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Librarian's note: ASIN B01MQMGKP0 has been moved to the most recent edition.
Paradise has nowhere to hide from a thief with an obsession.
Security specialist Sophie Ang has a new case: someone is looting artifacts from a royal Hawaiian archaeological site on Maui. Things get deadly fast, and Sophie’s friend, Lei Texeira, Maui homicide detective, takes the case. The women track a killer whose tangled motives extend high into the world of Hawaiian cultural affairs, and deep into the darkest of human motivations—and all the while, Sophie walks a tightrope between new love and heartbreak.
"This is the best book of the Wired series yet!" -JH, Advance Reader, Goodreads
"Neal's writing is persistently riveting... Masterly." -Kirkus Reviews
Paradise has nowhere to hide from a thief with an obsession.
Security specialist Sophie Ang has a new case: someone is looting artifacts from a royal Hawaiian archaeological site on Maui. Things get deadly fast, and Sophie’s friend, Lei Texeira, Maui homicide detective, takes the case. The women track a killer whose tangled motives extend high into the world of Hawaiian cultural affairs, and deep into the darkest of human motivations—and all the while, Sophie walks a tightrope between new love and heartbreak.
"This is the best book of the Wired series yet!" -JH, Advance Reader, Goodreads
"Neal's writing is persistently riveting... Masterly." -Kirkus Reviews
160 pages, ebook
First published February 19, 2017
1446 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 books986 followersToby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she eventually settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.”
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.
Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 11, 2017
Love that Sophie! I love all of Toby Neal's books. I am a big fan of The Lei Crime Series, and of all of the details about Hawaii life. There is mystery, drama, and love in these stories about Sophie's complicated life and her insecurities. She is trying to find herself and also love, these are difficult for her, with her background and past abusive marriage. Just when you think things are going well, surprises happen. She keeps you on your toes, and always wondering what's next? Now, I really can't wait for the next book. Don't keep me waiting too long.
May 21, 2017
Sophie Ang, one of my favorite characters in the Lei Crime series, is back! Beneath the non-stop action there’s plenty of hot emotion and pent-up sexual tension. It’s a short (169 pages) novel and while everything was tied up nicely, the ending seemed abrupt. I can’t wait for the next installment in Sophie’s saga.
October 25, 2017
3rd book
Enjoyed this novel as much as the first two of the series. I am ready for book four. Good read, good twist in the story. Keeps you on your toes. Fun reading.
Enjoyed this novel as much as the first two of the series. I am ready for book four. Good read, good twist in the story. Keeps you on your toes. Fun reading.
February 13, 2017
Wired Hard is the latest in Toby Neal's Paradise Crime series, and I think it's the best so far. As Sophie begins to settle into her role as a private security contractor, she is assigned to what appears to be a simple security guard role at an archaeological dig site in Lahaina, on Maui. However, things are not nearly as simple as they seem, and Sophie is quickly drawn into a tangle of Hawaiian artifacts, greed, money, and power. The plot is fast-paced and immersive - I couldn't put down the book and read it in two days.
As with all Toby Neal's characters, Sophie is a complex person. While on the surface, she is a strong, independent, intelligent woman, she also has scars from her past, both on the surface and in her psyche. This makes Sophie's actions difficult to predict, and creates a person with whom most of us will be able to relate. Supporting characters are equally intriguing, especially the Ghost, with whom Sophie has become close, even as she struggles with his moral code.
Added to the twisting, enthralling plot and fascinating characters are the glimpses of Hawaiian culture that give Toby Neal's books a deep richness that always keep me coming back for more. There is a real sense of place in the stories that make the reader feel a part of the books. From detailed descriptions of the land and people, to the food and culture, I always feel that I learn so much from these books. The dig site in the book is fictional in name and some aspects, but aftger reading the book, I went online to find out more about the real dig site. I've been to Maui many times and never knew this site existed. Mahalo to Toby Neal for once again educating her readers.
As with all Toby Neal's characters, Sophie is a complex person. While on the surface, she is a strong, independent, intelligent woman, she also has scars from her past, both on the surface and in her psyche. This makes Sophie's actions difficult to predict, and creates a person with whom most of us will be able to relate. Supporting characters are equally intriguing, especially the Ghost, with whom Sophie has become close, even as she struggles with his moral code.
Added to the twisting, enthralling plot and fascinating characters are the glimpses of Hawaiian culture that give Toby Neal's books a deep richness that always keep me coming back for more. There is a real sense of place in the stories that make the reader feel a part of the books. From detailed descriptions of the land and people, to the food and culture, I always feel that I learn so much from these books. The dig site in the book is fictional in name and some aspects, but aftger reading the book, I went online to find out more about the real dig site. I've been to Maui many times and never knew this site existed. Mahalo to Toby Neal for once again educating her readers.
May 6, 2017
Once again, Toby Neal entices Sophie away from the quiet, dark computer lab deep in the basement of FBI Headquarters. She’s responsible for the safety and security of a very important historical site, the supposed burial ground of King Kamehameha's wife, Kanipela. Greedy collectors clash with the Historical Society, a body is found, security is breached… and Sophie is right in the middle of it. Oh, yes, then there’s the very complex emotional love-stuff that just adds to her angst! Who IS her guy, anyway? You will NOT want to miss this thriller!
January 20, 2020
Sophie is hired as a night guard for a Hawaiian burial site. There have been frequent attempts at theft and then one of her employers is murdered on site. Sophie's friend Lei investigates the murder and asks for Sophie's help.
Overall, I liked the book, though there should have been far more dogs in it. Ginger spends most of the book in a kennel.
The best aspect was finding out more about Hawaiian culture. I also enjoyed the parts, where Sophie worked side by side with Connor.
The relationship drama, especially the repercussions on her relationship with Jake Dunn, were cheap romance novel bad. I fear that the author is going to force a romantic triangle in there and I just hate those. Which is why I didn't enjoy this book as much as the last.
However, I will continue reading this series, as the teaser at the end of the book really sounded interesting.
Overall, I liked the book, though there should have been far more dogs in it. Ginger spends most of the book in a kennel.
The best aspect was finding out more about Hawaiian culture. I also enjoyed the parts, where Sophie worked side by side with Connor.
The relationship drama, especially the repercussions on her relationship with Jake Dunn, were cheap romance novel bad. I fear that the author is going to force a romantic triangle in there and I just hate those. Which is why I didn't enjoy this book as much as the last.
However, I will continue reading this series, as the teaser at the end of the book really sounded interesting.
February 22, 2017
Toby Neal has done it again. This newest in the Paradise crime series is another unable to put down page turner. I miss the Lei Crime series and was so happy to have Lei make a small appearance into Sophie's world. This novel was full of suspense and fast paced action that I have come to expect with Toby's books, and I love how she includes Hawiian history and delves deep into the Hawiian culture. I can't wait for the next in the series!
November 26, 2017
Sophie always seems to find trouble... or is it that trouble finds her? Another excellent mystery/thriller in the series.
February 19, 2017
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it ended.....
It was nice to shortly reconnect with Lei in this story, I was her fan.... until I met Sophie (in Wired In) and she became my favorite character.
Sophie is as strong as she is vulnerable. She still manages to get herself into a whole lot of trouble but this is part of who she is and this is when I keep turning page after page (virtually) holding my breath, hoping she will still be in one piece at the end of it.
It is very easy to relate to her fears, her doubts as well as her motivation. She is a survivor and her scars (inside and out) only add to her fascinating character.
I also like the descriptive style of Toby's writing, it is detailed just enough without being boring or overwhelming. I've never been to Hawaii yet the place feels familiar with each of her books, so much that I would consider moving there if I could.
Sophie's partner Jake has a strong and likable presence and he is also sort of her guardian angel.
I hope the next book brings more of Connor as well. He is always there at the right time, but only for a short while. I kind of miss the enigma around him from prior books. I have his blond-hair-blue-eyes-great-smile image when he is part of the story but his multiple skills need to be brought back to complement Sophie's, they are a perfect match and I hope Toby will keep them together.
Nevertheless, what I like the most about Toby's writing is that she always makes her characters so real. I honestly expect to bump into Sophie or Lei or Marcella if I ever visit Hawaii.
I can hardly wait for the book #4!
It was nice to shortly reconnect with Lei in this story, I was her fan.... until I met Sophie (in Wired In) and she became my favorite character.
Sophie is as strong as she is vulnerable. She still manages to get herself into a whole lot of trouble but this is part of who she is and this is when I keep turning page after page (virtually) holding my breath, hoping she will still be in one piece at the end of it.
It is very easy to relate to her fears, her doubts as well as her motivation. She is a survivor and her scars (inside and out) only add to her fascinating character.
I also like the descriptive style of Toby's writing, it is detailed just enough without being boring or overwhelming. I've never been to Hawaii yet the place feels familiar with each of her books, so much that I would consider moving there if I could.
Sophie's partner Jake has a strong and likable presence and he is also sort of her guardian angel.
I hope the next book brings more of Connor as well. He is always there at the right time, but only for a short while. I kind of miss the enigma around him from prior books. I have his blond-hair-blue-eyes-great-smile image when he is part of the story but his multiple skills need to be brought back to complement Sophie's, they are a perfect match and I hope Toby will keep them together.
Nevertheless, what I like the most about Toby's writing is that she always makes her characters so real. I honestly expect to bump into Sophie or Lei or Marcella if I ever visit Hawaii.
I can hardly wait for the book #4!
June 23, 2017
Captivating
Another great book by Toby Neal. Can't wait until the next book. Am addicted to her writing. Suspense, intrigue, romance, police procedural all rolled into one great story.
Another great book by Toby Neal. Can't wait until the next book. Am addicted to her writing. Suspense, intrigue, romance, police procedural all rolled into one great story.
March 24, 2017
Loved It!
I loved how you showed Sophie's softer side, she is Avery strong walls built up around her heart. In this book,she opened her heart &is letting someone in. Lots of twists in the plot that kept you wanting to keep reading.
I loved how you showed Sophie's softer side, she is Avery strong walls built up around her heart. In this book,she opened her heart &is letting someone in. Lots of twists in the plot that kept you wanting to keep reading.
December 20, 2024
Suspenseful and exciting!
Love this series and can’t wait to read the next one. The characters, especially Sophie, the scenery and the plots never fail to provide a very good read.
Love this series and can’t wait to read the next one. The characters, especially Sophie, the scenery and the plots never fail to provide a very good read.
February 27, 2017
Wired Hard is a fast read, Sophie is a great security agent. The book ended like there may not be another, but one thing stands out, Sophie's ex is back in the picture!!!!! Surely there will be another book in this series.
August 22, 2017
Great read
Suspenseful... it kept my attention to the end. Another good one from Toby Neal. I can't wait for her new book.
Suspenseful... it kept my attention to the end. Another good one from Toby Neal. I can't wait for her new book.
August 9, 2017
Typically great .
Typically great book as I have come to expect. Just when you think you are at the end, another twist jumps in and off you go. The characters are vulnerable and not immune to injury. They have various strengths and the stories are not linear. ,
Typically great book as I have come to expect. Just when you think you are at the end, another twist jumps in and off you go. The characters are vulnerable and not immune to injury. They have various strengths and the stories are not linear. ,
September 1, 2017
An awesome book by an awesome author. Sophie Ang is an awesome character and keeps me engrossed till the end. Loved her story and loved the book!
March 6, 2017
A MUST READ
I love the Sophie Ang character, the story, and the addition of characters from the many novels I've read over the years that Toby Neal has created. This has become an especially exciting series with many situations that keep your turning pages swiftly until the end.
I loved this book!!
I love the Sophie Ang character, the story, and the addition of characters from the many novels I've read over the years that Toby Neal has created. This has become an especially exciting series with many situations that keep your turning pages swiftly until the end.
I loved this book!!
March 9, 2017
More Sophie Please
Sophie Ang is one of the most interesting characters in the Lei Crime Series and the Paradise Crime Series let's us explore her character more fully. Those of you who are fans of the Lei Crime Series will not be disappointed in this new one. Wired Hard is the third book and there are at least two more books planned, but I hope there will be even more to come.
Sophie Ang is one of the most interesting characters in the Lei Crime Series and the Paradise Crime Series let's us explore her character more fully. Those of you who are fans of the Lei Crime Series will not be disappointed in this new one. Wired Hard is the third book and there are at least two more books planned, but I hope there will be even more to come.
February 20, 2017
Sophie Ang is amazing she has survived so much in her short life and come out the other side, stronger, tougher and ready to thrive all on her own.
I know it's hard for Sophie to let other's in but I love that she is developing a great friendship with both Lei and Marcella these 3 woman are amazing on their own but together they will always be a force to be reckoned with.
I love an author who can write amazing female character's and Toby Neal has hit the mark more than once for me I absolutely love everything she writes but I especially love her female characters they always have something extra to bring her stories more awesomeness.
I love that Sophie is becoming stronger and more confident especially after being shot in the face and I really love how Lei and Marcella don't let her get down on herself to much but I also love that Sophie still shows her vulnerabilities at times that just makes her so much more real for me I can really relate to her character more.
I always love the mystery edge to any of Toby Neals books especially the ones revolving around Hawaiian culture and history those storylines really grab me I literally could not put this book down everything about it drew me in and I just had to keep reading.
I love that Sophie is continuing to heal from her past she get's a bit better with each story and it's wonderful to read about her journey I also loved that she and connor are getting closer but I also love Jake the lug that he is lol I'm still undecided who I really want Sophie to be with lol.
I really loved the whole book but especially the ending it left me both satisfied and wanting more.
I know it's hard for Sophie to let other's in but I love that she is developing a great friendship with both Lei and Marcella these 3 woman are amazing on their own but together they will always be a force to be reckoned with.
I love an author who can write amazing female character's and Toby Neal has hit the mark more than once for me I absolutely love everything she writes but I especially love her female characters they always have something extra to bring her stories more awesomeness.
I love that Sophie is becoming stronger and more confident especially after being shot in the face and I really love how Lei and Marcella don't let her get down on herself to much but I also love that Sophie still shows her vulnerabilities at times that just makes her so much more real for me I can really relate to her character more.
I always love the mystery edge to any of Toby Neals books especially the ones revolving around Hawaiian culture and history those storylines really grab me I literally could not put this book down everything about it drew me in and I just had to keep reading.
I love that Sophie is continuing to heal from her past she get's a bit better with each story and it's wonderful to read about her journey I also loved that she and connor are getting closer but I also love Jake the lug that he is lol I'm still undecided who I really want Sophie to be with lol.
I really loved the whole book but especially the ending it left me both satisfied and wanting more.
March 1, 2017
I just love catching up with Sophie, Lei, and Marcella. This next installment had me at the edge of my seat as they tried to uncover a murder at a Hawaiian excavation site that just happens to be the burial site for a Hawaiian queen. Piecing together the clues has Sophie once again in danger. Torn between the Ghost and her partner and trying to hide from her ex is getting harder and harder for her. There are so many levels to this book. It will definitely hold your interest and leave you wanting the next book yesterday.
March 26, 2017
This is book 3 of Sophia Ang's story, and delightfully it isn't the last. We get deeper into Sophia's life and past as well as her present. We get a new mystery to solve but an old one with loose ends comes back to bother her. Lei is still part of the story in this one. So the plot is ever exciting and keeps you on your seat's edge. Sophia tenuously moves forward in her romance with Connor while other possibilities present themselves. The Ghost still haunts her cyber world, her exhusband is still a threat, and she is still reeling from almost dying in the last book. This is one of Toby's most complex characters, and Sophia gets more and more interesting as the Paradise books progress. The ending isn't neat as we have two more books to go --yay!-- but the mystery of the stolen artifacts from the royal burial ground is an interesting one. Toby Neal always pulls from real life Hawaiian culture and crime, one of the reasons I really enjoy her crime books. Strong writing, good character complexity and development, a plot with plenty of twists and turns and a lack of predictabilty, and the marvelous setting of some of the islands make this book part of a great series. You MUST start with book 1 of the Paradise Crime series though to appreciate this book fully. I also highly recommend all of the books in the Lei crime series. There are 12 of those!
March 1, 2017
Omg......I loved this story/book. Sophie, seems to have grown up. I luv that she is falling for the Ghost. Yet, there's more to her partner Jake........
February 19, 2017
The latest book in the Sophie Ang series, Wired Hard, is one of Toby's best books. I sat down and read through it in two nights because I just had to keep going to find out the ending! Sophie has settled into her new job, although at times during the novel she regrets leaving the FBI. This time she teams up with Lei Texira (from the Lei Crime series) to help solve a murder which occurs on an archaeological dig on Maui. The author has spent time on a real dig near Lahaina, and has had advice from practising archaeologists on the procedures involved in a dig - so the setting and action ring true to life. Half way through the book you think you've reached the conclusion of the case, but further twists and turns take you deeper into the lore and customs of the native Hawaiians.
And when you do arrive at the finale, breathless and exhausted - the author has left it open for further adventures for Sophie to follow! Any book of Toby's is worth reading, but this series is proving to be her best to date I think.
(I received this book from the author in exchange for a review)
And when you do arrive at the finale, breathless and exhausted - the author has left it open for further adventures for Sophie to follow! Any book of Toby's is worth reading, but this series is proving to be her best to date I think.
(I received this book from the author in exchange for a review)
February 22, 2017
Sophie Ang is more comfortable plugged into the world of high tech computers and software than she is in the human world but despite that she is a skilled security agent. Being the best often puts her on the killers delete list and this case of murder and stolen Hawaiian artifacts is no different. Get ready for old friends and old adversaries, unsavory connections and fine lines. This story has more twists and turns than the road to Hana. Sophie is forced to work with the Ghost, examine her feelings for Jake and dig deep to survive. Even Lei and Pono are in on this one. Toby Neal weaves intrigue, tech, amazing culture and human behavior into a story with more twists and turns than the road to Hana. Dig into this one.
February 26, 2017
Toby does it again
Just finished the third book in this series and i can't say enough about it. From the first page it was non stop. Toby is amazing and the way she brings to life each of her characters is like being there with them
Just finished the third book in this series and i can't say enough about it. From the first page it was non stop. Toby is amazing and the way she brings to life each of her characters is like being there with them
February 16, 2017
Sophie Ang is an inspiration to all women everywhere. She is not only intelligent but she has no fear whatsoever. One would think somebody who loves computers would be an introvert, never wanting to leave the screen but that's a huge misjudgment for Sophie. She is assigned a case by herself on the graveyard shift watching over a historical site being robbed for bone hooks. Not familiar with the history and stories of Hawaii I always appreciate Neal's details in this area. It's an education in Hawaii and a pleasure to get lost in the beautifully described surroundings. The case is exciting with twists and turns while men are falling over themselves just to shake her hand, she is a huge guy magnet. However, she seems to be drawn to the same man and he's trying really hard to win her over. Even though this is the third book in the series I'd like to say jump in and read this separately but you'd be missing out on Sophie's history and what makes her tick. It was a pleasure to read and voluntarily review this book after receiving an advanced copy.
February 24, 2017
Is Sophie missing The FBI?
Stuck in a night time surveillance job that is so boring she nearly goes to sleep, Sophie longs for the busyness and excitement of the FBI. Then one night, checking outside the fence before her shift, she finds a body. And so the excitement begins as she helps her friend Lei Texiera find the murderer.
Stuck in a night time surveillance job that is so boring she nearly goes to sleep, Sophie longs for the busyness and excitement of the FBI. Then one night, checking outside the fence before her shift, she finds a body. And so the excitement begins as she helps her friend Lei Texiera find the murderer.
February 19, 2017
SOPHIE SIZZLES!
In Wired Hard (Paradise Crime Book 3) Sophie Ang is working in the private sector for Security Solutions after leaving the FBI. This case involves Sophie monitoring a royal Hawaiian archeological site on Maui. Sophie goes from being bored to being challenged mentally, physically, emotionally, romantically as she is faced with demons old and new. Toby Neal is masterful as she introduces new dark characters. This storyline will grab your attention from the first page until the last! I was provided an ARC but the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
In Wired Hard (Paradise Crime Book 3) Sophie Ang is working in the private sector for Security Solutions after leaving the FBI. This case involves Sophie monitoring a royal Hawaiian archeological site on Maui. Sophie goes from being bored to being challenged mentally, physically, emotionally, romantically as she is faced with demons old and new. Toby Neal is masterful as she introduces new dark characters. This storyline will grab your attention from the first page until the last! I was provided an ARC but the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
February 23, 2017
Sophie Ang rocks!
I loved Wired Hard; it continues Sophie's story on Maui. It a great story with two love interests and three mysteries. I am looking forward to the next book.
I loved Wired Hard; it continues Sophie's story on Maui. It a great story with two love interests and three mysteries. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 19, 2017
WIRED HARD. The 3rd in the series Paradise.Crime by Toby Neal.
Sophie, part of the Security Solutions, has the boring job of watching the grounds at night. Hawaiian archeological group Hui want to restore Kakela, a place of royalty. Murder of the Hui president, on the grounds was not part of the job description. Sophie, had a 1 hour gap of no one on site, would she be fired, for not taking the job seriously. Her new love interested, comes to tell her that her ex has escaped. With the threat to kill her. The site has been vandalized, for now was a crime scene, again didn't think she had to be on the job site.
Another interesting story, that gives you a touch of Hawaii. Getting to know Sophie more. Hopefully we have more in this series. Great read for all a mystery, touch of romance. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Sophie, part of the Security Solutions, has the boring job of watching the grounds at night. Hawaiian archeological group Hui want to restore Kakela, a place of royalty. Murder of the Hui president, on the grounds was not part of the job description. Sophie, had a 1 hour gap of no one on site, would she be fired, for not taking the job seriously. Her new love interested, comes to tell her that her ex has escaped. With the threat to kill her. The site has been vandalized, for now was a crime scene, again didn't think she had to be on the job site.
Another interesting story, that gives you a touch of Hawaii. Getting to know Sophie more. Hopefully we have more in this series. Great read for all a mystery, touch of romance. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews