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Paradise #5
Twisted Vine
The island of Oahu is skyscrapers and rainforests, beaches and boutiques—but Special Agent Lei Texeira is drawn into a shadow world connected by death and the Internet.
Mysterious suicides draw Lei and her team, including tech specialist Sophie Ang, to hunt a criminal who plays with the thin gray line between right and wrong. Lei stirs up a hornet’s nest on the investigation as her past reaches out in a twisted vine of old loves, new technologies and dark vendettas.
Mysterious suicides draw Lei and her team, including tech specialist Sophie Ang, to hunt a criminal who plays with the thin gray line between right and wrong. Lei stirs up a hornet’s nest on the investigation as her past reaches out in a twisted vine of old loves, new technologies and dark vendettas.
241 pages, ebook
First published July 16, 2013
1319 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
83 books986 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 181 reviews
October 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this one. Great plot and most of the characters.
December 14, 2013
Lei appears to have put the horrors of her past behind her in this fifth book in the series. While the abuse she suffered as a child is still part of her, it does not dominate her life or define her as it did in the earliest books. She has evolved from the mistrusting loner she was in the first book to a loving friend to others here.
It's good to see a character grow over the course of a series and Neal makes Lei’s growth a slow process over the five books. That’s much more realistic than the sudden turn around some authors give their characters.
But Lei isn’t home free here. The possibility that she may be accused of the murder of her childhood abuser still hangs over her head. At the same time, investigating a series of suspicious suicides puts her on a collision course with Hawaii main crime family and her superiors in the FBI.
Still this seemed a little lighter novel, the crime solved a little easier and faster than in the earlier books. Like Broken Ferns, the previous book in the series, this one is more about Lei than the crime she’s investigating.
In her acknowledgements, Toby Neal said this was to be the last book in the series. But she also said it won’t be.
To steal a lie from Cream: I’m so glad, I’m so glad, I’m glad, I’m glad, I’m glad.
It's good to see a character grow over the course of a series and Neal makes Lei’s growth a slow process over the five books. That’s much more realistic than the sudden turn around some authors give their characters.
But Lei isn’t home free here. The possibility that she may be accused of the murder of her childhood abuser still hangs over her head. At the same time, investigating a series of suspicious suicides puts her on a collision course with Hawaii main crime family and her superiors in the FBI.
Still this seemed a little lighter novel, the crime solved a little easier and faster than in the earlier books. Like Broken Ferns, the previous book in the series, this one is more about Lei than the crime she’s investigating.
In her acknowledgements, Toby Neal said this was to be the last book in the series. But she also said it won’t be.
To steal a lie from Cream: I’m so glad, I’m so glad, I’m glad, I’m glad, I’m glad.
May 20, 2014
This one had me stumped to the very end.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love series. I've read two of the Lei Crime Series now (not in order, but I wish I had but it wasn't necessary to enjoy the story). Toby Neal is one very good writer. Lei Texeira is a great character as well as all the others surrounding her. The suspense with some love interests entwined kept me from putting this one down. I am also a fan of our beautiful State of Hawaii (even though I've never been there). A fondness of all things Asian didn't hurt either while reading this intriguing story. A suspense story that actually keeps you in suspense and without being scary (which I don't care for). Thank you again Ms. Neal. I am a fan for sure.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love series. I've read two of the Lei Crime Series now (not in order, but I wish I had but it wasn't necessary to enjoy the story). Toby Neal is one very good writer. Lei Texeira is a great character as well as all the others surrounding her. The suspense with some love interests entwined kept me from putting this one down. I am also a fan of our beautiful State of Hawaii (even though I've never been there). A fondness of all things Asian didn't hurt either while reading this intriguing story. A suspense story that actually keeps you in suspense and without being scary (which I don't care for). Thank you again Ms. Neal. I am a fan for sure.
July 21, 2013
Each book in the Lei Crime series becomes my new favorite. I love that Toby Neal's characters tackle current social issues in their crime-solving world. What an excellent combination of plot lines, along with the family and romantic relationship issues multiple characters face. Lei has finally come to terms with her past and become the mature character I was always rooting for. Sophie, Marcella, Michael, and many other sideline characters we've seen are again central to the story line. I finished this book in one setting and am already eagerly anticipating the next story!
June 21, 2014
Fair warning, this book comes with heavy emotions. Assisted suicide is the crime at hand and seems to affect everyone differently. As a tech geek Sophie helps to bring down the website connecting those wanting to end their suffering. Lei feels worn down by protocol and the Charlie Kwon incident. It was a pleasure to have Sophie' s insight, her personality far different from Marcella and Lei. I look forward to a story just for her. Lei has a tough decision to make and I can't wait to hear how her choice works out.
July 22, 2013
Another great novel in the Lei Crime Series! Don't want to post any spoilers so all I can say is that I just couldn't put this book down. Started early this morning and enjoyed a relaxing day with Lei and the team. I could almost smell the plumeria! Loved how some sub-plots from previous books resolved and a new chapter is waiting for Lei back on Maui! Of course, Toby will write the next installment - I hope! Of course, I just have to be patient and wait!
July 15, 2014
Wow! What a thought provoking story! I didn't want to put it down. I love how Ms. Neal shows the multiple sides to the situations and investigations Lei becomes involved in. Loved this book!
November 13, 2024
We like these mostly Hawaiian-island-set relatively light mysteries enough to read one of Neal's ebooks from time to time, especially when she frequently makes them available at no charge, presumably to develop a following. Forget trying to figure out which of her "Paradise"-themed series each of her titles falls into, as seemingly the same characters appear in all or most of them, especially Lei Texeira and Sophie Ang. Lei vacillates from job to job with various law enforcement agencies (which is a bit tough to swallow as she's not particularly that stellar at any of them) and has some strange love-life arrangements as well. Meanwhile, Sophie is to us rather an unlikable computer nerd, who, as is often the case in crime fiction, can hack into virtually anywhere she wants to with amazing alacrity and success. She also has a strange home life – and in this episode, according to FBI rules, has to stop using her home computers for on-the-job processing, which leaves her restless and forlorn.
Together herein they solve a couple of crimes and there are some surprising developments with characters from Lei’s younger days – but as is often the case, we can hardly muster more than a 2.5 or 3-star feeling afterward, and once again wonder why we don’t just swear off these tales! However, the prolific Neal has a big following of readers who obviously are more enchanted and charmed.
Together herein they solve a couple of crimes and there are some surprising developments with characters from Lei’s younger days – but as is often the case, we can hardly muster more than a 2.5 or 3-star feeling afterward, and once again wonder why we don’t just swear off these tales! However, the prolific Neal has a big following of readers who obviously are more enchanted and charmed.
July 17, 2020
A surprise?
Indeed! As I started reading, at first I had difficulty getting into the story. As time and story developed, I had difficulty putting the book down! All characters flowed nicely and got to know well. If it weren't for names I couldn't pronounce or islands or big words used too much, this story would have been a 5 star read! I look forward to more in the series!!!
Indeed! As I started reading, at first I had difficulty getting into the story. As time and story developed, I had difficulty putting the book down! All characters flowed nicely and got to know well. If it weren't for names I couldn't pronounce or islands or big words used too much, this story would have been a 5 star read! I look forward to more in the series!!!
June 12, 2018
Love Lei! She kicks ass!
As a lover of Lei and her antics, this book did NOT disappoint. Lei is one kickass female character and reading her story for the second time is just as exciting as the first time! Loved the book, storyline, and all the characters!
As a lover of Lei and her antics, this book did NOT disappoint. Lei is one kickass female character and reading her story for the second time is just as exciting as the first time! Loved the book, storyline, and all the characters!
February 13, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
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.
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.
May 25, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll
5, No Heat
The island of Oahu is skyscrapers and rainforests, beaches and boutiques—but Special Agent Lei Texeira is drawn into a shadow world connected by death and the Internet.
Mysterious suicides draw Lei and her team, including tech specialist Sophie Ang, to hunt a criminal who plays with the thin gray line between right and wrong. Lei stirs up a hornet’s nest on the investigation as her past reaches out in a twisted vine of old loves, new technologies and dark vendettas.
“Toby Neal scores a royal flush in this fifth of an unmissable crime series for mystery fans!” J.C. Martin, author of Oracle
My Review:
Once again, Toby Neal has written a book that grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the end. Even after I finished the story, the characters and plot bounce around in my head.
For the first time, Ms. Neal doesn't give the reader a list of possible suspects in the murders of the terminally ill victims. Kudos for writing a novel with such a unique story line that not only touches the readers but the characters too.
The FBI is called in when a series of suicides turn out to be murders instead. With the help of their information technology specialist, Sophie Ang, they find a common thread between the victims. An online site called DyingFriends. Determined to find who's running the site, Sophie creates a profile and delves into the world of the terminally ill. It was really nice to learn more about what makes Sophie tick. And that despite the fact she is very complicated and keeps mostly to herself, there's more to her.
Lei and her partner Ken Yamado interview several people who are very active on the site. Their stories and pain touch a place in Lei and Ken's hearts. The tears flowed several times while I read about Betty, Robert, Mr. Woo's plight and their decisions to take matters into their own hands.
Ms. Neal has penned another fantastic read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end when the mastermind is revealed. So hang on to your hats as you embark on another journey into the life of Lei Texeira and her friends. You're in for a wild ride!
Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll
5, No Heat
The island of Oahu is skyscrapers and rainforests, beaches and boutiques—but Special Agent Lei Texeira is drawn into a shadow world connected by death and the Internet.
Mysterious suicides draw Lei and her team, including tech specialist Sophie Ang, to hunt a criminal who plays with the thin gray line between right and wrong. Lei stirs up a hornet’s nest on the investigation as her past reaches out in a twisted vine of old loves, new technologies and dark vendettas.
“Toby Neal scores a royal flush in this fifth of an unmissable crime series for mystery fans!” J.C. Martin, author of Oracle
My Review:
Once again, Toby Neal has written a book that grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the end. Even after I finished the story, the characters and plot bounce around in my head.
For the first time, Ms. Neal doesn't give the reader a list of possible suspects in the murders of the terminally ill victims. Kudos for writing a novel with such a unique story line that not only touches the readers but the characters too.
The FBI is called in when a series of suicides turn out to be murders instead. With the help of their information technology specialist, Sophie Ang, they find a common thread between the victims. An online site called DyingFriends. Determined to find who's running the site, Sophie creates a profile and delves into the world of the terminally ill. It was really nice to learn more about what makes Sophie tick. And that despite the fact she is very complicated and keeps mostly to herself, there's more to her.
Lei and her partner Ken Yamado interview several people who are very active on the site. Their stories and pain touch a place in Lei and Ken's hearts. The tears flowed several times while I read about Betty, Robert, Mr. Woo's plight and their decisions to take matters into their own hands.
Ms. Neal has penned another fantastic read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end when the mastermind is revealed. So hang on to your hats as you embark on another journey into the life of Lei Texeira and her friends. You're in for a wild ride!
November 9, 2015
I have enjoyed all of Toby Neal's books of the character: Lei Texeira. I enjoy the fact that characters in previous books are most of the time present in the current book. Although, Lei is on the island of Oahu now and her old partner and boss are not in this book except for when she goes back as part of the case she's working on. Lei gets right into the mix of the murders which creates the mystery and the suspense. It's exciting and yet easy reading; you don't want to put the book down til you're done. I already have already started the next book and the following two are on my night stand ready and waiting.
August 2, 2013
No spoilers from me regarding this book, because I would like you to read it as I have, with no expectations allowing it to unfold on it's own. I love the way Lei has grown from Blood Orchids all the way thru to Twisted Vine. Ms. Neal has, again, taken a thought provoking life "issue" (the basis of the "crime" in Twisted) and, IMHO, did it justice. In truth, the "crime" that is the main subject of this book, has actually touched my own life. I hope it never touches yours.
Can't wait to read the next book about Lei and the next companion book, too!
Can't wait to read the next book about Lei and the next companion book, too!
September 1, 2013
Have to agree with every one else who has reviewed this - no spoilers!! Each reader should be able to read this and digest it on their own terms. The main storyline is handled very respectfully. Another great job with these characters - I really love how the added characters are flushed out with each book. If I could suggest a character to flush even more it would be Ken - would like to hear his backstory.
November 4, 2015
I listened to the audiobook of Twisted Vine and it was fantastic.
Twisted Vine is certainly among my favorites of the Lei Crime Series. The plot is strong and interesting and keeps you engaged. Sophie Ang, the tech specialist, is introduced in this story and is a great character (more Sophie!). The narrater, Sara Malia Hatfield is phenomenal. Each audiobook of hers I listed to I am continually amazed at her range and ability to master various dialects.
Must listen!
Twisted Vine is certainly among my favorites of the Lei Crime Series. The plot is strong and interesting and keeps you engaged. Sophie Ang, the tech specialist, is introduced in this story and is a great character (more Sophie!). The narrater, Sara Malia Hatfield is phenomenal. Each audiobook of hers I listed to I am continually amazed at her range and ability to master various dialects.
Must listen!
November 15, 2014
Twisted Vine has a few twists that take different directions for Lei and her FBI buddies.
This may be my favorite book from "The Lei Crime Series" so far.
I really enjoyed finding out more details on Lei's family.
FBI Agent Sophie Ang also has a very interesting back story and I look forward to
reading more about her in upcoming books.
I do not like to give anything away so trust me.... Just read it!
This may be my favorite book from "The Lei Crime Series" so far.
I really enjoyed finding out more details on Lei's family.
FBI Agent Sophie Ang also has a very interesting back story and I look forward to
reading more about her in upcoming books.
I do not like to give anything away so trust me.... Just read it!
August 4, 2013
Thoroughly enjoy Toby Neal's books. This time a suicide assisting plot unravels with computer technology a huge help. More romance and a very emotional and happy ending. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 22, 2014
What a great book!
What a great book!
another great book to read of this series no disappointment the disappointment comes from not knowing if the Lei crime series will have another book__ I so hope so!!!
What a great book!
another great book to read of this series no disappointment the disappointment comes from not knowing if the Lei crime series will have another book__ I so hope so!!!
March 28, 2014
Lei has grown up
This is such an engaging series. This installment shows much of Lei's personal and professional growth, and wraps up old loose ends nicely. I do hope this is not the end of her story, though.
This is such an engaging series. This installment shows much of Lei's personal and professional growth, and wraps up old loose ends nicely. I do hope this is not the end of her story, though.
January 1, 2015
Fantastic! I love this series. All of the characters are so interesting and I cannot get enough of them. I become so wrapped up with the emotions of Lei and Stevens. As in all of Toby Neal's books, the story line is action filled and well written.
October 5, 2014
THOUGHT PROVOKING
When and how we should die is the overriding consideration in this plot. What one might wish or believe is not necessarily correct or legal. Lei continues to have conflicts - both personal and professional.
When and how we should die is the overriding consideration in this plot. What one might wish or believe is not necessarily correct or legal. Lei continues to have conflicts - both personal and professional.
October 11, 2014
Great book!
Great writing...story line...characters. I really enjoyed this book and the personal progress Lei has made in her life. Very likable characters. Unique mystery. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Great writing...story line...characters. I really enjoyed this book and the personal progress Lei has made in her life. Very likable characters. Unique mystery. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
July 24, 2015
I’VE READ SEVERAL BOOKS (not in order) IN THIS SERIES ALL ARE STAND-ALONE. THE STORY LINE’S SUBJECT IS PRETTY DEEP AND DEPRESSING AT TIMES (assisted suicide) WILL ALWAYS BE SURROUNDED BY CONTROVERSY. I LIKED THAT SOME THINGS IN PREVIOUS BOOKS WERE CLEARED UP AND I LOVED THE ENDING.
August 9, 2015
Love this series!
This just keeps getting better and better! Lei has grown such much in these books both personally and professionally. I love that her and Stephens got back together. I want to see them work out. I guess I will just have to keep reading.
This just keeps getting better and better! Lei has grown such much in these books both personally and professionally. I love that her and Stephens got back together. I want to see them work out. I guess I will just have to keep reading.
June 27, 2017
This is the 5th book in the Lei Crime series. This was the best so far: 2-4 almost felt like fillers to get to this one, which felt like a finale. Already started the 6th one. I love the Hawaiian setting and like any decent series, you start to care about the characters.
May 3, 2016
So glad this isn't the last one! Not sure how I feel about Lei's decision in the end (not the engagement, the other one) but I am glad to have more of them to read.
I also hope to see Alika and Sophie together, to be honest, I always liked him.
I also hope to see Alika and Sophie together, to be honest, I always liked him.
June 8, 2016
Read it straight through!
I truly enjoyed this book! The characters were believable and interesting. The storyline was puzzling but not obscure. The pace was just right! I definitely plan to read more the series.
I truly enjoyed this book! The characters were believable and interesting. The storyline was puzzling but not obscure. The pace was just right! I definitely plan to read more the series.
November 4, 2013
Another wonderful installment in this series. I was very happy to read that this is not the final book for Lei.
September 15, 2013
I love the Lei crimes series. The crimes are logical and the characters lovable! Toby does a great job of keeping the series tied together!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews