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Paradise #8
Fire Beach:
Hawaii is cane fires, lush jungles, and feuds that won't die until everyone's dead. Detective Lei Texeira stalks the shroud killer on her own terms as Michael Stevens finds himself engulfed in the flames of a case with tangled consequences. In this eighth of the best-selling Lei Crime Series, Lei and Stevens find out just how far hate and love will go.
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First published October 17, 2014
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About the author
Toby Neal
83 books986 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 109 reviews
November 2, 2014
I've been hooked on this series since the beginning
These are the proverbial books you can't put down. The storylines are always thrilling. Neal really is a master of the craft. She knows how to engage a reader by giving just enough information to make them feel a part of the story, but still keeps the element of surprise. That is a gift of timing and patience and, in my opinion, is the hallmark of a fine writer. She shows the same exquisite restraint with relationships, especially Lei and Stevens. Nothing is ever trite or pat. If you haven't read this series you have a lot catching up to do!
These are the proverbial books you can't put down. The storylines are always thrilling. Neal really is a master of the craft. She knows how to engage a reader by giving just enough information to make them feel a part of the story, but still keeps the element of surprise. That is a gift of timing and patience and, in my opinion, is the hallmark of a fine writer. She shows the same exquisite restraint with relationships, especially Lei and Stevens. Nothing is ever trite or pat. If you haven't read this series you have a lot catching up to do!
January 20, 2015
Once again a great mystery and a compelling story from Ms. Toby Neal! Lea and Stephens are faced with more then any two should and come out the other side scorched and hurting. As always the setting is breathtaking and the emotions run high!
October 14, 2019
This is easily my least favourite of the series so far. The other books all had a crime storyline, with the personal story as well – this book switches over completely to personal… so much for a ‘police procedural’. At this point, this is a prime example of how *not* to be a police officer.
After the marriage and the announcement that Lei is pregnant, I was worried the story might get overly focused on the baby, or too emotional… I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, I wish that was how this went.
Lei makes a series of appalling decisions which lead to personal tragedy and it’s near impossible to be sympathetic at all, since said tragedy is a direct result of a long series of Lei’s own actions. This entire book reads like a psychological examination of Lei’s psyche and it is not pretty.
Then there’s the increasingly unhealthy marriage with Michael – I expected a train wreck, what I didn’t expect was how Lei, while four months pregnant, continues as if absolutely nothing has changed. She puts herself and the baby in very dangerous situations so many times that I began to wonder if she was actually trying to get rid of the baby! E.g. climbing a tree, lying on her stomach… with a sniper rifle; and walking up to a car with an unknown number of suspects inside that even SWAT refused to approach. We knew Lei was reckless but this takes it to whole new levels.
Then there’s poor Michael. I’ll admit, I am becoming increasingly disturbed by their relationship – it’s seriously bordering on toxic at this point. Michael, despite being treated appallingly by Lei for multiple years at this point, is so obsessed with Lei that he couldn’t walk away from her, despite it being blatantly in his best interests to do so. She will actually be the death of him… literally.
From Lei’s point of view, she literally just cuts Michael out of her life when she knows he’ll get in her way, proceeding to outright scheme and deceive everyone involved, and then has the absolute audacity to act wounded when Michael checks her dubious story and shocker, it’s a total lie! Lei has gone from a character I liked and empathised with to one I am starting to really dislike. Michael seriously needs to divorce her and move to the other side of the country to get away from her. Problem is, he’s so deeply invested at this point and too honourable to walk out on his wife, even if he really should.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that Lei ends up being seriously investigated by Internal Affairs by the end. I’m shocked she hasn’t been fired yet. The author has gotten so carried away with Lei’s drama that she’s dropped realism completely, this book doesn’t even have a separate crime storyline.
Lei’s the actual definition of a loose cannon and an embarrassment as a police officer. This series has gone in such a weird direction – from a respectable policewoman to a rogue cop who is a danger to everyone around her (and inside her). I’ve no idea where the author is trying to go with this. It’s gone from being a crime series to being completely focused on the terrible life choices of an incredibly selfish, dangerously unstable woman who also happens to be a cop. Really not enjoying this detour into Lei’s personal vendetta – I own the next book in the series, I will read that and if there’s not a return to the crime component, I’m done with this series.
After the marriage and the announcement that Lei is pregnant, I was worried the story might get overly focused on the baby, or too emotional… I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, I wish that was how this went.
Lei makes a series of appalling decisions which lead to personal tragedy and it’s near impossible to be sympathetic at all, since said tragedy is a direct result of a long series of Lei’s own actions. This entire book reads like a psychological examination of Lei’s psyche and it is not pretty.
Then there’s the increasingly unhealthy marriage with Michael – I expected a train wreck, what I didn’t expect was how Lei, while four months pregnant, continues as if absolutely nothing has changed. She puts herself and the baby in very dangerous situations so many times that I began to wonder if she was actually trying to get rid of the baby! E.g. climbing a tree, lying on her stomach… with a sniper rifle; and walking up to a car with an unknown number of suspects inside that even SWAT refused to approach. We knew Lei was reckless but this takes it to whole new levels.
Then there’s poor Michael. I’ll admit, I am becoming increasingly disturbed by their relationship – it’s seriously bordering on toxic at this point. Michael, despite being treated appallingly by Lei for multiple years at this point, is so obsessed with Lei that he couldn’t walk away from her, despite it being blatantly in his best interests to do so. She will actually be the death of him… literally.
From Lei’s point of view, she literally just cuts Michael out of her life when she knows he’ll get in her way, proceeding to outright scheme and deceive everyone involved, and then has the absolute audacity to act wounded when Michael checks her dubious story and shocker, it’s a total lie! Lei has gone from a character I liked and empathised with to one I am starting to really dislike. Michael seriously needs to divorce her and move to the other side of the country to get away from her. Problem is, he’s so deeply invested at this point and too honourable to walk out on his wife, even if he really should.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that Lei ends up being seriously investigated by Internal Affairs by the end. I’m shocked she hasn’t been fired yet. The author has gotten so carried away with Lei’s drama that she’s dropped realism completely, this book doesn’t even have a separate crime storyline.
Lei’s the actual definition of a loose cannon and an embarrassment as a police officer. This series has gone in such a weird direction – from a respectable policewoman to a rogue cop who is a danger to everyone around her (and inside her). I’ve no idea where the author is trying to go with this. It’s gone from being a crime series to being completely focused on the terrible life choices of an incredibly selfish, dangerously unstable woman who also happens to be a cop. Really not enjoying this detour into Lei’s personal vendetta – I own the next book in the series, I will read that and if there’s not a return to the crime component, I’m done with this series.
October 20, 2014
Another guilty pleasure read. I adore these books and anxiously await each one. Fire Beach starts off a little different with the focus off of Lei and Stevens for a moment--but only that. As Stevens and his partner try to figure out who is setting fires to the sugar cane fields, Lei once again runs off half cocked to try to find the shroud killer under the guise of another investigation. The end is heartbreakingly good. I can only hope that the next book in the series continues to build the intensity.
October 17, 2014
Scorching hot! FIRE BEACH is the latest of Toby Neal's Lei Crime series novels, and it's her best yet. It has her usual mystery thrill ride, coupled with relationship issues we can all relate to, and introduces some new characters who I'd personally like to see more of. Lei and Stevens' relationship is tested, as Lei makes a decision that puts not only her career on the line, but her life. I can't wait to see what's going to come next in this series.
November 3, 2014
As others have said, each book in the series is better than the last. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lei, Stevens & the rest. They have begun to feel like my Ohana. I want Lei as my Facebook friend so I can keep up with her!
January 23, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
Fire Beach, Paradise Crime Mysteries #8 is a very fast-paced read that will keep you up nights. Someone is setting fire to the sugar cane fields on Maui, within days of the dried canes being harvested. It is hurting the farmers badly financially, and the smoke and fire isn't good for anyone, either. And now someone has died in the fires. Stevens is right in the middle of the case - and it will become even more personal as it progresses. Lei has her own agenda - she's going after those Shroud Killers who are targeting their family. All by herself.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2205, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for individual review at Kobo.
Fire Beach, Paradise Crime Mysteries #8 is a very fast-paced read that will keep you up nights. Someone is setting fire to the sugar cane fields on Maui, within days of the dried canes being harvested. It is hurting the farmers badly financially, and the smoke and fire isn't good for anyone, either. And now someone has died in the fires. Stevens is right in the middle of the case - and it will become even more personal as it progresses. Lei has her own agenda - she's going after those Shroud Killers who are targeting their family. All by herself.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2205, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for individual review at Kobo.
June 19, 2018
Lei and Stevens kick ass again!
Even though this is my 2nd time reading this book, I still was totally engrossed! I laughed, I cried and actually enjoyed the book more this time around! Love each and every one of these books!!
Even though this is my 2nd time reading this book, I still was totally engrossed! I laughed, I cried and actually enjoyed the book more this time around! Love each and every one of these books!!
April 25, 2020
This rounds out some of the long story-arc related to Lei, Stevens, pregnancy, and the "shroud killer" episodes from the couple of prior volumes. Became quite a page-turner through the last 1/3 of the book, too.
November 14, 2019
Jumped a few Sharks
This author frustrates me. She has great plot lines, story boards,and can hold your attention. Sorry I do not agree with word riviting....there are great writers that are riviting that can kerp you up for days. This aurhor writes for what seems to be dreaming, wistful women. As hubby says...these are .not men 's riviting books.
But once again (she had not done it for two books) she took the protagonist down a very unprofessional road which should cause her her caeer foreve r. She will find a way to squeeze out of not following legal protocols. Thus jumpi ng shark s and pleasing women who don't have a clue about career rules and regulations. This is what frustrates me....it is ok ay for this policewoman to go gray and break certain laws and get by with it. The author has made it okay for a metoo generation person to make excuses and break th e law and not get punished. Yet any other person in society that is not a me too victim should be jailed. It is the fault of authors like this that is making me too crimes okay....and punishment well there is none. The protagonist would nev er had this full story if she had not broken FBI edicts, walked on her husband because a metoo can and do so with no spologies,, lack of marital respect, and really expect another blue participation ribbon. Instead it ends with all the metoo women celebrating and the mere males working their butts off. Convratulations on the gender bias message the author is sending. I kerp reading hoping the author will stop this gender bias message. I am a woman and am disgusted by it. It is okay for metoo women to break the law. All others may be shot in the head for breaking the law also.
This author frustrates me. She has great plot lines, story boards,and can hold your attention. Sorry I do not agree with word riviting....there are great writers that are riviting that can kerp you up for days. This aurhor writes for what seems to be dreaming, wistful women. As hubby says...these are .not men 's riviting books.
But once again (she had not done it for two books) she took the protagonist down a very unprofessional road which should cause her her caeer foreve r. She will find a way to squeeze out of not following legal protocols. Thus jumpi ng shark s and pleasing women who don't have a clue about career rules and regulations. This is what frustrates me....it is ok ay for this policewoman to go gray and break certain laws and get by with it. The author has made it okay for a metoo generation person to make excuses and break th e law and not get punished. Yet any other person in society that is not a me too victim should be jailed. It is the fault of authors like this that is making me too crimes okay....and punishment well there is none. The protagonist would nev er had this full story if she had not broken FBI edicts, walked on her husband because a metoo can and do so with no spologies,, lack of marital respect, and really expect another blue participation ribbon. Instead it ends with all the metoo women celebrating and the mere males working their butts off. Convratulations on the gender bias message the author is sending. I kerp reading hoping the author will stop this gender bias message. I am a woman and am disgusted by it. It is okay for metoo women to break the law. All others may be shot in the head for breaking the law also.
January 31, 2015
This is another solid entry in a series that continues to engage.
Lei, the main character, has steadily put her abusive past further behind her as the series has progressed. Here it’s only a blip on her persona as she moves forward in her relationship with her husband, Michael. This evolution of her progress makes her a much more realistic and believable character than one who suddenly sheds whatever burdens he or she has been carrying.
The emotional stakes are a little higher in this book than in some prior ones as Lei and Michael deal with the child they adopted in the last book and Lei’s pregnancy. The danger is a little higher, too, as they are the target of someone who wants them dead. All this makes for an intense, fast-paced read.
I noticed my first ‘factual’ error in this book when Lei flips the safety off a revolver before firing it. If my memory serves me correctly (and it might not!) only one model revolver – a British Webley from the early 1900s – had a safety.
Every time I get to the end of one of these novels, I fear in the Afterword that Neal will tell us it’s the end, that Lei and Michael will have no more adventures. It’s good to see that there will be at least one more after this one.
Keep them coming, Ms. Neal.
Lei, the main character, has steadily put her abusive past further behind her as the series has progressed. Here it’s only a blip on her persona as she moves forward in her relationship with her husband, Michael. This evolution of her progress makes her a much more realistic and believable character than one who suddenly sheds whatever burdens he or she has been carrying.
The emotional stakes are a little higher in this book than in some prior ones as Lei and Michael deal with the child they adopted in the last book and Lei’s pregnancy. The danger is a little higher, too, as they are the target of someone who wants them dead. All this makes for an intense, fast-paced read.
I noticed my first ‘factual’ error in this book when Lei flips the safety off a revolver before firing it. If my memory serves me correctly (and it might not!) only one model revolver – a British Webley from the early 1900s – had a safety.
Every time I get to the end of one of these novels, I fear in the Afterword that Neal will tell us it’s the end, that Lei and Michael will have no more adventures. It’s good to see that there will be at least one more after this one.
Keep them coming, Ms. Neal.
October 18, 2014
Each time I read the next book in the Lei Crime Series, I think they can’t get better, but they do. Now that Lei and Wayne are married, life takes different twists and turns for them as a couple and as individuals. Lei, as a strong-willed, independent female, strives to protect her growing family. Stevens doesn’t always like or know about her plans, but she is determined! Her independent spirit sometimes gets her in trouble but it does keep us all guessing what will be next for them. The study of their relationship is always an interesting aspect of each book and this one is no different.
As the eighth book in the series, some may wonder how long the author, Toby Neal, can continue to develop interesting plots with the same basic setting and characters. But Neal has hit another home run. This fast-paced story had me on the edge of my seat and also brought tears to my eyes. These characters are now my “friends” and I can’t wait for the next novel in the series to be released!
As the eighth book in the series, some may wonder how long the author, Toby Neal, can continue to develop interesting plots with the same basic setting and characters. But Neal has hit another home run. This fast-paced story had me on the edge of my seat and also brought tears to my eyes. These characters are now my “friends” and I can’t wait for the next novel in the series to be released!
October 18, 2014
Fire Beach is a beautifully constructed book by Toby Neal that kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to continue reading. There is soooo much in this book and no let up! Total roller coaster! It is book #8 in her Lei Crime Series. I have read all of her books so far and this one, I just couldn’t put down and read it in record time! There’s so much action and suspense! You just barely recover from one thing and there’s something else happening that takes your breath away!
If you have been following the series, your familiar characters are there, and then, the introduction of some new ones. If you are new to the series, Toby provides enough background information so that you will not be totally lost as to the history of the “old family feud” and relationship status of her characters. I can’t wait for her next book!
If you have been following the series, your familiar characters are there, and then, the introduction of some new ones. If you are new to the series, Toby provides enough background information so that you will not be totally lost as to the history of the “old family feud” and relationship status of her characters. I can’t wait for her next book!
October 22, 2014
I am a big fan of the series, and this one didn't disappoint at all! I couldn't put it down. I'm never sure just what Lei will do next. This was a tough one to read at times because of the deep emotional aspect of it, but I've come to expect it from Ms. Neal. With her history in psychology, she's able to bring in more of the deeper personality aspects of the characters and you can't avoid being drawn in more and more with each addition to the series. Lei, Michael, and all of the other characters we have gotten to know throughout the series feel almost like family. I can't wait to see what comes next!
June 21, 2015
There are very few books that I've read lately that encourage me to read longer than I feel I have the time to do, but this one did it. Best in the series...so far. The author really has a handle on her characters and makes them seem very real, flaws and strengths. It's interesting to observe the conflict between Lei and Stevens, as they struggle to maintain their love and devotion with their personality quirks. And talk about in the face of adversity. I enjoyed the arson aspect explored in this story, especially as it related to Hawaii and its unique situation.
Pardon the pun, but I did find the ending a bit "anti-climactic", though.
Pardon the pun, but I did find the ending a bit "anti-climactic", though.
April 22, 2015
Emotionally charged with very good ending.
I finally got to cry myself to sleep. This was extremely well thought out and I am so very lucky to have been introduced to the world of Toby Neal. Never had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii but I will try to get there asap. I love the characters and their struggles to have a good life. They deserve to be able to get ahead with their life and live happily ever after. They are strong and so connected I just want them to be able to put the evil behind. It is time for them to have a good life together..
I finally got to cry myself to sleep. This was extremely well thought out and I am so very lucky to have been introduced to the world of Toby Neal. Never had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii but I will try to get there asap. I love the characters and their struggles to have a good life. They deserve to be able to get ahead with their life and live happily ever after. They are strong and so connected I just want them to be able to put the evil behind. It is time for them to have a good life together..
January 11, 2015
Kudos to Ms. Neal for the exquisite job done on this series. I really can’t rave enough about it. I haven’t had this good a time reading a book in quite a while. My eyes were glued to the pages and I stayed up much too late in an attempt to find out what happens to Lei. All I can say is that it was time well-spent and not wasted.! I highly recommend you giving yourself a treat and indulge in this sensational thriller. Book #9 Riptide is coming out this month!
March 4, 2015
Fire Beach Lei Crime - Book 8
Holy cow! It's hard to say anything because I'm afraid that in my excitement I may give away too much. This was another awesome (running out of superlatives) Neal book. The situations are so believable and the emotions of the characters so raw that you can't put this book down for long if at all. The entire family is involved in this harrowing set of events. Just read it!!! If I could give it 10 stars I would.
Holy cow! It's hard to say anything because I'm afraid that in my excitement I may give away too much. This was another awesome (running out of superlatives) Neal book. The situations are so believable and the emotions of the characters so raw that you can't put this book down for long if at all. The entire family is involved in this harrowing set of events. Just read it!!! If I could give it 10 stars I would.
October 25, 2014
Excellent Read!
Toby Neal has done it again! This is an excellent book. It can be read alone but I would recommend reading the series. Lei and Stevens are such strong individuals that they make a great couple. This story line made me cry and sit on the edge of my chair in anticipation. I can not wait for the next book!
Toby Neal has done it again! This is an excellent book. It can be read alone but I would recommend reading the series. Lei and Stevens are such strong individuals that they make a great couple. This story line made me cry and sit on the edge of my chair in anticipation. I can not wait for the next book!
March 28, 2015
Another exciting ride
By now I feel like Lei and Stevens are family friends. I get so involved with the book I need to keep reminding myself that it is fiction. Toby Neal does an amazing job with the little details of Hawai'i that make the books ring so true and honest. Can not wait for #9
By now I feel like Lei and Stevens are family friends. I get so involved with the book I need to keep reminding myself that it is fiction. Toby Neal does an amazing job with the little details of Hawai'i that make the books ring so true and honest. Can not wait for #9
October 19, 2014
Toby Neal great author
Have read all the Lei Crime books there are 9 of them and each one get better then the last. Can't wait till the next one in January. I would recommend all the Lei Crime books starting with the first one
Have read all the Lei Crime books there are 9 of them and each one get better then the last. Can't wait till the next one in January. I would recommend all the Lei Crime books starting with the first one
October 21, 2014
Another amazing book
With such a cliffhanger ending I can't wait until January for the next book. So hard to see Lei lost the baby but I hope there will be another in her future. Keep up the good work.
With such a cliffhanger ending I can't wait until January for the next book. So hard to see Lei lost the baby but I hope there will be another in her future. Keep up the good work.
December 13, 2014
HEAT - INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
Lei and Stevens find lots to do to occupy themselves professionally and personally. Danger from an unknown direction and from an unknown source fill their days and nights.
Lei and Stevens find lots to do to occupy themselves professionally and personally. Danger from an unknown direction and from an unknown source fill their days and nights.
March 7, 2015
I like this series. Lei has changed so much for the better across all the books. Lots of action steeped in Hawaiian culture and scenery. Still I wouldn't wanted to be related to Lei as something always happens to her relatives.
January 11, 2015
Another amazing book by Toby Neal. Can't wait for the next one.
April 5, 2015
Fast paced. Love following this police couple thru their work and personal lives. The settings on the Hawaiian Islands are fun to imagine.
March 18, 2015
Excellent Read
I loved the constant action and building mystery. It was hard for me to break from the book until it was complete.
I loved the constant action and building mystery. It was hard for me to break from the book until it was complete.
December 21, 2018
"Good night" read
Sweet but predictable story of cops in love in Paradise. Good to read before retiring, just enough adventure, just enough drama, just enough passion. Bravo!
Sweet but predictable story of cops in love in Paradise. Good to read before retiring, just enough adventure, just enough drama, just enough passion. Bravo!
July 27, 2015
I think I have read the whole series of Lei and Michael and loved getting to know them and live through their adventures, joys and heartaches.
August 26, 2015
Mind blowing tension
This one had me at the edge of my seat until the end. Don't want to spoil it for other's, but this lives up to it's reputation.
This one had me at the edge of my seat until the end. Don't want to spoil it for other's, but this lives up to it's reputation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews