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Paradise #16
Hidden Falls
Paradise hides a cascade of crime.
What would you do if a drug cartel went after your child?
Sergeant Lei Texeira teams up with a fellow detective to find out who is who’s threatening her teenaged daughter Malia, a confidential informant for the Maui Police Department. Malia’s fallen into hot water by trying to find out whoever is peddling drugs at her school—and she just might have crossed an organized crime gang with a reach that goes all the way to Hawaii from Mexico.
Will the women find answers in time—or will Malia have to pay the ultimate price?
What would you do if a drug cartel went after your child?
Sergeant Lei Texeira teams up with a fellow detective to find out who is who’s threatening her teenaged daughter Malia, a confidential informant for the Maui Police Department. Malia’s fallen into hot water by trying to find out whoever is peddling drugs at her school—and she just might have crossed an organized crime gang with a reach that goes all the way to Hawaii from Mexico.
Will the women find answers in time—or will Malia have to pay the ultimate price?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2022
122 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 books987 followersToby 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...
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 48 reviews
June 4, 2025
Like drinking weak tea.
December 22, 2022
As a long time reader of this series I can tell you it gets better as the characters evolve and the cases get more intense. Years ago, and in a short novella, Lei and her friend went to Mexico for a vacation. They were caught up in human trafficking and met Harry, she was instrumental in their escape. Present time, Harry’s daughter has been taken and no clues as to the kidnapper. It could be the drug dealers Malia is attempting to flush out of her high school or someone from Harry’s past. Harry is a stubborn woman, strong minded and focused. As far as Lei’s friends go Harry is a bit different. I admire Lei and Marcella for putting their necks out to help Harry and her daughter, however it took a bit to adjust to Harry’s ways. Malia is an amazing young lady with a bright future ahead of her, maybe a spin off series as she gets older (begging, please). I’d like everyone who reads this series to start at the first one, but I think enough backstory has been given throughout the story you could read this as a standalone. I was fortunate to receive an early copy and provided this unbiased review voluntarily.
December 25, 2022
Detective Harriet her daughter Malia a few block from the house was abducted. She kept her head, remembering what her Mom as a cop told her to do. A tendency to be emotional wanting action, with her children a fierce protectress. Now trying to figure out why. Malia wrote a blog about things going on at school , was it revenge from a gang. Putting out an amber alert would be the first step.
A gripping story from the first page, details you’re drawn in on what’s happening. Setting and with Lei we are back in Hawaii. A plot that readers will enjoy. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
A gripping story from the first page, details you’re drawn in on what’s happening. Setting and with Lei we are back in Hawaii. A plot that readers will enjoy. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 20, 2022
Marvelous characters and a super tense story. Toby Neal knows her craft and it shows in all of her novels, this is no exception. Hard to put down because you just have to know what comes next.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
April 4, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
Hidden Falls, #15 of #16 of the Paradise Crime Mystery Series, is currently the next-to-the-last of the Series that features Lei and Stevens by Toby Neal. Other characters from this series are featured in the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery and Paradise Crime Thriller series, of which there are many and most have WIRED in the title. These tales are just as compelling as the Mystery series. Confusing when you are seeking to follow the storyline on Amazon, but well worth the effort. Deadly Sacrifice: A Paradise Crime Mystery by Toby Neal and Dave Schoonove, maybe #16? will be released on April 30, 2025.
In Hidden Falls, a lot of the strings holding the series together are drawn in. We see the conclusion of the Harry family saga, and see more of the FBI connections Lei made in her short stint among the Federal cops. There are also, in this one, CIA involvement as well as Mexican, Californian, and Hawaiian cops and a Mexican cartel. Not a novel you can set aside to wash dishes. Be warned!
REVIEWED on January 30, 2025, at Goodreads. Reviewed on April 4, 2025, at AmazonSmile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
Hidden Falls, #15 of #16 of the Paradise Crime Mystery Series, is currently the next-to-the-last of the Series that features Lei and Stevens by Toby Neal. Other characters from this series are featured in the Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery and Paradise Crime Thriller series, of which there are many and most have WIRED in the title. These tales are just as compelling as the Mystery series. Confusing when you are seeking to follow the storyline on Amazon, but well worth the effort. Deadly Sacrifice: A Paradise Crime Mystery by Toby Neal and Dave Schoonove, maybe #16? will be released on April 30, 2025.
In Hidden Falls, a lot of the strings holding the series together are drawn in. We see the conclusion of the Harry family saga, and see more of the FBI connections Lei made in her short stint among the Federal cops. There are also, in this one, CIA involvement as well as Mexican, Californian, and Hawaiian cops and a Mexican cartel. Not a novel you can set aside to wash dishes. Be warned!
REVIEWED on January 30, 2025, at Goodreads. Reviewed on April 4, 2025, at AmazonSmile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
December 31, 2022
Lei, Sophie and Marcella together? Add Lei's partner in crime Harry from a past adventure involving a kidnapped friend and you've got 4 badass women fighting crime and looking for Harry's adopted daughter. We go from Hawaii to Mexico to Southern California. We've got the MPD, FBI and CIA (a kind of sort of ex of Lei's) helping in each of their agencies way. I love seeing how their significant others take on their responsibility of caring for the children at home while their wives do their jobs which is how it should work in a perfect world. I am a proud member of Ms Neil's ARCteam and am expected to write an honest review. I can tell you I am always excited when she has another one for me to review and can't wait for the next one!
January 3, 2023
Usually by the time a series gets as far as #15 it's time for them to end. Not the case with this one at all! Toby Neal does an amazing job at character development as well as weaving psychological elements into the plot. I loved this book and am already looking forward to Book #15 of this series.
December 28, 2022
mber 28, 2022
This was such a great book. Lei’s friend Harry’s daughter gets kidnapped and from there it’s a race to find her. Along these way lei is reunited with her friends Marcella and Sophie. It was great to read all 3 ladies back together.
This was such a great book. Lei’s friend Harry’s daughter gets kidnapped and from there it’s a race to find her. Along these way lei is reunited with her friends Marcella and Sophie. It was great to read all 3 ladies back together.
December 21, 2022
Lei is back, and this book is one of the best to date. Malia, Harry Clark's daughter has been kidnapped, and Lei is on a whirlwind trip to help Harry figure out why and who might have her.
I love that many of the other characters make an appearance.
All around, another huge hit for Neal.
I love that many of the other characters make an appearance.
All around, another huge hit for Neal.
December 18, 2022
Hidden Falls pulls you right in with the abduction of a teenage girl. The uncertainty of who snatched Malia right off the street and out of her car sets everything in motion for a multi-agency, multi-country search.
With favorite characters Lei Texeira, Marcella Scott, Sophie Smithson, and homicide detective Harry Vierra Clark working together, yet in different directions, the story moves quickly trying to also discover why Malia was taken. Was it Malia's work as a confidential informant for Maui Police, human trafficking or something else?
Tension is thick between characters. There is hot-headedness that could result in injury or death, cooler heads attempting to reign in potential damage to the overall recovery operation, and always, the fear of what is happening to Malia.
Hidden Falls is a fast paced read that will be hard to put down until you've finished and can finally let out a big cleansing breath. Whew, what a ride!
With favorite characters Lei Texeira, Marcella Scott, Sophie Smithson, and homicide detective Harry Vierra Clark working together, yet in different directions, the story moves quickly trying to also discover why Malia was taken. Was it Malia's work as a confidential informant for Maui Police, human trafficking or something else?
Tension is thick between characters. There is hot-headedness that could result in injury or death, cooler heads attempting to reign in potential damage to the overall recovery operation, and always, the fear of what is happening to Malia.
Hidden Falls is a fast paced read that will be hard to put down until you've finished and can finally let out a big cleansing breath. Whew, what a ride!
June 15, 2025
I enjoy Neal’s Paradise Crime series starring Lei Texeira. Part of the attraction is the Hawaiian setting, a break from the usual New York/Boston/Chicago/Los Angeles quartet. But mainly because Neal tells a darn good story.
This time Lei and Harriet ‘Harry’ Clark, a character in an earlier story, take off on a mission to find Harry’s missing daughter. Aiding them directly and indirectly are regular characters from Neal’s other books. While going freelance like this is never a problem in the fiction world, it would most likely lead to consequences for Lei and Harry in the real one, not to mention the laws they broke along the way. All of this kind of took some of my pleasure out of reading the story. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind some skating around reality in fiction. But I do expect the author to stay close to the edges.
Harry is the proverbial loose cannon here, ready to go off half-cocked. It’s understandable that as a mother, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to rescue her child. Lei is the voice of reason and common sense, talking her off the edge of that cliff time after time. This is Lei evolving further away from the aloof, distrustful loner she was at the start of the series. She’s more aware of how her actions and those of people around her will affect their loved ones and others around them.
Missing here is the sense of tension, the feeling that anything could go dangerously sideways at any moment that makes a thriller thrilling. Every time Lei and the gang approach a situation that could blow up in their faces, one of them says something to the effect of ‘Let’s step back a second and think about things,’ and they do. As a result, the tension here is on a par with that of choosing between chocolate cake and white.
Still, I like these books well enough that I’ll read more if Neal writes more featuring Lei, just please put her in some more (even slightly more) hairy situations.
This time Lei and Harriet ‘Harry’ Clark, a character in an earlier story, take off on a mission to find Harry’s missing daughter. Aiding them directly and indirectly are regular characters from Neal’s other books. While going freelance like this is never a problem in the fiction world, it would most likely lead to consequences for Lei and Harry in the real one, not to mention the laws they broke along the way. All of this kind of took some of my pleasure out of reading the story. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind some skating around reality in fiction. But I do expect the author to stay close to the edges.
Harry is the proverbial loose cannon here, ready to go off half-cocked. It’s understandable that as a mother, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to rescue her child. Lei is the voice of reason and common sense, talking her off the edge of that cliff time after time. This is Lei evolving further away from the aloof, distrustful loner she was at the start of the series. She’s more aware of how her actions and those of people around her will affect their loved ones and others around them.
Missing here is the sense of tension, the feeling that anything could go dangerously sideways at any moment that makes a thriller thrilling. Every time Lei and the gang approach a situation that could blow up in their faces, one of them says something to the effect of ‘Let’s step back a second and think about things,’ and they do. As a result, the tension here is on a par with that of choosing between chocolate cake and white.
Still, I like these books well enough that I’ll read more if Neal writes more featuring Lei, just please put her in some more (even slightly more) hairy situations.
December 27, 2022
PARADISE HIDES AN OVERFLOW OF CRIME!
Author Toby Neal has chosen the exotic setting of Hawaii for her dynamic Paradise Crime Mystery Series. Book 16, Hidden Falls, is another prime example that paradise hides an overflow of crime. What I liked best about this book is that it shows old friends who are law enforcement officers in different agencies working jointly toward a common goal. The stakes have never been higher because they are trying to determine what happened to a confidential informant for the Maui Police Department. Only this CI is special because her Mom is a Detective and she may have exposed a drug cartel with her blog! Be ready to travel across the Islands and to Mexico. Neal provides readers with twists and turns that will keep you turning pages way into the night! This is another solid example of Neal’s excellence in writing about Hawaiian culture, crime scene knowledge, her background as a therapist, and her ability to craft a plot with strong characters, beautiful scenery, mischief, mayhem, and murder.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Author Toby Neal has chosen the exotic setting of Hawaii for her dynamic Paradise Crime Mystery Series. Book 16, Hidden Falls, is another prime example that paradise hides an overflow of crime. What I liked best about this book is that it shows old friends who are law enforcement officers in different agencies working jointly toward a common goal. The stakes have never been higher because they are trying to determine what happened to a confidential informant for the Maui Police Department. Only this CI is special because her Mom is a Detective and she may have exposed a drug cartel with her blog! Be ready to travel across the Islands and to Mexico. Neal provides readers with twists and turns that will keep you turning pages way into the night! This is another solid example of Neal’s excellence in writing about Hawaiian culture, crime scene knowledge, her background as a therapist, and her ability to craft a plot with strong characters, beautiful scenery, mischief, mayhem, and murder.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
December 28, 2022
Toby Neal has done it again with her latest Paradise Crime Novel. I’ve been reading Neal’s novels since she started this series and Hidden Falls doesn’t disappoint. There is something about reading a series in which beloved characters are intertwined with more recent characters like Harriet and her daughter, Malia. This novel also has so many of my favorite characters including Lei Texeira, Marcella Scott, Sophie Smithson, and Dr. Wilson. Each plays a unique role in the plot.
Hidden Falls does an incredible job of weaving the past with the present. Harriet was part of Lei’s earlier life and is now living and working in Maui with her daughter, Malia. The action starts in chapter one when Malia is kidnapped on her way to school. Harriet’s colleagues and friends assist with the hunt for Malia as they try to figure out a motive and her location. The investigation takes them from Maui to Mexico and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the novel.
Don’t miss out on this next Paradise Crime novel.
Hidden Falls does an incredible job of weaving the past with the present. Harriet was part of Lei’s earlier life and is now living and working in Maui with her daughter, Malia. The action starts in chapter one when Malia is kidnapped on her way to school. Harriet’s colleagues and friends assist with the hunt for Malia as they try to figure out a motive and her location. The investigation takes them from Maui to Mexico and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the novel.
Don’t miss out on this next Paradise Crime novel.
December 28, 2022
I received an Advance copy of this book from the author. Here are my thoughts:
I read my first Paradise Crime book 12 years ago, and I've read just about everything Toby Neal has written since then! She always manages to take me right into whatever scenario she's imagined and allows me to tag along and be a part of the action. Her characters are my friends (or enemies!), her travels take me along to see the sights. This latest book, Hidden Falls, brings together several of Lei Texeira's many friends to help in this case of an apparent kidnapping. One friend, in particular, that I was delighted to "see" again is Cruz! Lei had an interesting encounter with Cruz a long time ago, in a different world. (One of my favorite encounters!) (“He was— competent in a number of ways.”) The conclusion of this book is pretty interesting, as many of Toby's endings are. As I've said many times before, this might be my favorite!
I read my first Paradise Crime book 12 years ago, and I've read just about everything Toby Neal has written since then! She always manages to take me right into whatever scenario she's imagined and allows me to tag along and be a part of the action. Her characters are my friends (or enemies!), her travels take me along to see the sights. This latest book, Hidden Falls, brings together several of Lei Texeira's many friends to help in this case of an apparent kidnapping. One friend, in particular, that I was delighted to "see" again is Cruz! Lei had an interesting encounter with Cruz a long time ago, in a different world. (One of my favorite encounters!) (“He was— competent in a number of ways.”) The conclusion of this book is pretty interesting, as many of Toby's endings are. As I've said many times before, this might be my favorite!
December 29, 2022
The past ain't ever over....
I'm a Toby Neal fan - no denying it. She writes about kickass women with heart, and this one is no exception. What is exceptional is that she's brought back a story line (and a character or two) from an earlier book to provide the action. I remember reading it - but can't recall which series of hers it was in - and had no idea there was still a story to finish. But that's one of the reasons I'm a fan!
I don't know if this is the best starting place for new readers (one of the dilemmas with writing a series), but for anyone who has some knowledge of Lei, Marcella or Sophie, get to this right away!
I'm a Toby Neal fan - no denying it. She writes about kickass women with heart, and this one is no exception. What is exceptional is that she's brought back a story line (and a character or two) from an earlier book to provide the action. I remember reading it - but can't recall which series of hers it was in - and had no idea there was still a story to finish. But that's one of the reasons I'm a fan!
I don't know if this is the best starting place for new readers (one of the dilemmas with writing a series), but for anyone who has some knowledge of Lei, Marcella or Sophie, get to this right away!
January 16, 2023
Hidden Falls - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Detective Harriet "Harry" Clark's daughter, Malia, is kidnapped. Is it because of her anti-crime blog and consultancy with the FBI?
Harry and Lei call in FBI Special Agent and friend Marcella Scott, as uncomfortable truths emerge.
Then her true parentage is revealed, thanks to CIA Agent, Cruz's contacts south of the border, which causes Lei to contact Sophie Smithson, who's soon got her specialist security team on hand. Is Malia in danger?
To find out how matters are resolved in a heart-warming way, grab yourself a copy of Toby Neal's Hidden Falls today!
Detective Harriet "Harry" Clark's daughter, Malia, is kidnapped. Is it because of her anti-crime blog and consultancy with the FBI?
Harry and Lei call in FBI Special Agent and friend Marcella Scott, as uncomfortable truths emerge.
Then her true parentage is revealed, thanks to CIA Agent, Cruz's contacts south of the border, which causes Lei to contact Sophie Smithson, who's soon got her specialist security team on hand. Is Malia in danger?
To find out how matters are resolved in a heart-warming way, grab yourself a copy of Toby Neal's Hidden Falls today!
January 17, 2023
loved it
Another great read in the Lei series. I’ve read all the books so far and they just keep getting better. I know Toby Neal says she has no plans for another at this time but we all know plans can change…fingers crossed. The worst part of reading these books is that you get so into the story that it makes it so hard to put it down to do other things…you know, like cook, eat, sleep…those kinda things. And before you know it, it’s the end and your ready for more ….again fingers crossed. Definitely one of my favorite series! Here’s hoping for more
Another great read in the Lei series. I’ve read all the books so far and they just keep getting better. I know Toby Neal says she has no plans for another at this time but we all know plans can change…fingers crossed. The worst part of reading these books is that you get so into the story that it makes it so hard to put it down to do other things…you know, like cook, eat, sleep…those kinda things. And before you know it, it’s the end and your ready for more ….again fingers crossed. Definitely one of my favorite series! Here’s hoping for more
June 23, 2025
Charged with action and emotion
This story seamlessly pulls together all main characters from previous stories: Lei, Harry, Marcella and Malia.
The physical and emotional energy is still as strong in this novel as the very the very first ones.
Toby Neal's stories keep you there and anxious for the next chapter and the next
There are twists and turns as everyone works together for surprise conclusions.
This story seamlessly pulls together all main characters from previous stories: Lei, Harry, Marcella and Malia.
The physical and emotional energy is still as strong in this novel as the very the very first ones.
Toby Neal's stories keep you there and anxious for the next chapter and the next
There are twists and turns as everyone works together for surprise conclusions.
December 31, 2022
I've missed Lei and her crime solving friends and this book brings all 3 of them together to help find the abducted daughter of one of Lei's colleagues. The book has volatile moments especially when Harry, the girl's mom is involved. Interesting ending too as Malia comes to her own decisions regarding her kidnapping.
January 2, 2023
excellent!
Another great read from Toby! It was fun catching up with all the characters. I could understand the animosity of the other family but not of the body guard. Guess I needed a little more info on that situation. All in all it’s another fabulous book from one of my favorite authors!
Another great read from Toby! It was fun catching up with all the characters. I could understand the animosity of the other family but not of the body guard. Guess I needed a little more info on that situation. All in all it’s another fabulous book from one of my favorite authors!
January 3, 2023
So nice to see Lei again and instead of investigating a homicide, she is helping her friend Harry look for her kidnapped daughter. Lei is reunited with her good friends who also help with the case. It's great to see Lei, Marcella, Sophie, and Dr Wilson all together in one story. My only problem is, I read it too fast and now I miss the girls.
March 18, 2024
This installment takes Lei and Harry down to Mexico, retracing some of their early misadventures there. While their actions were rash their motivation is understandable, and the book delves into some interesting territory regarding parenthood. The shadowy figure of Cruz also makes a reappearance. While I liked this novel, I prefer the ones that keep our characters in Hawaiʻi.
June 11, 2025
Detective Harriet, former mercenary and Mum. Seeks her daughter Malia and revenge when her adopted daughter is kidnapped. Her friends Leo and Marcella also law enforcement operatives drop everything to help her, fighting to keep her within the law as the story unfolds and her anger and loathing of the kidnappers reaches meltdown. Tense thriller by a favourite author of mine.
December 28, 2022
Toby Neal has once again done an awesome job of bringing together a variety of familiar characters with some new characters in a fast-paced, engaging story. I always look forward to a new book from her, and this one does not disappoint. Binge-worthy!
December 29, 2022
I always look forward to any book in this series, it’s like visiting old friends. This book does not disappoint. Always like to see what Lei is up to and how she is going to get through whatever trials and tribulations come her way.
December 30, 2022
fabulous mystery
Lei and Sophie and Marcella together again- what a rollercoaster thrill ride this was. Mysteries, histories and new relationships all come together to ride this story through and I loved getting to know Harriet and Malia too.
Lei and Sophie and Marcella together again- what a rollercoaster thrill ride this was. Mysteries, histories and new relationships all come together to ride this story through and I loved getting to know Harriet and Malia too.
December 31, 2022
I have been a fan of the Lei series for a long time. You can't help but get caught up in the story and feel like you are a part of the story.
It was especially great to see Lei, Marcella and Sophie together.
I am a huge fan of all of Toby Neal's books!
It was especially great to see Lei, Marcella and Sophie together.
I am a huge fan of all of Toby Neal's books!
December 31, 2022
Grabs you from the first page!!
It was riveting from the beginning. The characters were well done and enhanced the story. This was slightly different than other Lei books but it brought Lei, Sophie, and Marcella together, which was delightful. Highly recommend this book!!
It was riveting from the beginning. The characters were well done and enhanced the story. This was slightly different than other Lei books but it brought Lei, Sophie, and Marcella together, which was delightful. Highly recommend this book!!
January 5, 2023
Paradise mystery
Wow what a great read! I have loved this series of books from the very beginning. It has great characters & it's full of adventures that kept me on the edge of my seat. I want more.
Wow what a great read! I have loved this series of books from the very beginning. It has great characters & it's full of adventures that kept me on the edge of my seat. I want more.
January 19, 2023
This book kept my attention from start to finish! Love the main character and really loved that characters from other series and books were brought into this book. The storyline was a rollercoaster ride and had some surprises I wasn’t expecting. Love this book and series and look forward to more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews