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Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries #4
Maui Holidaze: Cat Cozy Humor
A cat hunt at Christmas on Maui…
I'm Kat Smith, Secret Service agent turned postmaster sleuth in the small town of Ohia on Maui, and I'm dealing with my first private investigation at the Lady Sapphire, a pedigreed feline expecting her first litter on Christmas, has been stolen from her elderly owner. My hot pilot boyfriend Mr. K and I are up to our eyeballs in cozy mystery motives when we discover that Tiki, my beloved stray, has also disappeared.
Now the hunt is personal, and I'll leave no furball unturned to bring these cats home.
"This story has ALL the feels. The perfect holiday escape read set in Hawaii!"~Reviewer
"The way Ms Neal describes the small town, inhabitants and scenery leaves me in a warm glow, and I can't wait for the next one."~N, Bookbub
I'm Kat Smith, Secret Service agent turned postmaster sleuth in the small town of Ohia on Maui, and I'm dealing with my first private investigation at the Lady Sapphire, a pedigreed feline expecting her first litter on Christmas, has been stolen from her elderly owner. My hot pilot boyfriend Mr. K and I are up to our eyeballs in cozy mystery motives when we discover that Tiki, my beloved stray, has also disappeared.
Now the hunt is personal, and I'll leave no furball unturned to bring these cats home.
"This story has ALL the feels. The perfect holiday escape read set in Hawaii!"~Reviewer
"The way Ms Neal describes the small town, inhabitants and scenery leaves me in a warm glow, and I can't wait for the next one."~N, Bookbub
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2023
184 people are currently reading
45 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 42 reviews
December 19, 2023
What an awesome holiday story to add to the Kat Smith series. I absolutely love these lighthearted whodunit stories. Fun to read and always a lot of laughs. This was a more sensitive subject for me since it involved cats and missing cats, to be specific, and I am a cat lover. But have no fear, K & K Investigations can solve this.
It's definitely worth reading.
It's definitely worth reading.
December 19, 2023
Sad and Happy. Inspiring and Emotional. Another fabulous story written by a superb author. Toby Neal has the ability to cover all our emotions with warmth, intensity, and excitement. A first-class novel. Highly Recommended.
December 18, 2023
Her's are always a winner, giving us laughs in this cozy mystery plot to enjoy.
The characters and Tiki, the mayhem of kittens, were well written, and the little twists, to enjoy to the end. Given arc for my voluntary review
The characters and Tiki, the mayhem of kittens, were well written, and the little twists, to enjoy to the end. Given arc for my voluntary review
December 20, 2023
Fun holiday story
Can I say again, how much I love the Vella format. I wish other mainstream writers would use it
Can I say again, how much I love the Vella format. I wish other mainstream writers would use it
December 20, 2023
MiSCHIEVOUS MAUI MYSTERY
Toby Neal is back with her latest release in the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 4, Maui Holidaze, full of mischievous mystery! The latest crime spree on Maui is strange and unusual. People’s beloved cats are disappearing without a trace and feral cats are disappearing as well. And to complicate matters, Tiki, Kat’s own ferocious, somewhat sometimes domesticated cat, is among the missing! K & K Investigations has been hired to find one cat in particular, Lady Sapphire, a pregnant pedigreed cat soon to deliver her kittens.
Neal delivers another great mystery filled with all manner of twists and turns, a story of friends and townspeople coming together for the common cause of finding the cats, helping a family in need, the real meaning of family, and an insight into all things Hawaiian during the Christmas Holidays.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
Toby Neal is back with her latest release in the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 4, Maui Holidaze, full of mischievous mystery! The latest crime spree on Maui is strange and unusual. People’s beloved cats are disappearing without a trace and feral cats are disappearing as well. And to complicate matters, Tiki, Kat’s own ferocious, somewhat sometimes domesticated cat, is among the missing! K & K Investigations has been hired to find one cat in particular, Lady Sapphire, a pregnant pedigreed cat soon to deliver her kittens.
Neal delivers another great mystery filled with all manner of twists and turns, a story of friends and townspeople coming together for the common cause of finding the cats, helping a family in need, the real meaning of family, and an insight into all things Hawaiian during the Christmas Holidays.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
August 7, 2024
Holidays in Paradise
I really, really love this book. I couldn’t put it down.
In this book Kat is asked to find someone’s Persian cat that has gone missing. As she tries to find her, she’s introduced to some of the issues of Maui cats. And that is that it’s very hard to get feral cats fixed and taken care of, and there are no natural enemies for them there, so they just multiply! did you know a cat can have babies when they’re four months old? And they going to heat roughly 4 times a year. So if one mama can’t had two females, and those two females came of age and had four babies that were female, along with mommy having another,three heat seasons, that alone is 16 female babies just with that first litter. And of course that’s another usually 16 male cats. It adds up very fast.
With this book, she also deals with the bird factor. Which is a lot of people are worried about cats decimating the unique bird population that they have in Maui.
I enjoyed everything that Miss Neil wrote and can’t wait to read the next one
I really, really love this book. I couldn’t put it down.
In this book Kat is asked to find someone’s Persian cat that has gone missing. As she tries to find her, she’s introduced to some of the issues of Maui cats. And that is that it’s very hard to get feral cats fixed and taken care of, and there are no natural enemies for them there, so they just multiply! did you know a cat can have babies when they’re four months old? And they going to heat roughly 4 times a year. So if one mama can’t had two females, and those two females came of age and had four babies that were female, along with mommy having another,three heat seasons, that alone is 16 female babies just with that first litter. And of course that’s another usually 16 male cats. It adds up very fast.
With this book, she also deals with the bird factor. Which is a lot of people are worried about cats decimating the unique bird population that they have in Maui.
I enjoyed everything that Miss Neil wrote and can’t wait to read the next one
November 24, 2024
Loving These Maui Mysteries!
Toby Neal continues her tales of Kat, Postmaster of a tiny rural village on Maui. Kat and boyfriend Keone (wouldn't I love to see HIM in person!) have started their own investigative service and their first case is to find what's happened to all the area's missing cats. And it's personal, as Kat's cat (pun intended) has also gone missing.
The usual cast of characters make their way into this story, and who wouldn't love to have friends like these? Ms. Neal has created a warm and quirky group of folks to support Kat and her adventures.
The only reason I didn't assign 5 stars to this novel is because the story felt a bit rushed. There were no heart-stopping moments of danger or suspense, and I especially missed the details of Kat gaining trust in her relationship with Keone.
Still, I enjoyed Ms. Neal's ability to create the believability of a small-town Maui that easily transported this reader from the gloomy rain of November in Oregon to the warm, sunny tropics.
Toby Neal continues her tales of Kat, Postmaster of a tiny rural village on Maui. Kat and boyfriend Keone (wouldn't I love to see HIM in person!) have started their own investigative service and their first case is to find what's happened to all the area's missing cats. And it's personal, as Kat's cat (pun intended) has also gone missing.
The usual cast of characters make their way into this story, and who wouldn't love to have friends like these? Ms. Neal has created a warm and quirky group of folks to support Kat and her adventures.
The only reason I didn't assign 5 stars to this novel is because the story felt a bit rushed. There were no heart-stopping moments of danger or suspense, and I especially missed the details of Kat gaining trust in her relationship with Keone.
Still, I enjoyed Ms. Neal's ability to create the believability of a small-town Maui that easily transported this reader from the gloomy rain of November in Oregon to the warm, sunny tropics.
December 21, 2023
Loved Maui Holidaze, #4 book in this cozy series. It has so much of Christmas spirit, mystery, romance, and special relationships. I love being in Maui while I read and to see how this mystery develops. Kat gets hired to find a missing, pregnant, loveable pet in Hana. We also find out there are many other missing cats in the area including Kat's loveable cat Tiki. Kat and her boyfriend Keone do a lot of investigating and research to solve this.
You will meet Kat's Aunt Fae that lives with her now. Will Kat & Keone find missing Sapphire and Tiki? I love Kat's relationships with the folks in her neighborhood and with her aunt. This book keeps you on edge and so entertained. I feel like I am right there in Maui as I am reading this wonderful Hawaii cozy mystery. Hope we get another one. Mele Kalikimaka to all. I am an ARC reader and am doing a voluntary review for this book.
You will meet Kat's Aunt Fae that lives with her now. Will Kat & Keone find missing Sapphire and Tiki? I love Kat's relationships with the folks in her neighborhood and with her aunt. This book keeps you on edge and so entertained. I feel like I am right there in Maui as I am reading this wonderful Hawaii cozy mystery. Hope we get another one. Mele Kalikimaka to all. I am an ARC reader and am doing a voluntary review for this book.
December 19, 2023
Filled with the wonderful characters Neal is known for, as well as Hawaiian lore, this holiday themed story has all the charming awkwardness of main character, Kat Smith, a former Secret Service agent, now small town Ohia's postmaster we've come to love.
K & K Investigations is hired to locate the missing Lady Sapphire, a purebred pregnant companion cat owned by elderly Mrs Scarborough. Paired with Kat's own cranky cat, Tiki, having disappeared, the hunt is on to solve the case of the missing cats.
One of Neal's traits is creating characters and situations that become very real and engaging. Maui Holidaze is one of those perfect reads to sink into and get all the heart-warmth of the season.
K & K Investigations is hired to locate the missing Lady Sapphire, a purebred pregnant companion cat owned by elderly Mrs Scarborough. Paired with Kat's own cranky cat, Tiki, having disappeared, the hunt is on to solve the case of the missing cats.
One of Neal's traits is creating characters and situations that become very real and engaging. Maui Holidaze is one of those perfect reads to sink into and get all the heart-warmth of the season.
December 19, 2023
Maui Holidaze - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Maui Holidaze is A Paradise Crimes Cozy Mystery, A Christmas Holiday Story, Book 4, by Toby Neal.
It's a worrying time for postmistress/PI Kat Smith, when her own feral cat, Tiki, goes missing. Then she and her pilot/PI boyfriend Keone, (who own K&K Investigations) are hired to look into an expectant pedigree cat's disappearance from the owner's locked home enclosure. What connects the two absentees?
Where do they learn more about the issues between wild birds, seals and feral cats etc?
The rest of the story lets you join a happy outcome and family preparations for the best Christmas ever, in true cozy mystery style.
Why not get it today and share in the Yuletide celebrations? Happy Holidays Everyone!
Maui Holidaze is A Paradise Crimes Cozy Mystery, A Christmas Holiday Story, Book 4, by Toby Neal.
It's a worrying time for postmistress/PI Kat Smith, when her own feral cat, Tiki, goes missing. Then she and her pilot/PI boyfriend Keone, (who own K&K Investigations) are hired to look into an expectant pedigree cat's disappearance from the owner's locked home enclosure. What connects the two absentees?
Where do they learn more about the issues between wild birds, seals and feral cats etc?
The rest of the story lets you join a happy outcome and family preparations for the best Christmas ever, in true cozy mystery style.
Why not get it today and share in the Yuletide celebrations? Happy Holidays Everyone!
December 24, 2023
Well, our dear Kat and her fellow sleuths are back at it on Maui. Filled with fun, adventure, romance, suspense, and lots of serendipity, this Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book #4 certainly deserves the title, HoliDAZE. Kat and Keone are tasked with the challenge of finding a beloved, valuable cat, all with the added pressure of a Christmas surprise on the way! As their leads continue to dead end, they grow increasingly concerned and then Kat's beloved cat, Tiki, disappears to add to the stress. Toby Neal does not ever disappoint her reader and as the story unfolds you will surely find yourself on the sidelines cheering for everyone (yes, even the cats!) to have a happily-ever-after holiday. This is a delightful read, perfect for this wonderful season.
December 22, 2023
A cozy mystery with cats as the centrepiece? Yes please. But this time the author uses missing cats as a way to highlight another of Hawaii's problems - feral cats. I am always pleased to read another of Ms Neal's books as I know they are always lively, insightful and yet entertaining. This is a quick cozy read with both a touch of mystery (who is taking these cats - and why?) and a touch of humour. The finale is a delightful surprise for both Kat and the reader.
I love the touches which the author brings in of Hawaiian family life and traditions - I shall be singing the Hawaiian version of 12 days of Christmas now!
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review.
I love the touches which the author brings in of Hawaiian family life and traditions - I shall be singing the Hawaiian version of 12 days of Christmas now!
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review.
December 20, 2023
Nothing will stir up a community more than nefarious happenings with beloved family pets! What's going on with more and more missing cats? Yes, at least 1 is quite valuable in a $$$ sense, but most of the others are (just as valuable) family pets. Can Kat and Mr. K round up these 4 legged furry creatures? Not an easy task! This one really puts an exclamation point to this really fun series! Just what we all needed: holiday distractions like herding cats, sharing treats, all the feels, good and bad.
March 30, 2025
Cozy Reading
After finishing the first two books of Neal’s Paradise Crime series, I took a break and started the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery series. Once one realizes that ‘cozy’ is the keyword here, and that the stories are written in a more or less, (in my opinion), tongue-in-cheek style, expectations of world-shattering drama can be set aside, (although there’s plenty of drama), and the stories are very enjoyable. I started off looking for a short break, and have already finished the first 4 books. If you’re looking for a pleasant change of pace, dig in.
After finishing the first two books of Neal’s Paradise Crime series, I took a break and started the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery series. Once one realizes that ‘cozy’ is the keyword here, and that the stories are written in a more or less, (in my opinion), tongue-in-cheek style, expectations of world-shattering drama can be set aside, (although there’s plenty of drama), and the stories are very enjoyable. I started off looking for a short break, and have already finished the first 4 books. If you’re looking for a pleasant change of pace, dig in.
December 25, 2024
A cozy little holiday read. In this volume, Kat finds herself loosening up and becoming ore comfortable around the 'ohana that she has found on Maui. An elderly lady hires her (Kat) to find her cat (Lady Sapphire), a seemingly trivial case, but one which allows Neal to discuss a real problem of feral cats in Hawai'i. The supporting cast is as ever and Kat's Aunt Fay has come to join her, adding another dimension to the cast.
March 31, 2025
Nice short story about Kat Smith, Secret Service agent turned postmaster sleuth in the small town of Ohia on Maui, dealing with my first private investigation at the holidays. Lady Sapphire, a pedigreed feline expecting her first litter on Christmas, has been stolen from her elderly owner. Kat Smith has a hot pilot boyfriend Mr. K. There are a lot of fun and stress looking for the cats during the Christmas season.
December 19, 2023
This book had me from the start. Love this series and characters! I have to say this one had my emotions involved as I have become addicted to the characters and their antics. Loved the storyline and loved the setting in Hawaii and all the descriptions of Holiday traditions. Hope we get to see more of these characters, even the feline ones!! What an awesome addition to my holiday activities!
December 19, 2023
I loved this book. In addition to being a Christmas story, it also brought attention to the real problem in Hawaii of cats and other animals endangering native birds. It was a real treat to learn the Hawaiian lyrics to the 12 Days of Christmas. This is a heart-warming story that you'll definitely enjoy reading.
December 20, 2023
This is book 3 in the series and i absolutely loved it. In this one we find Sophie hires Kat to find a very expensive and much loved cat who's expecting kittens any day. along the way Kiki goes missing as well as other house cats and feral cats as well. Kat pulls out all the stops to help find the help the beloved pet as well as Kiki.
October 14, 2025
What a delightful Christmas read! The mix of Hawaiian charm, missing cats, and mystery made this story irresistible. Kat is such a lovable, determined sleuth, and her chemistry with Mr. K adds just the right touch of warmth. I could almost smell the ocean breeze while turning the pages. Perfect for anyone who loves heartwarming holiday mysteries!
December 20, 2023
I am thrilled that Toby decided to extend the Kat Smith story into a Christmas tale (or should I say tail). I thoroughly enjoyed Maui Holidaze. It’s a light holiday story filled with laughter and love! This is a Christmas gift for all of us from Toby Neal. Merry Christmas!
December 22, 2023
Lovely mix felines and festivities
Greatly enjoyed the Mainer aunts response to Christmas on Maui, and her skilled blending of Down East Christmas and Maui Christmas. My wife and I are currently guardians of a lovely tri-color rescue. I liked the cats being the case.
Greatly enjoyed the Mainer aunts response to Christmas on Maui, and her skilled blending of Down East Christmas and Maui Christmas. My wife and I are currently guardians of a lovely tri-color rescue. I liked the cats being the case.
December 25, 2023
A heartwarming mystery of missing cats and the K & K ( Kat & Keone) Investigations team. Readers will enjoy a different version of the 12 Days of Christmas and a wonderful holiday ending. Guess I will have to keep reading to see if Mr. K ever pops the question.
December 25, 2023
I love this series
. Who wouldn't fall in love with these characters. I was very happy for Tiki and her feral beginning to a loving family cat. Thank you again Toby for these fascinating stories
. Who wouldn't fall in love with these characters. I was very happy for Tiki and her feral beginning to a loving family cat. Thank you again Toby for these fascinating stories
February 5, 2024
Delightful!
This is a delightful cozy series. As I am also a lover of cats, I love a good mystery where they are involved. I also love the wonderful variety of characters in this series. They are truly "loveable"!
This is a delightful cozy series. As I am also a lover of cats, I love a good mystery where they are involved. I also love the wonderful variety of characters in this series. They are truly "loveable"!
May 2, 2024
Such a fun and great book
I read this book In just 1 sitting. I really couldn't put it down because I really wanted the happy ending Before I went to sleep I love Toby Neal's books and they never disappoint. Looking forward to the new book about Kat this year!
I read this book In just 1 sitting. I really couldn't put it down because I really wanted the happy ending Before I went to sleep I love Toby Neal's books and they never disappoint. Looking forward to the new book about Kat this year!
September 2, 2024
Holidays in Hawaii!!
Who doesn't dream of tropical fun in the sun? This was a great mystery. Light and with a nice happy ending. I thought it gave a good overview into what real Hawaii is like.
Who doesn't dream of tropical fun in the sun? This was a great mystery. Light and with a nice happy ending. I thought it gave a good overview into what real Hawaii is like.
November 17, 2024
Hawaii
These cute cozy mysteries make me want another trip to Hawaii! This one was especially cute, Tiki goes missing, and many stray cats as well as a very valuable grey! Buts that’s not the rest of the story!
These cute cozy mysteries make me want another trip to Hawaii! This one was especially cute, Tiki goes missing, and many stray cats as well as a very valuable grey! Buts that’s not the rest of the story!
December 18, 2023
I packed ALL OF THE THINGS I love about holidays in Hawaii into this little book. Hope it sweeps you away to somewhere warm and wonderful.
Aloha
~Toby
Aloha
~Toby
December 20, 2023
Maui
Great book, I will be reading all of this series. The characters are wonderful. The storyline line was interesting and really spoke of the small community life.
Great book, I will be reading all of this series. The characters are wonderful. The storyline line was interesting and really spoke of the small community life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews