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Paradise #1-4
Lei Crime Series Boxed Set: Books 1-4
Blood Orchids, Torch Ginger, Black Jasmine, and Broken Ferns
, the AWARD-WINNING first four books of the Lei Crime Series, are put together into a one-volume one immersive reading experience that will take you to Hawaii and the world of fast-paced mysteries solved by multicultural detective Lei Texeira. No one can read just one!
"Toby Neal's storytelling skills are evident in these books about a female law enforcement office in the Hawaiian Islands. The characters are always strong, interesting people with many layers to their personalities. Their actions often surprise, but not without clues laid by the author that help the reader understand. The plots are crafted with care, created so that they flow naturally and never feel forced. The stories pull in the reader and make it impossible to put down the books; I've often lost sleep when reading her latest because I end up reading late into the night.
Most importantly, these books are a sort of immersion course in Hawaiian culture, food, and geography. There are many layers of details in these novels, information about native Hawaiians and those new to the islands, how the various cultures sometimes clash, how outsiders may have to alter their behaviors to be accepted fully. The food descriptions alone are enough reason to read the books.I loved every book in this series, each one adding to the story of Lei, her life, her family, her complex history, and finally, her growth into an amazing law enforcement officer." F. Pepoon, Reviewer
"Toby Neal's storytelling skills are evident in these books about a female law enforcement office in the Hawaiian Islands. The characters are always strong, interesting people with many layers to their personalities. Their actions often surprise, but not without clues laid by the author that help the reader understand. The plots are crafted with care, created so that they flow naturally and never feel forced. The stories pull in the reader and make it impossible to put down the books; I've often lost sleep when reading her latest because I end up reading late into the night.
Most importantly, these books are a sort of immersion course in Hawaiian culture, food, and geography. There are many layers of details in these novels, information about native Hawaiians and those new to the islands, how the various cultures sometimes clash, how outsiders may have to alter their behaviors to be accepted fully. The food descriptions alone are enough reason to read the books.I loved every book in this series, each one adding to the story of Lei, her life, her family, her complex history, and finally, her growth into an amazing law enforcement officer." F. Pepoon, Reviewer
1070 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
1460 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
82 books982 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 62 reviews
July 23, 2015
Very good
Read all of the first four in series in a few days. Detective, female, hard working, stubborn, careless with her own life, finds love, and family in this series. Lei has a sad past she must come to terms with before she can move forward with her personal life. I hope to read a happy ending with this series. The crimes are interesting, very good, well written mystery series. Highly recommend.
Read all of the first four in series in a few days. Detective, female, hard working, stubborn, careless with her own life, finds love, and family in this series. Lei has a sad past she must come to terms with before she can move forward with her personal life. I hope to read a happy ending with this series. The crimes are interesting, very good, well written mystery series. Highly recommend.
Want to read
April 25, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/25/2018)!💝
May 1, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
June 18, 2015
This was the best 99 Cent investment I made in some time. I got a (kindle edition) boxed set of four books that were police procedurals, mysteries, thrillers and love stories combined. The plots were interesting and believable. The characters were well developed and engaging, so much so that I read the four books in a row, something I almost never do. I will be reading the rest of the series albeit not all in a row.
June 25, 2015
Highly recommended
Characters all great and you can hardly put book of the same down for each new book of series. 1-4 all Goodreads.
Characters all great and you can hardly put book of the same down for each new book of series. 1-4 all Goodreads.
April 29, 2018
This series is so compelling I read books 1-4 all in a row. Lei is a complex character - she's impulsive, reckless and frankly, selfish. But she's also brave, smart and compassionate. It's hard to believe one person can attract so much danger yet the stories are written so well it seems to work. The supporting characters are also well developed and interesting.
Lei has a lot of issues and by the fourth book I was tiring a bit. There is some character growth but it's slow and she takes a few steps backwards along the way. Stevens is an absolute saint. I actually hope Lei and Stevens don't end up together. I feel like there's been too much damage and they should both move on. And then Stevens could just be an important stepping stone in Lei's journey. But I think that's an unlikely outcome. Hopefully Lei matures enough that I'm happy they're together!
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series - after I've taken a break...
Lei has a lot of issues and by the fourth book I was tiring a bit. There is some character growth but it's slow and she takes a few steps backwards along the way. Stevens is an absolute saint. I actually hope Lei and Stevens don't end up together. I feel like there's been too much damage and they should both move on. And then Stevens could just be an important stepping stone in Lei's journey. But I think that's an unlikely outcome. Hopefully Lei matures enough that I'm happy they're together!
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series - after I've taken a break...
February 22, 2018
I love Toby Neal and every book I’ve read of hers has left me with some degree of a book hangover. Even though she can rip my heart to shreds, she always has a way of putting it all back together again. Toby’s female leads are strong, fierce, independent, fabulous although rough around the edges. Toby writes with such exquisite detail. The way she’s able to immerse you into the island surroundings makes one feel as though they are there. Exhilarating is one word to describe Toby’s writing. Suspenseful is another that comes to mind. Thrilling, fast paced, action packed, easy flow, engaging, immersive, vulnerable, and scintillating to say the least.
May 23, 2018
Great read
An excellent collection with first class characterization. Lei is a complicated woman. She finds it hard to trust and walk away from a difficult childhood. The interconnectivity of different law enforcement agencies brings conflicts and friendships. Her attitudes irritate her bosses but her gut feelings, which land her in bother, are often essential parts of the solutions of crimes. She's brave enough to try, even at great personal cost. Neal seems to have a wide knowledge of the Hawaiian islands, it's people and culture, and successfully weaves them into the narrative. Will try other titles.
An excellent collection with first class characterization. Lei is a complicated woman. She finds it hard to trust and walk away from a difficult childhood. The interconnectivity of different law enforcement agencies brings conflicts and friendships. Her attitudes irritate her bosses but her gut feelings, which land her in bother, are often essential parts of the solutions of crimes. She's brave enough to try, even at great personal cost. Neal seems to have a wide knowledge of the Hawaiian islands, it's people and culture, and successfully weaves them into the narrative. Will try other titles.
October 18, 2018
Excellent
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this boxset. Lei is often annoying, invariably selfish and incredibly brave. I have learned to like her gutsy strength, and it has been wonderful observing her 'growing up' and realising her actions have consequences. Toby Neal is a an entertaining, intuitive and interesting author. I look forward to reading the next border U have just purchased, and hope poor Stevens finally gets his girl!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this boxset. Lei is often annoying, invariably selfish and incredibly brave. I have learned to like her gutsy strength, and it has been wonderful observing her 'growing up' and realising her actions have consequences. Toby Neal is a an entertaining, intuitive and interesting author. I look forward to reading the next border U have just purchased, and hope poor Stevens finally gets his girl!
May 16, 2017
Great series set in Hawaii
Since I have never been to Hawaii and have always wanted to go, I am visiting vicariously through reading this series. From the descriptions of the environs and interesting characters and relationships, to the fast pace of the action and the suspense of the story line, I am thoroughly enjoying these books.
Since I have never been to Hawaii and have always wanted to go, I am visiting vicariously through reading this series. From the descriptions of the environs and interesting characters and relationships, to the fast pace of the action and the suspense of the story line, I am thoroughly enjoying these books.
May 28, 2018
I would read more. In fact, I see there are books beyond book 4. Excellent. I love when it's scorching hot out, and I'm doing a "staycation" holiday and I have a solid four count or more of a series! I will say, book one seemed most exciting, and by book three I think I was wondering where the Glock was. Being an author is hard.....characters have an ebb and flow as does life.
May 31, 2018
Intriguing, suspenseful, and full of surprises
These four books are action-packed stories of a female police officer who became a detective and then an FBI agent in the Hawaiian islands. Toby Neal writes in an amazing way to keep your attention to see what will happen next. I definitely had a very difficult time putting down this boxed set until I finished it. I look forward to the remaining books about the Lei Crime Series. If you like mystery, crime scenes, police procedures, FBI agents, and romance, you will love these books. Happy reading!
These four books are action-packed stories of a female police officer who became a detective and then an FBI agent in the Hawaiian islands. Toby Neal writes in an amazing way to keep your attention to see what will happen next. I definitely had a very difficult time putting down this boxed set until I finished it. I look forward to the remaining books about the Lei Crime Series. If you like mystery, crime scenes, police procedures, FBI agents, and romance, you will love these books. Happy reading!
June 13, 2018
Love these series, takes me on back to the land of my heart. It's like watching a movie when I read, picturing all the players and where they're traveling to and eating. OMG when they describe what they're eating my mouth starts to water.
I highly recommend these to everyone who wants to escape to Hawai'i.
I highly recommend these to everyone who wants to escape to Hawai'i.
July 5, 2018
Excellent Story
The Lei Crime Series Boxed Set the last book was terrific . This author brought Lei special agent with FBI into another exciting story introducing her new partner Ken along with her friend Marcella and her ex lover Stevens. The story about people who feel the rich owes them and the people who make this author terrific writing ability
The Lei Crime Series Boxed Set the last book was terrific . This author brought Lei special agent with FBI into another exciting story introducing her new partner Ken along with her friend Marcella and her ex lover Stevens. The story about people who feel the rich owes them and the people who make this author terrific writing ability
August 6, 2018
Riveting characters and fast-paced action
Originally drawn by the Hawaiian island setting, I stayed for the interesting characters and always moving pace of the story. The characters are not always likeable, and have depth. These are stories it is easy to get immersed in. I recommend them to anyone looking for a good cop series of just a plain good, action-filled read.
Originally drawn by the Hawaiian island setting, I stayed for the interesting characters and always moving pace of the story. The characters are not always likeable, and have depth. These are stories it is easy to get immersed in. I recommend them to anyone looking for a good cop series of just a plain good, action-filled read.
March 19, 2018
Lei crime series
The first 4 books were were filled with Leis life and adventures. Couldn't wait to start book 5. These are best to read in order but can also be read a standalone as well. Each book is better than the last
The first 4 books were were filled with Leis life and adventures. Couldn't wait to start book 5. These are best to read in order but can also be read a standalone as well. Each book is better than the last
May 24, 2018
This is an excellent series. I love the descriptions of the scenery and the settings. The plot keeps you guessing until the final resolution. I love Lei and all her flaws. She is perfectly imperfect. Such a good series!
June 2, 2018
Loved these books!
Toby Neal is an awesome writer. This crime series was exciting, thrilling, mysterious and full of intrigue. With romance thrown in, they pleased all my emotions! I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!!
Toby Neal is an awesome writer. This crime series was exciting, thrilling, mysterious and full of intrigue. With romance thrown in, they pleased all my emotions! I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!!
June 3, 2018
Great series!
I found this book to be compelling and entertaining; could not stop reading. The characters are believable and human. They have issues and problems as do all people, yet work to overcome them. I highly recommend this series!
I found this book to be compelling and entertaining; could not stop reading. The characters are believable and human. They have issues and problems as do all people, yet work to overcome them. I highly recommend this series!
June 30, 2018
Enjoyable series.
I think it’s a bit far fetched at time but technically close to correct. Incidentally, it’s “Lana’i”. Leo’s character is developing well and it will be interesting to see where it goes. Recommended reading for anyone who enjoys the islands.
I think it’s a bit far fetched at time but technically close to correct. Incidentally, it’s “Lana’i”. Leo’s character is developing well and it will be interesting to see where it goes. Recommended reading for anyone who enjoys the islands.
July 3, 2018
Tooooooooo slow paced. I struggled keeping interest in it hence my start and finish dates. The only thing that kept me semi interested was Stevens and Lei. The first case was good but from there it went downhill.
July 23, 2018
Lei crime series
These are must read books. Intelligent characters, action packed, suspense at every turn. Had my attention first page to last. Can' t get enough of this good thing.
These are must read books. Intelligent characters, action packed, suspense at every turn. Had my attention first page to last. Can' t get enough of this good thing.
July 31, 2018
This story has gone to the dogs😀
The emphasis on two such different breeds of dogs is what distinguishes Neal as such a great author-her contrasts. On the one hand you have Keiki, the Rottweiler, and on the other you have Angel, a tiny Chihuahua. You fall in love with both!
The emphasis on two such different breeds of dogs is what distinguishes Neal as such a great author-her contrasts. On the one hand you have Keiki, the Rottweiler, and on the other you have Angel, a tiny Chihuahua. You fall in love with both!
September 28, 2018
What a gem.
At first, I was skeptical, as this appeared a be your run-of-the-mill police thriller. Boy, was I wrong. I absolutely fell in love with the main characters and felt sympathy for (some of) the bad guys. The Lei crime series is a gem.
At first, I was skeptical, as this appeared a be your run-of-the-mill police thriller. Boy, was I wrong. I absolutely fell in love with the main characters and felt sympathy for (some of) the bad guys. The Lei crime series is a gem.
June 12, 2019
Lei Crime Books 1 - 4
I loved reading these books so much!! Lei has a very difficult time with relationships due to a traumatic childhood. It is sometimes agonizing to discover the decisions she makes as she weighs what she wants against what she needs. Love this set!
I loved reading these books so much!! Lei has a very difficult time with relationships due to a traumatic childhood. It is sometimes agonizing to discover the decisions she makes as she weighs what she wants against what she needs. Love this set!
Read
July 29, 2019Good
These books were very hard to put down. In my heart of hearts, I wished they were longer. The characters seemed so real, you could feel their joy and or their sadness. Intend to read the other books.
These books were very hard to put down. In my heart of hearts, I wished they were longer. The characters seemed so real, you could feel their joy and or their sadness. Intend to read the other books.
November 14, 2021
Great series, beautiful detailing of Hawaii. Lei is so tough acting it’s nice to see the softer side of her. I can’t wait to find out what happens between her and Stevens. Eac book brings new characters to life and Toby definitely has a way with words. Highly recommend
May 21, 2023
Riveting
An amazing character you'll come to know very well. You may love her, like her or at least relate to her. Her ups & downs, doubts & fears & ability to overcome very difficult life situations will encourage & uplift. Also, the plots & stories are great.
An amazing character you'll come to know very well. You may love her, like her or at least relate to her. Her ups & downs, doubts & fears & ability to overcome very difficult life situations will encourage & uplift. Also, the plots & stories are great.
May 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Lots of twists and turns to keep one interested. I fully intend to read more of Toby Neal.
May 25, 2018
Loved book
Loved book one. Looking for wood to reading the next nou
Book in the series.I loved in Hawaii for a while so enjoy all the pidhen
Loved book one. Looking for wood to reading the next nou
Book in the series.I loved in Hawaii for a while so enjoy all the pidhen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews