Bone Hook

Paradise #10

by Toby Neal

Paradise holds deep secrets.
She just wants to save the reefs...and it gets her killed.

Five years after the events of Rip Tides, Lei Texeira gets into hot water investigating a crime scene ninety feet down off of the tiny atoll of Molokini, where the death of a beautiful marine biologist is anything but an accident.

He’ll do anything to beat his demons.

Lei’s husband, Michael Stevens, is desperate to kill an enemy from within, and it drives him to make a choice his wife will never sanction.

Can Lei and Stevens find the answers they need before their different directions tear them apart?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Adventure, Ebooks

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

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...

Reviews

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Major cliff hanger.

I'm so glad I don't have to wait six months to read the next part of this saga....

So good! Why aren't my friends reading this series???

[David Freas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve liked this series from the very first book and this one did nothing to change that. One reason is Neal has made me care about the characters, cheer their successes, bemoan their failures.

Lei and Michael are at a rough place in their marriage and personal lives, Lei still mourning the loss of a child, Michael coping with PTSD. While Lei investigates the underwater murder of a marine biologist, Michael signs on with a private security service to train military police in a foreign country.

This book like earlier ones has a mix of Lei’s private and professional lives. Some of them leaned more toward one or the other but this one is about equally split between them.

Neal ends this book on an honest to God cliffhanger. I’m not a fan of them because done poorly, they either give too little away (The reader has to buy the next book to find out what did happen) or they give too much away, turning the cliffhanger into a mere porch hanger. Neal struck a good balance here, telling the reader enough to make him want to read the next book as soon as possible.

That's what I want to do.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story in the Lei Crime series! Ms. Neal is spot-on with her portrayal of life and multi-cultural themes in Hawaii. Set on the island of Maui, Sergeant Lei Texeira struggles with her marriage, raising a young stepson, and her difficult job of homicide detective. This particular installment deals with alcoholism, drugs, fish poaching, infidelity, and -- oh yeah -- murder. The beautiful scenic backdrop of Hawaii seems ideal. It is very beautiful. But there's always a dark side to everything, and this novel explores it all!

[John Calia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s easy to like the hero of this book, Sgt. Lei Texiera of the Maui Police Department. She’s young, ambitious, and loves her family and her job. And, since this is a murder mystery, Lei is also a homicide detective.

Fans of murder mysteries love to be deceived. A surprise ending when a reader learns whodunnit is always satisfying when the clues were there all along. But the ending of Bone Hook was not a surprise. What surprises the reader in this book is how inept the hero-detective is.

She follows her hunches and is guided more by emotion than facts. She exposes her fellow officers to danger. She locks up suspects despite a lack of evidence, in one case, simply because she doesn’t like him. And her lack of diligence results in the escape of a prime suspect not once but twice.

In the end, the murderer was the suspect I thought was guilty at the beginning of the book. And, yes, the clues were there all along. I was only left wondering why I could figure it out, and Sgt. Texiera couldn’t.

The good news is that it’s a short book.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

A preview copy was given as a prize for a newsletter contest and this is my honest review.

Lei Texeira is a character I can look up to and be proud of her accomplishments. Throughout this series she has survived house fires, attempts on her life, a miscarriage and now her marriage is struggling. Michael Stevens, her husband of about five years, is in law enforcement and suffers from PTSD. He has tried to battle this demon with alcohol and realizes he needs to take drastic measures to get over his issues. Lei is left with Kiet, while Michael serves his country, and she has this murder case that has touched on very personal issues. The case is fascinating with deception, affairs, illegal fishing and meth labs. Literally there is non stop action with this book and Neal leaves us with a cliffhanger, the first time ever! Normally she solves the case and wraps up the personal issue but not this time. Be prepared to be captivated.

[Latisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Neal doesn't disappoint! Wasn't sure how I felt about
the beginning of this book due to the fact that she skips ahead in Lei's story a few years. As always I am intrigued by the characters and the mystery of the case. She gives the characters texture and has a way of making the reader emotionally involved. I am glad that I didn't read this sooner before the next book was done because it would have killed me to wait with a Cliffhanger like that! Toby Neal has become one of my most favorite authors and I can't wait for the next! If anyone is looking for a great crime drama with a great backstory you need to read the Lei crime series. Hopefully Steven's and Lei's story isn't ending yet. I have to move on to the the next book to fined out. Great writing Toby Neal!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Definitely addicted to Toby Neal's books. Lei's husband Michael signs on for a 6-month classified position somewhere unknown thinking this will help deal with his PTSD and alcohol issues and is captured--cliffhanger ending. Lei is also working on a case of a murder involving someone who is trying to protect Hawaii from fish poachers that also leads her to a meth case. Love the mystery suspense that also intertwines with Hawaii's history and culture. Can't wait for the next book.

[Janie Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMDess!

After too long Ms Neal finally brings Lai again! Then she leaves us hanging, but in such a good way. It's hard to read about the marital troubles about my favorite couple, who become so real to me whenever I read a new book, but Ms Neal makes it so real that you agonize right along with her. Bone Hook thrills in every way all this series does and leaves you wanting more! Can't wait!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this series, watching the main characters as they evolve through their lives. I'm not sure I can buy into Steven's choice of how to solve his problems, but it does keep the drama going. I really like the main plot of the murder that Lei has to solve in this one. I learned about the theft of wild tropical fish to sell for aquariums and the fragile ecology of the ocean in the Hawaiian islands. But a cliffhanger at the end of the book? Ugh.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite!

I've said it before it now I'll say it again....each of these books keeps me hooked and become a new favorite. Unfortunately this one ended with a cliffhanger so I have to keep going. Fortunately I don't have to wait for it to be written. This story by far had the most complex murder mystery with numerous plot twists and turns. What I missed, though, was the amazing relationship between Lei and Stevens so I'm hoping to get that back in the next book.

[bibiana Perdomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I've read all the book's In this serious and each one is different and amazing. But I have to say that. Bone hook was amazing I actually read it all today because I couldn't wait to find out what happened be next. I can't wait for red rain to find out what happens with Michael

[Douglas Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has its ups and downs. Bone Hook is less gripping than some of the other volumes have been. Still a good series, however. I couldn't understand why the author placed Stevens in the situation she did. It felt like the plot was generated to return to the tension of the early books in the series. Tension like this I can do without.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent thriller in the Lei Crime series.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always amazed how fast I get sucked back into Lei's world. Another great read and I can't wait for Red Rain!

[Robin Halvorson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Mickey Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best in the series. The characters' struggles are woven well into the plot line.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited
Bone Hook, #10 of currently 16 in the Paradise Crime Mysteries Series by Toby Neal, is a fine continuation of the trials and tribulations of the police force on Maui, in the the ever-growing household of Lei and Stevens. We open with the underwater death and recovery by Lei and her police partner Pono of a marine biologist and environmentalist near the tiny atoll of Molokini who had been working to prevent the poaching of and protect the local fish living in the reefs of Hawaii, collected illegally and sold to the tropical fish trade in the states and beyond. And it is murder. Stevens has requested a six-month leave from the police force and is soon to be on his way to a private security job in an undisclosed location of the world as he tries to lick his PTSD and alcohol problem the hard way. His son Kiet, now five, his Mom Ellen and Lei's father Wayne all live on their Maui two-acre lot, Lei, Stevens, and Kiet in the newly built replacement of their home burned in #8 Fire Beach, Wayne and Ellen, now a couple, in the little house on the property. Wayne and Ellen take care of Keit, who is now in school, when the cop shop has all the parent's time or attention, and Lei and Stevens are not talking much to each other. She doesn't even know he is leaving until days before his flight. And a new, young Rottweiler Conan has become a part of the family, keeping company with aging lady Keiki as they guard the homestead and love the family. A fine tale, told very well. And Lei will have more than work to keep her company and her nose to the grindstone for those six months. Gonna be fun and furious, folks.
REVIEWED on January 26, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, And BookBub. Not available for review on B&N or Kobo.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a marine biologist, Lani, is found speared and wedged into coral, Lei and Pono are assigned the case. Five years have passed since Rip Tides, and things have not improved between Lei and Michael. His drinking and PTSD have taken their toll, and he has decided to take a contract job helping the military in hopes of shaking both. Lei can't get him to see reason so in response she has moved into the guest room.

Bone Hook is a good entry into this series. As with most of these books, Bone Hook uses the crime to explore an issue in Hawaii. Here, it is illegally catching fish for aquariums. The author also focuses a lot on life from the local perspective, including slang and pidgin expressions. They combine to give the story a feel of authenticity.

The story contains mild profanity, some sexual innuendo, and the violence you would expect from a crime novel.

[#ByFelicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from the amazing Toby Neal. I always find myself immersed in the island life with these books as Neal is very good at describing the beautiful landscape of the Hawaiian Islands. We find Texeira and Stevens struggling with married life. Texeira is at odds with how to help Stevens cope with his PTSD and Stevens makes the unconscionable decision to go overseas to deal with his issues. Like Jared said Lei and Michael have what everyone wants so it’s a little hard to see them go through such a personal battle after all they’ve been through. Neal also takes quite a different take on a murder mystery this time around. I mean how does one solve a murder that occurred ninety feet underwater? But Neal kept me guessing throughout the entire read and that’s always a plus. We’re also left with a bit of a cliffhanger on the Stevens front but it’s a great hook (pun intended!) so I’m off to the next adventure.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cliffhanger! The first time - surprisingly! - we’ve been left on the edge of our seats. We pick up with Stevens and Lei five years after the events in the last book, their marriage is on the rocks due to Stevens’ alcoholism and decision to enlist with Security Solutions, a military training outfit that he’s using as his chance to get sober. The company won’t allow him to disclose to his wife where he’s stationed, and when he tells her just one day before he leaves, their marriage is in more peril than ever before.


The murder that Lei is investigating in Bone Hook is super interesting - Maui’s only female marine biologist has wound up dead at the bottom of the ocean off Molokini with a spear in her. Whodunit? Her husband? Her boyfriend? The father of her unborn child? Toby Neal keeps you guessing the whole way through.

Finally, the book ends with a bigwig from Security Solutions telling Lei that Stevens has been captured. She instantly panics and asks if he’s believed dead. In fact, he’s presumed alive after the captors sent proof of life - the Bone Hook necklace she gave him as a sign of their unity before he departed. Another hit from Toby Neal!

[Pete Ffrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lei is in the middle of a difficult case chasing the killer of a marine biologist and Stevens has gone on a highly secret private security contract for 6 months leaving her to manage her job and little Kiet with the help of their close family but it is putting a strain on their relationship. She is fully engaged in her work and fending off attention from would be suitors although she seems to be tempted. Pono is injured (it's just a flesh wound) because of their laxity leaving her with a new partner Bunuelo to carry on the chase for the murderer and Pono's shooter. Plenty of action and detective work and good characters to like and dislike plus the scenery sounds stunning as well.

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book, good characters, fast paced but never hectic or frenetic. Lovely aspects of the characters and the times they are going through, especially Lei juggling a full time career as a detective with a husband, young son and a home life is a struggle that a lot of people have to manage.

This is the tenth book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone although having read most of the previous books a reader can get more out of it. It is nice to have been able to have followed Lei’s journey as she grows and matures.

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get a view into the personal lives of Lei and Stevens a little more in this installment, when Stevens mother shows up and throws their lives into a bit of chaos. The added tension appears to be more than Stevens can take, and he descends into some bad habits. Meanwhile, Lei and Pono find themselves wrapped up in another case that keeps the reader interested and engaged. The frustrating thing about this novel is that, like so many TV shows now, ends in a cliff hanger. Those who do not want to be left hanging will need to jump right into the next novel.

[Dianne Biscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Lei crime book that I blew through in about 24 hours! This book jumps ahead 5 years in Lei and Michael's lives and it saddened me to read that they were having some issues in their marriage...but then who doesn't?
She solves another crime but this time without her partner Pono because he had gotten shot. But there were many suspects and twists to get to the solution.
The end of the book has me racing to begin reading the next installment!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Read Series Improving

After jumping a few sharks and other things....this book is an improvement I don't like the jump it took and direction for one character...cruel for the readers. The basic crime story was much improved, holds your attention and gives you a great perspective on island issues that the author had not explored on before. Thus I enjoyed it very much...except for the twist of heart.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lei & Michael struggling with their marriage. Her job is not and easy one.
Even if it is in Hawaii, beautiful scenery and the blue of ocean. This is of an underwater marine biologist, a murder case for her. While Michael is going into the private security to train The usual things of infidelity, drugs along with murder. Gripping plot, as we get to know more about the characters.

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

These good stories keep on coming.

A different topic is the mainstay of this novel concerning illegal fishing and marine conservation. A death on the reef deep underwater starts this ball rolling with no obvious clues. Lei also has to deal with her husband going off for a 6 months deployment.
All in all it comes together as another cracking read from Toby Neal.

[Bobby Keeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many suspects, but who is the murderer?

Another good novel about the trials and tribulations of Maui Police detective Lei. There are some troubles between she and her husband, and then leaves on a secret mission. At her job not all murders are the same. In Hawaii there are some unusual situations, and Lei seems to get a lot of those.

[Christina Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

As usual, Toby Neal has brought us yet another excellent read. I love the Lei Crime stories, I feel as though I know the characters, and share their trials and tribulations. I can't wait to read 're Rain!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, with character Stevens battling the jungles the jungles of Honduras, while Lei is battling the rainforest of Hana simultaneously they take us on quite andventure. What an ending! I can't wait for the next book! Truly Neal's best effort