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Librarian's note: ASIN B075H7CXBL has been moved to the newest edition.

Paradise has no protection from a hidden evil.

Security specialist Sophie Ang goes "off the grid" into the remote valley of Kalalau on Kaua`i, where she stumbles across the disappearance of a young boy. As she races against time to save him, uncovering ugly secrets hidden in the heart of the jungle, the events she tried to flee on Oahu gather momentum. Special Agent Marcella Scott straps on her Manolos and wades in to help deal with what the cyber vigilante the Ghost has left behind, trying to clear her friend from a murder charge. 
Can Sophie and Marcella find their way to the truth through the tangled layers of darkness surrounding them?

384 pages, ebook

Published December 8, 2017

384 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

Toby Neal

83 books986 followers
Toby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she eventually settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.”

Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous and vulnerable heroine in the Lei Crime Series, to the wounds and psychological implications of the heroes of the Scorch Series.

Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal...

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5 stars
456 (61%)
4 stars
221 (29%)
3 stars
65 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
5 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
Sophie Ang unplugged! What a delightful scenario to learn so much more about this brilliant investigator as she leaves her comfort zone of her amazing computer modeling work and goes into nature to find herself while avoiding scrutiny after a confrontation with her abusive ex-husband. In the previous 4 novels, this multi-faceted and complex character operates under agency and corporate constraints. The author always incorporates action and conflict with insightful psychological underpinnings as the heroine saves lives, solves crimes and tries to keep her actions within the boundaries of the law. Obviously, this is a series, set in a variety of lush Hawaiian locations and provides a variety of opportunities to choose to do the right thing before her personal safety.

I’ve been intrigued and a bit mystified by her career choices. It was wonderful to see how, in my opinion, her multi-racial, multi-cultural makeup makes one of the most interesting characters Neal has brought to the page.
It’s a short series, perfect to read over the holidays if you’re a binger.

What I love about Neal’s books is her originality in these mysteries or maybe police procedurals. It’s hard to pigeon hole her genre.
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2017
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author; here’s what I thought of it:
From the opening quote,” We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. KURT VONNEGUT, Mother Night” to the final line, “…strength for the journey ahead, wherever it might lead.”, Sophie’s story just gets better and better! I can’t believe that any, yes, ANY character, could be as thrilling and loved as Lei Teixeira, but here she is! Sophie Ang! Her shattered and tattered love life is complicated – “…there were men who loved her, and whom she loved, too – and yet she was alone.” Conner, Jake, Alika… We’re all trying to pick one man to prevail! Her off-the-grid persona and multiple identities are frustrating to many (her best friend, Marcella Scott, for instance). So well written, so descriptive of Kaua’i’s beautiful Kalalau Valley. Details, such as Sophie not being able to roll her wet tent small enough to fit back into her backpack, makes the reading even more enjoyable. I was there: slogging with Sophie in the red clay mud of the trail, waiting with Ginger, her dog, while she was trapped in a lava tube trying to rescue a lost boy, frowning through 1-way glass as the Oahu DA Chang (Yes! Chang!) tries to pin a murder charge on her. Ms. Neal has written this one a bit differently than previous Wired books, short chapters, different character perspectives, but the style is even better, evoking more emotion, more suspense. EGADS! I’m exhausted just now reliving the story! Read it!
Profile Image for Fran.
52 reviews
December 6, 2017
The Wired series is some of author Toby Neal's best work. The protagonist, Sophie Ang, is as complex as any female lead could be. Neal herself describes Sophie as the "female Jack Reacher", but the fact is, Sophie's character is more nuanced, and more driven toward good, than Reacher. Neal has created a dark, twisted, and yet hopeful character in Ang, who is just beginning to discover who she is and what she wants. This journey is carefully documented and naturally progressed through the series.

The hallmarks of Neal's writing are her ability to draw characters that are deep, layered, and fascinating, whether the characters are lead or supporting. She often features various supporting characters in her books, allowing us a depth of knowledge that most other series' stories do not offer. Neal also includes factual information about the locations where the novels are set, and it's clear she thoroughly researches locations and cultures. This creates a rich, colorful story that I as a reader thoroughly love, and it's why I am a fan of all her writing.

In "Wired Dawn", Sophie explores the island of Kaua'i, its solitude, and the many people who are drawn to the island and the ability to live completely off the grid and therefore be hidden. Fascinating stuff! A character I loved from the earliest novels in this series, Alika, returns to challenge Sophie's developing sense of self and determination to remain isolated. Another love interest, Jake, adds to the complexity of Sophie's emotions. Meanwhile, the Ghost continues to torment Sophie and drive her to try to resolve her feelings of anger, attraction, and desire for him.

Underlying all of this is the baseline story of Sophie, who is a tech genius and former FBI agent. Sophie has a complicated past that includes abuse and depression, and Neal does an excellent job of conveying the resulting damage from that past. Sophie also is very strong and determined, and is a trained MMA fighter, so she is fully capable of handling difficult and dangerous situations and people on her own. In Sophie, Neal has created a character to whom most of us can relate, and whose struggles feel real. We want to know more about her, we want to see her succeed, and we want to see her evolve.

"Wired Dawn" is an excellent addition to the series, a tightly woven, suspenseful novel, and Sophie is a hero for our times.
116 reviews
December 5, 2017
Warning! Do not begin reading Wired Dawn right before bed. You will not want to put it down!

The adventures of Sophie Ang and her dog, Ginger, continue as she explores the Na Pali coast on the island of Kaua’i, trying to escape from her past and clear not only her head, but her heart.

When a weeping woman bursts out of the bushes declaring her son is gone, Sophie feels compelled to investigate for herself, before seeking outside help. Sophie leads us on an adventure that involves lava tubes, lost boys, law enforcement and loves many faces.

Toby Neal has filled Wired Dawn with words that convey the verdant beauty of Kauai’s wild landscape, the irritating rigors of hiking and camping in damp red muddy soil, and the heartache of a strong woman that has been abused and betrayed. Sophie is a complex character. She swears creatively in the Thai language, is physically strong and agile, has an intensely intelligent mind when it comes to technology, and is slowly learning about her emotional self after enduring several trauma’s.

Although Wired Dawn is a standalone story, reading the previous books in the Wired series will bring you a greater understanding and appreciation for Toby Neal’s characters. If you enjoyed the characters in this book and haven’t yet read Toby’s Lei Crime series, what’s stopping you?
13 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest, impartial review.)

Wired Dawn picks up where Wired Rogue left off, with Sophie Ang going off-grid and hiking on the trail to Kalalau using one of her aliases. I’m especially struck by the tender humanity of this fighter/geek/insecure woman as she interacts with homeless “campers” and a group of abused boys, one of whom she has to rescue from an underground location. She is assisted in her efforts by most of her friends from the previous novels. I recommend reading these first, although the story stands on its own merit.
Unlike her previous books, Toby Neal tells this story from the points of view of several of the lead characters, which in my opinion greatly adds to both the suspense and character development. Wired Dawn is an exciting continuation of Sophie’s adventures and her personal journey. Don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
494 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2017
Yet another fun, gripping, nail-biting, and heartful adventure in the growing canon of Sophie Ang books. And there is already the promise of more. Sophie Ang has to face the consequences of killing her evil ex-husband, in picking up the pieces of her life after Connor faked his death. Alika is back in the spotlight along with good old Jake. Besides a complicated non-love life, Sophie under her third alias finds and rescues a boy trapped in a lava tube. This leads to a whole string of events.
Sophie’s character continues to grow in complexity. We also get growing insight into Alika, Jake, and especially Marcella. Toby Neal’s new narrative technique of multiple points of view works really well here. There were touches of it in the past, but much more prominent here. The setting of the various hiking trails in Hawaii provides the most interesting backdrops; actually the setting is the star of every book! These stories only work in the Islands and there is a real feel for what it might be like to live there. Toby, of course, lives in Hawaii and pulls from Hawaiian events, life, geography and culture in a way no other author has done to date. I highly recommend her Lei crime books, these Paradise books, and the Lei companion books.
72 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2017
Received an ARC copy of this book for a honest review of review. This is the 5th book in the Sophie Ang series by
wonderful author Toby Neal ; her interesting characters, intense story lines, and unexpected outcomes, keep me coming back. Sophie has gone through hell, and is now escaping from everything, including herself, by hiking on the trail to Kalalau on Kauai by herself using an alias. I hope you will read the prior novels to understand Sophie and her trials. She hears about a young boy, fleeing from a pedophile, that is lost. She finds he is stuck in a lava tube, and tries to help getting him out. Her friend Marcella Scott knows she is missing and sends Alika (prior boyfriend of Sophie) to find her. She is trying to find evidence that the Ghost( prior boyfriend of Sophie) is alive, as Sophie believes. Sophie also might face jail time for the murder of her ex-husband (book #4), and is escaping from that. Toby has written this book with nice short chapters that allow the development of all the characters, to hear their voices, and their stories. I couldn't put this book down, with so much emotion and character development. Sophie has to deal with her feeling about the three most important men in her life. Can't wait until the next one. I am a huge Sophie Ang fan. Thanks again Toby for this wonderful series. I suggest to start with the first book, and be captured in Sophie's story.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
700 reviews62 followers
December 6, 2017
INTENSE!!

Wired Dawn finds Sophie Ang on a completely different kind of adventure. This time she’s completely on her own as she’s taking time off as she is being investigated for the murder of her sadistic ex Assan Ang. Her friends (all in some form of law enforcement) assure her she is going to be exonerated for his death but she still has so many doubts. Sophie decides to assume an alias and to go “off the grid” to Kalalau on Kaua’i. While attempting to face her longtime demons and decide how to face her future, she runs across a group of “lost boys” and another real demon. Sophie must come to grips with the fact that there are people that love her for herself (including a few good men) and she needs to allow them to be there for her. She is such a complex character! The author uses many different points of view in telling this story and it really works! I was provided an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
128 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2017
Review of Wired Dawn by Toby Neal

This is the story of a boy fleeing a pedophile, who, in his desperation to escape is caught in a cave alone and in the dark.

Sophie learns that he is there and a rescue effort is launched.

Sophie, herself, has been on a solo camping, to clear her head. In her efforts to free the boy, she has begun to free herself.

Toby Neal, as always, writes a powerful, multi-layered story. I appreciate her shorter chapters and her ability to present both, if not the many sides, to each issue, each problem. 

The reason I have given it four stars is because there are some structural changes that need to be made to clarify a situation or simply clarify the meaning of what she is writing. Once those are attended to, this will be a 5 star read.

If you like an adventure, a story of self discovery, a story of love, a story of redemption, this needs to be on your list. It is a masterful tale.


Fritzi Redgrave
219 reviews
December 5, 2017
This book was so exciting to read. It is written so that you get the perspective of many of the characters and it makes for such an enlightening look into the characters' minds. The main character, Sophie, is "off the grid" trying to hide out as she was accused of murder. While hiding out she ends up doing what she does best, getting herself caught up in something bigger than she imagined. She also has to deal with her debilitating depression and to top everything off, she is trying to control her confusing feelings for the men she has had relationships with in the past. Sophie, being Sophie, leads us on an awesome adventure full of suspense, mystery and edge of your seat action. Toby Neal has kept us engrossed in this series and keeps us wanting more! I didn't want the book to end. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
7,768 reviews50 followers
December 11, 2017
WIRED DAWN by Toby Neal book 5 "Paradise Crime". This picks up from the last book Wire Rogue with Sophie.
Marcella back in Honolulu. Sonia needed her, she ran, didn't trust the system what she was facing was dire. Who is this Ghost, that Sophia blames, for her having gone off the grid, from family and friends.Macella was determined to find her. When would DA bring charges against her, if they we re going to, for killing her ex. Sophia stumbles upon Nakai, and the horror of what he ran from. Making friends as she treks thru the hills.
Brings in characters from the previous stories, but can be a stand alone.
It captures you from the first, with the boy and Sophia. The chapters are shorter, the emotion level is higher. Another great read by Toby. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
34 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2017
Oh, my! Alika, Jake and the Ghost all tug at Sophie’s heart in Wired Dawn. Sophie tries to disappear in the Kalalau Valley on Kaua’i and becomes involved in the search for a missing boy. While she unravels his disappearance, she ends up back on Oahu facing a possible murder charge. All our favorite Paradise Crime characters participate in the action. As Toby Neal alternates character perspective throughout the book, the action continues. Toby again beautifully describes the uniqueness of each island as she develops the story. I received an ARC of Wired Dawn.
2 reviews
December 4, 2017
Another additive, intriguing novel by the crime queen, Toby Neal. Whether Ms. Neal is writing her own series ( Lei Crime Series and Paradise Crime Series) or in partnership with others (Sydney Rye and Scorch Series with Emily Kimelman), (Jet stories with Russell Blake), she has proven herself to be a master writer. Thank you, Ms. Neal. Keep 'em coming! I look forward to further adventures of Sophie Ang and Ginger.
125 reviews
December 8, 2017
It is the dawn of a new day and with it, Toby Neal brings a new side to Sophie. On the run and in full jungle cat mode, Sophie is stopped in her physical and emotional tracks by a beautiful song, a missing child, and the crossroads of three men. She can't go back and the only way forward is through in true Sophie style. As with all of the Wired books, there are twists, turns and just when you think you know where it is headed- well Toby Neal is the master at you didn't see that coming. All your favorite characters are back- Sophie is running, Marcella is on the hot seat, Frank is trying to start a war between the suitors...you will need a nap when you are done with this one- it is that good.
Profile Image for Diane Perry.
1,282 reviews37 followers
December 5, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love Tony Neal. Her books are always loaded with strong characters, great story and fast action. Sophie has gone into hiding. Marcella is trying to find her before Sophie is arrested for murder. Sophie is tough as nails and one fascinating character. I devoured this book. Kick back and enjoy the ride. This story will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Debbi Lund.
133 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2017
Loved it! Toby did again! Sophie was off on adventures, trying to leave her problems behind, only to find herself involved in a new adventure. Love seeing more romance & twists. If you still haven’t gotten hooked on the “Wired” series, it’s time to do so!
Profile Image for bibiana  Perdomo .
107 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2017
Just finished the latest installment of the series and I loved reading about sophie and all the back story. I love the twists and turns that this particular book took us in and I enjoyed the shorter chapters.
156 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2017
Another intriguing iBook. I loved the format of focusing on different characters in each chapter. I hated to put it down. I was glad to see Aliko back in Sophie's life. I'm looking forward to continue Sophie's story. I want to see more of Marcella.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews43 followers
December 11, 2017
I have to say after how book 4 ended I really wondered what would happen to Sophie in Wired Dawn and what an awesome adventure she had.
It was great to have more of Marcella in this story and Alika coming back was magical those 2 work so well together but for now I am loving Sophie being on her own and finding her own way she can truly let go of her past now and move forward into whatever future she decides on.
182 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2017
Loved it. Toby just keeps creating wonderful, readable books with characters that keep developing and growing. I adore Sophie.
Profile Image for kc.
594 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2017
This series keeps improving with time. The well developed characters and the intriguing story lines make this a series I easily fell into.
Profile Image for Mommysmoose.
299 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2017
I am always anxiously awaiting Toby's next book. This one didn't disappoint. I always love the suspense and intrigue that surrounds Sophie. The trio of men that all vie for her attention and the kick ass way she handles every situation that she encounters. Ginger is pretty awesome too. This book had Sophie going off the grid trying to figure things out only to be thrown into another mystery. Helping to find a missing boy throws her back with an old flame. Will old fires still burn or will Sophie start more than she can handle. A totally amazing read.
Profile Image for Geneva.
676 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2017
Sophie is off on another adventure. Toby Neal has written many books I have enjoyed, but the Wired series is the best.
Sophie has so many struggles to overcome, and how well she does them. If it weren't for Ginger, her sidekick dog, she would
have given in to depression. Then there is Marcella, who has dragged her out of the house, to overcome the deep depression
that overcomes her. Sophie trek, hiking the Island is amazing, she is a strong, unafraid lady.
Waiting patiently for #6.
Profile Image for Maryanne Sakai-james.
9 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2018
Toby Neal once again takes us on a spellbinding adventure! Sophie is exploring the magnificent Kalalau Valley on Kauai and ends up having the adventure of her life, saving a life and changing the lives of several people. Could not put it down! The story is superb and her descriptions of Kalalau make you feel like you're there. I know because I explored Kalalau when I was a kid growing up on Kauai.
Profile Image for Courtney.
362 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2017
Another hit from Toby Neal! In Wired Dawn, Sophie has gone rogue - off the grid and on the run after slitting her ex-husband's throat from ear to ear (a move that came none to soon, if you ask me!). After a clue from a postcard on her fridge is seen by friend Marcella, it is thought that Sophie is roaming around Kauai, and Marcella enlists Alika (YAAAAS!) to take his private copter out to find Sophie and bring her home.

Under yet another assumed identity, Sandy Mason, Sophie and Ginger are hiking the beautiful scenery of Kauai when she hears haunting singing from a nearby cave. Meanwhile, Alika is flying overhead, trying to find the woman he once deeply cared about, and those feelings begin to churn again. Alika miraculously locates Sophie, and together they discover a young boy, Nakai, who has been trapped in a dark cave for days without food - eating worms and conserving water to survive. Nakai is a follower of The Shepherd - a mysterious man who herds the runaways on the island. Turns out the Shepherd is a pedophile who has been abusing a group of young men desperately in need of some leadership. Together with Alika, Sophie rescues Nakai and rehomes the rest of the Shepherd's followers after he is murdered by Nakai's drug-riddled mother.

Sophie flies back to Oahu for her deposition in the matter of Assan's death, and she is ultimately cleared in self-defense. At the end of the book, Sophie's future, if any, with Alika is up in the air as she reunites with her partner, Jake Dunn, at a party at Marcella's - during which the dreamy, strong Marcus proposes to Marcella, making Sophie believe in love again.

I can't wait for the next installment in the Paradise Crime Series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,755 reviews52 followers
December 5, 2017
I'm just going to say it, I'm jealous of Sophie. She has her pick of three men, all different walks of life, career, looks, everything. But, she runs from them all to hide, even temporarily, from any charges against her. You must read the previous books before this one. Sophie had been dealt a terrible hand when she married Ang at nineteen, she's paid ever since. She's brave, selfless at times, loyal and insanely smart. This is a series for all types of book lovers: mystery, romance, suspense, and techies. As a whole the series has the potential to go on forever. Told from multiple POVs we hear from Alika, Marcella, Sophie and a lost boy. It gives a larger perspective on the issues at large and a more connected story. I received my copy from the author and wrote this review voluntarily and unbiased.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,890 reviews70 followers
July 24, 2018
Wired Dawn - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Having left Oahu to escape possible pending prosecution for the murder of her psychopathic murderer ex, Assan Ang and gone to the Kalalau volcanic region of Kaua'i, intending to live off the grid as Sandy Mason, with only her dog Ginger for company, security specialist and internet genius Sophie Ang thinks she'll be isolated in the peaceful, if bleak parts of the island.
Instead, within a short time of her arrival, 'Sandy's' not only involved in bringing down a paedophile cult leader but also having to be rescued herself, while trying to save one of the young victims who's managed to escaped, only to end up trapped, injured and starving with no means of calling for help except singing to keep himself sane.

Where does Sophie meet Enola - and what is the latter's connection to ensuing events? When does Sophie meet Enola later in the book? What happens next?
Who is the Shepherd? What do the boys learn from living with him? How does he abuse their trust? How do they react to Sophie when she first encounters them?
How does Marcella react to Sophie's Dad's phone call? Will Alika help? Does he still have feelings for Sophie, despite her facial and emotional scars?
When does Jake meet Alika and who else is at this meeting? How does the Ghost help Sophie beat the false accusations levelled against her?

With never a break in intensity or action, Wired Dawn by the fabulous Toby Neal, tops even the Wired Dark previous novel in the thrilling Paradise Crimes series, of which this is the fifth book, impossible though that might seem!
Grab your copy today and fill your boots with the whole amazing series...you'll be so glad you did!
488 reviews
July 21, 2018
Toby Neal is one of my most favorite authors. I’ve read practically all of her books and all of the books in the Sophie Ang series. This book brought back a character from possibly book 1: Alika Walcott. They broke up when he was severely injured and they hadn’t seen each other until this book. Sophie is beautiful despite her scar, physically tough,very intelligent yet troubled. She killed her ex husband in the previous book which cut loose one part of her troubled past. In this book she’s in Kauai hiking and encounters a distraught Mother looking for her son. This book has some mystique, drama, and a little romance too. I always like how Ms. Neal brings in characters from the past books and she did it again in this book including Sophie’s dog, Ginger. The next book takes place on the Big Island. Sophie wil be hiking with Ginger and she hopes to catch up with the psychologist Dr. Wilson whom we’ve met in a previous book and Ms. Neal has devoted one book on Dr. Wilson. Can’t wait to buy and start the next book!
1,280 reviews23 followers
February 28, 2021
Sophie has gone off the grid in Kauai to avoid possible prosecution for her ex-husband's death. While there, she discovers a boy has gone missing from a group of runaways living in a cave with a man they call Shepherd. When she left, she didn't tell anyone where she was going - not her dad or Marcella or Jake. Marcella finds a clue pointing to Kauai and contacts the only person she really knows there - Alika.

Sophie is an unusual character, especially in this genre. She is female, mixed race, and brilliant. She is also beautiful, battles depression, and has terrible luck with men. My only real quibble is that every man she meets falls desperately in love with her. I get that's she's beautiful, but she hides who she is and how she feels most of the time.

The author tried something new with this book. She made shorter chapters and showed a lot of the story from the point of view of Alika and Marcella. It's a nice change, and I hope she sticks with it. They are solid characters with interesting stories as well.
Profile Image for Gwen S..
838 reviews15 followers
February 26, 2018
Sophie and the Shepherd’s Lost Boys! 4.25***** Spoiler Alert!

Sophie, fleeing the D.A. post Ang’s death hiked into the depths of Kaua’i, where Alika now resides, only to be caught up in the search for Enola’s son, Nakia, in the lava tubes. The Shepherd’s pedophile history and treatment of the boys were the cause of his death and the resettling of the boys into foster care. The Ghost is still hopeful, like Alika and Jake, in reinitiating a romantic dalliance with Sophie in the future, once she learns to trust men and her choices again.
Well written with an intriguing plot and a plethora of old characters. Marcella and Marcus’ engagement has given Sophie a glimmer of hope for her future.
02/20/18 begin/ 02/25/18 ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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