. The rocky bluff was marbled with pockets of underbrush, and minutes later she became tangled in a thick clump of strawberry guava. “Stop the winch!” The grind of the machine and the crash of waves masked Lei’s voice, and the rope kept paying out until her full weight rested on the bush.
Neal, Toby (2012-10-03). Black Jasmine (Lei Crime Series) (Kindle Locations 17-22). . Kindle Edition.
March 25, 2013
I Just finished reading Black Jasmine by Toby Neal. It's the third book in the Lei Crime Series and a fast-paced, easy read, just like the first two. Couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.
As always, Ms. Neal excels in setting and ambiance. You get to know Hawaii intimately in all of her books, but this one is particularly engrossing. Love the dynamics between Lei and Stevens' and I must admit I'm a little smitten with the man myself, what with those blue, blue, bedroom eyes and those impeccable pecs.
Disappointed in Lei's final choice but as a writer I know every character decides his own fate. We write what they tell us to and nothing else. Otherwise, they might refuse to appear in our next book.
I highly recommend this series.
As always, Ms. Neal excels in setting and ambiance. You get to know Hawaii intimately in all of her books, but this one is particularly engrossing. Love the dynamics between Lei and Stevens' and I must admit I'm a little smitten with the man myself, what with those blue, blue, bedroom eyes and those impeccable pecs.
Disappointed in Lei's final choice but as a writer I know every character decides his own fate. We write what they tell us to and nothing else. Otherwise, they might refuse to appear in our next book.
I highly recommend this series.
November 23, 2012
Black Jasmine is the third book in the Lei Crime series. This story follows Lei and her boyfriend Stevens as the begin life on the Island of Maui. Lei is called to the scene of a car accident. It's Lei's insight that leads the case to be identified as Murder. In the process of finding the murderer, Lei has to deal with issues from the past as well as someone trying to murder her.
As with the first two books in the series I could not get enough!
Please visit www.queenofreading.blogspot.com for a full review!
As with the first two books in the series I could not get enough!
Please visit www.queenofreading.blogspot.com for a full review!
August 7, 2013
This is my second Toby Neal book and I really enjoyed it. I am making myself wait a week before breaking into my next one so I can savor every coconut "scented" page and not greedily consume it. Toby brings the feel of the islands in to your home, while entertaining you with just enough romance and plenty of intrigue to keep the pages turning. Love the local language, truly feels like home. Keep writing Toby, I can't stand the idea that I am going to catch up to you and will not have another book stashed in my hidey hole.
April 15, 2013
Another amazing read. What a great cast of characters and how well they interact. Lei is so smooth and
unfazed under pressure.
I was a little surprised at the ending, leaving poor boy friend at airport. But! But that leaves opening for
many more to come.
Will we follow here thru her training, any love interests there?
Can not wait for the next book, and I just saw that it is available for Kindle; YES i already downloaded it
unfazed under pressure.
I was a little surprised at the ending, leaving poor boy friend at airport. But! But that leaves opening for
many more to come.
Will we follow here thru her training, any love interests there?
Can not wait for the next book, and I just saw that it is available for Kindle; YES i already downloaded it
March 21, 2013
Here is a book with strong female characters that are believable, very possibly because the author is a professional counselor and surely must have a great understanding of people.
I liked her writing style and especially enjoyed her descriptions of her native Hawaii. The story moved along, never bogged down. It held my interest from beginning to the end.
I liked her writing style and especially enjoyed her descriptions of her native Hawaii. The story moved along, never bogged down. It held my interest from beginning to the end.
September 21, 2014
MURDER, MONEY, AND MYSTERY
Anyone interested in a good, involving novel will like this book. There are no quick answers for the intrepid detective focused on getting justice for the victims, who have a nasty habit of becoming more numerous as time goes on. Lei is seriously injured during her escapes from several attempted assassinations.
Anyone interested in a good, involving novel will like this book. There are no quick answers for the intrepid detective focused on getting justice for the victims, who have a nasty habit of becoming more numerous as time goes on. Lei is seriously injured during her escapes from several attempted assassinations.
September 15, 2016
Police mystery.
This was my first book I read written by this author, liked Lei character. She is strong woman, she knows what she wants. Started with murder of a young girl, investigation leads to human trafficking, drugs and gun-running. Some language and graphic sex, didn't add anything to the story.
This was my first book I read written by this author, liked Lei character. She is strong woman, she knows what she wants. Started with murder of a young girl, investigation leads to human trafficking, drugs and gun-running. Some language and graphic sex, didn't add anything to the story.
January 3, 2015
This series is really well written, with strong female characters. This book, however, is more graphic and dark than the first two of the series. I love the way the author adds many plot twists and surprises.
August 4, 2022
great series, the characters continue to grow and became more familiar. You find yourself rooting for them or hoping they don't make the wrong move. Lei tends to have some self control challenges, though she appears to be growing out. of her selfish phase.
October 7, 2012
This is my favorite, and most risky, of the Lei books.
January 16, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed it
This was an easy read. just the right amount of sex and violence. I don't like gory details. on to the next one.
This was an easy read. just the right amount of sex and violence. I don't like gory details. on to the next one.
September 21, 2014
Exciting suspense
Book is exciting throughout. Has romance, human trafficking, drugs and all the main ingredients for a good mystery. Totally enjoyable.
Book is exciting throughout. Has romance, human trafficking, drugs and all the main ingredients for a good mystery. Totally enjoyable.
November 11, 2014
Good
this was a pretty good mystery book. I didn't like the ending but I figured a sequel will be next.
this was a pretty good mystery book. I didn't like the ending but I figured a sequel will be next.
February 14, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
Black Jasmine is the third of currently 19 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries Series, set in the well-described beautiful islands of Hawaii, an exciting, fast-paced police procedural that will keep you guessing and up way too late. I can't start one and postpone the novel's second half until tomorrow.
We are with Maui Police Detectives Leilani 'Lei' Texeira, her partner Pono Kaihole, and her husband, Michael Stevens along with FBI special agent Marcella Scott as they pursue those who have possibly murdered a young unidentified woman and disappeared several others. Are they on the cusp of exposing a worldwide ring of sexual slave providers, or is she simply a girl who lost control of her stolen vehicle and drove off a cliff into the ocean? And is there a connection between the dead girl and a missing one from the homeless camp above the wrecked vehicle, the rampant rise in size and frequency of local illegal cock fighting, and the wealthy owner of a local artists' showroom? Who is The House? What about the new bridegroom, missing from the Cruise Ship 'Rainbow Dutchess'? And who put out a hit contract on Lei? Things aren't going well for her and Stevens. But only time will tell.
This one has more sexual content than the previous two novels, but it's not overwhelming. Or not often overwhelming - the sex slave predators are not nice people. On the whole, though, a good tale told well. The first 9 of this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
REVIEWED on January 19, 2025, at Goodreads AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
Black Jasmine is the third of currently 19 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries Series, set in the well-described beautiful islands of Hawaii, an exciting, fast-paced police procedural that will keep you guessing and up way too late. I can't start one and postpone the novel's second half until tomorrow.
We are with Maui Police Detectives Leilani 'Lei' Texeira, her partner Pono Kaihole, and her husband, Michael Stevens along with FBI special agent Marcella Scott as they pursue those who have possibly murdered a young unidentified woman and disappeared several others. Are they on the cusp of exposing a worldwide ring of sexual slave providers, or is she simply a girl who lost control of her stolen vehicle and drove off a cliff into the ocean? And is there a connection between the dead girl and a missing one from the homeless camp above the wrecked vehicle, the rampant rise in size and frequency of local illegal cock fighting, and the wealthy owner of a local artists' showroom? Who is The House? What about the new bridegroom, missing from the Cruise Ship 'Rainbow Dutchess'? And who put out a hit contract on Lei? Things aren't going well for her and Stevens. But only time will tell.
This one has more sexual content than the previous two novels, but it's not overwhelming. Or not often overwhelming - the sex slave predators are not nice people. On the whole, though, a good tale told well. The first 9 of this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
REVIEWED on January 19, 2025, at Goodreads AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.
April 17, 2014
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, tranquil like Hawaii,danger and ugliness can lurk in the background.
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, tranquil like Hawaii,danger and ugliness can lurk in the background.
July 3, 2016
These books just seem to get better and better. Leilani is such a strong woman when it comes to investigating and solving crimes. However, she is weak when it comes to her personal life. I was happy to see that she and Stevens were still together.
This book had several crimes going on in Maui in which Lei is risking her life to investigate, including human trafficking and cockfighting. The Lahaina art scene plays a prominent role in the mystery. For those who are unfamiliar with Maui, Lahaina is a very artsy fartsy locale in Maui. By chance, the crimes and the art scene are all connected and Lei seeks the help of her FBI agent good friend, Marcella. I enjoyed reading Marcella again and love their camaraderie. I love reading the excerpts from the criminal's mind, very creepy! By the end of the book, Lei has come to a crossroads and it is not surprising to find out which road she has chosen.
I am hooked and am so looking forward to the next book!
This book had several crimes going on in Maui in which Lei is risking her life to investigate, including human trafficking and cockfighting. The Lahaina art scene plays a prominent role in the mystery. For those who are unfamiliar with Maui, Lahaina is a very artsy fartsy locale in Maui. By chance, the crimes and the art scene are all connected and Lei seeks the help of her FBI agent good friend, Marcella. I enjoyed reading Marcella again and love their camaraderie. I love reading the excerpts from the criminal's mind, very creepy! By the end of the book, Lei has come to a crossroads and it is not surprising to find out which road she has chosen.
I am hooked and am so looking forward to the next book!
November 16, 2014
Blame it on Hawaii 5-0, but when I saw this for free and it mentioned a crime mystery in Hawaii, I decided to snatch it up. It turned out to be an excellent buy.
The author grew up in Hawaii and it shows. She has a natural affinity for the place, that let you feel like you were really there without making you feel like you were reading a travel brochure. And Lei is a easy protagonist to fall in love with. She's not a cardboard tough girl or victim turned crime fighter, but a fully 3-d character.
Some minor mentions: While it's obvious that characters are having sex, I appreciate the fade to black for the actual deeds. In fact the whole romance, while a definite subplot, never overshadows the story at hand, which is my favorite kind of romance story.
All in all, Toby Neal is a author I will hunt down and buy the rest of her books.
The author grew up in Hawaii and it shows. She has a natural affinity for the place, that let you feel like you were really there without making you feel like you were reading a travel brochure. And Lei is a easy protagonist to fall in love with. She's not a cardboard tough girl or victim turned crime fighter, but a fully 3-d character.
Some minor mentions: While it's obvious that characters are having sex, I appreciate the fade to black for the actual deeds. In fact the whole romance, while a definite subplot, never overshadows the story at hand, which is my favorite kind of romance story.
All in all, Toby Neal is a author I will hunt down and buy the rest of her books.
November 11, 2014
This is the third book in the Lei Crime Series. A young Jane Doe goes off a cliff in Maui in her car to her death. A cockfight is raided. Lei's attacker from her youth is released from prison. The art world is connected to international human trafficking and Stevens proposes again to Lei. Attempts are mad on Lei's life and her home is burned down with her and Stevens inside. All this is wonderfully woven together against the backdrop of HAWAII and makes for a page-turning book that was difficult to put down. This was my first experience with this author, but it will not be my last.
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