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Half Moon Girls
Even paradise has a dark side...
When Detective Leilani Texeira begins investigating a murder on Kaua`i, she's struck by one thing: the victim looks like her. As Lei battles dark memories stirred up by the likeness, a friend calls, worried that her daughter didn't come home last night.
Lei soon discovers that the dead girl and the missing girl were friends and last seen together the previous day.
Can she conquer her demons and capture a killer in time to rescue the captive?
This is a novella set in Toby Neal's vivid and captivating Lei Crime Series Kindle World
Q&A with the Author
How did you come to be interested in the Lei Crime Kindle World?
I’ve been a fan of Toby Neal’s work since Blood Orchids was first released. I felt an instant connection to Lei because she’s lived through so much and she’s still here, living with a purpose. The Kindle Worlds program is very exciting—the idea of writing in a world you love with characters created by another author... I couldn’t resist.
How does your story meet up with the Lei Crime Series?
My Lei Crime story, HALF MOON GIRLS is a police procedural that takes place on Kauai, somewhere in the timeline after TORCH GINGER. It follows Lei and Jenkins as they work a case involving a girl who washes up on the beach. While Lei and Jenkins are part of the series, I created several new characters: Lt. Tommy Daniels; Lei’s friend Bonnie Turner, and my favorite Dr. Polly Harris, the quirky Medical Examiner from Colorado who jumped at the chance to work on Kauai while the resident ME was away.
The Lei Crime Series is set in Hawaii, but your Kindle Worlds novella could be set anywhere. Where you set your story, and why?
I chose to set my story on Kauai as though it was a case that Lei and Jenkins would solve over the course of their careers there. I’ve always wanted to write a police procedural, and the opportunity to jump right in and build a murder case in the existing world seemed perfect. Besides, it’s a paradise, right? What better place to bring murder and mayhem so our favorite Kauai Detective can persevere and take down the bad guys?
When Detective Leilani Texeira begins investigating a murder on Kaua`i, she's struck by one thing: the victim looks like her. As Lei battles dark memories stirred up by the likeness, a friend calls, worried that her daughter didn't come home last night.
Lei soon discovers that the dead girl and the missing girl were friends and last seen together the previous day.
Can she conquer her demons and capture a killer in time to rescue the captive?
This is a novella set in Toby Neal's vivid and captivating Lei Crime Series Kindle World
Q&A with the Author
How did you come to be interested in the Lei Crime Kindle World?
I’ve been a fan of Toby Neal’s work since Blood Orchids was first released. I felt an instant connection to Lei because she’s lived through so much and she’s still here, living with a purpose. The Kindle Worlds program is very exciting—the idea of writing in a world you love with characters created by another author... I couldn’t resist.
How does your story meet up with the Lei Crime Series?
My Lei Crime story, HALF MOON GIRLS is a police procedural that takes place on Kauai, somewhere in the timeline after TORCH GINGER. It follows Lei and Jenkins as they work a case involving a girl who washes up on the beach. While Lei and Jenkins are part of the series, I created several new characters: Lt. Tommy Daniels; Lei’s friend Bonnie Turner, and my favorite Dr. Polly Harris, the quirky Medical Examiner from Colorado who jumped at the chance to work on Kauai while the resident ME was away.
The Lei Crime Series is set in Hawaii, but your Kindle Worlds novella could be set anywhere. Where you set your story, and why?
I chose to set my story on Kauai as though it was a case that Lei and Jenkins would solve over the course of their careers there. I’ve always wanted to write a police procedural, and the opportunity to jump right in and build a murder case in the existing world seemed perfect. Besides, it’s a paradise, right? What better place to bring murder and mayhem so our favorite Kauai Detective can persevere and take down the bad guys?
- GenresCrime
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
5 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Corinne O'Flynn
51 books880 followersCorinne O’Flynn is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy, mystery and paranormal romance. She is also a publisher with award-winning Wicked Ink Books.
Corinne is a native New Yorker living in Colorado who wouldn’t trade life in the Rockies for anything. She is a self-proclaimed scone aficionado, a professional napper, and she has an entire section of her kitchen devoted to tea. When not writing, she can be found hanging with her husband, playing board games, knitting, reading, or binge watching some fabulous shows (while sipping tea).Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 12, 2015
*** An intense and well-written mystery ***
Half Moon Girls flies by like lightning - intense and hot. Ms. O'Flynn has written a great story that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The subject matter will frighten you and leave you thinking ... Can this really happen? The scary answer is YES. An excellent novella that stays true to Toby Neal's Detective Lei Texeira. Fans of the Lei Crime novels will not be disappointed.
Half Moon Girls flies by like lightning - intense and hot. Ms. O'Flynn has written a great story that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The subject matter will frighten you and leave you thinking ... Can this really happen? The scary answer is YES. An excellent novella that stays true to Toby Neal's Detective Lei Texeira. Fans of the Lei Crime novels will not be disappointed.
April 16, 2015
The Lei Crime Series: Half Moon Girls by Corrine O'Flynn
Detective Leilani(Lei) Texeira is investigating a murder on Kaua `i. It bothers her that the victim looks a lot like her. This brings up memories from her past (she wishes to forget). Then she gets a phone call from a friend. Her friends daughter is missing as well. Lei is hot on the case. Soon her life is in danger as well.
A fast paced well written murder/mystery. Set in beautiful Hawaii, paradise. A place where many think people are safe and crime never happens. But it does happen, and soon Lei finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation.
Lei does some soul searching and trying to solving a crime. I really liked the plot, it is so believable, makes me wonder if things like this happen (often) and we just don't hear about it. Another five star read in the Lei Crime Series!
Detective Leilani(Lei) Texeira is investigating a murder on Kaua `i. It bothers her that the victim looks a lot like her. This brings up memories from her past (she wishes to forget). Then she gets a phone call from a friend. Her friends daughter is missing as well. Lei is hot on the case. Soon her life is in danger as well.
A fast paced well written murder/mystery. Set in beautiful Hawaii, paradise. A place where many think people are safe and crime never happens. But it does happen, and soon Lei finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation.
Lei does some soul searching and trying to solving a crime. I really liked the plot, it is so believable, makes me wonder if things like this happen (often) and we just don't hear about it. Another five star read in the Lei Crime Series!
April 17, 2015
What an enjoyable book! Fast paced mystery/murder story with so many twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. This book will make you stop and think and is kind of scary thinking about what is happening in the story. Corinne Flynn is a amazing story teller. She has a well written book that grabs your attention from the very beginning to the very end. I hated to see it end.
April 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read and grabbed my attention from the first few pages until the end of the book. The ME was a favorite character of mine - she kept me smiling!
April 18, 2015
When Lei Texeira investigates a murder on Kaua, she's stunned to discover she resembles the victim. This fast-paced story blends exotic depictions of Hawaii with surprising twists that put you right in the action. If you enjoy the writing style in Toby Neal's superb Lei Crime series, you'll love Half Moon Girls. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2015
There’s so much great police work packed into this little novella. It’s clear Corinne O’Flynn knows Toby’s world because this really felt like a Lei Crime story and just as engrossing. The story kept my interest from the first page to the last exciting finish. A sure five star read.
April 14, 2015
This was another great read in the Lei Crime Series. Written by O'Flynn, it was just as intriguing and well written as the others. I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and as always, Lei.
April 13, 2015
Lightning In A Novel
Full disclosure. I have been fortunate enough to preview drafts of both of Mrs. O'Flynn's published novels to date, and was provided an advance copy of Half Moon Girls. That said, I went out and purchased the book right after it was available. It's that good.
I was not familiar with The Lei Crime Series until I read Half Moon Girls, so I don't have the full context for all the characters. After reading this novella, I found that doesn't really matter. The lightning fast action of this crime story grabs a hold of you and won't let you breathe until the last page sneaks up on you.
Mrs. O'Flynn's strength in storytelling is her ability to grab you at the start and keep you interested each step of the way. For me, this is especially important for a crime novel, where diligent attention to detail is critical to success. I knew who the characters were, knew how they interacted, cared about them and knew how they would deal with a wild card like the Dr. Polly Harris. What a great counter balance in personality to Lei
Another hidden gem was the vivid detail of the scenery and surroundings of Kauai throughout the novella. I have never been to Hawaii, but I think everyone has a vision of what it would be like, don't they? Mrs. O'Flynn painted an excellent rendition of a tropical paradise I have stored in my head. Bonus for me!
Perfect timing for the start of my Kindle Unlimited free trial to dive into the world The Lei Crime Series that Toby Neal has created. If Half Moon Girls is indicative of the quality of the world, I know I won't be disappointed.
Full disclosure. I have been fortunate enough to preview drafts of both of Mrs. O'Flynn's published novels to date, and was provided an advance copy of Half Moon Girls. That said, I went out and purchased the book right after it was available. It's that good.
I was not familiar with The Lei Crime Series until I read Half Moon Girls, so I don't have the full context for all the characters. After reading this novella, I found that doesn't really matter. The lightning fast action of this crime story grabs a hold of you and won't let you breathe until the last page sneaks up on you.
Mrs. O'Flynn's strength in storytelling is her ability to grab you at the start and keep you interested each step of the way. For me, this is especially important for a crime novel, where diligent attention to detail is critical to success. I knew who the characters were, knew how they interacted, cared about them and knew how they would deal with a wild card like the Dr. Polly Harris. What a great counter balance in personality to Lei
Another hidden gem was the vivid detail of the scenery and surroundings of Kauai throughout the novella. I have never been to Hawaii, but I think everyone has a vision of what it would be like, don't they? Mrs. O'Flynn painted an excellent rendition of a tropical paradise I have stored in my head. Bonus for me!
Perfect timing for the start of my Kindle Unlimited free trial to dive into the world The Lei Crime Series that Toby Neal has created. If Half Moon Girls is indicative of the quality of the world, I know I won't be disappointed.
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September 9, 2025This is my book. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Part 2 and 3 coming soon!
February 1, 2017
This is one of the best Lei Crime Kindle Worlds Novellas I’ve read. Told from Lei’s point of view, it’s very well written and edited, and reads authentically like pages out of the original Lei Crime Series. The only thing I questioned was the seagulls flying around the marina. I grew up in Hawaii and have always heard there are no seagulls here, other than a few around Sea Life Park. They cannot breed here. It disturbed me enough that I tried to research whether there might actually be seagulls on Kauai, but from what I found, there are not. Still, a five-star story!
July 4, 2017
If you love Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series (LCS), you'll definitely like this novella from the KW bunch. One of the best I've read so far. Shows some good research into Kaua'i and Neal's writing. True to the LCS characters and genre. Loved the funky ME filling in.
May 13, 2015
In her time with the South Hilo Police Department in Hawaii, Detective Leilani Texeira has seen any and all manner of evil crimes perpetrated against the innocent. Despite Hawaii having a justified reputation with the tourists for being an idyllic island paradise, Lei often finds herself astounded that even paradise can hide such a dark side. As a matter of fact, Lei's present case is turning out to be just that sort of inexplicable crime.
Lei is called in to investigate a murder on Kaua'i. The body of a young woman - wrapped tightly in a net, and with an unusual tattoo on her ankle - has been discovered washed ashore on the beach. As soon as Lei sees the victim's body for herself, she is immediately struck by one thing: the dead young woman looks eerily similar to herself. Also, upon further inspection, Lei notices that what she originally thought was a tattoo, seems to be more of a burn.
As she battles the traumatic memories that surface within her at seeing the victim's likeness, a friend calls; worried that her daughter hasn't come home yet. Lei soon discovers that the dead girl and the missing girl were friends and that they were last seen together at a party the previous day. Will Lei ultimately conquer her personal demons and capture a ruthless killer in time to rescue the captive?
I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, this was a well-developed, dramatic plot that held my attention throughout the story. This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Corinne O'Flynn, but it will most definitely not be the last. I give this book an A+! and I am certainly going to put some more of Corinne O'Flynn's work on my Wish List.
Lei is called in to investigate a murder on Kaua'i. The body of a young woman - wrapped tightly in a net, and with an unusual tattoo on her ankle - has been discovered washed ashore on the beach. As soon as Lei sees the victim's body for herself, she is immediately struck by one thing: the dead young woman looks eerily similar to herself. Also, upon further inspection, Lei notices that what she originally thought was a tattoo, seems to be more of a burn.
As she battles the traumatic memories that surface within her at seeing the victim's likeness, a friend calls; worried that her daughter hasn't come home yet. Lei soon discovers that the dead girl and the missing girl were friends and that they were last seen together at a party the previous day. Will Lei ultimately conquer her personal demons and capture a ruthless killer in time to rescue the captive?
I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, this was a well-developed, dramatic plot that held my attention throughout the story. This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Corinne O'Flynn, but it will most definitely not be the last. I give this book an A+! and I am certainly going to put some more of Corinne O'Flynn's work on my Wish List.
April 24, 2015
"Half Moon Girls" by Corinne O'Flynn is one of the entries in the Lei Crime series, set in the world created by Toby Neal. I have not yet read the original novels these spin-off novellas are based on, but I thought that might give me a unique perspective since my first experience with this world is through another author's intrepretation of Neal's work.
I have to say I was thoroughly impressed by Corinne O'Flynn's entry. Based on this novella alone, I definitely want to check out the rest of the novellas and the original books they were based on. Ms. O'Flynn was able to pack a novel's worth of action and characterization within the confines of a novelette. I immediately fell in love with Lei and the world she inhabits.
We are treated to a very well-fleshed out story that was tight, concise and action-packed, but still allowed room for great characterizations, descriptions and sense of place. I have never particulary had a yearning to visit Hawaii or its surrounding islands, however, I do now. I could almost smell the flowers, hear the gulls and the murmur of the ocean and feel the sand between my toes.
This is a unique and fascinating world and ""Half Moon Girls"" was an excellent introduction into it."
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I have to say I was thoroughly impressed by Corinne O'Flynn's entry. Based on this novella alone, I definitely want to check out the rest of the novellas and the original books they were based on. Ms. O'Flynn was able to pack a novel's worth of action and characterization within the confines of a novelette. I immediately fell in love with Lei and the world she inhabits.
We are treated to a very well-fleshed out story that was tight, concise and action-packed, but still allowed room for great characterizations, descriptions and sense of place. I have never particulary had a yearning to visit Hawaii or its surrounding islands, however, I do now. I could almost smell the flowers, hear the gulls and the murmur of the ocean and feel the sand between my toes.
This is a unique and fascinating world and ""Half Moon Girls"" was an excellent introduction into it."
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
April 22, 2015
This is a police procedural novella so engrossing you will jump at some of the twists and turns. Author Corinne O'Flynn did her homework and painted vivid Hawaiian scenery and real-day police action with interesting characters around a current world-wide crime epidemic. I particularly liked Lei, fighting her own childhood demons as she works to solve the crime, and the medical examiner, a quirky but warm-hearted doctor temporarily filling in. I don't want to give away any of story, so you can enjoy all the excitement without any spoilers. I had not read anything by Corinne O'Flynn before, and will certainly be checking out the rest of her books. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
April 22, 2015
I received a copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Leilani ( Lei )Texcira is investigating a murder on a kaua'l. the victim looks like her.It bothers Lei. It brings up past memories( that she wants to forget) Then a friend calls her. Her Daughter is missing. Lei soon finds out the dead girl and the missing girl were friends they were last seen the previous day together. Lei is hot on the case. Her life is also soon in danger. Can she beat her demons in time to save the captive girl? A very fast paced murder/ mystery set in Hawaii. A lovely place where people think crime doesn't happen but it does. I loved the plot it was very believable .
Detective Leilani ( Lei )Texcira is investigating a murder on a kaua'l. the victim looks like her.It bothers Lei. It brings up past memories( that she wants to forget) Then a friend calls her. Her Daughter is missing. Lei soon finds out the dead girl and the missing girl were friends they were last seen the previous day together. Lei is hot on the case. Her life is also soon in danger. Can she beat her demons in time to save the captive girl? A very fast paced murder/ mystery set in Hawaii. A lovely place where people think crime doesn't happen but it does. I loved the plot it was very believable .
December 27, 2015
Lei Texeira, of the Lei Crime Series, is truly in her element as a detective. If you follow the series you know this story fits in with the earliest books, pre Michael and baby days. She's working on a murder case that allows her to work her magic. I can appreciate the skill it took for O'Flynn to take on Lei's character, her attitude and her past easily blend in with how Neal developed Det. Texeira. I have to say I would love to follow the temporary coroner, she is a wonderfully interesting character on her own.
April 8, 2016
Loved this novella! It draws you into the story immediately and keeps your interest all the way through. I have read all of Toby Neal's Lei crime series and was skeptical in reading the novellas of other authors using her characters. But Corinne carries on with the characters so well that you forget it wasn't written by Toby Neal. Her writing is very descriptive and you can visually picture Kauai and her characters like you were there. If I could think of any drawback, it was that it ended way to soon! I will be looking for more stories written by Corinne O'Flynn.
January 2, 2016
Half Moon Girls is a well written fast paced novella true to the Toby Neal's original Lei Crime series. The story is set in the crucial first 48 hours after one girl is found dead and another girl turns up missing. Ms. O'Flynn has done a good job capturing Lei's act first think later qualities. And, I hope to see more of Dr. Polly Harris. I can't wait to read the sequel, Tell The Truth
April 23, 2015
Another entry in the Lei Crime Series. This story finds Lei investigating the murder of a young woman with more than a slight resemblance to the detective. Extremely well written with excellent character development. Definitely worth the read.
August 24, 2016
Im sad its over
I wish the story would have kept going. I enjoyed the tempo of the story and its plot. I love the Lei crime series
I wish the story would have kept going. I enjoyed the tempo of the story and its plot. I love the Lei crime series
April 24, 2015
Murder, mystery, fancy setting ... what's not to like?
Well-crafted. Neat characters.
Well-crafted. Neat characters.
May 16, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Half Moon Girls, as well as the others in the Lei Crime Series! I am anxious to read more works by Corinne O'Flynn.
May 21, 2015
I enjoyed this novella. A good mystery with some twists and turns. It touches a subject that is is sadly an issue that is happening all over the world. I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2015
Engaging main character and intriguing plot. Nicely paced. Novella length is perfect for a plane ride or a beach read.
April 22, 2017
HALF MOON GIRLS by Corrinne O'Flynn a Lei Crime novelette. Lei, and Daniels are there to look at the dead body. Lei notices it could almost be her, or sisters. Telling herself she was not in danger, to get a grip. Unusual burn mark on body, done by freeze branding as done on cattle, done near time of death, why? A call from FBI to stop digging, she was one of the Half Moon Girls, she would be debriefed, they were off the case. There was still a girl missing, FBI wasn't concerned about Alicia. Lei would continue, what would she uncover about the Half Moon Girls. A gripping story dealing with slave traffic, well done. Plot was good, characters will defined. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
April 23, 2017
Lots of suspense. Got this book free to read and post a review. I love all the Lei Crime in Paradise books. This book has Lei involved in a death of a young girl and her missing friend. Many twists and turns, takes place in Kauai, and has Lei thinking of her past since the dead girl looks so much like her.
April 30, 2017
Well developed plot and characters make this story of the disappearance of two friends a fine, crime/mystery read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews