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If Lisbeth Salander and Jack Reacher had a Black/Thai love child, she’d be Sophie…
What would you do if the crime you were hired to solve tugged at your heartstrings?

Private investigator Sophie’s latest case weighs someone has desecrated the nesting grounds of the majestic Laysan Albatross on Oahu, the murder of a generation of endangered birds—and the outrageous crime appears to be spreading to other islands. Sophie teams up with Sergeant Lei Texeira on Maui to search for killer whose brutal activities outrage the public.
Meanwhile, deadly assassin grandma Pim Wat continues to threaten the fragile peace Sophie is building with her family.
Will Sophie be able to find the answers she seeks in time?
“Action. Adventure. Intrigue. Suspense. Sophie's story jumps off the pages and pulls the reader into a world that's hard to leave at the end of each book!”~Deb L., FB

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2022

99 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Toby Neal

85 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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5 stars
290 (74%)
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77 (19%)
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20 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
705 reviews62 followers
July 3, 2022
RIVETING!

Award-winning Author Toby Neal is known for writing fast-paced cutting-edge mysteries. Her newest release, Wired Target: A Vigilante Justice Crime Thriller (Paradise Crime Thrillers Book 14) is riveting! Neal has plotted a riveting story around the desecration of the nesting grounds of the majestic Laysan Albatross on Oahu and it seems as if similar crimes are spreading to Maui. What I like most about this book is that Neal brings the “A-Team” back together to solve a crime that has outraged both Private Investigator Sophie Smithson on Oahu as well as Sergeant Lei Texeira on Maui (and other members of her team). These two women have been friends for a long time, have supported each other through good and bad, and have forged a relationship that has made them closer than most sisters. Circumstances in course of this investigation will cause this relationship to be tested to the boundaries. Neal knows when to introduce the romance factor and in Sophie’s world, that always leads to complications! The conclusion is one of the best I have ever read because it takes you completely by surprise. Be prepared for increased heart rate as you read this conclusion!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,922 reviews71 followers
June 18, 2022
Wired Target - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

The desperate hunt for Sophie Smithson's evil Mom Pim Wat continues, when a possible sighting has Security Solutions in hot pursuit.

Then the shocking massacre of Moli albatrosses on Oahu, sees Sophie hired by a high school head, before liaising with pal Lei Texeira on Maui, as a copycat crime occurs.

Wired Target, Toby Neal's 14th Paradise Crime Thrillers novel guarantees satisfaction for fans of romance, strong female leads, death, danger, destruction - and no hint of a cliffhanger.
Don't wait - grab your copy today!
Profile Image for Susan.
2,133 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2024
I'm certain that I did not realize that this entire series fitted into a 5 year time frame.
And since it's the series of the author's that I picked up first, I'll definitely be going back/on to her other series.
It's such a joy to read some of the small and hidden parts of Hawaii that the author tucks into these stories.
And I'll be sad to say good bye to the characters--at least for now.
47 reviews
July 3, 2022
Books in this series have me on the edge of my seat as I read! (And staying awake to finish them!)
When Sophie returns to her job after maternity leave, she plunges straight into a case where albatross eggs have been stolen. Then on Maui, Lei Texeira uncovers a very similar case. So they agree to work together.
Meanwhile Connor has discovered where Pim Wat (Sophie's mother) is hiding and asks Reveaux to go and capture her. But meanwhile Pim Wat has designs on Sophie's children - she wants them for herself.
How will this confusing chapter of Sophie's life end - read this exciting thriller to discover more.
As a member of the ARC team, I have posted this as a fair and honest review of Ms Neal's latest novel.
Profile Image for Nadine.
224 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2022
The wait was worth it. After 6 months maternity leave Sophie is back working on a case while Reveaux is searching for Pim Wat and Connor is missing the love of his life. As always the excitement runs rampant and my nerves were on edge. As a member of Ms. Neal's. ARC team I'm required to give an honest review and I'm pleased to say that I love this story. And as usual I cannot wait for the next one.  I have to say in this case expect the unexpected. No spoilers here. Will there be a happy ending or will we have to wait and see. Definitely read Wired Target and find out!
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,388 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2022
Wow wow wow!! What an incredibly good book!! It was like being on a roller coaster ride, you just move from one section to the next, each event being more hair-raising than the last! It was so much fun to read!! Since all of the events have been pulled together and wrapped up nicely it may seem like this could possibly be the last book but I doubt that. I’m sure Sophie has plenty of adventures left and I can’t wait to read them!!
24 reviews
July 15, 2022
Another exciting Sophie adventure!

Your books are too hard to read over a long period of time. I tried to stretch it out in hopes that your next book would be out soon. But alas, I finished it too quickly! Please release another book soon. I get too impatient waiting for another one. Sorry, I know it's selfish of me, but your books are just too good.
Profile Image for Lucinda G. DeLap.
120 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2022
The end of Pim Wat or is it?

I must say I wanted Connor and Sophie to be together, until she found Jake. He was safe, strong, caring and loved her more than anything. When he died I thought Pierre would be perfect for her. Now that Connor is back in her life will her life be in harm's way? My hope is that they think to take Sophie's dad to the healing pool in the fortress.
6 reviews
June 8, 2024
Spectacular writing as always!

What's not to like about Toby Neal's writing? I love how descriptive she is. You can envision yourself right there in the story. I love all the characters. The good ones and the bad ones. I have a hard time putting the book down once I start reading. If you haven't read her books and start reading them, you'll be hooked.
Profile Image for Geneva.
678 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2022
Wow! Toby can write a book!!! Downloaded, read, wanting more.
Most of Toby's books are unable to put down & I read in one sitting.
#14 doesn't disappoint, Sophie & Lei working together, but for how long?
Thanks Toby for such an entertaining read.
Profile Image for bibiana  Perdomo .
108 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2022
This is book 14 in the series and they just keep getting better. In this one we find Sophie wrapped up in case in a case where someone has destroyed, killed some rare birds. Along the way lei jumps in to help as she has case back home very similar to
74 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2022
Once again Toby Neal's two strong characters, Sophie and Lei, are reunited to solve the theft of endangered albatross eggs while Kim Wat, Sophie's assassin mother, is still lurking in the background. A must read to see what happens next in the Paradise Hawaiian islands.
4 reviews
August 13, 2025
One of the best of the series. I was amazed by how Toby managed to have so many different characters, stories all interconnected in various parts of the world. I’m looking forward to #15 if for no other reason than to see if the CIA manages to keep Pim Wat from escaping Gitmo!
Profile Image for Lu Curtis.
23 reviews
July 2, 2022
Great Read!

I loved being back in Sophie’s world, with a little bit of Lei too. Lots of twists and turns keep the book moving. Grab your copy today, you won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Marie.
165 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2022
Another great book that ended much too soon! Impatiently awaiting the next book.
7 reviews
July 11, 2022
Wired Target

Toby Neal never fails to deliver a riveting story with lots of twists and turns, as well as references to our beautiful islands and way of life.
Profile Image for Mickey Hoffman.
Author 4 books20 followers
July 19, 2022
This book had little energy until about the half way point. After
that I enjoyed reading. I find the whole Thailand bit less than convincing.
8 reviews
July 20, 2022
can’t get enough of Sophie

Such a good read, I hate it when I finish each story. I just keep wanting more. Sure hope Toby has the next one in the works.
78 reviews
July 23, 2022
Excellent grabbed me to the very last page. This has been a fantastic series.
26 reviews
August 6, 2022
Great Read

Another great one, very exciting. I can’t wait to read what happens next, too many loose threads in this story.
Profile Image for John Eddy.
17 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2023
Where has my life gone?

I can't believe I wasted all that time and money for that ending! And why do I need seven more words?
Profile Image for morrie billmeyer.
84 reviews
November 30, 2025
Finely

A lot of twist and turns in this one. Too many deaths though! Hopefully they can get their lives together and move forward.
Profile Image for Shirley.
120 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2022
Toby Neal does not disappoint with Wired Target, book 14 in the Paradise Crime Thrillers. This story has Sophie back to work at Security Solutions after her maternity leave. Her first case after her leave involves a nature preserve and the killing of endangered birds, the Laysan albatrosses. As Sophie begins the investigation, she gets a call from her boyfriend, Connor who has a lead on the location of her mother, Pim Wat, now known as Lisabetta.

This is where Neal drives the story into two main plots. First, the investigation of the endangered birds case continues. Sophie reunites with her friend Lei Texiara about a similar case on Oahu. Then there is Pim Wat (Lisabetta) who has remained elusive and needs to be found and turned over to authorities so Sophie and her family along with her boyfriend Connor can live in peace.

There are other characters that aren’t critical to the main plot of this novel but are “friends” for those of us that have read the entire series. It’s always good to “catch-up” with them. This includes Sophie’s father, Ambassador Frank Smithson, Sophie’s children, Momi and Sean, their nanny, Armita, and Connor, the love of her life.

Will Sophie’s home in Kailua with the live-in security team be enough to protect Sophie and the children from her mother now that she has resurfaced? Will Connor be able to help find Pim Wat and turn her over to authorities? Will Sophie and her colleagues solve the case of the endangered birds? You will need to buy your copy of Wired Target to answer these and many other questions. I, for one, could not put this book down until I reached the last page!!
Profile Image for Fran.
52 reviews
July 2, 2022
The 14th installment of the Paradise Crime Thrillers is one of the best written by author Toby Neal. I read it in two sittings, and only because I started it last night. Otherwise, I would have read it in one go, it was that good. Engaging from the start, with plot twists galore, and all the excellence I've come to expect from Neal: Wonderful character development, lovely descriptive scenes, believable action.

The book's main plot reflects an actual, horrific event of Moli (Laysan albatross) slaughter that I remember quite well because it was so tragic and senseless. Neal uses the event with careful consideration and with respect for the Hawaiian beliefs surrounding the Moli. This is one of the hallmarks of her writing - she allows the reader a glimpse into other cultures, worlds, and beliefs, and that adds so much to the stories she tells. I was so pleased that this book brought in characters from her other series, including friends, lovers, and colleagues whose relationships we who read all her series have come to know so well.

Toby Neal is a first-rate author, one whose story-telling abilities are simply sublime. She draws the reader in from the very start and engages both emotion and thought, so that her stories stay with the reader long after the book is finished. She shares her world unconditionally. I look forward to every new release.
72 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
I am so excited to see Sophie and Lei working together again! This 14th book in the series has so much action and suspense. Sophie teams up with Lei on Maui to find out who has killed and desecrated the nesting grounds of the Laysan Albatross on Oahu. When Sophie is there on Maui, a murder happens and and Albatross eggs have been stollen there. What is going on? Connor sends Raveaux to find Pim Wat(Sophie's mother ) ;he thinks he has found her location, and he wants to protect Sophie and her two children from her. So much happens with Conner, Pim Wat, Raveaux and of course Sophie. I don't want to give anything away. It is a riveting, adventurous, suspenseful book written by a very talented writer. When I read Toby's book, I feel like am right there in Hawaii, seeing and feeling all the action and emotion. This was such an adventure to be a part of. Can't wait for the next book in either series. I am an ARC reader and have written this review voluntarily. It is my honest assessment of this exciting book.
119 reviews
June 30, 2022
In Wired Target, Neal brings moments to cheer, then ambushes the reader with gut clenching tension, fully immersing you in the moment. The series continues to remain fresh and interesting with compelling information of the Hawaiian Islands indigenous people, flora and fauna, while furthering the personalities of the characters.

The criminal killing of endangered birds on Oahu, along with the destruction of their nests and theft of rare eggs, brings Sophie into another Security Solutions situation to solve. When Sophie discovers the theft and destruction is also on another island, she teams with friend Lei Texeira to solve this crime.

Beyond the crime Sophie and Lei are trying to solve is the additional back story of Sophie's truly devilish mother, always out to cause the most harm and hurt to Sophie.

Toby Neal's descriptive language, fascinating character development, and intriguing story line enticed me to keep reading long after bedtime.
7,781 reviews50 followers
July 4, 2022
WIRED TARGET
Sophie has a special interests in the endangered birds who have been there for generations, their nesting grounds has been attacked.
Lei joins Sophie as other islands are having same problems.
Conner is frustrated, and on an island that is a refuge place for him and
Sophia, and he is unable to leave. and be with her.
Raveaux will he be able to find Sophie mother and stop her evil ways
The setting, the characters are ones we love to read about.
The pages are filled with the tension, and at times hopelessness for waiting to be with their loved ones.
The job, murder and threats need to be dealt with first.
A definite winner once again in this series and for the author.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 30 release date
Profile Image for Anima.
2,766 reviews52 followers
July 1, 2022
Sophie is still living with the reality of her mother, Pim Wat, wanting to kill her and take her children. The woman is absolutely terrifying and somehow seems to escape authorities. Sophie gets to work with Lei for a bit while they investigate an attack on very special birds. Reading this series always keeps me on my toes with the investigations, her mother and her love life. Does she want to be Connor or Pierre? Both men would walk through fire for her but which will really claim her heart is a question that will continually be asked. I’ve received a copy from the author and have freely given this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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