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Paradise #12
Bitter Feast
The farm-to-table food movement in Hawaii can be luscious, exotic… murder.
Lieutenant Michael Stevens investigates a murder in a fine dining restaurant on Maui that’s a Feast of possible motives, with jealousy, passion and revenge topping the menu. A host of familiar characters, from Jared Stevens to Dr. Wilson, chime in from their perspectives, each contributing essential information to one of the most complex cases Stevens has ever encountered—but that’s nothing compared to imminent parenthood with his wife Lei, who’d rather be packing a gun than a diaper bag.
Lieutenant Michael Stevens investigates a murder in a fine dining restaurant on Maui that’s a Feast of possible motives, with jealousy, passion and revenge topping the menu. A host of familiar characters, from Jared Stevens to Dr. Wilson, chime in from their perspectives, each contributing essential information to one of the most complex cases Stevens has ever encountered—but that’s nothing compared to imminent parenthood with his wife Lei, who’d rather be packing a gun than a diaper bag.
256 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2016
350 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 books987 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 70 reviews
June 11, 2017
Ahhhh, so the tales of Lei Crimes have come to an end.
The conclusion was bittersweet for me. Happy for the romances in bloom, happy for the friendships, happy for the perfect ending, happy, happy, happy.
No more Lei Crimes, not so happy.
The conclusion was bittersweet for me. Happy for the romances in bloom, happy for the friendships, happy for the perfect ending, happy, happy, happy.
No more Lei Crimes, not so happy.
February 3, 2021
This was to have been the "last" book as we know it, but there have been more books in this series since then. It was bittersweet for me. It loved the happy, happy, but yet I wanted more angst. Yes, I had torn emotions.
I have been reading this series ever so slowly, 1 or 2 books/year, because I never wanted it to end. I'm glad I still have 3 more left!!
I have been reading this series ever so slowly, 1 or 2 books/year, because I never wanted it to end. I'm glad I still have 3 more left!!
June 13, 2016
We’ve all read books or stories by authors who have determined to end a series or take a break from it- only to get to the end of the book and say, “Why did you bother?” Not so with this story. If Toby Neal had asked what I wanted for the main characters, this would be it. She painstakingly brought a form of contentment (not closure) to each of the main characters. There were no fireworks, no hand-in-hand walks into the happily ever after sunset; after all, these are folks (and pets) who live their lives protecting and serving others. What she gave each of them, and left them and us with, was hope and a quiet happiness. And in the middle of all of this, she brought us new knowledge about the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii that is starting to spring up everywhere on the mainland as well. In addition, she opened new paths and new stories for herself and many of the other awesome Lei Crime Kindle World authors. Mahalo Toby Neal!
May 25, 2016
Wow, again you are on the edge of your seat tearing through the pages to get to the amazing end of this book. I loved it from beginning to end. Lei is once again faced with a situation beyond her control even though she's following the Captains orders. But, she is blessed with the greatest gift of all in the end. Stevens is following another murder case that keeps him guessing until the end. Murder, food and money what a combination. You'll be hooked from the first page.
May 18, 2016
I’ve enjoyed every one of the Lei Crime series books, some more than others but all have been engaging, engrossing novels. This is one of the best.
One thing that has made it so is the gradual evolution of Lei from damaged loner to loving person. The bleeding psychological wounds she carried in the first book have healed over the series and now are only scars. Neal has made Lei’s friends more than just secondary characters. They’ve each had a part in helping her become whole. That’s the way it works in real life.
This book is told from nine points of view. In less capable hands, this could have been a disaster, resulting in a weak, scattered story. That didn’t happen here.
Many of the secondary characters – CJ Omura, Pono, Jared, Brandon, Kathy Fraser and one or two others – could carry a book on their own as Dr. Caprice Wilson, Marcella Scott, and Sophie Ang have. How about it, Ms. Neal?
In the afterword for book #5 (Twisted Vine), Ms. Neal wrote that it was to be the last one. I’ve dreaded reaching the end of each following one for fear that would indeed be the case. As I neared the end of this entry, that dread grew because it is loaded with happy events.
I’m glad to see in the afterword here that this won’t be the last Lei novel. And that is good news.
One thing that has made it so is the gradual evolution of Lei from damaged loner to loving person. The bleeding psychological wounds she carried in the first book have healed over the series and now are only scars. Neal has made Lei’s friends more than just secondary characters. They’ve each had a part in helping her become whole. That’s the way it works in real life.
This book is told from nine points of view. In less capable hands, this could have been a disaster, resulting in a weak, scattered story. That didn’t happen here.
Many of the secondary characters – CJ Omura, Pono, Jared, Brandon, Kathy Fraser and one or two others – could carry a book on their own as Dr. Caprice Wilson, Marcella Scott, and Sophie Ang have. How about it, Ms. Neal?
In the afterword for book #5 (Twisted Vine), Ms. Neal wrote that it was to be the last one. I’ve dreaded reaching the end of each following one for fear that would indeed be the case. As I neared the end of this entry, that dread grew because it is loaded with happy events.
I’m glad to see in the afterword here that this won’t be the last Lei novel. And that is good news.
September 26, 2016
Like catching up with old friends
Since I read every other book in the series for me this book was a fun read . Finding out how everyone was and seeing the changes in their lives , because , make no mistake , Toby Neil created a wonderful , rich , human and lovable cast of characters who have served to drive the stories .
That brings me to the second part of my review . What I have found this book as interesting as I did if I didn't already know and care about these characters like old friends . I guess the answer there would be that it was not the best story . Toby Neil's style of combination romantic suspense/police procedural /whodunit took a backseat to the protagonist's labor and delivery and several romances emerging .
So if you are a fan of the Lei series , you will find this story satisfying . If you picked this up as a standalone , you might be left wanting . I think this series is amazing so if you're considering this book start with the first and end up here and you won't be sorry . But don't use this for your first foray into the life of these wonderful people .
Since I read every other book in the series for me this book was a fun read . Finding out how everyone was and seeing the changes in their lives , because , make no mistake , Toby Neil created a wonderful , rich , human and lovable cast of characters who have served to drive the stories .
That brings me to the second part of my review . What I have found this book as interesting as I did if I didn't already know and care about these characters like old friends . I guess the answer there would be that it was not the best story . Toby Neil's style of combination romantic suspense/police procedural /whodunit took a backseat to the protagonist's labor and delivery and several romances emerging .
So if you are a fan of the Lei series , you will find this story satisfying . If you picked this up as a standalone , you might be left wanting . I think this series is amazing so if you're considering this book start with the first and end up here and you won't be sorry . But don't use this for your first foray into the life of these wonderful people .
May 12, 2016
I won an advanced reader copy of Bitter Feast, but that has not influenced this review in any way. I have read the Lei crime series from book one and enjoyed each one. This book is no exception.
Ms. Neal has a remarkable way with words to draw you into the scene whether it is through the emotions of the characters or the beautiful scenery of Hawaii.
This book follows the story lines of the previous books, but Ms. Neal gives enough background so a reader will not feel confused. I would recommend reading the series from the beginning. You will not be disappointed. I love how she never drops a character, but makes sure each one is mentioned and adds to the storyline. This book is gripping and will keep you guessing until the very end. A murder to solve and lives in danger in the midst of a strong tropical storm are woven together to make a wonderful mystery read. Her descriptions of Hawaii only make the read richer and more detailed as if you were there. Don't miss this exciting book. Well done, Toby.
Ms. Neal has a remarkable way with words to draw you into the scene whether it is through the emotions of the characters or the beautiful scenery of Hawaii.
This book follows the story lines of the previous books, but Ms. Neal gives enough background so a reader will not feel confused. I would recommend reading the series from the beginning. You will not be disappointed. I love how she never drops a character, but makes sure each one is mentioned and adds to the storyline. This book is gripping and will keep you guessing until the very end. A murder to solve and lives in danger in the midst of a strong tropical storm are woven together to make a wonderful mystery read. Her descriptions of Hawaii only make the read richer and more detailed as if you were there. Don't miss this exciting book. Well done, Toby.
May 12, 2016
Full disclosure, I'm a guy who has read all 12 books in this series, and had an advance copy to read, with no conditions imposed (such as I've seen elsewhere, an advance copy in return for writing a favorable review).
If you haven't read the other books in the series, you should. Although Toby provides background to fill in details of past experiences for the characters, one of the main strengths of any of the stories is how real they are. By the time I got through the second or third book, they had become like personal friends.
This one has the usual elements of suspense, as well as the usual didn't see it coming ending, but the intensity is dialed back ever so slightly. It was a bit more relaxing read for me than many of the earlier stories. I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of the stories, but this one was special. I can't say too much without risk of giving away more of the outcome than you want to read in a review. Read the book. If you've liked the others, you've probably been waiting eagerly for it.
If you haven't read the other books in the series, you should. Although Toby provides background to fill in details of past experiences for the characters, one of the main strengths of any of the stories is how real they are. By the time I got through the second or third book, they had become like personal friends.
This one has the usual elements of suspense, as well as the usual didn't see it coming ending, but the intensity is dialed back ever so slightly. It was a bit more relaxing read for me than many of the earlier stories. I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of the stories, but this one was special. I can't say too much without risk of giving away more of the outcome than you want to read in a review. Read the book. If you've liked the others, you've probably been waiting eagerly for it.
May 13, 2016
I received an advance reader copy of Bitter Feast by Toby Neal in return for an honest review. I have read all of the books in the Lei Crime Series. This book is a page-turner and a fun read. I especially like the more positive atmosphere in this book for Lei and Stevens. Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of suspense and detective work to be done as Stevens investigates a murder in a farm-to-table restaurant on Maui.
Toby reintroduces many of the characters from her other books in this novel and gives enough detail so that if you haven’t read the other novels, you will still be able to follow. If you are starting with this book in the series, be sure to read the others. In Bitter Feast, we get to see a different side of a number of characters. These characters are more developed than in some of the other novels and they are all present to support Lei and Stevens as their baby is about to be born.
This book is a fast, fun read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy!
Toby reintroduces many of the characters from her other books in this novel and gives enough detail so that if you haven’t read the other novels, you will still be able to follow. If you are starting with this book in the series, be sure to read the others. In Bitter Feast, we get to see a different side of a number of characters. These characters are more developed than in some of the other novels and they are all present to support Lei and Stevens as their baby is about to be born.
This book is a fast, fun read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy!
Read
May 16, 2016A MUST READ especially for fans of Lei Texeira and Michael Stevens! I’m not sure what’s more exciting in the latest Lei Crime Series story—solving the murder or the pending birth of Lei and Stevens’s new baby!
Neal always has a surprise for her readers and Bitter Feast is no exception. This time the story is told through the eyes of Lei, Stevens, and other characters that we have grown to love over the last eleven novels in the series. There are even some surprises along the journey! Solving the murder at “Feast” is certainly the focus of the story but we also gain insight into the personal and professional lives of the characters we hold dear to our hearts. Those of us, who have shared the journey since the beginning, can see how the characters have grown through the years.
Of course, Neal doesn’t disappoint in this action-packed novel. Even a new baby can’t be born without surrounding circumstances to keep us on the edge of our seats! The ending is not to be missed!
Neal always has a surprise for her readers and Bitter Feast is no exception. This time the story is told through the eyes of Lei, Stevens, and other characters that we have grown to love over the last eleven novels in the series. There are even some surprises along the journey! Solving the murder at “Feast” is certainly the focus of the story but we also gain insight into the personal and professional lives of the characters we hold dear to our hearts. Those of us, who have shared the journey since the beginning, can see how the characters have grown through the years.
Of course, Neal doesn’t disappoint in this action-packed novel. Even a new baby can’t be born without surrounding circumstances to keep us on the edge of our seats! The ending is not to be missed!
May 15, 2016
Bitter Feast leaves me wanting MORE
As always, it was hard to not sit and read cover to cover. I have loved all Lei Crime books and companion books, but Bitter Feast was, by far, my favorite. I loved that Lei had her baby girl, that she remembered her aunt and that Stevens is home, recovering, and that they are growing as a family. It was a perfect book that brought favorites together, in love, and happy. Please Toby, keep writing Lei Crimes, along with the companion books and encourage the writers of the novellas, they provide so much in the way they focus on others in the Lei Crime Series. Everyone feels like a big, mostly happy, family and it has been a fun journey for me to get to know them all. Thanks Toby for giving me a wonderful view of Hawaii that I would never see on my trips to the islands.
As always, it was hard to not sit and read cover to cover. I have loved all Lei Crime books and companion books, but Bitter Feast was, by far, my favorite. I loved that Lei had her baby girl, that she remembered her aunt and that Stevens is home, recovering, and that they are growing as a family. It was a perfect book that brought favorites together, in love, and happy. Please Toby, keep writing Lei Crimes, along with the companion books and encourage the writers of the novellas, they provide so much in the way they focus on others in the Lei Crime Series. Everyone feels like a big, mostly happy, family and it has been a fun journey for me to get to know them all. Thanks Toby for giving me a wonderful view of Hawaii that I would never see on my trips to the islands.
November 7, 2016
I have read all of the books in this series. i feel this book was a great culmination of the series too. i like how the author changed the format a little; meaning that she had subtitles which told about the different characters. ALL of the characters from the previous books are in the last chapter (minus the bad guys, of course!) Glad to say all is well for all the characters esp for Lei and her husband. There was some tense moments for Lei. Of course there was a murder and since Lei was on maternity leave, the murder case was up to Stevens to solve. Partner Brandon Mahoe had a bigger role in this book and the captain too! i'm sorry for this series to end. At least there are three books featuring Sophie and there are novellas with the other characters! Thank you, Toby Neal for all the good reads!
September 27, 2016
A read that tied the series together.
I have loved this series and didn't want to see it end. I understand stand the authors need to end the series but I felt the jumping from one character to another was a bit choppy. I guess after reading eleven novels in as many days has given me a sense of the authors writing style. The style changed in novel twelve. I have loved this series and didn't want it to end. Most highly recommend this written work.
I have loved this series and didn't want to see it end. I understand stand the authors need to end the series but I felt the jumping from one character to another was a bit choppy. I guess after reading eleven novels in as many days has given me a sense of the authors writing style. The style changed in novel twelve. I have loved this series and didn't want it to end. Most highly recommend this written work.
November 9, 2016
Satisfied, like after a great meal!
Toby Neal does it again. Nine POV, you make think why would anyone do that? I was sad going into the book knowing that this would be the last Lei Crime Book. (for a while?) What a way to go out. No spoilers. Everything tied up nicely. All the beloved characters make an appearance, no one left out. Now like anyone in my family would ask after a fine meal, what for dessert?
Toby Neal does it again. Nine POV, you make think why would anyone do that? I was sad going into the book knowing that this would be the last Lei Crime Book. (for a while?) What a way to go out. No spoilers. Everything tied up nicely. All the beloved characters make an appearance, no one left out. Now like anyone in my family would ask after a fine meal, what for dessert?
November 15, 2016
Moving along
I like how each book in the series moves along in time, adding new characters, losing others -- just like life.
The main characters evolve at a realistic, not contrived pace, and adds to my eagerness to get reading the next book.
I live on Maui and enjoy the place names☺️
Awfully good series.
I like how each book in the series moves along in time, adding new characters, losing others -- just like life.
The main characters evolve at a realistic, not contrived pace, and adds to my eagerness to get reading the next book.
I live on Maui and enjoy the place names☺️
Awfully good series.
May 19, 2016
Please keep writing!
I tried to read slowly so it wouldn't be over too soon, but I couldn't stop! It's another great story with some murder, mystery and romance. What more could I ask? Only that there be another book soon....
I tried to read slowly so it wouldn't be over too soon, but I couldn't stop! It's another great story with some murder, mystery and romance. What more could I ask? Only that there be another book soon....
October 15, 2016
A great story
Loved the many points of view, and all the twists and turns of putting everyone together. I hope this is not the last we see of this couple, but if it is,it's a nice end for all involved.
Loved the many points of view, and all the twists and turns of putting everyone together. I hope this is not the last we see of this couple, but if it is,it's a nice end for all involved.
May 15, 2016
Best one yet
I loved this story. Finally Lei is peaceful and not working constantly. Love for CJ and also for Wayne. Perfect
I loved this story. Finally Lei is peaceful and not working constantly. Love for CJ and also for Wayne. Perfect
May 20, 2016
Another Winner
I really enjoyed this one. Not quite so harried and edgy. It was good to see some "Peace" come into their lives for a change!
I really enjoyed this one. Not quite so harried and edgy. It was good to see some "Peace" come into their lives for a change!
June 23, 2016
Wonderful
This latest book was wonderful, as usual. I so enjoy "following" the lives of Lei and Stevens, as well as their family and friends.
This latest book was wonderful, as usual. I so enjoy "following" the lives of Lei and Stevens, as well as their family and friends.
September 5, 2016
What a find!
I purchased my first Toby Neal for a song..... it was the 3rd of the series & I was hooked
I purchased my first Toby Neal for a song..... it was the 3rd of the series & I was hooked
October 30, 2016
Nail bitter! I am glad all of the loose ends were tied up in a bow I case this is it or
At least for awhile. This is still one of my favorite series!
At least for awhile. This is still one of my favorite series!
October 25, 2017
The last installment of the Lei crime series was exhilarating in a brand new way; what a feat after 12 books! First of all, each chapter is told by a different person: Lei, Stevens, Wayne, Omura, Jared... it was poignant to end the series like that; it was almost like catching up with all your friends one by one. At the last minute, we got to know more about the ancillary characters (like CHERRY JOY Omura!) and I got a whole new understanding and appreciation for them all. I was a little bit bummed that we didn't get to catch up with Kiet or Pono, as Pono wormed his way into my heart as one of my favorite characters, but we did spend some time getting to know Tiare as she had recently become certified to be Lei's doula.
The crime at the center of this book was fabulous: a sous chef at Maui's hottest restaurant, Feast, has been murdered: found in the chilly walk-in with a huge knife literally in his back. At first, his jerk of a boss, the owner of Feast, Chef Noriega, looks good for the crime (his wife was sleeping with the deceased) but more and more suspects start to pop up as Stevens and Mahoe work the case, including amateur porn-star and former girlfriend Kitty, Elena Noriega - Chef's wife - and Sage Bukowski, English transport and blogger of all things behind the scenes at Feast. Eventually, we find out that Kitty stabbed Francois in the walk-in when he tells her he's ready to propose to Elena, and Sage had recorded the whole thing. When Sage told his distant cousin, Felipe (an employee and unknown cousin of Chef's), Kitty learned of the recording and headed to Sage's and murdered him too. Another nicely wrapped up case for Maui PD!
Lei, burgeoning belly as she's 9 months pregnant, is on maternity leave, and it's SO nice to follow along with Lei as she does the most mundane of tasks, actually enjoying some time off and getting ready to welcome new life into the world. I would have liked to spend some more time with Lei and Wayne; I have found their relationship over the course of 12 books to be very touching and beautiful. Wayne also seems to have developed more than just a friendship with Ellen, Stevens' mom, which is kind of weird, but mostly just wonderful after all Wayne's been through.
In other news, Jared is falling for Stevens' former partner Kathy, and it's SO nice to see him ready and eager to settle down. I've always had a soft spot for Jared - at times liking him more than Stevens - so seeing him get a happily ever after really warmed my heart. This story wasn't without heartstopping drama though; Lei goes into labor as a tropical depression (downgraded from a hurricane, thank goodness) ominously makes its way over Maui. Just as Tiare, her birth coach, agrees with Stevens about calling an ambulance, a huge tree cracks down and blocks the driveway to their of a fortress of a home, effectively trapping them in.
Before we know it, Lei is ready to push, and after just a couple, a baby girl slips out, Rosie Maluhia (Peace) Stevens. After the storm breaks, all our old friends are at the Texeira-Stevens compound - Pono, Abe, CJ, Ellen, Wayne, Kiet, Grandfather Soga, Marcella, Sophie Ang... and all FINALLY seems right, perfect, and peaceful for the Texeira-Stevens family. I may have even shed a tear!
The crime at the center of this book was fabulous: a sous chef at Maui's hottest restaurant, Feast, has been murdered: found in the chilly walk-in with a huge knife literally in his back. At first, his jerk of a boss, the owner of Feast, Chef Noriega, looks good for the crime (his wife was sleeping with the deceased) but more and more suspects start to pop up as Stevens and Mahoe work the case, including amateur porn-star and former girlfriend Kitty, Elena Noriega - Chef's wife - and Sage Bukowski, English transport and blogger of all things behind the scenes at Feast. Eventually, we find out that Kitty stabbed Francois in the walk-in when he tells her he's ready to propose to Elena, and Sage had recorded the whole thing. When Sage told his distant cousin, Felipe (an employee and unknown cousin of Chef's), Kitty learned of the recording and headed to Sage's and murdered him too. Another nicely wrapped up case for Maui PD!
Lei, burgeoning belly as she's 9 months pregnant, is on maternity leave, and it's SO nice to follow along with Lei as she does the most mundane of tasks, actually enjoying some time off and getting ready to welcome new life into the world. I would have liked to spend some more time with Lei and Wayne; I have found their relationship over the course of 12 books to be very touching and beautiful. Wayne also seems to have developed more than just a friendship with Ellen, Stevens' mom, which is kind of weird, but mostly just wonderful after all Wayne's been through.
In other news, Jared is falling for Stevens' former partner Kathy, and it's SO nice to see him ready and eager to settle down. I've always had a soft spot for Jared - at times liking him more than Stevens - so seeing him get a happily ever after really warmed my heart. This story wasn't without heartstopping drama though; Lei goes into labor as a tropical depression (downgraded from a hurricane, thank goodness) ominously makes its way over Maui. Just as Tiare, her birth coach, agrees with Stevens about calling an ambulance, a huge tree cracks down and blocks the driveway to their of a fortress of a home, effectively trapping them in.
Before we know it, Lei is ready to push, and after just a couple, a baby girl slips out, Rosie Maluhia (Peace) Stevens. After the storm breaks, all our old friends are at the Texeira-Stevens compound - Pono, Abe, CJ, Ellen, Wayne, Kiet, Grandfather Soga, Marcella, Sophie Ang... and all FINALLY seems right, perfect, and peaceful for the Texeira-Stevens family. I may have even shed a tear!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
Bitter Feast -a review by Rosemary Kenny
What an apt name for a restaurant-based murder mystery-thriller! Bitter Feast by the brilliantly imaginative Queen of Paradise's Dark Side, Ms Toby Neal, is set at Feast, an up-and-coming trendy restaurant on Maui, where the ambience turns very bitter when the sous-chef M.Metier is found dispatched with one of his own carving knives on the floor of the walk-in freezer by a waitress.
Heavily pregnant Detective Lei Texeira has been thrown an impromptu baby shower at work, then told to go on maternity leave immediately, so her husband Lieutenant (Michael) Stevens and his partner Mahoe are given the task of exonerating their Captain's favourite chef if humanly possible and preferably before the national press get wind of it!
Book 11 in Paradise Crimes series, Bitter Feast will have you shouting at the pages as you're sure you know whodunit - only to change your mind as another vital clue or suspect is unearthed and Stevens and Mahoe draw ever closer to solving the gruesome crime. Red herrings and 'filleted' chef apart, we're also drawn into Lei's doubts and anxieties as she awaits the arrival of their longed-for baby - fears that seem justified by an unexpected turn of events caused by a change in the weather.
Can you work out the answers to both these major life-changing events? Who can one trust when one's family behaves worse than one's rivals? Only reading and absolutely thrilling to Bitter Feast's cornucopia of delights - and deadly danger - will confirm or disprove your verdict on who the guilty party really is and the baby's Hawaiian name to be given by Auntie Esther...and whether it's a boy or a girl, of course. It's another 5-star winner for Toby Neal you won't want to miss, for sure!
What an apt name for a restaurant-based murder mystery-thriller! Bitter Feast by the brilliantly imaginative Queen of Paradise's Dark Side, Ms Toby Neal, is set at Feast, an up-and-coming trendy restaurant on Maui, where the ambience turns very bitter when the sous-chef M.Metier is found dispatched with one of his own carving knives on the floor of the walk-in freezer by a waitress.
Heavily pregnant Detective Lei Texeira has been thrown an impromptu baby shower at work, then told to go on maternity leave immediately, so her husband Lieutenant (Michael) Stevens and his partner Mahoe are given the task of exonerating their Captain's favourite chef if humanly possible and preferably before the national press get wind of it!
Book 11 in Paradise Crimes series, Bitter Feast will have you shouting at the pages as you're sure you know whodunit - only to change your mind as another vital clue or suspect is unearthed and Stevens and Mahoe draw ever closer to solving the gruesome crime. Red herrings and 'filleted' chef apart, we're also drawn into Lei's doubts and anxieties as she awaits the arrival of their longed-for baby - fears that seem justified by an unexpected turn of events caused by a change in the weather.
Can you work out the answers to both these major life-changing events? Who can one trust when one's family behaves worse than one's rivals? Only reading and absolutely thrilling to Bitter Feast's cornucopia of delights - and deadly danger - will confirm or disprove your verdict on who the guilty party really is and the baby's Hawaiian name to be given by Auntie Esther...and whether it's a boy or a girl, of course. It's another 5-star winner for Toby Neal you won't want to miss, for sure!
January 6, 2020
Bitter Feast picks up about eight months after Red Rain ended. Michael is back at work, but he's moved to mentoring new detectives on active cases. He's suffering from headaches and other mental issues that came from his brain injury. Brandon Mahoe is back as his mentoree/partner. The case they catch is a sous chef found dead in the walk-in freezer at the "it" restaurant on Maui. Lots of suspects and reasons are found.
This book is told from many different viewpoints in order to wrap up a lot of storylines. We see Lei, Michael, Brandon, Captain Omura, Jared, Wayne, Kathy (Michael's training partner), and a couple of others. Lei is great with child and on maternity leave. A hurricane is coming. Between the investigation, the birth, and all of the other storylines, this is a busy tale. It's also a satisfying end to the series (at least for now).
This book is told from many different viewpoints in order to wrap up a lot of storylines. We see Lei, Michael, Brandon, Captain Omura, Jared, Wayne, Kathy (Michael's training partner), and a couple of others. Lei is great with child and on maternity leave. A hurricane is coming. Between the investigation, the birth, and all of the other storylines, this is a busy tale. It's also a satisfying end to the series (at least for now).
April 28, 2022
Review of this book.
This story was just as well written as your other books. You did this story differently than your other stories. The format was unique. It gave this book a different perspective on the people the people in the story. It worked incredibly well. The reader got a different outlook from the people in the story. It was a very refreshing change. I was able to see a clearer picture of how their minds were working to solve the murders. There was more depth to their approach to the evidence, or lack of, as they went forward with the cases. It made me stop and think like they thinking. Of course you through in several false leads to throw the reader off. If I could have, I would have given you 10 (ten) stars for this book. You had me going in several different directions trying to figure out who the killers were. I was not even close to solving the murders when I finished the book. A total surprise as to "who done it" for the murders. Excellent story writing throughout the entire book.
This story was just as well written as your other books. You did this story differently than your other stories. The format was unique. It gave this book a different perspective on the people the people in the story. It worked incredibly well. The reader got a different outlook from the people in the story. It was a very refreshing change. I was able to see a clearer picture of how their minds were working to solve the murders. There was more depth to their approach to the evidence, or lack of, as they went forward with the cases. It made me stop and think like they thinking. Of course you through in several false leads to throw the reader off. If I could have, I would have given you 10 (ten) stars for this book. You had me going in several different directions trying to figure out who the killers were. I was not even close to solving the murders when I finished the book. A total surprise as to "who done it" for the murders. Excellent story writing throughout the entire book.
November 3, 2017
This time around Toby has made the last book in the series a collection of novellas per say in that we get POVs from several lovable characters of this amazing series. Lei is preparing as much as possible for their new baby and has grown tremendously over the course of the series. Stevens is working on recovering physically and mentally from his ordeal in Central America making his family his priority to get his life back on track. We get to see his protege Brandon Mahoe come into his role as a Detective. We get a little insight from Dr. Wilson and her relationship with Lei and Stevens over the years. We hear from Stevens’s brother Jared, Lei’s father Wayne, even the Steel Butterfly, Captain Omura, let’s us into her inner thoughts. All in all Toby did a splendid job wrapping up this series even leaving an opening for more possible stories from our favorite Hawai‘i men and women in blue. I certainly hope to hear from them again in the near future.
January 27, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
These stories just keep getting better and better. Bitter Feast is #12 of the current 16 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries, Steven is back at the cop shop, Lei is home-delivering their daughter in a hurricane and murder is in the works at a highly appreciated dining concern. We have lost Keiki to time but her young companion Rottweiler Conan is keeping the extended family including Rosie safe, exercised, and entertained. We have troubles galore to sort and the story in this one comes from nine different viewpoints, but it's handled very well and we better understand those characters we already knew pretty well. And we see Lei in a more balanced, mature light at this point. Altogether, an excellent addition to this series, and a fine tale, told very well.
REVIEWED on January 26, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Again, was not able to review It at Kobo.
These stories just keep getting better and better. Bitter Feast is #12 of the current 16 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries, Steven is back at the cop shop, Lei is home-delivering their daughter in a hurricane and murder is in the works at a highly appreciated dining concern. We have lost Keiki to time but her young companion Rottweiler Conan is keeping the extended family including Rosie safe, exercised, and entertained. We have troubles galore to sort and the story in this one comes from nine different viewpoints, but it's handled very well and we better understand those characters we already knew pretty well. And we see Lei in a more balanced, mature light at this point. Altogether, an excellent addition to this series, and a fine tale, told very well.
REVIEWED on January 26, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Again, was not able to review It at Kobo.
July 7, 2018
Absolutely loved the "Lei Crime" Series. Once I started on the first book, I couldn't stop until I had read all 12. While I liked reading about the crime scenes and Lei doing her thing, it was the family relationship of Lei, Michael, Kiet, Wayne, etc., that I enjoyed the most.
Only negative I have relates to what actually happened to Stevens when hew as in Honduras. It was one great hallucination, but what actually did Forsyth and Aquinas do to him and the others. That's the only lose end I see.
Only negative I have relates to what actually happened to Stevens when hew as in Honduras. It was one great hallucination, but what actually did Forsyth and Aquinas do to him and the others. That's the only lose end I see.
November 25, 2022
A fresh approach.
Good idea to bring this story from different perspectives by the main characters saying their own piece. It works well with Lei about to have her baby at the same time as her husband gets caught up with a gruesome murder.
Toby Neal just had that way of writing that just draws you in and puts you there with them all on the island. Plenty of romance starts to blossom around the pending arrival of the baby!
Good idea to bring this story from different perspectives by the main characters saying their own piece. It works well with Lei about to have her baby at the same time as her husband gets caught up with a gruesome murder.
Toby Neal just had that way of writing that just draws you in and puts you there with them all on the island. Plenty of romance starts to blossom around the pending arrival of the baby!
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