Wired Sentinel: International Crime Mystery set in Hawaii

by Toby Neal

In paradise, some secrets refuse to stay buried… The Paradise Crime Thriller series continues with this explosive international crime mystery thriller set in the Hawaiian islands.

Security expert Sophie Smithson protects Hawaii from cyber threats, but she can't stop thieves from infiltrating Honolulu's museums. They leave no digital trace, disable every alarm, and vanish like ghosts—leaving only white plumerias that suggest this is personal.

Sophie races to solve the heists while protecting her two young children. She uncovers an international spy conspiracy that reaches from Hawaii's cultural activists to international criminal and terrorist networks. With enemies closing in, she must navigate a web of deception where nothing is what it seems.

A pulse-pounding international crime thriller aboout love, betrayal, and the lengths some will go for revenge.

“So excited that Sophie is back!” ~Advance Reader

Perfect for fans Crime thrillers, international spy fiction, Hawaii mysteries, psychological thrillers, domestic thrillers, and high-tech suspense

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Toby 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...

Reviews

[Marion Philippi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC copy of book for review
I've read many of Toby Neal's books and have enjoyed them all. I like having familiar characters cross over into other series. I have also been to Hawaii many times and enjoy reading stories that take place in familiar places. Sophie is a great, complex character. The story is suspenseful and fast moving. I had a hard time putting it down. Some of the techie and Yam Khamkoun details were a little confusing but were probably that way by design. I'm not a fan of Connor but just like real life, not everyone is likeable.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Connor Pierre Amita Marcella - what more could you want? I love this exciting story. Ancient Hawaiian artifacts are mysteriously stolen from private buyers with major security provided and Marcella requests Sophie's expertise in figuring out how this is happening. Pierre asks Sophie if she could use his help and he joins in. Of course Connor is always aware of Sophie's coming and goings and sends Fearne his #2 to keep Sophie safe. Are you excited yet? Anyway I'm one of Ms Neal's ARC team and am asked to give an honest review. Well 5 stars for this one! Please keep em coming.

[beth c keij · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t want to put it down.
Toby Neal is a master of the serial books. She quickly and succinctly reacquaints you with important facts about the main characters without rehashing previous books. Her characters continue to grow with each successive book and you just want to stay with them for one more book.
Sophie is once again caught up in a wild adventure - revisiting some demons from her past and encountering some exciting new criminals too. You will be hooked from the first chapter, even if you haven’t read the entire series.

[Debbi Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is back & is trying to adjust to life without Conner. Her new life & her family are threatened by a new case she is asked to help the local PD with. Someone is stealing precious Hawaiian artifacts & leaving a plumeria flower behind. Sophie needs to find out who is behind the thefts, but more importantly, keep her family safe. The clues lead to someone & circumstances that are totally unexpected! I couldn’t put the book down!!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is back in this intriguing story of theft for power. Power from history.
Precious historical items are being stolen all over the islands, and Sophie is tasked with finding them before something serious happens.
Neal has done it again with this great story that will keep you reading past your bedtime.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this.book interesting and with a good flowing plot that I soon
was caught up in. I enjoyed also the history of Hawaii cultured museums.
that the story was woven around. I recommend this latest book by the author.
As well as the many other series that was written by this author.
I have ebjoyed them all and often reread them.

[Kathy Giordano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fast pace of the book with a lot of twists and turns. Sophie is drawn in to Hawaiian artifacts being stolen by a clue left behind, personal only to her. Her past dealings with Conner and Pim Wat are “resolved”. I wondered if this was the end of the “Wired” series, but hope that there is something more with Pierre.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

COMPELLING THRILLER!

Bestselling author Toby Neal just released her latest book in the Paradise Crime Thriller series, “Wires Sentinel,” and it is a compelling read! It is always an intriguing, entertaining, educational, and insightful way to tour the islands through the eyes of Neal’s well-known and much-loved characters. Even some well-known hated villains make return visits in this novel. Neal will have your attention from page one to the last period and keep you from wanting to do anything else but read! She packs so much action and adventure in this book, which covers the theft of ancient Hawaiian artifacts from museums and private collectors. It is up to her, in collaboration with the FBI and HPD, to solve this case and get these artifacts back where they belong.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited continuation of Sophie’s adventures, romances, and crime-solving is finally here, and in true Toby Neal fashion is exciting, fast-paced, and on-the-edge-of-our -seats, juxtaposed with domestic life, family, friendship, and love. Sophie is still the devoted mother first, but takes on the intensively secret Thai organization headed by Connor, while solving art thefts, dealing with rebel members, and an assassin mother still on the run. The ending brings surprises both happy and sad, and twists we wouldn’t expect. While Toby Neal says there is more Sophie to come, this 14th installment wraps up most of the major storylines. No cliffhangers or unresolved issues. I am happy to see Sophie have some peace after so long. Toby leaves the door open for more adventure and the possibility of a happy home. I am unreservedly a big Sophie fan (and Lei and Kat too), but it’s nice to see Sophie finally get some resolution.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting to have Sophie back as she assists the FBI and HPD tracking down suspects. Someone is taking priceless Hawaiian artifacts from museums and personal collectors. Partnering with long time friends is familiar and productive, she feels like her old self. She’s balancing her personal life as a single mother of two and work that takes her away from home. After many books this one feels like the end, of course anything can happen with new cases and crimes, even family drama. If you’re reading this one you’ve probably read the other books and will easily follow the continuous storyline. I was given an advanced copy by Neal and wrote my review voluntarily.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Neal writes such immersive books, that I am immediately transported to whatever Hawaiian island she features with captivating locations and characters that draw you into their story.

Wired Sentinel, featuring Investigator Sophie Smithson, head of Security Solutions, a private security and investigation company, is called to the Bishop Museum after the theft of an historical and priceless artifact. A clue is left that targets Sophie, leading to an intricate and devious plot that threatens far more than Sophie herself.

There are multiple twists and turns in the story and surprises too. I was riveted and now, I have to wait to see where Sophie's life takes her next.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps me reading until the small hours! Sophie is called in to an investigation about the theft of Hawaiian artefacts - items with a royal connection. But someone is leaving a single plumeria flower at each robbery site - she feels this is a personal message for her.
As more items are stolen from museums and private collectors, Sophie brings in her Security Solutions team to help, but discovers a connection to Thailand - and Connor. And brings an unwanted person back into her life.

A fast paced thriller, this book in the Paradise Thriller series, truly lives up to the thriller name. I hope to see more of this series in the future

[Leslie Speed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Wired Sentinel. I have read all of Toby’s books. She always leaves you wanting the next book in the series. So good to have the story of Sophie continue. I had a hard time putting the book down, it had many unexpected turns. I had to stay up until 2 am to finish the story. I knew I would not be able to sleep without knowing the end. Sad but satisfying ending, still leaving a start for the next Sophie book. Can’t wait for it! All of her characters are so interesting. Toby describes the islands in such detail I feel like I’m there.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A can’t put id down thriller

Although this is the most recent book in a series, it can be read independently. It is extremely well done! I’ve read every book in this series and every book this author has written and I will continue to read everything new she produces. I won’t go into the storyline because I don’t want to give it away, but I will simply say that the characters are well developed she has done her research, and I highly recommend it.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wired from the first page, capturing your attention, and not letting go until the end. This is one twisted read, with several surprises!! I'm not sure which one surprised me the most. You have to pay attention or you might miss something important. This book is so well done it might just be my favorite in this series.

[Dianne Biscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Toby's books and this one about Sophie is fast paced, full of so many twists and turns it gets the heart racing. But the beauty of all this is it is so easy to follow the story line without any problems. I also love the visuals of Hawaii that we get in Toby's books.
Then there is the final few chapters...holy moly!! So much happens in this book!!

[Mike Beason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tidal wave of a journey

Seems like a long time since I last read of Sophie... It may have been, but the storyline came rushing back like a tidal wave. And this new storyline was an excellent romp through the antiquities world specific to Hawaii. To old friends we've met along the journey and to Sophie's family and a new love. I hope the next book in the journey comes soon.

[Nancy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old characters and new in action, Wired Sentinel does not disappoint! Sophie's primary goal is always protecting her children as she tracks adversaries who threaten to destroy sacred Hawaiian artifacts and more. This story is a rollercoaster of events and challenges that Sophie faces beyond what most people ever encounter, and her tenacity is put to the test.

[Kirsten Kingdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying installment in a favorite series

I opened this book eagerly anticipating a reunion with old friends—& was not disappointed. My only regret is that I have to wait for the next installment. I love the complex, whip-smart characters, the satisfying mix of romance, sweet family scenes, danger and mystery. I hope that Toby Neal keeps up the good work!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the start. All the books in the series grab ahold of you and you just want to keep reading till the end. The characters are awesome and keep you engrossed. This book had many twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat! The descriptions of Hawaii made me feel like I was there! Loved everything about the book!!

[Sharon Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wired Sentinel

This is the story that will answer almost all of the questions, that as a Toby Neal regular reader, from book 1 certainly would have, and it's not just a mystery, it is an adventure, and you can't put it down! 🇨🇦

[Kristin Volberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible, white knuckle ride in the Paradise Crime mysteries series. Sophie Smithson investigated the thefts of priceless Hawaiian artifacts, uncovering a much deeper and sinister plot that ultimately endangers her family and loved ones. The climax will leave you gasping. Great read!

[Donna L. Zinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and riveting

I love all the books in the Paradise Crime Series. Wired Sentinel tugs at your heart strings. Sophie is such a strong and tortured character. I want her to be happy, and I think she is finally on her way.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the fifteenth of the Paradise Crime Thrillers. There were so many twists and turns in this gripping thriller. The plot is gripping and didn’t disappoint. A fabulous continuation of Sophie’s story.

[Marie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced book with lots of twists. It starts out with Sophie being asked to help with a string of burglaries targeting Hawaiian cultural artifacts. Then the action starts. You’re not going to want to put down this book once you start. I loved it!

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic adventure written by Toby. The characters become real, and some become your book world ohana. Mahalo for the ride.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Can't get enough of Sophie. The twist and turns kept the suspense going. Thank you. Waiting for the next book.

[bibiana Perdomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is back and better than ever. In between being a mom and a tech wizard. Sophie helps the Fbi with a case that has so many different moving parts.!

[Diane Tosney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good to see Sophie again, this time working on a case with the FBI. Someone is stealing sacred Hawaiian artifacts and it becomes personal for Sophie. As a single mom who also runs a security company, life is hectic and now it seems someone is targeting her family. Non stop action and of course toss in complications with the men in her life and her psycho mother Pim Wat. Hard to put this book down.

[Linda Reister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tried to read slowly to savor the whole story but with Sophie you're off your seat racing everywhere. Can't wait for more Sophie.

Toby is the best