Paradise has no protection from a hacker with a hidden agenda. Do you love a woman sleuth with a dark past, a great dog, and a complicated romantic life?
Meet tech agent Sophie Ang.
Sophie’s emotions are battered by a child kidnapping case, and in tracking the criminal ring, her rogue data analysis program D.A.V.I.D. identifies an anomaly that leads her into a cat-and-mouse game online with a deadly enemy whose motives are unclear. The chase lures her through dark corridors of cyberspace into a confrontation with the violence from her past that sent her fleeing to the United States. She’ll need every skill she’s learned to defeat her worst nightmare—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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.
My first choice when buying a book is female authors, to encourage more female writers. Also like strong and clever female characters. But this new series so far didn't excite or entertained me. Parts was slow going. Will be reading another book in this series, to give this author another chance.
This was a well-written thriller which kept me interested from start to finish. I already own a few other books by the same author but have not been motivated to start reading them. I enjoyed this one so much that now I will read them. The techie world this story exists within rang true to me, although the author admits that she is not a techie and needed outside help to get it right! The book ended with a couple of big hanging threads unresolved, which strongly points to more books about the same character(s).
I have read all of Toby Neal's' Lei Texeira books and decided to try this one. I find Sophie to be a very interesting character. Like Lei, she's a very strong woman mentally and physically too (she belongs to a fight club). Yet she's pretty, highly intelligent (she speaks multiple languages), and very feminine. Also like Lei, she battles her past and she has a dog named Ginger, for a companion. Sophie is an FBI agent who's very proficient with computers. This is the first of three. I'm hooked and will order the second. book. There's a kid napping case in whch the family's young daughter is kidnapped. Sophie thinks the security firm hired by the family had something too do with the kidnapping and she tries to find if the kidnapping is relatedc to other cases. There is a murder but it occurs later in the book. Sophie tries to solve the kidnapping and an almost deadly assault on a close friend. This book will keep your interest from the beginning to the end. You'll find it hard to put down.
I definitely enjoyed the ending (no spoilers). Had a bit of trouble following the tech aspect of the book but was pleased when I read the acknowledgments that they were fictional with some factual put in. Sophy makes me want to go to the gym asap but just don't have the motivation at this point. Well, I'm on to book 2 in this series of Sophie Ang. More will be revealed
Wired In was a decent read, the story was fairly interesting and the plot moved at a good pace. The main issue I have with this , is with the writing itself. There was so much telling.."Sophie did this, Sophie felt this, Sophie etc etc" to the point that it became extremely irritating. It would have worked a lot better if Toby Neal attempted to show the characters' emotions, character etc through their actions rather than telling us all the time. Furthermore, there was little attempt to develop the main characters, even the main one Sophie, which made the book even more superficial. I think it's a solid 2/5 *. Not a dreadful read, but not particularly good either.
I love that Sophie now has her own series. Agent Sophie Ang has learnt to be her own unique type of ballbuster, after a disastrous arranged marriage to an abusive sadistic narcissist Sophie finally escaped and was recruited to the FBI because of her talent with tech. Sophie absolutely loves her job at the FBI but she finds it constrictive at times and frustrating especially when it comes to be beloved computer program D.A.V.I.D but Sophie wont let anyone be hurt if D.A.V.I.D can help even if it ends up costing her everything she loves.
Sophie is an enigma wrapped up in a gorgeous package rolled in a whole lot of hurts from her past but she is also an amazing person who won't give up no matter what and I love that about her.
Well, I've been reading this book since early July 2020, and only just finished it last night! That isn't because I didn't like it - I just kept getting distracted by other books, so this one took a back seat quite often. I really liked the story, though sometimes it felt very "tell-y" rather than "show-y" if you know what I mean (writers will).
I loved all the curses in Thai that Sophie uttered during the book. I felt like I really could picture what it was like being in Hawaii, such was the quality of the descriptions in the book. Sophie is a kick-arse heroine and I look forward to seeing where her "adventures" take her next. Though I will probably take a breather before starting book 2. ;)
This is a great book from the very first word to the very last, you are pulled in to this story of Sophie. She makes this book light up your life. Once you open this book you'll not be able to put it down.
Toby Neal never disappoints. Captures your attention with the very first sentence and never stops. Special Agent Sophie Ang, one of Lei Texeira's friends from the Lei Crime Series, has her own story to tell. Captivating, never slows, and another "can't put the book down" story. Wish the second book was already done.
Have read all the Lei Crime Series and Wired Hard. Wanted to go back and read the beginnings for Sophia. Action all the way they the book. Did not want to put it down and hated when it ended. Well worth the time to read.
A cyber adventure with technology oozing from every page. This was definitely a change of pace for me but a quick moving, easy to read tale. The only meaning was what was on the page. Sometimes that is enough.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I was very impressed. Sophie Ang is the main character and she is an FBI Agent in Hawaii, she specializes in tracking crime and criminals with her vast computer skills. In this book she is tracking crimes of a Security company. Also she has a vicious ex husband who appears to have resurfaced and she knows he will kill her. A lot is happening in this book, and the unanswered question for me is, who is the Ghost. Perhaps in the next book he will reappear.
Special Agent Sophie Ang is an FBI cyber specialist and the daughter of an African American father and diplomat and Thai mother. After being in an arraigned marriage as a young girl to a Thai who turned out to be a gangster and an abuser she manages to escape and recruited by the FBI. Working in Hawaii she works on their Cyber office and on her own has developed a Data Mining program that she working on getting a patent for and has offered it to the FBI. They however don't want it as it gets access to many sources that the feel would create problems for them. I am working through a nine volume box set and so far Sophie has had many adventures, been wounded several times, quit the FBI over her program and joined a civilian security company. She has to deal with her ex as he is determined to get her back and remove any one she seems to get an interest in. Plenty of adventures i the first 5 books I have read. Good easy reads.
Dedicated Hawaiian FBI Agent Sophie Ang still has flashbacks to the physical and mental abuse suffered at the hands of her ex- husband Assan. These memories come to fore during her rescue of Anna, a young kidnap victim who's been imprisoned in a similar way. In her off-duty hours Sophie's obsessed with keeping in peak physical shape, jogging daily with her dog Gloria and becoming a mixed martial arts expert under the tutelage of her 'would-be-more' instructor, Alika.
Her private life's going well and Sophie's pleased with the progress her ingenious computer programme DAVID gives - until she's reprimanded for using it to investigate FBI cases at her apartment and not just in the secure office. Later this seems wise, [although Sophie contests the ban], as her apartment's bugged by a 'person of interest' in the latest case - which also seems to compromise Alika!
As this compelling, (free) drama unfolds, Sophie's forced to confront demons old and new...can she take down her ex before he can ruin the life of his new teenage bride - and what is his involvement in the attacks on Alika? Who is the mysterious Ghost, who, as his name suggests can taunt and tempt Sophie before seeming to vanish into cyberspace? Can Sophie untangle the case and reveal the mastermind behind seemingly random 'self-destruct' buttons of various villains are activated - and does she really want to, when it makes law-enforcement's job that much easier? And finally, can she retain her own integrity and avoid the personal curse of mental health issues afflicting her mother, before her emotional life is more than she can cope with?
You'll have to read the next installment in this tantalisingly clever series by Toby Neal, as it leaves the reader with questions as well as answers aplenty!
This is the first book in the Paradise Crime Series by Toby Neal, classed as a cyberspace thriller/police procedure mystery.
Special Agent Sophie Ang is a FBI Agent, a martial artist who has escaped an abusive marriage. The book opens with a bang and a rescue of a kidnapped child.
This is a well written novel, fast paced, action police procedure story with layers of cyber stuff written so well that even a technophobe reader like myself can understand it without getting bogged down in ‘cyber speak.’ It is a psychological thriller as well and all the layers are woven together effortlessly.
This is an amazing story. I enjoyed the action, the characters, the technology and the plot twists. The author blended technology with action in a way I have not seen before. Thoroughly enjoyable. More books by Toby will definitely be read by me shortly.
A little hard going in places, mainly due the the "techie" stuff but this is probably due to me being a bit of a dinosaur. However a good storyline and well written book, certainly worth reading.
While the story came to a satisfactory conclusion our young female FBI agent has been abused in the past which adds layers to the characters and interactions portrayed. Toby Neal left me wondering what I missed. I look forward to reading another Toby Neal mystery.
Wired In by Toby Neal is amazing. The heroine, Sophie Ang, is my new favorite. She comes highly skilled and lures me deep into the trouble at hand. Sophie Ang can do a lot more than most heroines I have met. But like all of them she contains a soft spot that leads her to playing the hero. There's also a spot to her that makes this novel stand out beyond others in its genre. She has the wealth and the knowledge to do what she does. Plus, like everyone else, she's human. Her personality comes out as a shy sometimes socially awkward. I was able to relate to that myself. Being social awkward is hard to overcome. Having read, the second installment to this brand new series, I can say that she has greatly changed. I like the person she has grown into and can't wait to she what happens in the third book.
Wired In is about a kidnapping ring of children. One of the most horrendous crimes...and Sophie Ang plunges herself deep into a deadly game. One that may save the kids. Technology is both frightening and useful. If used in the right ways, answers can be solved. However, it can also lead to danger. Much like the intriguing tale, Toby Neal brings to readers. Intense, suspenseful, and a highly engaging journey. The plot is fast-paced and well-written. The title of this novel fits in precisely with the plot. Sophie Ang is definitely wired in...I am a huge fan of FBI thrillers and suspense titles. This series fits the bill perfectly. I loved how deep the book captured me. The emotional attachments felt so real. Fear rippling through me as the tension built up...every page as addictive as the first. Toby Neal is a talented writer. After reading both her novels, I can see why. Absolutely a stunning read, that will sweep readers off their feet and drag them into the book. Overall, I highly recommend Wired In to readers worldwide.
Wired in "Wired In" begins the new Paradise Crime series by Toby Neal in which we get to know FBI Special Agent Sophie Ang, so maybe I won't mourn the end of the Lei Crime Series after all. Sophie was introduced through Lei Texeira as a tough, smart, computer savvy MMA fighter. She has to be strong. She's had an emotionally stunted childhood followed by an abusive marriage. She escaped the marriage and established herself as a strong presence in the Honolulu based FBI office where she has a bank of computers at her disposal. And use them she does, creating a new program on her own amazingly close to AI that she calls DAVID. But DAVID results in some heated clashes with her boss and FBI protocol. It is through the identical rigs (properly named) that she has set up in her upscale (father owned) penthouse that "backtraces" to a fascinating antagonist--her tech equal or better--that sets the stage for an intriguing over-plot. There is an intellectual, almost sexual tension between she and "The Ghost" that drives above the plot line. This is an antagonist with a moral code of his own and while the sub-plots are neatly wrapped up at the end, we know now The Ghost will surface again producing additional suspenseful fodder. The story moves at a satisfying pace and easily handles several sub-plots, including that of her ex, but I fear the reach of Assan Ang beyond the slammer. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I honestly enjoyed and can't wait to dig into the second of the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Sophie was totally committed to her work as an FBI agent. She would not quit until she got some answers. This book had lots of action and enough mystery to keep you turning pages. In fact I could hardly put it down. A computer whiz always fascinates me.
Wired In is a book that starts fast and never slows down. There are twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. But what makes it special is that the main character, Sophie Ang, is so well developed as an interesting, complex person.
She is beautiful (of course), a mixed martial arts expert (why not), computer programmer/hacker (I nice twist) who uses her skills and expertise as an FBI agent. But her past is shaped by her, Thai mother who struggles with depression and a marriage to a horrible man who left her emotionally scarred and vulnerable.
She's driven to succeed to the point that her zeal, at times, causes her to cut corners and ignore orders which can lead to great break-through's, terrible mistakes and trouble with her superiors.
While we learn a great deal about Sophie through the course of the book, I am looking forward to learning even more in future books.
Escaping from her abusive, sociopathic, murderous husband, Assan Ang, FBI Agent Sophie Ang and her computer wizardry rescued the kidnapped Anna from the pedophiles, and plugged up the leak in Security Solutions, with the finally take down of her evil husband. Five years later, when she has finally learned to love again and open her heart to her MMA coach, who is severely beaten within an inch of his life, she realized that her ex was behind every case she and her DAVID program cross referenced. Great plot, writing, editing, with amazing balanced character development, and climatic scenes. This was a great series starter with a strong, yet flawed, female lead, and a cliffhanger as the search for " The Ghost", continues! Can't wait to devour, " Wired Rouge", next! I must confess Sophie reminds me a lot of the emotionally and physically abused, tortured, and damaged, character, Shaye Archer, from Jana deLeon series. Must Read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Powerful and refreshing! Sophie is a dynamic FBI agent with crazy computer skills and MMA fighting as a hobby. Fans of the Lei Crime Series will remember Sophie, and often mentioned Marcella and Marcus. We never knew very much about her but now we find out everything. Her personality is a complex one and Neal captures her perfectly. Sophie has a hard shell from fighting in the ring yet comes home to cuddle her dog, Ginger. She is a no nonsense woman and agent determined to survive without depending on anybody. The technology mentioned was very high tech and obviously researched meticulously. So much, that I could be right there with Sophie at her rig and pull up DAVID myself. Always an impressive and fabulous read Neal has given us another series to look forward to with many familiar characters. Stay tuned for at least two more in this series. In exchange for my honest review I was given an early release copy.
I picked this up on Amazon via Bookbub as a free book. Good reviews on Goodreads, so I thought I'd give it try. Always look for new writers.
It was WAY worth it. I loved the setting (Honolulu). The main character (Sophie Ang). Her professions (MMA fighter/FBI/Computer nerd). Loved the supporting cast (especially "Ginger," her rescue lab). Just a really fun read with a little bit of a "blurred" line between the vigilante, the law and the bad (very bad) guys (I had to re-read a few sections before I woulds say "oooh, that's it). What was really, really cool was to finish a book and how she set up the end for a sequel, while still providing a proper ending.
Happy to see that a number more have been written. I promise I'll buy these, Toby. Even though "free" was a good price for the first book.
I was really excited by the synopsis of this book and thought the character and setting would be a really fresh take on the genre. Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. The protagonist was too much of a Mary Sue for my tastes, character interactions and dialogue were often cliched or cheesy, and the narrative included a lot of unrealistic scenarios that felt like very little research had been done about basic things (chain of command in law enforcement, how law enforcement raids are carried out, etc.). It's possible that the series gets better as it goes along, but I couldn't get through the first book and had no interest in diving into the second two in the boxed set I purchased.
Ms Neal has managed to begin and bring us a whole new exciting direction to her side character from the lei crime series. Special agent Ang has been, from her inception In the Lei Crimes books, a character that I wanted to know better. She is closed off and badass, but you just knew there was depth to her.
In wired in, we came to know her background, her history and to get a glimpse at where we will see her go and grow. Wired In has merely wet my appetite for more ... It ended too fast, left me wanting more, but then, Ms Neal is very good at that, leaving her readers wanting more and for that I am glad.