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Paradise Crime Thrillers (Wired Books) #1-9

Paradise Crime Mysteries Box Set: Books 1-9

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Detective Lei Texeira flees hazy memories of a dark past, but nothing gets in the way of solving her cases in paradise.

Binge read this limited-time box set with NINE USA Today bestselling books combined into a one-volume immersive reading experience. You can’t read just one!

BLOOD ORCHIDS:

Black sand beaches and steaming volcanoes are backdrops for murder as patrolwoman Lei Texeira discovers the bodies of two drowned girls and attracts the attention of a killer.

TORCH GINGER:

Stunning Kauai has drawn Lei to a new island, but can she untangle a mystery of missing persons with madness at its heart?

BLACK JASMINE:

Cruise ships and art galleries hide cruel secrets as Lei and her partner, Stevens, move to Maui to build a life together; but trouble soon follows them to Maui.

BROKEN FERNS:

Lei’s first FBI case on the island of Oahu involves the stolen airplane of a mogul and a teenaged “Robin Hood” who steals from the rich to give to the poor. An anarchy movement is sparked that has deadly consequences.

TWISTED VINE:

A bizarre series of suicides hint at a sinister online ring at work on Oahu. Lei and her friend Sophie must track down the truth before more lives are lost.

SHATTERED PALMS:

Endangered native birds on Maui attract a poaching ring whose members meet a deadly opponent hidden in plain view. Lei’s so busy tracking the murderer she might miss her own wedding.

DARK LAVA:

Desecrated Hawaiian sites and a terrible murder close to home threaten Lei and Stevens’ future as they solve crime on Maui.

FIRE BEACH:

An arsonist with a chip on his shoulder meets a killer who leaves a shroud as a calling card. Both must be stopped before they murder Lei and her family.

RIP TIDES:

A surf star dies tragically on Maui, and Lei pursues justice to the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing contest on Oahu.

Grab these fast-paced mysteries and take a trip to Hawaii with the series that’s sold more than a million books!

“Neal’s writing is persistently riveting...Masterly. Kirkus Reviews

2284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2019

691 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Toby Neal

83 books987 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,705 reviews110 followers
February 14, 2025
Wishing I had found this 16 books ago!
Toby Neal Books Checklist: Reading Order of Lei Crime Series, Michaels Family Romance Series, Somewhere Series, The Scorch Series and List of All Toby Neal Books

BLOOD ORCHIDS BOOK 1
I was gifted this first of the Paradise Crime Series by Book Adrenaline and author Toby Neal. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Blood Orchids of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Toby Neal to friends and family, She writes a fine Hawaii police procedural, set in several different towns and islands, with wonderful descriptive passages that take you into the beauty that is paradise, a story peopled with folks you would want to call friends. And some very disturbing bad guys, as well. This is a series I will want to read in total, and only one of the series Ms. Neal writes. She can take you there - word pictures to make you add several destinations in Hawaii to your bucket list.
REVIEWED on January 7, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Varnes&Noble, and Kobo. Not available for review in single volume on BookBub.



Torch Ginger, #2 of the Paradise Crime Mysteries, is an excellent addition to 'Blood Orchids' at the beginning of this series, we are now with Lei Texeira, a detective who transferred to the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii police department after breaking her engagement to Michael. Much smaller and more insular, one would think life on Kaua'i would be much simpler - not. It has taken new eyes to see the missing people from the island over the last five years as a pattern, but Lei does find the pattern, if she can just get her captain to listen. Twice a year, coinciding with spring and fall festivals of Beltane and Samhain a missing citizen vanishes, never to be seen again. The beliefs of the old world and the new collide in the wilderness areas of Kaua'i as Lei and Stevens attempt to avert the latest missing tourist's appointment with death on the fast-approaching harvest festival of Samhain. Halloween, or November 1, depending on your personal belief. Another all-nighter, folks. You can't put it down. And before you get too far into this series, read Toby Neal's memoirs of her growing up years in Hawaii - written under the name TW Neal, the first is titled 'Freckled' and is a very visual trip into the world of that wild child in that wonderful, wild world.
REVIEWED on January 7, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available in individual copy on Kobo.

Black Jasmine is the third of currently 19 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries Series, set in the well-described beautiful islands of Hawaii, an exciting, fast-paced police procedural that will keep you guessing and up way too late. I can't start one and postpone the novel's second half until tomorrow.
We are with Maui Police Detectives Leilani 'Lei' Texeira, her partner Pono Kaihole, and her husband, Michael Stevens along with FBI special agent Marcella Scott as they pursue those who have possibly murdered a young unidentified woman and disappeared several others. Are they on the cusp of exposing a worldwide ring of sexual slave providers, or is she simply a girl who lost control of her stolen vehicle and drove off a cliff into the ocean? And is there a connection between the dead girl and a missing one from the homeless camp above the wrecked vehicle, the rampant rise in size and frequency of local illegal cock fighting, and the wealthy owner of a local artists' showroom? Who is The House? What about the new bridegroom, missing from the Cruise Ship 'Rainbow Dutchess'? And who put out a hit contract on Lei? Things aren't going well for her and Stevens. But only time will tell.
This one has more sexual content than the previous two novels, but it's not overwhelming. Or not often overwhelming - the sex slave predators are not nice people. On the whole, though, a good tale told well. The first 9 of this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Broken Ferns, #4 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries by Toby Neal, is a fine continuation of these tales as we follow Lai into her career change, back in her more familiar bailiwick of Hawaii, this time back on Oahu as she and her fellow FBI officers try to curtail the actions of the youthful Robin Hood gang following in the footsteps of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich part-time resident mainlanders and giving to the poor of Hawaii. Since the first thing they stole was an ultralight plane, these rabble-rousers and home invaders are gonna be hard to tie down. The longer she is involved in the case, the younger and more naive she feels the primary culprit they are chasing must be. And the more certain she is that her decision to join the FBI was a serious mistake. One she is already truly regretting.
REVIEWED on January 19, 2025, at Goodreads AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.

Twisted Vine is #5 of the Paradise Crime Mysteries. FBI Special Agent Lei Texelra and her partner Ken Yamada are faced with several deaths in Honolulu, beginning with the 19-year-old son of a local politician. a young man whose fingerprints are found on the duct tape connecting the tailpipe to the interior of the car in which there is another suspicious death. Murder, or Suicide? Or Assisted-Suicide? And unfortunately the first of many. Digging into the website, perhaps hundreds.

Thus their introduction to the website of a self-help group called DyngFriends. And just the tip of the iceberg of their troubles. Fortunately, Stevens brought her dog back, and those look-alike critters Rottweiller Keiki and Chihuahua Angel are keeping Lei sane and exercised, and she has her visits to Consuelo at the Youth Correctional Facility where Angel is also an approved visitor. Lei - and Keiki - are really gonna miss Angel when Consuelo gets out. Lei has made some good friends at work, but she is uncomfortable with a lot of the rules and expectations that go along with the FBI job, and really misses her work with the police. Her work, and her co-workers. Steven will soon be single, again. What a frightening thought...
REVIEWED on January 21, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, et al.

Shattered Palms is #6 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries, by Toby Neal. Lei is back on Maui, back with Steven, back with the Kahului Police Department at the behest of Captain Omura. And smack dab in the middle of a case of murder involving foreign persons poaching native Hawaiian birds from the beautiful cloud forests in the Hawaiian Bird Conservatory managed sanctuary atop Haleakala volcano. Toby Neal takes us there, her descriptive passages bring to life that enchanted place. And this is a darned good tale, too, told very well. Lots of suspense, mysteries, and a full range of folks to keep us looking for the answers right along with Lei and her partner Pono. I can't get enough of this series.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.

Dark Lava, Paradise Crime Mysteries #7, is a bit of a switch-up. Lei has been assigned to train for the bomb squad, with a new partner. Lei is NOT suited for the bomb squad. You and I know that, and her boss lady will see it pretty fast, too, I hope. In the meantime she is pulled from her training in all things bomb when local petroglyphs are being chiseled out of their traditional spots, the history of the native peoples desecrated on both Ohau and Maui, and all law enforcement is called in to stop the thefts. Immediate chaos results on the islands. Finding the bad guys may be shocking to both native Hawaiians and white residents alike but find them they must, before more history is lost. And newly-wed Lei and Stevens and their families are targeted by hitmen who leave a shroud as their calling card after a successful hit. Both Lei and Steven lose family members to the Shroud Killer and the pressure on this new marriage is intense. And the family is bigger than either of them had anticipated.....
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AMazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.

Fire Beach, Paradise Crime Mysteries #8 is a very fast-paced read that will keep you up nights. Someone is setting fire to the sugar cane fields on Maui, within days of the dried canes being harvested. It is hurting the farmers badly financially, and the smoke and fire isn't good for anyone, either. And now someone has died in the fires. Stevens is right in the middle of the case - and it will become even more personal as it progresses. Lei has her own agenda - she's going after those Shroud Killers who are targeting their family. All by herself.
REVIEWED on January 22, 2205, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for individual review at Kobo.

RIP TIDES, #9 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries by Toby Neal, is a gem of a novel to keep you up nights. Lei and Stephens stay frantically busy with the murder of a local world-renowned surfer in their Maui waters. This is a very convoluted tale, but told well, a bit shocking and certainly surprising. I did not see the resolution coming. Hopefully it will surprise you, as well. One thing I'm sure of - Lei and Stephens need a break! Talk about bad luck...
REVIEWED on January 22, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Not available at Kobo.
PARADISE CRIME MYSTERY SERIES 1-9 reviewed on January 30, 2025, at Goodreads, and AmazonSmile. This box set not available for review on B&N, BookBub, or Kobo. Reviewed but not counted as read on the box set, instead counted each individual novel.
22 reviews
May 9, 2021
Addicting

This series didn't disappoint. I found myself still reading at 3-4 am many nights unaware of the time and having difficulty making myself put it down to go to bed. The characters are so complex and intriguing. It is so interesting to see how Lei and other characters in the series cope with the tragedy and trauma they frequently encounter. As a counselor, I love the depth of the the characters and seeing how cope. I also enjoy the character of Dr. Wilson, the psychologist. If you haven't read any of Toby Neal's books, you are missing out. Both her fiction and non fiction books are incredible!
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2020
'Paradise Crime Thrillers Box Set: Books 1-9' completely blew me away. I had previously read each book as they came out, but I know I had to reread each one. I've always loved Toby Neal's writing. Each book in this series is full of action, mystery, suspense, amazing characters and some drama. Sophie is the best lead. She's strong willed, determined, literal and can pretty much kick anyone's butt. I've truly enjoyed watching her grow as a woman and an agent throughout this series and I will continue to read until the very last book. A definite must read. Highly recommended.
59 reviews
November 13, 2020
I admit I haven't finished the entire 9 books, but I really enjoy Toby Neal! I've read all of her Lei Texiera novels and am enjoying these just as much. Ms. Neal is also extremely generous, often giving books away, sales, merch lotteries. She also offers several of her books on Prime, which allows free reading as well.

I highly recommend reading her books! They're exciting and sometimes the twists are good & surprising!
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2020
We first meet Sophie as a supporting character in the Paradise Crime Mysteries series. I loved her then - she was tied with the main character, Lei, as my favorite character in the series. When Ms Neal announced she was getting her own spinoff series, I was thrilled. These books do not disappoint. I love them so very much. Sophie is an amazing character - strong, independent, intelligent, and totally kickass. But she also deals with clinical depression, and a real language and culture barrier. Each story in this series is fantastic, but I love seeing Sophie come into her own as she navigates Life instead of existing behind a screen. And while this is a spinoff of the previous series, it is not necessary to have read the previous one to enjoy this one (although you really should because it's that good). With each addition, Sophie is further cemented as one of my favorite fictional characters of all time and I can't wait to read more of her.
42 reviews
March 13, 2021
This set was a great deal a good price exciting read

By the time I finished the first book I was invested in the characters and wanted to know what was next for them. They are almost too real for me as I found myself urging them to make different decisions. Just ordered the last 4 books to the Lei series . I loved that they were set in Hawaii, with the pandemic I was unable to go visit my children in Hawaii and reading about familiar places was a bonus
11 reviews
September 8, 2021
Each book can be a standalone read. Any reference to previous books is briefly touched on (perhaps a sentence or two).
There is a lot of scenic or situation description, almost to a fault. However, with that said, you can almost feel yourself in that situation or place in time. Close your eyes and you are there.
The writing is superb. Editing is good with perhaps a few misspelling’s. I am on book 12 so it will be over soon.
460 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2020
Decent But Not My Cup Of Tea

While I don't generally have a bias against female authors or protagonists I have to say after getting bogged down on all of the emotional hangups of the lead character I felt like I was not reading what would be my next favorite author. I didn't dislike this collection so much as I just didn't like it. Can't say much more than that
53 reviews
August 9, 2022
OUTSTANDING SERIES !!!

A Must Read!!!
I Absolutely Love this Author and her way with Words!!! Such an Incredible Series that just keeps you reading late into the nights !!Lei and Stevens are just about the two best Crime fighting couples you could get !! And the Criminals get nastier and nastier !!
Onto Books 10,11 and 12 !!!
26 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2020
All books in this series are wonderfully written and keep you hooked!
I love Sophie. I have always loved a good crime thriller which is not made just for the sake of it. I paid for Kindle unlimited for 2 months just so I could read all the books in this series.
33 reviews
August 11, 2022
Paradise crime mysteries 1-9

This was the most fascinating stories I have read in a long time. Everything,from the characters to the scenic descriptions comes alive and thrills this reader. Have ordered the next book set and hope there will be more!
1,928 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2022
Read books 1-3…fairly good plots, but when you read several in a row, it gets a bit repetitive …. I will read the rest of this set eventually…great setting in the Hawaiian islands where even in paradise crime rears it ugly head…..
232 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2022
Paradise

What great storylines!!! I've really enjoyed these books & getting to know the characters. They have kept me on the edge of my seat with mystery, laughter & tears. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
160 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2024
amazing Hawaiian series

Beautifully crafted set of mysteries set in Hawaii. Powerful believable characters. Lei has become a friend. I want to live there! On to the next set in the series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth S H.
2 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
I enjoyed reading Paradise Crime Thrillers Box Set: Books 1-9. Ms. Neal explores Sophie’s character and her relationships. You really get to know Sophie. I am now reading book #10. Great job Ms. Neal
138 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2025
I Enjoyed the boxset #1-9

I really enjoyed the adventures in this series. I don’t know why it was not free like all the other books I have read by Toby Neil since I have Kindle Unlimited. Toby,s book are an easy read and hard to put down.
Robert E
Profile Image for Sheryl Lynn Pavlinac.
23 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2020
I really liked this series. I read the 10th book and now am waiting for the 11th one due 2020 Spring. The main characters are so likeable. Sophie is a real darling.
66 reviews
March 19, 2020
Marvelous books

Reviews from me are rare but I couldn’t let this opportunity go without comment. I have read many of Ms Neal’s books but this series seems to me her best ever. She has introduced new characters & developed them to the point that you will believe that you actually know them. Including in those characters are some of the Hawaiian islands and their people. A great series of books, I got the box set from BookBub with books 1-9. Look into the set for hours of enjoyment.
NickTheMoose
102 reviews
May 23, 2020
Paradise Crime Thrillers

Can’t wait to see what life brings to Sophie next! Love these strong women characters that Toby has brought to creation!
22 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2020
Loved every book

I loved this Paradise series. Lei is my favorite detective. She has courage and doesn't give up on a case.
Profile Image for Michelle.
40 reviews
July 25, 2020
Amazing

Wow! I loved the first nine books of this series. Sophie is a multifacetted and complex badass . I love her.
3 reviews
December 10, 2020
Won't be able to put down!

This is a thrilling adventure, full of all the best things in life. Highly recommended. Keeps you on your toes trying to figure out the next move.
219 reviews
February 2, 2023
These books keep you going back for more. The characters grab ahold of you and keep you rooting for them! Love the rollercoaster ride and thrill of each book!
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
551 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2020
I love Toby Neal and every book I’ve read of hers has left me with some degree of a book hangover. Even though she can rip my heart to shreds, she always has a way of putting it all back together again. Toby’s female leads are strong, fierce, independent, fabulous although rough around the edges. Toby writes with such exquisite detail. The way she’s able to immerse you into the island surroundings makes one feel as though they are there. Exhilarating is one word to describe Toby’s writing. Suspenseful is another that comes to mind. Thrilling, fast paced, action packed, easy flow, engaging, immersive, vulnerable, and scintillating to say the least.
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
551 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2020
I love Toby Neal and every book I’ve read of hers has left me with some degree of a book hangover. Even though she can rip my heart to shreds, she always has a way of putting it all back together again. Toby’s female leads are strong, fierce, independent, fabulous although rough around the edges. Toby writes with such exquisite detail. The way she’s able to immerse you into the island surroundings makes one feel as though they are there. Exhilarating is one word to describe Toby’s writing. Suspenseful is another that comes to mind. Thrilling, fast paced, action packed, easy flow, engaging, immersive, vulnerable, and scintillating to say the least.
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2020
I absolutely love this series. Lei is an amazing police detective and an awesome strong female role model. I love the storylines, the characters, KEIKI!!, the relationships between the characters, and the cultural glimpses of "real" Hawaii, not just what we see on TV and in movies. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Each book has a standalone mystery, and there are some multi-book Big Bad story arcs that are subplots to the individual books but tie together.
If I could read a series again for the first time, it would be this one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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