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Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries #5
Pau Hana: Cat cozy Humor Mystery
"This series is my favorite new addiction! I want the Miss Fortune to escape to Maui, too!" ~ Reader
My name is Kat Smith, and my new life as postmaster of the tiny town of Ohia on Maui was beginning to settle down. No new dead bodies had turned up for months! And then, the UPS guy spotted a little girl in the window of a house where no child was known to live. My former Secret Service training kicked in. I had to investigate, no matter what Mr. K, my boyfriend, attack cat Tiki, or Aunt Fae said about how far I'd go to find out what happened… to a child who might not even be real.
"Pau Hana was a warm hug with zings of excitement. So much love, acceptance, ohana, mixed in with a great story line." ~Sheree S, Advance Reader
My name is Kat Smith, and my new life as postmaster of the tiny town of Ohia on Maui was beginning to settle down. No new dead bodies had turned up for months! And then, the UPS guy spotted a little girl in the window of a house where no child was known to live. My former Secret Service training kicked in. I had to investigate, no matter what Mr. K, my boyfriend, attack cat Tiki, or Aunt Fae said about how far I'd go to find out what happened… to a child who might not even be real.
"Pau Hana was a warm hug with zings of excitement. So much love, acceptance, ohana, mixed in with a great story line." ~Sheree S, Advance Reader
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2024
159 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
84 books985 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 15, 2024
This is a new favorite series as much for the interpersonal relationships and watching Kay overcome her struggles + the mysteries. The disappearance and possible murder of a foster child hits to close to home for ajar and sends her spiraling. Even though she knows she needs help it’s hard for her to take that first step to even make the call. The case takes a toll on her relationship with Mr. K and maybe just maybe it maybe me the end??? Or is it?? This was a great storyline and adventure of loss, love, learning to move forward, forgiveness, family, and mystery all with an attack cat in the mix.
dnf
November 13, 2024Audiobook. DNF.
VIRTUAL NARRATION. This should not be a thing.
VIRTUAL NARRATION. This should not be a thing.
June 2, 2024
Book #5 in this Cozy Mystery series was a blast and blessing to read. I laughed, cried and was so engrossed in this book. I felt like I was right there in the heart of it with Toby's descriptive writing and could really relate to the characters. It was a little more complex than most Cozys I have read and kept me interested with trying to guess what was going to happen. I love Kat's and Keone's budding relationship, and I also love all the characters in Ohia. The main story in this book, is quite the mystery, and takes us in many directions, it was so hard to put down. You will enjoy it and have a Book Hangover like I did when I was done. Can't wait for the next one. And special Kudos to Joann Bassett for the partnership in the writing of this book! I am an ARC reader and am doing this review on my own accord.
May 30, 2024
This series is so much fun! Love, laughter, mystery, even tears - it’s all in this Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery #5! Kat Smith is back and as usual finds herself trying to solve another mystery - this time related to a little girl spotted by the UPS driver in the window of a house where a hermit guy lives. And of course, as this series has progressed, the people of this tiny town of Ohia on Maui have come to depend on Kat. Edith, one of her Red Hat Society friends finds herself needing help as does Opal and her husband, Artie, and of course her, Aunt Fae gets tangled up! A new character and neighbor to Kat and her aunt is introduced - Elle Beane. It’s nice for Kat to have a younger person living in her neighborhood. I’m sure there will be more about Elle in the next book. Of course, my favorite character, Tiki the former feral cat, plays an important role - you’ll have to read this book to find out why!
I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series. When the book ends, I always want more - either because one of the central characters in a previous book has not had a leading role, like Mr. K or because it ends with a hill-hanger - not quite a cliff-hanger. My biggest criticism is that I have to wait for the authors to release the next book in the series!
Happy Reading!
Shirley L. ~ Advance Reader
I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series. When the book ends, I always want more - either because one of the central characters in a previous book has not had a leading role, like Mr. K or because it ends with a hill-hanger - not quite a cliff-hanger. My biggest criticism is that I have to wait for the authors to release the next book in the series!
Happy Reading!
Shirley L. ~ Advance Reader
June 6, 2024
CLEVER COZY MYSTERY
JoAnn Bassett joins best-selling author Toby Neal, and together, they write Pau Hana (Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 5), a delightful, clever, cozy mystery! I highly recommend it! Her continued cast of characters continues to endure themselves to readers. The main character, Kat Smith, is a former FBI Agent who is now the Postmaster of tiny Ohia, Maui, and works part-time for Security Solutions and K & K Investigations. Kat does not handle boredom well. In this installment, the two authors develop a plot involving a possible missing child. The possibility of a missing child hits home with Kat because it brings up feelings of abandonment from her childhood that she has never dealt with. Kat becomes immersed in attempting to find the possibly lost child. Kat’s usually happy, controlled demeanor starts a downward spiral when the unthinkable happens. She knows she needs help, but would she be willing to ask for it? There is never any downtime, as some danger is constantly popping up around the corner when Kat least expects it. The authors do a great job leading readers through a wild search for the young girl. During the search, all manner of mischief, mayhem, and attempted murder take place to keep readers' attention from the first page until the last!
JoAnn Bassett joins best-selling author Toby Neal, and together, they write Pau Hana (Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery Book 5), a delightful, clever, cozy mystery! I highly recommend it! Her continued cast of characters continues to endure themselves to readers. The main character, Kat Smith, is a former FBI Agent who is now the Postmaster of tiny Ohia, Maui, and works part-time for Security Solutions and K & K Investigations. Kat does not handle boredom well. In this installment, the two authors develop a plot involving a possible missing child. The possibility of a missing child hits home with Kat because it brings up feelings of abandonment from her childhood that she has never dealt with. Kat becomes immersed in attempting to find the possibly lost child. Kat’s usually happy, controlled demeanor starts a downward spiral when the unthinkable happens. She knows she needs help, but would she be willing to ask for it? There is never any downtime, as some danger is constantly popping up around the corner when Kat least expects it. The authors do a great job leading readers through a wild search for the young girl. During the search, all manner of mischief, mayhem, and attempted murder take place to keep readers' attention from the first page until the last!
May 31, 2024
So far, my favorite Kat read, though they have all been fun. Character quirks that may be recognizable, friends you know from down the street. This is "another book has opened pages, and to those of us it seems like ages!" Yes, this is book 5 in a series by Toby Neal and her cohort on this new adventure: Joann Bassett. Two thumbs up as Pau Hana is a great continuation of Kat's Maui experiences. Don't hesitate to jump in and enjoy some new scenery, a couple of "bad eggs," and all Hana and Ohia have to offer. Good friends, a wonderful Aunt, sexy pilot, a blind musician and his kind wife, and another old friend named Lei. There is something or someone for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget about Hotel Hana Maui, such a beautiful spot. A pleasure to read and share the adventures.
The plot will bring tears to your eyes and love to your heart. I willingly offer this review, from my heart as an ARC reader. Enjoy!
The plot will bring tears to your eyes and love to your heart. I willingly offer this review, from my heart as an ARC reader. Enjoy!
June 2, 2024
I received an ARC from the author. Here are my thoughts:
Why I like this series
A little suspense, a little romance and a LOT of pure escape. Most of the time I get the feeling that I’m right there in Ohia, Hawaii, following Kat to work at the Post Office, interacting with the many great characters, listening to a good slack-key guitar piece on the porch and even dodging some scary situations with a crazy guy. Then there's that guy in the white uniform… Yeah, that’s what you’ll get out of reading this one. There were a couple of scenarios that seemed incomplete or unlikely, but it’s fiction and a cozy so it’s okay to embellish here and there.
Only Toby Neal can pick me up and plunk me down to sit beside Kat on a beach of perfect white sand! Others may write about it, but their beaches are just a travel brochure. Toby’s beaches give me the smell, the feeling of water lapping at my ankles, the peace…
Why I like this series
A little suspense, a little romance and a LOT of pure escape. Most of the time I get the feeling that I’m right there in Ohia, Hawaii, following Kat to work at the Post Office, interacting with the many great characters, listening to a good slack-key guitar piece on the porch and even dodging some scary situations with a crazy guy. Then there's that guy in the white uniform… Yeah, that’s what you’ll get out of reading this one. There were a couple of scenarios that seemed incomplete or unlikely, but it’s fiction and a cozy so it’s okay to embellish here and there.
Only Toby Neal can pick me up and plunk me down to sit beside Kat on a beach of perfect white sand! Others may write about it, but their beaches are just a travel brochure. Toby’s beaches give me the smell, the feeling of water lapping at my ankles, the peace…
May 29, 2024
Pau Hana - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Kat Smith lives in Hawaii with her beloved Aunt Fae, her feral cats Tiki and Misty, and works as the Post Mistress, a part-time PI, and a local police-liaison officer with Lei Teixeira on the mainland.
She struggles with close relationships, and her partner Keone's potential career change doesn't help her trust issues. Kat then throws herself into danger, while trying to solve a missing girl's case - as well as acting as a bridesmaid to her two gay women friends.
Toby Neal and co-author Joann Bassett deliver an excellent storyline with lots of action and entertaining characters that you're sure to love.
Get your copy of Pau Hana straight away and enjoy a heartwarming aloha to Hawaii - plus an HEA to remember!
Kat Smith lives in Hawaii with her beloved Aunt Fae, her feral cats Tiki and Misty, and works as the Post Mistress, a part-time PI, and a local police-liaison officer with Lei Teixeira on the mainland.
She struggles with close relationships, and her partner Keone's potential career change doesn't help her trust issues. Kat then throws herself into danger, while trying to solve a missing girl's case - as well as acting as a bridesmaid to her two gay women friends.
Toby Neal and co-author Joann Bassett deliver an excellent storyline with lots of action and entertaining characters that you're sure to love.
Get your copy of Pau Hana straight away and enjoy a heartwarming aloha to Hawaii - plus an HEA to remember!
June 2, 2024
For this book, the author has teamed up with Joann Bassett, herself a recognised author of cozy mysteries. For this episode in the Paradise Crime Cozy series, Kat learns the true meaning of Ohana - from her own Aunt, the Red Hat ladies, the local shop owners, and even the police.
Convinced she saw a small child in a house destroyed by an explosion, Kat feels guilty that she could do nothing, so she starts to dig into who that child could have been.
This series has the true cozy framework - an ordinary person who manages to uncover a crime without too much interference from the police! A series which I continue to read and enjoy. And I can't wait for any further episodes. I was given an ARC of this book
Convinced she saw a small child in a house destroyed by an explosion, Kat feels guilty that she could do nothing, so she starts to dig into who that child could have been.
This series has the true cozy framework - an ordinary person who manages to uncover a crime without too much interference from the police! A series which I continue to read and enjoy. And I can't wait for any further episodes. I was given an ARC of this book
August 7, 2024
Family Is Everything
I absolutely love these books and this one ,$which looks to be the last book, Kat is caught up in a case that has her PTSD and touch phobia coming back.
UPS guy drives out somewhere and gets lost and as he’s turning around, he sees a sees a dilapidated house and a young girl in one of the windows. When he Sees his good friend, the guy that delivers the packages to the post office, he tells him about it. Well, you know with the coconut wireless Kat finds out about it. There begins the story of finding out who the young girl is.
You wouldn’t believe what that entails until you’ve read it. So I won’t spoil the book. You just need to read it.
And of course, especially in Hawaii I’m gathering family is everything .
I absolutely love these books and this one ,$which looks to be the last book, Kat is caught up in a case that has her PTSD and touch phobia coming back.
UPS guy drives out somewhere and gets lost and as he’s turning around, he sees a sees a dilapidated house and a young girl in one of the windows. When he Sees his good friend, the guy that delivers the packages to the post office, he tells him about it. Well, you know with the coconut wireless Kat finds out about it. There begins the story of finding out who the young girl is.
You wouldn’t believe what that entails until you’ve read it. So I won’t spoil the book. You just need to read it.
And of course, especially in Hawaii I’m gathering family is everything .
May 30, 2024
Get comfy, take a deep breath, and become immersed in the story depicted in Pau Hana.
In this fifth book of Toby Neal's featuring former Secret Service agent Kat Smith, now postmaster in the little town of Ohia on Maui, you will be enveloped in a warm hug with zings of excitement.
In addition to Kat, there are many familiar characters that have become ohana in this series, as well as mystery characters, creating a deeply engaging read with an sensitive storyline.
Neal and her writing partner for this installment in the series, Joann Bassett, wove a seamless story together that is a wonderful addition to Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries.
In this fifth book of Toby Neal's featuring former Secret Service agent Kat Smith, now postmaster in the little town of Ohia on Maui, you will be enveloped in a warm hug with zings of excitement.
In addition to Kat, there are many familiar characters that have become ohana in this series, as well as mystery characters, creating a deeply engaging read with an sensitive storyline.
Neal and her writing partner for this installment in the series, Joann Bassett, wove a seamless story together that is a wonderful addition to Paradise Crime Cozy Mysteries.
May 30, 2024
Kat, Tiki, Aunt Fea and Mr. K - what's not to love? A UPS delivery person spots a juvenile female in the window of a house out in nowhere and mentions this to Kat at the post office and you can figure out what happens next when it's Kat. She calls Lei and lets her know what she heard and they decide for Kat to go l00k but not touch. L O L! This is just the beginning. I am a member of the Toby Neal A R C team and promise not to give out any spoilers as well as an honest review so let me say that I could not put this down. I suggest you get Pau Hana and see for yourself what happens. There are ups and downs, happy and sad and all the things that make you want more.
May 31, 2024
I love the characters in this book! They are fun and make me laugh, but also have realistic problems like we do! Love the cat in the book who has a personality of its own that can change from good to wild and crazy in the blink of an eye. The descriptions of Hawaii make me want to overcome my phobia of flying so I can go see it myself! Love the story line which grabbed ahold of me from the start and didn’t let go until the very last page. If you love a mystery and love a great book with a few laughs and a few tears, you will love this book!!
December 12, 2025
cheers to Pau Hana
The fifth book in this series was excellent. A mix of conflict and reconciliation, sorrow and joy. We are introduced to new characters as well as stories with well loved characters from previous books. In this story Kat is tested both mentally and physically when she tries to find a little girl that may have been abducted. We see her relationship with Mr. K go through some rocky times and how she deals with that. We see a rescue, a wedding, and a takedown. And we see Kat make a new friend. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The fifth book in this series was excellent. A mix of conflict and reconciliation, sorrow and joy. We are introduced to new characters as well as stories with well loved characters from previous books. In this story Kat is tested both mentally and physically when she tries to find a little girl that may have been abducted. We see her relationship with Mr. K go through some rocky times and how she deals with that. We see a rescue, a wedding, and a takedown. And we see Kat make a new friend. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 31, 2024
I could not put it down! Barely took time to eat.
Neal writes so descriptively that you can see, feel, and smell as if you are right there in Hawaii.
I love Kat Smith and all of her ohana. The usual craziness, a missing girl, new friends, and a bit of rockiness with Mr K. Kat is one of my favorite characters that Neal writes, and she has so many wonderful books. You can't go wrong with a Toby Neal book.
Neal writes so descriptively that you can see, feel, and smell as if you are right there in Hawaii.
I love Kat Smith and all of her ohana. The usual craziness, a missing girl, new friends, and a bit of rockiness with Mr K. Kat is one of my favorite characters that Neal writes, and she has so many wonderful books. You can't go wrong with a Toby Neal book.
June 2, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2024
This is book 5 in this series and it just keeps getting better. Kat is finally beginning to settle down to life on Ohia with her Aunt, her job with the post office and The Sexy Mr. K. Until a strange sighting by the ups driver has Kat's curiosity peaked that she goes out to check only to have an encounter with a stranger with a machete. So many different things pop up that has Kat asking for help from Lei who tells her to back off.
This is book 5 in this series and it just keeps getting better. Kat is finally beginning to settle down to life on Ohia with her Aunt, her job with the post office and The Sexy Mr. K. Until a strange sighting by the ups driver has Kat's curiosity peaked that she goes out to check only to have an encounter with a stranger with a machete. So many different things pop up that has Kat asking for help from Lei who tells her to back off.
June 10, 2024
Enjoyable
This was a nice book to read, not too heavy, so a good place to go. Sometimes, it's really nice to take a break, and this was a good way to do so. It's comfortable getting to know the residents of Ohia, I especially like Artie and Opal and the Red Hat ladies. I like Elle, too. Thanks for this easy series. I'll be watching for more. But I'll probably just entirely read them unless Virtual Voice gets better. Still, Toby, thank you for giving us that option!!
This was a nice book to read, not too heavy, so a good place to go. Sometimes, it's really nice to take a break, and this was a good way to do so. It's comfortable getting to know the residents of Ohia, I especially like Artie and Opal and the Red Hat ladies. I like Elle, too. Thanks for this easy series. I'll be watching for more. But I'll probably just entirely read them unless Virtual Voice gets better. Still, Toby, thank you for giving us that option!!
August 8, 2024
Awesome fun series
Thank you, thank you for another fun series! I finished your other series months ago and was a bit sad that it ended. I was happy to see your new series. Love you story lines about strong capable women, who have their flaws and hardships, but work through them and solve their cases with humor and believable story lines. Thanks for including Lei and Sophie in this new series. Looking forward to your next book.
Thank you, thank you for another fun series! I finished your other series months ago and was a bit sad that it ended. I was happy to see your new series. Love you story lines about strong capable women, who have their flaws and hardships, but work through them and solve their cases with humor and believable story lines. Thanks for including Lei and Sophie in this new series. Looking forward to your next book.
August 30, 2025
Another winner
I have been an avid reader of all of Toby Neal’s books. This very sweet series has a cast of lovable characters, all banding together for whatever new situation arises. It’s a great escape. Having spent many winters in Maui, it’s wonderful seeing references to familiar places, and I love how characters from other series are included. Another great read, devoured in one sitting!
I have been an avid reader of all of Toby Neal’s books. This very sweet series has a cast of lovable characters, all banding together for whatever new situation arises. It’s a great escape. Having spent many winters in Maui, it’s wonderful seeing references to familiar places, and I love how characters from other series are included. Another great read, devoured in one sitting!
September 30, 2025
Another enjoyable Adventure
I so enjoy the escape in my Kindle Bubble. Your stories are captivating and always have a feel good ending. I also like that there are not too many characters to keep track of. I like that you teamed up with JoAnn Bassett. I have enjoyed all of her books. I only wish one of the Adventures takes place on Kauai since you are from there I am a Kauai Boy at heart.
Robert Ericksen
I so enjoy the escape in my Kindle Bubble. Your stories are captivating and always have a feel good ending. I also like that there are not too many characters to keep track of. I like that you teamed up with JoAnn Bassett. I have enjoyed all of her books. I only wish one of the Adventures takes place on Kauai since you are from there I am a Kauai Boy at heart.
Robert Ericksen
June 7, 2024
PAU HANA
Toby, I really enjoyed this series as much as I have enjoyed all of your books, and I think I have read them all, but this one is loaded with quirky characters that makes you wonder, did I miss something, it's just around the next page ? Keep writing, we enjoy all your work. Thank You G & S 🇨🇦
Toby, I really enjoyed this series as much as I have enjoyed all of your books, and I think I have read them all, but this one is loaded with quirky characters that makes you wonder, did I miss something, it's just around the next page ? Keep writing, we enjoy all your work. Thank You G & S 🇨🇦
June 30, 2024
Mystery best stories
When you start reading you can't put the book down ! The words make you feel like you are in the story , I have read every book of hers and cannot wait for next one ,each book follows the story line but each one new and brings you into the mystery world with a new direction .
When you start reading you can't put the book down ! The words make you feel like you are in the story , I have read every book of hers and cannot wait for next one ,each book follows the story line but each one new and brings you into the mystery world with a new direction .
September 19, 2024
Captivating
I read or re-read all 5 over a day and a half. There are mysteries that I enjoy, and there is a small number of authors who have created characters that, as I read, I become interested in and grow to want the characters to succeed in their endeavors. Toby's characters draw me into their world, and I eagerly await the next cat cozy from Ohia.
I read or re-read all 5 over a day and a half. There are mysteries that I enjoy, and there is a small number of authors who have created characters that, as I read, I become interested in and grow to want the characters to succeed in their endeavors. Toby's characters draw me into their world, and I eagerly await the next cat cozy from Ohia.
August 31, 2025
mystery without murder!
I’m happy sailing the South Pacific but after living in Hawaii over 50 years I sometimes get homesick. Reading the Paradise Caroline Cozy Mystery Series cures that. Intertwined realistic characters keep my attention and are so believable that I feel part of the their Ohana. The mystery keeps me intrigued without scaring me. I look forward to #6.
I’m happy sailing the South Pacific but after living in Hawaii over 50 years I sometimes get homesick. Reading the Paradise Caroline Cozy Mystery Series cures that. Intertwined realistic characters keep my attention and are so believable that I feel part of the their Ohana. The mystery keeps me intrigued without scaring me. I look forward to #6.
October 11, 2025
I love the characters and where it all happens as i have visited the islands until it got to much for that long ride from Wisconsin but my heart has been ohana for the people in Maui. I enjoy Kauai the best you can't get lost in 90 miles of road way.
The road to Hana is super beautiful but driving it carefully each way and the locals do know their way. aloha . BarbD
The road to Hana is super beautiful but driving it carefully each way and the locals do know their way. aloha . BarbD
May 30, 2024
It's great having JoAnn Bassett co-write this series. This is the best one yet. I love Elle. She's going to be a great addition. It was nice to have most of Kat's new friends especially Lei and Pono as part of the story. I can't wait for the next book.
May 31, 2024
I love Toby Neal and her stories based in Hawaii. Kat, Keone,Aunt Fae, and all their friends bring a delightfully witty adventure to you for your enjoyment and amazement It's fun, it's scary, it's perfect. Highly Recommended.
May 31, 2024
Some really good twists and turns, keeps me turning the pages to the end.
This was an adventure and action filled plot to read,mthat I enjoyef
A winner in a good series for both writers. I recommend this book....
This was an adventure and action filled plot to read,mthat I enjoyef
A winner in a good series for both writers. I recommend this book....
May 31, 2024
Love, love, love this book!
I moved to Maui and absolutely love relating to the Hawaiian culture as well as living upcountry on the same side of the island as Ohia. Keep them coming please. They are a delight!!
I moved to Maui and absolutely love relating to the Hawaiian culture as well as living upcountry on the same side of the island as Ohia. Keep them coming please. They are a delight!!
June 14, 2024
The best yet!
I read all the paradise crime Cozy books and this is my favorite. I have become attached to the characters and their personalities. I also love Maui and these stories keep me connected to that very special place. Keep them coming!
I read all the paradise crime Cozy books and this is my favorite. I have become attached to the characters and their personalities. I also love Maui and these stories keep me connected to that very special place. Keep them coming!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews