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Paradise #7
Dark Lava
Maui is sacred places, ancient artifacts, and the dark lava of deepest passions.
Nothing ever goes easy for detectives Lei Texeira and Michael Stevens. An investigation into heiau desecrations must take a back seat to the emergence of an enemy who targets those closest to them, leaving shrouds as a calling card. Lei and Stevens face challenges of the body, mind and heart in this seventh in the bestselling Lei Crime Series.
“Neal is a powerful writer, and her prose is often effortless and elegant.” Kirkus Reviews
Nothing ever goes easy for detectives Lei Texeira and Michael Stevens. An investigation into heiau desecrations must take a back seat to the emergence of an enemy who targets those closest to them, leaving shrouds as a calling card. Lei and Stevens face challenges of the body, mind and heart in this seventh in the bestselling Lei Crime Series.
“Neal is a powerful writer, and her prose is often effortless and elegant.” Kirkus Reviews
390 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2014
1146 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 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 148 reviews
January 15, 2018
Good story.
Takes place in Hawaiian islands, investigations of murders. Emotional story, Lei character whines little too much. Don't think I'll read more in this series.
Takes place in Hawaiian islands, investigations of murders. Emotional story, Lei character whines little too much. Don't think I'll read more in this series.
July 9, 2014
All I can saw is WOW! Toby Neal hits a home run with Dark Lava, number 7 in the Lei Crime Series. Anyone who has read the entire series will welcome the chance to read more about the ongoing relationship between Lei and her husband, Stevens. As in each of Neal's novels in this series, there is always a main story. This time it's the desecration of the ancient Heiaus. As a native of Kauai, Neal provides information that gives non-Hawaiians an appreciation of the culture and traditions that are honored by Hawaiians. Stevens has a major role in the plot of Dark Lava, so we learn more, of what goes on inside his head—his thoughts and feelings.
Then there are the sub-plots in which characters we have met in previous novels, "drop in" as part of one of the sub-plots or to support the main plot. Although these friends and relatives of Lei and Stevens are many, Neal brings them into the story at critical times and weaves them in and out to support and not distract from the main plot. As each is re-introduced in this book, it's like an old friend returning and, in some instances, getting an update on what is going on in their lives.
Each time I finish one of the Lei Crime Stories, I'm always a bit sad as I know I have to wait to find out what will happen next in Lei's life. I don't want to share any spoilers but there were enough unanswered questions for me to get this same feeling at the end of Dark Lava. And, of course, Neal gives us a glimpse into the next novel in the series, coming fall 2014.
Then there are the sub-plots in which characters we have met in previous novels, "drop in" as part of one of the sub-plots or to support the main plot. Although these friends and relatives of Lei and Stevens are many, Neal brings them into the story at critical times and weaves them in and out to support and not distract from the main plot. As each is re-introduced in this book, it's like an old friend returning and, in some instances, getting an update on what is going on in their lives.
Each time I finish one of the Lei Crime Stories, I'm always a bit sad as I know I have to wait to find out what will happen next in Lei's life. I don't want to share any spoilers but there were enough unanswered questions for me to get this same feeling at the end of Dark Lava. And, of course, Neal gives us a glimpse into the next novel in the series, coming fall 2014.
August 5, 2014
Dark Lava is book #7 in the Lei Crime Series by Toby Neal and
I have to agree with the consensus opinion that it is the best
so far. The setting for this story is the island of Maui.
Neal has followed Lei's growth as a detective across the
Hawaiian Islands as her jobs, assignments and locations have
changed. In each book Neal's love of Hawaii is made apparent
and the unique charms of each episode's location are lovingly
described.
Still, these are not a travelogues, it's a crime series, and
the issues in this book are varied, suspenseful and intense. It
starts with the desecration of cultural heritage sites, likely
by art thieves, stealing ancient petroglyphs. Things quickly
turn far worse with a horrific murder, her husband under
suspicion and suspended and a beloved aunt near death, all
while trying to deal with difficult family issues. A very nice
job of ratcheting up the tension when it seems that things just
could not get worse.
A very good read, but I would suggest that these books would be
best appreciated if read in sequence.
I have to agree with the consensus opinion that it is the best
so far. The setting for this story is the island of Maui.
Neal has followed Lei's growth as a detective across the
Hawaiian Islands as her jobs, assignments and locations have
changed. In each book Neal's love of Hawaii is made apparent
and the unique charms of each episode's location are lovingly
described.
Still, these are not a travelogues, it's a crime series, and
the issues in this book are varied, suspenseful and intense. It
starts with the desecration of cultural heritage sites, likely
by art thieves, stealing ancient petroglyphs. Things quickly
turn far worse with a horrific murder, her husband under
suspicion and suspended and a beloved aunt near death, all
while trying to deal with difficult family issues. A very nice
job of ratcheting up the tension when it seems that things just
could not get worse.
A very good read, but I would suggest that these books would be
best appreciated if read in sequence.
July 26, 2014
I think this could be the best book in the Lei Crime Series (so far). It is non stop action for both Lei & Stevens, just when they pass one hurdle, Bam another one pops up. I cried both happy and sad tears throughout most of the book. In some ways it was like watching a soap opera (tune in tomorrow). I kept saying 'One more chapter', then there would be a cliff hanger at the end, and 'OK just one more chapter'.
I can see this series going on for years and years. With Toby Neal' s imagination there is no end to the adventures possible for Lei, Stevens, and their family & friends. I can't wait for book #8.
I can see this series going on for years and years. With Toby Neal' s imagination there is no end to the adventures possible for Lei, Stevens, and their family & friends. I can't wait for book #8.
August 2, 2014
Another winner!
Another winner!
I've read all of the Lei Crime Series books by Toby Neal, including the two companion novels, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. I'm looking forward to her new and seventh book in the series coming out this fall. For people who like this genre, especially those with strong female leads, you'll enjoy these books. Well written, strong characters, fast paced.
Another winner!
I've read all of the Lei Crime Series books by Toby Neal, including the two companion novels, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. I'm looking forward to her new and seventh book in the series coming out this fall. For people who like this genre, especially those with strong female leads, you'll enjoy these books. Well written, strong characters, fast paced.
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January 9, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2018)! 💝
August 29, 2014
Ms. Neal is a beautiful writer. Not only are the books set on the islands of Hawaii but she describes the detail to great lengths, I feel as if I'm there. How she captures strong emotions for the cast while providing us with a captivating mystery is beyond me. Lei and Michael are an interesting couple and I have truly enjoyed following their history, but those two need a break from emotions and stress. Ms. Neal has given them some serious life changing situations: stalkers, murders, bombs, serious injuries just to name a few. I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster but not really sure if I wanted to find out what torturous things could be happening to them now. There is so much happening in this book that I'd hate to comment on a story line and ruin it for you. Just know that I think this was the best one yet! If you are a reader of the Lei books you will follow along easily, please read the novellas for Marcella and Dr. Wilson as we get some new updates on them as well. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book from the author for review.
September 9, 2014
I absolutely loved the dual perspectives in this book. I think getting inside Stevens' head will help the series progress even further. While I am a bit wary of certain plot developments, I am definitely looking forward to future books in the series. As always, I wish I could go back to Hawaii and see the sites Toby Neal so vividly describes.
July 17, 2014
If you have read any of the books in the series, you must read this! It's fast paced, highly entertaining, and as good or better than all of the other books in the series. Just when you think you figure out the mystery, a new clue gets discovered and you have to rethink everything. Love it!
January 20, 2015
Good ok. I enjoyed it. Much more positive in some ways than other books in this series.
January 11, 2021
This is our third reading in Neal’s now 13-book series about Hawaiian detective Lei Texeira. Lei must get around as she’s now part of the Maui PD, having previously served both on the Big Island (Hawaii) and the smallish Kauai. She’s just been assigned to join a bomb squad, which turns out handy later in the tale.
The plot mostly centers on some sort of crime ring stealing ancient Hawaiian artifacts, mostly petroglyphs. When a group of locals is formed to “protect” them and maybe discover the perpetrators, things heat up, and get Lei’s new husband Detective Stevens involved in those crimes. Soon thereafter, the death of Stevens’ ex-wife identifies him as a likely culprit, so clearing his name is an important sub-plot, as is an infant left behind that may well be his own child. Yet another sub-plot involving Lei’s dying aunt adds further complications to the story in what we found to be a very entertaining police procedural with lots of action to keep us engaged.
A minor quibble might be that the text shifted scenes and narrators without as much as a little marker or even a blank line to warn us – that uprooted our reading on several occasions, and was annoying. Otherwise, we find ourselves enjoying these novels and their unique setting, and plan to continue to seek out more. {3.5}
The plot mostly centers on some sort of crime ring stealing ancient Hawaiian artifacts, mostly petroglyphs. When a group of locals is formed to “protect” them and maybe discover the perpetrators, things heat up, and get Lei’s new husband Detective Stevens involved in those crimes. Soon thereafter, the death of Stevens’ ex-wife identifies him as a likely culprit, so clearing his name is an important sub-plot, as is an infant left behind that may well be his own child. Yet another sub-plot involving Lei’s dying aunt adds further complications to the story in what we found to be a very entertaining police procedural with lots of action to keep us engaged.
A minor quibble might be that the text shifted scenes and narrators without as much as a little marker or even a blank line to warn us – that uprooted our reading on several occasions, and was annoying. Otherwise, we find ourselves enjoying these novels and their unique setting, and plan to continue to seek out more. {3.5}
January 23, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
Dark Lava, Paradise Crime Mysteries #7, is a bit of a switch-up. Lei has been assigned to train for the bomb squad, with a new partner. Lei is NOT suited for the bomb squad. You and I know that, and her boss lady will see it pretty fast, too, I hope. In the meantime she is pulled from her training in all things bomb when local petroglyphs are being chiseled out of their traditional spots, the history of the native peoples desecrated on both Ohau and Maui, and all law enforcement is called in to stop the thefts. Immediate chaos results on the islands. Finding the bad guys may be shocking to both native Hawaiians and white residents alike but find them they must, before more history is lost. And newly-wed Lei and Stevens and their families are targeted by hitmen who leave a shroud as their calling card after a successful hit. Both Lei and Steven lose family members to the Shroud Killer and the pressure on this new marriage is intense. And the family is bigger than either of them had anticipated.....
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AMazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
Dark Lava, Paradise Crime Mysteries #7, is a bit of a switch-up. Lei has been assigned to train for the bomb squad, with a new partner. Lei is NOT suited for the bomb squad. You and I know that, and her boss lady will see it pretty fast, too, I hope. In the meantime she is pulled from her training in all things bomb when local petroglyphs are being chiseled out of their traditional spots, the history of the native peoples desecrated on both Ohau and Maui, and all law enforcement is called in to stop the thefts. Immediate chaos results on the islands. Finding the bad guys may be shocking to both native Hawaiians and white residents alike but find them they must, before more history is lost. And newly-wed Lei and Stevens and their families are targeted by hitmen who leave a shroud as their calling card after a successful hit. Both Lei and Steven lose family members to the Shroud Killer and the pressure on this new marriage is intense. And the family is bigger than either of them had anticipated.....
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AMazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
January 14, 2019
This volume of the series is again excellent, and rather full of personal tragedy for our protagonists. Things kind of pile up relentlessly, which makes for an exciting and heart-wrenching pace...
June 29, 2018
In the interest of full disclosure this book was free through Book Bub/Google. Of course there are hazards to not being in at the beginning of a series, and unlike some I'll admit that the amount I spend on my entertainment is a factor is how much I enjoy it.
This is more crime thriller than a mystery, and that's not a significant issue. For me it meant a slight reset of the mind set of expectations while reading it. But, the main reason I selected the book was the setting. I've been to two of Hawaii's islands, and frankly we looked into moving to Big Island many years ago.
So while set on Maui, from my brief exposure, because to me a total of four weeks is a brief exposure to another culture, Neal does get many aspects of island life correct.
What many people may not know is that there is a Hawaii independence movement, and pride in Hawaiian culture and history is one of the subplots here, as Lei's husband, Stevens, is investigating the looting and desecration of scared Hawaiian sites. A murder eventually comes into play during his investigation.
Stevens himself is a suspect in the murder of his pregnant ex-wife (the child is saved and alive).
What nearly elevates this above what I consider an average book (explanation 3 stars =average, ok, not a waste of time, etc.) is that Neal tries to get the reader into Lei's and Steven's heads. Being a cop leaves a certain amount of damage. Look, I was with the courts for nearly 15 years, and trained in EMS, my best friends were probation officers, in one case for 35 years. So, yeah I have some first hand knowledge of this.
So when Lei convinces Stevens to seek help for dealing with his ex-wife's murder and discovering that he is now a father, it makes sense that at first he resists and then somewhat gradually acknowledges that he needs help, and not just the kind you get from a bottle.
Lei herself has some damage from her childhood and past cases. This come to fore when she uses techniques she learned for stress management, and she also acknowledges that running and working are ways she manages stress.
The major crimes for this installment are wrapped up, and some threads are left to be woven into future books. I'd argue there's enough exposition to keep a reader content with the background of what came before, but I acknowledge will want to seek out the earlier books.
This is more crime thriller than a mystery, and that's not a significant issue. For me it meant a slight reset of the mind set of expectations while reading it. But, the main reason I selected the book was the setting. I've been to two of Hawaii's islands, and frankly we looked into moving to Big Island many years ago.
So while set on Maui, from my brief exposure, because to me a total of four weeks is a brief exposure to another culture, Neal does get many aspects of island life correct.
What many people may not know is that there is a Hawaii independence movement, and pride in Hawaiian culture and history is one of the subplots here, as Lei's husband, Stevens, is investigating the looting and desecration of scared Hawaiian sites. A murder eventually comes into play during his investigation.
Stevens himself is a suspect in the murder of his pregnant ex-wife (the child is saved and alive).
What nearly elevates this above what I consider an average book (explanation 3 stars =average, ok, not a waste of time, etc.) is that Neal tries to get the reader into Lei's and Steven's heads. Being a cop leaves a certain amount of damage. Look, I was with the courts for nearly 15 years, and trained in EMS, my best friends were probation officers, in one case for 35 years. So, yeah I have some first hand knowledge of this.
So when Lei convinces Stevens to seek help for dealing with his ex-wife's murder and discovering that he is now a father, it makes sense that at first he resists and then somewhat gradually acknowledges that he needs help, and not just the kind you get from a bottle.
Lei herself has some damage from her childhood and past cases. This come to fore when she uses techniques she learned for stress management, and she also acknowledges that running and working are ways she manages stress.
The major crimes for this installment are wrapped up, and some threads are left to be woven into future books. I'd argue there's enough exposition to keep a reader content with the background of what came before, but I acknowledge will want to seek out the earlier books.
December 18, 2014
This book continues the high quality story telling of earlier books in the series.
Lei and Michael, now married and hoping to start a family, face personal and professional crises when Michael is suspected of killing his former wife and Lei gets some devastating news about a family member. Lei continues to evolve further and further away from the distrusting person she was in the first book and her journey is one thing that makes this series so enjoyable.
The threat to Michael and Lei introduced in the previous book carries over to this one with a bit of resolution. But Neal still leaves us wondering who is behind it.
I see there is one more book in the series. I hope it’s not the last one.
If you’re looking for a good read with engaging characters, this series is right up your alley.
Lei and Michael, now married and hoping to start a family, face personal and professional crises when Michael is suspected of killing his former wife and Lei gets some devastating news about a family member. Lei continues to evolve further and further away from the distrusting person she was in the first book and her journey is one thing that makes this series so enjoyable.
The threat to Michael and Lei introduced in the previous book carries over to this one with a bit of resolution. But Neal still leaves us wondering who is behind it.
I see there is one more book in the series. I hope it’s not the last one.
If you’re looking for a good read with engaging characters, this series is right up your alley.
December 30, 2014
Lei Texeira and Michael Stevens are back and once again up to their necks in crime! Hawaiian artifacts are being stolen and with it bringing tensions within the islands. In the middle of this Stevens ex wife is murdered and Stevens is the number one suspect and Lei's family is in crises with the illness of her beloved Aunt.
Of course I liked this book, these books are set in paradise and the characters are beautifully created. Following Lei through these books and watching her grow past the damaged woman we first met is an amazing journey.
Thanks for another great read Toby Neal!
Of course I liked this book, these books are set in paradise and the characters are beautifully created. Following Lei through these books and watching her grow past the damaged woman we first met is an amazing journey.
Thanks for another great read Toby Neal!
February 19, 2015
Toby Neal has got a great series going here. I keep waiting for it to run out of steam and get boring, but it hasn't happened yet. I liked the mystery of the native stone etchings in this one and the mystery of what happened to Stevens' ex-wife, Anchara. Both story lines ended up having a nice twist to them. I'm looking forward to how Stevens and Lei adjust to their new family adjustments in the next novel.
February 28, 2015
Dark Lava: Lei Crime Book 7
Another awesome storyline in this series. Nice job of fleshing out the characters. Didn't see a lot of what occurred coming; which is great! Just when you think you know what's going to happen next Neal takes you in another direction. Must begin book 8 immediately because I have to know what happens next!
Another awesome storyline in this series. Nice job of fleshing out the characters. Didn't see a lot of what occurred coming; which is great! Just when you think you know what's going to happen next Neal takes you in another direction. Must begin book 8 immediately because I have to know what happens next!
August 24, 2015
Intense and passionate
Wow! This time we got to focus on on Stevens and get to know him a little better. In this case his ex came back to haunt him. This story really showed the strength in the relationship of Lei and Stevens. This was probably one the most moving stories out of the series. I found myself in tears several times. Can't wait to see what is next.
Wow! This time we got to focus on on Stevens and get to know him a little better. In this case his ex came back to haunt him. This story really showed the strength in the relationship of Lei and Stevens. This was probably one the most moving stories out of the series. I found myself in tears several times. Can't wait to see what is next.
September 7, 2015
Better even than the one before
I signed here with happy tears after finishing this book.
The plot is intricate but cohesive and the progression of events is logical. The emotion both within the story and created by the story is real, honest, intense. You're going to love this one.
I signed here with happy tears after finishing this book.
The plot is intricate but cohesive and the progression of events is logical. The emotion both within the story and created by the story is real, honest, intense. You're going to love this one.
November 23, 2014
CONNECTIONS - PAST AND FUTURE
Stevens and Lei are involved in the police duties that find a way to connect to their lives - both personal and professional. A very emotionally and intellectually involving story about folks the reader will care about.
Stevens and Lei are involved in the police duties that find a way to connect to their lives - both personal and professional. A very emotionally and intellectually involving story about folks the reader will care about.
August 7, 2015
Holy Sights
This starts out as an investigation into disecrations of holy sights on the island Maui. It quickly turns into a murder investigation.
Like all the novels in this series the author gets the culture and geography of Hawaii correct.
This starts out as an investigation into disecrations of holy sights on the island Maui. It quickly turns into a murder investigation.
Like all the novels in this series the author gets the culture and geography of Hawaii correct.
September 23, 2018
High marks for title and cover. Lei and Stevens are in hot form for this seventh installment of the Lei Crime Series. Love visiting heiaus around the islands over the years so appreciate how Neal dealt with the desecration of artifacts.
July 10, 2014
Review to follow.
July 16, 2014
Awesome
Awesome
this novel is just as good as all the rest. I can not wait for the next book. fall cannot come fast enough.
Awesome
this novel is just as good as all the rest. I can not wait for the next book. fall cannot come fast enough.
December 2, 2014
Back to the gripping storylines and plots that had me hooked from book 1. Loved this book, especially with the equal focus on Stevens this time. Full of emotion and gritty crime. Perfect!
November 21, 2014
Another great story from Toby Neal. I love this series.
December 20, 2014
excellent read. good character development.
April 24, 2015
Hawaii is a lot more interesting through the eyes of people who've lived there!
July 29, 2015
As always, Toby keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews