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Paradise hides a master thief.

What if diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend?

A heist at a high-end auction house sends tech specialist Sophie on a new case hunting down a thief whose skills match her own. Even as she chases a cache of precious gems, events begun in a distant land threaten the fragile happiness Sophie’s building—and an enigmatic new partner brings challenges close to home, luring Sophie into the world of vigilante justice.

“Great character development, twists and turns! You never know how these books will end.” ~Tango

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

1221 people are currently reading
380 people want to read

About the author

Toby Neal

83 books985 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
Profile Image for Penny.
21 reviews
April 28, 2019
I read a lot of books. Since retirement, I read about a book a day. In my lifetime, I have read thousands of books. I take my Kindle with me where ever I go and read every chance I get. If it is a really good book, I will stay up reading until I finish the book or just can’t keep my eyes open.

There are a lot of good writers out there in the world with good ideas for plot lines that aren’t too cliched or done to death. However, my favorites don’t just string words together in a coherent manner, they are storytellers. A storyteller makes you care about their characters. They invite you into a hero/heroine that is human, complex, and someone you’d like to meet and befriend. A storyteller builds the story with each page, pulling you along to read just one more paragraph, one more page, one more chapter until you are at the end and you want to read more. As the story’s tension builds, the reader’s breath intensifies, the heart begins to race, and you are fully drawn into the pace of the story.

Toby Neal is a storyteller of the best kind. She develops her characters as though they are real people, people you want to know. Even her ‘bad guys’ have developed personalities and backstories to explain their actions. Her plots are feasible. The arc of the story is plausible. Her characters relate to each other in authentic ways. Set in the Hawaiian Islands, she includes their history, their customs, their problems, and their pleasures.

Wired Truth, Neal’s latest in telling Sophie’s story takes place 2 years after her last book. Much has changed while the past still has a stronghold on Sophie’s heart and mind. Wired Truth introduces a new hunk of a man in her life as Sophie deals with her feelings for Alika, Connor and Jake. Stolen diamonds, a trip to San Francisco, and her daughter, Momi, all take her attention as she takes a break from being a CEO to working in the field again.

Wired Truth can be read as a stand-alone story, but I highly recommend that you start from the beginning of Sophie’s journey. Reading the earlier books in order will give a greater depth of understanding and enjoyment to this installment. If I could give Wired Truth and Toby Neal 6 stars I would, but 5 will have to do.
47 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2019
The "Wired" stories get better and better, and this one too doesn't disappoint. It's filled with action and mister and a few surprising twists (it wouldn't be a Toby Neal book without the twists).
Who doesn't love diamonds ;) and who doesn't love Sophie! Although fictional she's very real to all of us who follow her journey. She came so far and "grew" so much.
A new and intriguing partner in her job adds a je ne sais quoi feel to it. Will Toby keep him in the next story hmmm.....
Connor also goes through an intriguing stage in his life and I would have loved if there was a little video attached to his performance, it was fantastic to visualize it with my mind.
The ending is puzzling though .... or is it not?? Time will tell and definitely next book is something I cannot wait to read and see how all this continues.
Profile Image for Becky .
597 reviews15 followers
April 30, 2019
There are just a handful of authors that I can honestly say I love to read anything of theirs. Toby Neal is definitely on that short list and Wired Truth is a perfect example of why. Ms. Neal Knows the areas she writes about, having lived in most of them, and she puts so much soul into her stories.
I believe that I have all of her books. Not that many authors that I will shell out my hard earned money for but she is one!
Love her books!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,869 reviews69 followers
May 3, 2019
Wired Truth - a review by Rosemary Kenny

*slight spoilers*
Running Security Solutions, the company left to her by the mysterious Sheldon Hamilton (aka the Ghost, one of her former lovers), Sophie takes the main position in Wired Truth, Book 10 in the Paradise Crimes series by the exquisite creative genius Toby Neal.

When an auction house 'loses' the valuable suite of jewellery it was preparing to auction for a rich client, who are they going to call? No, not Ghostbusters this time, but Sophie Smithson, (the former Sophie Ang, who is still a technological fount of knowledge and skill, who uses her self-created DAVID system, to co-ordinate and enhance the chances of catching criminals by uniting the information gleaned from multiple sources worldwide).
Called for to personally run the investigation by Finewell's Auction House, Sophie is enthused, yet repelled by the idea of going back into the 'front line' herself. She's now a single mother, though her daughter Moma has every attention lavished on her by Amita, (formerly Sophie's own nurse) and her care equally shared between Sophie and her child's father, (former lover Alika who lives on Maui).
Also Sophie completely rejects working with former lover and colleague, Jake, so chief advisor and former company CEO Kendall Bix suggests bringing in another operative. (with a background in French law enforcement), Pierre Raveau.

How will the two virtual strangers handle the mission, that seems so simple on the surface, with Finewell's co-operating completely?
Can Sophie put her previous partners behind her and banish the thoughts of Sheldon, (training at a temple complex in Thailand) altogether?
116 reviews
April 21, 2019
Neal writes a richly detailed story, describing locations vividly and with very real characters you want as your own friends. The Wired series features Sophie Ang Smithson, a tech sleuth of Thai and American heritage, with a talent for creatively cursing in Thai. In Wired Truth, a more mature and settled Sophie is now CEO of private firm, Security Solutions.

Called in to quietly investigate a diamond heist from a high-end auction house on Oahu, Sophie partners with Pierre Raveaux, who is fairly new to the firm. Raveaux brings not only an intriguing set of skills from his time as an investigator in France, but something that ignites sparks within Sophie.

Following leads they've uncovered, the pair travel to San Francisco to another branch of the auction house, which also experienced a similar theft of diamonds. Sophie and Raveaux search in independent directions for the threads that weave the crimes together, each using their specialized abilities to uncover the answers. Woven within Wired Truth are glimpses of Pim Wat, Sophie's dangerous and deadly mother, held in Guantanamo Bay, and Pim's lover, the Master.

In all of Neal's books, there are deep layers to each character, that unfurl much like a folding fan, as the story progresses. Sophie's life as a mother has more clarity, yet her love life remains unresolved and after two years without a relationship, she has begun to yearn for something more. Her heart still mourns the three men she has loved and apparently, lost.

Wired Truth entwines many story elements from previous Wired books, both wrapping up aspects of her life, and also sending Sophie in new directions of hope and adventure. Neal has ended this addition to the Wired series with tantalizing hints of possibility that I look forward to reading in the next edition in the Wired series.
72 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2019
I am an ARC reader for this book. I absolutely loved it! It is #10 in the series and it takes place 2 years later. Connor is still in Thailand and had left Sophie to be the head of Security Solutions. She finally gets to go on a case with a new partner; this partner is French, sexy and very interesting. She loves being back in the field. This case is about a diamond theft that becomes very challenging. Toby writes such a emotional, interesting storyline that deals with Sophie's many loves and challenges ( Momi her daughter, Conner, Jake and her new partner). Sophie does make the discovery of who she really loves, and this story also has a surprise ending. I really recommend this book. it helps to have read the prior ones but can be read on its own. Waiting for the next one Toby, need to know what is in store for Sophie.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,748 reviews52 followers
April 28, 2019
Sophie is on the hunt for jewel thieves with a hot new French partner. Pierre has a dark tragic past but he has plenty of lovely traits to draw her attention, if she could pay attention. Sophie is the mother of a two year old, current CEO replacing Sheldon and she's going stir crazy without some action (men, client cases, either one). We get to hear from Connor in his new situation, which was a pleasure to read about, very intriguing. Her current adventure lets her use her techie knowledge and sleuthing skills. Each book has a new job for Sophie but her personal life continues through each story, it's important to read them in order to capture everything. I received an advanced copy, my review was written voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mommysmoose.
299 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2019
Sophie is at it again. Running the company isn't all it's cracked up to be. She misses solving cases and being in the field. So when diamonds go missing, she jumps at the chance to get back out there. With a new and interesting partner, Sparks fly. Missing Jake and Connor and her daughter leave her bereft and at loose ends. So she does what she does best and throws herself into work. Very fast paced, and a wonderful read. I loved this book. I always love the drama and trauma that occurs around Sophie. This one didn't disappoint. And it gave us some closure on a few things that I'm sure everyone was wondering about. Can't wait for the next one.
18 reviews
April 26, 2019
It’s two years later, and Sophie is back. I love how she is using her maiden name now instead of “Ang”, a name fraught with bad memories. And as she moves on, she seems more centered. Her daughter, Momi, seems to have helped with this although Sophie does have to share Momi with her father, Alika. But even that situation is stable with the help of her nanny. Her adept technology skills are still her forte, and she uses them prodigiously. A new character enters the picture at Security Solutions which provides us with even more interesting situations. A surprise and welcome ending awaits readers!
Profile Image for Brenda.
91 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2019
Toby Neal is an amazing writer, I cannot get enough of her books. This 10th book of the Paradise Crime Thriller series did not disappoint. Ms. Neal, a social worker and psychotherapist develops characters like no other author. The character struggles are real and not always resolved. A social worker myself, I really appreciate that, life is not wrapped up so easily as it is for many other authors. Looking forward to more books from this author, have already read over 20 and am still enjoying them!
Profile Image for Antanas Bernikas.
55 reviews
April 22, 2019
I was privileged to get an advanced readers copy of the book and here is my honest opinion. This is truly a great continuation of Sofies adventure. Sofie is more mature but not any less adventurous. There is also a new character in play which I truly liked and which hopefully will stay in later books in the series. Some of the old familiar characters get some long awaited clarity with their feelings/relationships if I may express it that way, for me this book was truly enjoyable for this particular reason among many others. As always I do enjoy great adventure, easy readable storyline, well developped characters, colorful settings for the story. It definitelly seems that story itself is far from finished which is a very good news :)
Profile Image for Nadine.
222 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2019
Loved this book. Sophie gets a new partner and Security Solutions goes after diamond thieves. Tied up some loose ends and I'm not going to put any spoilers out there. I am a proud member of Toby Neal's ARC team for this book and all I have to say is get it as soon as it's ready for pre-order.
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2019
Sophie, now going by her maiden name of Smithson, is in charge of Security Solutions and hating the desk confining responsibilities as CEO. A new client comes to her with a case that has her back in the field with a new partner, new hire Pierre Raveaux. The case is bigger than they realized and they work well together to solve it. Raveaux is a good partner for Sophie.

I loved how this story was told - each chapter a different character's point of view. I was also happy that Ms Neal redeemed her one transgression by returning Ginger to her proper owner. I literally cried at her loss in the last book!

The characters in this series have changed considerably in the two years since the last book took place. Sophie has come such a long way from the person she was a few years ago. She is even using American idioms in her speech regularly, and is warm and comforting with strangers. She has a good handle on her depression finally, too. She has been such a fantastic example of living with clinical depression and the toll it takes, and the very real struggle of managing it. I am most definitely enjoying this matured Sophie.

Connor. Connor is perfectly himself in this book. He has also changed, and while he thinks it's for the better, I have my doubts. I can see a future Connor coming that we won't necessarily like and I'm afraid Sophie may eventually be the one who must stop him. This is just totally my theorizing and not anything really indicated in this book.

Raveaux is a welcome addition to this series. He is a complex character who will definitely give Sophie a run for her money, to use one of the aforementioned idioms. He is fighting the battle between grieving his dead wife and being attracted to someone and this will definitely complicate the situation that came about in the last chapter.

All in all, an excellent book and one of my favorites in the series. I cannot wait to read the next to see where they all go from here.
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2019
Toby Neal has become my favorite author. I’ve read all of her books and blogs; her biography is amazing. This book, Wired Truth, is the 10th in this series, and I hope not the last! Sophie has so much more living to do!

I don't know how she does it. Neal imagines a situation, imagines how it goes, how it's done, what the pitfalls may be. She imagines the why and how and puts the words down on paper (so to speak) and makes our minds walk through it with her, as if we were participating in the action. This is an example: Connor shot up from the ground, grasping the pole overhand with one hand, and underhand with the other, guarding against the slippery spin of the oiled pole.

I always learn something from reading a Toby Neal book! A new word, an interesting fact, a new-to-me cultural nuance or appreciation, even a new cuss word in a foreign language. There's always a quote or two that I'm inclined to save.
Then there's the excellent and thrilling mystery to solve! Always something new! How does one person come up with all this stuff? One of the quotes from this book I’ve saved: “Life is all we have. Time is all we have. How is it of any benefit if we are living in the past, or projecting into the future? If we squander these precious moments with bitterness, judgment, or regret?”

I absolutely will be reading this one again. Neal’s stories are so packed with wisdom, beautiful descriptions and amazing characters, I find in reading them a second (and sometimes a third) time there’s something almost profound that I’ve missed. READ THIS SERIES!
Profile Image for Toni.
363 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Toby Neal makes her characters so real that they feel like personal friends. They all have something that draws you in, you can love them or hate them. Sophie is one of those characters who bring very real emotions to the surface. But as a true and real character, she shows real growth and maturity. I have enjoyed her character so much.

In the same way Neal's writing draws one into the story as well. There's no stilted, phony plot with predictable endings. She brings the personal side of each character into the story along with the professionalism of their actions. With Sophie (my personal favorite) ... well, one never knows.

Sophie's love life has always been a roller coaster with each man in her life winning over the reader - all at once! Now we are being teased with a new man!

Of course, the mystery is always fascinating and keeps you guessing to the end. I HIGHLY recommend this book, but the whole series is phenomenal, so read them all!
34 reviews1 follower
Read
April 30, 2019
With baby Momi safely with her father on Kaua’i, Sophie accepts the challenge of finding diamonds missing from a Honolulu auction house. Since Sophie has developed throughout the WIRED series to be as comfortable in the field as behind her computer screen, she accepts the client’s demand to be the investigator. Enter a new partner - Pierre Reveaux – to help with his contacts in the diamond world. And to provide a bit of romantic interest! Toby Neal brings our favorite and not so favorite characters up to date through out the mystery of the missing diamonds. Connor remains in Thailand. We catch glimpses of Jake, Pim Wat and the Master, Momi and nanny Armita. Ginger arrives to pair her exuberance with the regal Anubis as Sophie runs through Honolulu to the ocean. Not as dark or graphic as some WIRED stories, I love Wired Truth as Sophie moves forward from her many struggles of the past. I look forward to her next adventure!
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
698 reviews61 followers
May 2, 2019
DYNAMIC!

WIRED TRUTH (Paradise Crime Thrillers Book 10) by Toby Neal is Dynamic! This book may be read as a stand alone. However, to truly understand the depth of the relationships between the characters, one needs to read the entire series in sequential order.

Neal is on top of her game in WIRED TRUTH! She has brought her main character Sophie Smithson so far since the start of this series! Instead of hiding behind her computer, Sophie can’t wait to get out in the field and do the investigations herself. This case proves to be interesting on many levels since Sophie will be working with a new partner Pierre Raveaux. He’s new at Security Solutions but he’s a perfect fit. This case proves to be filled with double deception, the harshest of lies, asks and answers the question what is truly worth living and dying for and are diamonds truly a girl’s best friend? Neal also incorporates plenty of behind the scenes personal drama for all of her characters. You always want the best for Sophie as she’s been through so much in her life. As this sequel ends, Neal throws out a twist that will leave readers STUNNED & definitely waiting for Book 11! I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Profile Image for Fran.
52 reviews
May 8, 2019
Each novel in this series improves upon the last one, and #10, Wired Truth, is no exception. This book continues the saga of Sophie formerly-Ang-now-Smithson, and follows the story of a woman who, near the end of her life, is caught stealing gems from her employer and fencing them. Added to that, the book picks up the thread of Sophie's troubled and complex relationship with her mother, Pim Wat. Both are skillfully woven and fascinating tales that delve into the characters' psyches and motivations. One of the hallmarks of Neal's writing is her ability to draw interesting, flawed, and sympathetic characters who hold the reader's attention. Her plots are well-developed and move at a quick pace. Neal's books stick with the reader and are the up-all-night kind of read that gets us into trouble at work the next day. Ah, well, totally worth it!
7,762 reviews50 followers
April 30, 2019
WIRED. TRUTH. Toby Neal
Security Solution specializes investigations,the manager of an auction house has come with the item of diamonds are gone. He personal wants to hire Sophie, since he was the one overseeing them go into the vault. He research and only she has the sensitivity to do the job. She misses being in the field, and now having a new partner to work with, sparks fly. He comes from France and has a unique set of skills. The settings are beautiful, the plot is thick with drama and tension, as readers that is what we expect from the author. She brings her characters to life, especially for Sophie, the love ones she has lost, and the love for her daughter. Readers will definitely want to read.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion


46 reviews
April 30, 2019
Sophie returns in the latest chapter of her life. She is now CEO of the Security company, but is missing a more active role, so she is happy to take a role in the field investigation into missing diamonds from an auction house. I have followed this character from her entry into the Lei Crime mysteries, to her role today and the author still manages to bring life and depth to this flawed female. Now a mother, some of her priorities have changed, but she still lacks a partner.
The author promises more of this series and I can't wait!
I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
26 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Sophie is back to on-site crime investigation! We get involved in this story since the start of this book. This is a story with high stakes, intense involvement of characters and excellent writing on the author's part, which ensures you'll be he'll bent on finishing the story and enjoy the journey throughout. While this book has less action than the previous one in the series, it's not a boring book. There is a lot happening in the characters' lives and their growth through the series can be seen clearly in this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend everyone to continue reading this series.
Profile Image for Lisa Jones.
2 reviews
May 1, 2019
Although not as action packed as the last book there is more than enough drama to keep the pages turning.
The way Toby briefly touches on characters from the previous books, refreshing your memory without taking anything away from the present book.
I love the way Toby has written this book, we get to see a new side of Sophies character showing how she has adjusted to being a mother, running a company, dealing with depression, figuring out relationships/friendships and even showing empathy towards others.
Sophies new case and partner get her out of the office and gives her a taste of what she’s been missing. She does something totally unexpected. Which leaves open so many possibilities to where Toby may take Sophies story in her next book.
Totally enjoyed it.
219 reviews
May 1, 2019
This was another awesome book by Toby Neal. The characters we all love from the Paradise Crime books make an appearance and also those we love to hate. I loved how the story grabs your attention and doesn't let go. In this book a new character makes an appearance and makes you wonder if he will be another love interest for Sophie. I loved how Sophie and this new character work together to solve a diamond heist. Are hormones flaring between the two characters? Will Sophie add another person to her already complicated "love-life", or will she pine away for one of her previous love interests? This book has some surprises and will shock you. I loved it and look forward to the next book in the series!
66 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2019
Toby Neal

Sophie and Security Solutions have begun the search for missing diamonds. Connor was challenged by an incredible obstacle course while The Master waited. Pim Wat struggled. Jake moved on. Raveaux, DAVID, Momi and Armita are all ready to join the adventure. These characters form a story that will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. Be sure, the author takes note and weaves a tale that will hold your interest. Toby Neal is a talented and gifted storyteller who never disappoints.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
551 reviews9 followers
May 1, 2019
Sophie’s back!!! I love that she has found peace in herself. Life has finally given her a much needed break! I’ve truly enjoyed watching Sophie grow and mature emotionally throughout this series. Not believing herself capable of love, she has found something special in the three men who adore her. Never thinking she’d ever have a family of her own, she has a beautiful daughter who is her absolute world. Sophie is proof that with strength and endurance anything is possible. I can’t wait to visit Sophie in her next adventure.
Profile Image for Mary Hodges.
8 reviews
May 1, 2019
The Paradise Crime Thrillers have quickly become my favorite series. It only took me one night to read this book. Every time I think I can guess what’s about to happen, Toby Neal throws us yet another curveball.
In Wired Truth, Sophie is back working in the field with a new partner. As always, we never know what to expect with her personal life. She seems to be trying to dissect her true feelings as well.
While this can be read as a stand-alone book, I recommend that you read the entire series.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,230 reviews42 followers
April 22, 2019
New Sophie in every way, Toby Neal has knocked another awesome story out of the park.
Two years have passed since Sophie had Momi, Jake dumped her and Connor left her in charge of Security Solutions, all very big changes in one hit for Sophie, so what was Sophie like two years into the future??? Bloody awesome, no seriously, I've always loved Sophie but this Sophie, Mom Sophie, CEO Sophie, well she is the absolute best Sophie ever, she has really found herself and I now love her even more.

I am amazed Sophie lasted two years without doing any investigating...lol but again maturing...
I found the month about custody Sophie and Alika have in place heart-wrenching but it seems to work for them Momi is such a sweetheart.
Pierre Raveaux is a solid new character, he reminded me of Sophie in her first few books, he has a loving tortured nature about him and I hope he and Sophie build a solid working partnership together, they really make a great work team.

The story was great missing diamonds, theft, cons, guns, just another sunny day in Sophie's world getting back out there is going to be fun and Sophie can't wait.

Now the ending!!!!!! I LOVED it... Endings, promises, beginnings, friends, love, family and all the emotions, omg this book had everything.
Profile Image for Bob.
1,984 reviews21 followers
July 25, 2020
Sophie Smithson is now head of the company and takes a break from the office to work on a theft of jewels from an auction house with a new employee, a retired French detective. The uncover a clue to how it was done but there is more information needed. Meanwhile Sophie is having to deal with the previous head of the company who is now the head of the Thai secret society where he has been studying. Lots going on in this series.
Profile Image for Debbi Lund.
133 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2019
Toby nailed it again! Sophie is back & better than ever. Her baby is now two, no man in her life and she is ready to take on a new challenge. She looking for a diamond thief and trying to figure out her complicated relationship with Conner. Even after so many books in the series, Toby’s writing still continues to wow me! The stories are always full of intriguing plots, mystery & a little romance thrown in also. A definite must read!
Profile Image for Sharon Scott.
190 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2019

I know that I say this every time, but it’s true! This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are advancing and changing through all their experiences and they keep getting better and better! All the suspense and drama that we look forward to with Toby’s writing and new twists and turns. I could not put this book down but had to finish it! The downside is that no matter how long these books are, they are never long enough for me! And then I have to wait until the next comes out. I received this book as an ARC reader, but the review is all mine. Can’t wait to see what happens to Sophie next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews

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