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Paradise Crime Thrillers (Wired Books) #7
Wired Secret
Librarian's note: B079YXL8DY is being moved to most current edition.
Paradise is filled with deadly secrets.
Palm trees, volcanoes, and black sand beaches are the backdrop for murder as security specialist Sophie Ang, and her dog Ginger, are swept up in a multi-layered case on the Big Island of Hawaii working with a US Marshal to protect an important witness. Sophie will need all of her friends, lovers, tech-savvy, and skills to stay alive...and that’s just her day job. She must also confront a ghost from her past with the power to ruin her life in worse ways than death.
Paradise is filled with deadly secrets.
Palm trees, volcanoes, and black sand beaches are the backdrop for murder as security specialist Sophie Ang, and her dog Ginger, are swept up in a multi-layered case on the Big Island of Hawaii working with a US Marshal to protect an important witness. Sophie will need all of her friends, lovers, tech-savvy, and skills to stay alive...and that’s just her day job. She must also confront a ghost from her past with the power to ruin her life in worse ways than death.
358 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2018
908 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Toby Neal
99 books990 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 96 reviews
May 14, 2018
Wired Secret continues the saga of heroine Sophie Ang, former FBI Agent specializing in computer surveillance, and now working for a private security company. In this novel, writer Toby Neal once again demonstrates her ability to weave a tale so compelling that the reader feels they are a part of the book. I read this book in three days, reading through meals and at every break I had in the day.
Neal’s strengths as a writer lie in her ability to create detail in her stories of place and culture, allowing the reader to enter a world that feels real. Characters are not just fully developed, they are imbued with distinct and multi-layered personalities which Neal continues to enhance and grow with each successive book. Readers feel transported in space and time to the world in which these characters reside, where we see, feel, and hear what they do.
Wired Secret has (as all the books in Neal’s series do) serious plot twists that leave the reader guessing until the end, although Neal never violates the reader’s trust, and these twists do not strain the boundaries of credibility. In Wired Secret, the plot twists are not just in terms of the crime arc, they involve Sophie’s personal relationships with her lovers and her mother. I was on the edge of my seat until the end of the book, and now am anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Sophie is a highly complex character who has dark secrets in her past that drive her decisions, actions, and relationships, and throughout this series, Neal has stayed true to Sophie’s character while allowing her to grow. We clearly see Neal’s background as a therapist here, and her in-depth knowledge of human behavior, as Sophie struggles with clinical depression. If you’ve suffered with depression or lived with someone who has, this aspect of the story can be difficult to read, but is honest and true.
I loved this book, and I’ve said about earlier books that they were the best in the series so far. But the truth is, Toby Neal’s writing keeps getting better and better, even though it was excellent when she started. So as she continues to write, each novel exceeds its predecessors in the quality of the writing, and the plot and character development. Neal is one of my favorite authors, and her writing puts her in company of writers such as Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, Lee Child, and Michael Connelly.
Neal’s strengths as a writer lie in her ability to create detail in her stories of place and culture, allowing the reader to enter a world that feels real. Characters are not just fully developed, they are imbued with distinct and multi-layered personalities which Neal continues to enhance and grow with each successive book. Readers feel transported in space and time to the world in which these characters reside, where we see, feel, and hear what they do.
Wired Secret has (as all the books in Neal’s series do) serious plot twists that leave the reader guessing until the end, although Neal never violates the reader’s trust, and these twists do not strain the boundaries of credibility. In Wired Secret, the plot twists are not just in terms of the crime arc, they involve Sophie’s personal relationships with her lovers and her mother. I was on the edge of my seat until the end of the book, and now am anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Sophie is a highly complex character who has dark secrets in her past that drive her decisions, actions, and relationships, and throughout this series, Neal has stayed true to Sophie’s character while allowing her to grow. We clearly see Neal’s background as a therapist here, and her in-depth knowledge of human behavior, as Sophie struggles with clinical depression. If you’ve suffered with depression or lived with someone who has, this aspect of the story can be difficult to read, but is honest and true.
I loved this book, and I’ve said about earlier books that they were the best in the series so far. But the truth is, Toby Neal’s writing keeps getting better and better, even though it was excellent when she started. So as she continues to write, each novel exceeds its predecessors in the quality of the writing, and the plot and character development. Neal is one of my favorite authors, and her writing puts her in company of writers such as Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, Lee Child, and Michael Connelly.
May 17, 2018
Sophie Ang has to stay alive to act as a witness, but someone wants her out of the way. Her strength and abilities have seen her through some troubled times in her working life AND her personal life. In this book in the series, (without giving anything away) she has to rely on a friend to keep her alive. Her mother has also returned into her life with a proposal which she is undecided about, her boyfriends all want her to be a part of their lives and Sophie herself doesn't know which way to turn, leading to her depression returning with a vengeance.
I have read all of Toby's Lei Crime series as well as these Paradise Crime series and one thing I love about them is the author's ability to convey the atmosphere of the Hawaiian Islands. Her characters resonate with a truth and integrity to them all. She obviously knows the locations well and her descriptions allow the reader to feel as if they bask in the sunshine of the islands. I have recommended Toby's books to many friends,s all of whom have also enjoyed them.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an unbiased review.
I have read all of Toby's Lei Crime series as well as these Paradise Crime series and one thing I love about them is the author's ability to convey the atmosphere of the Hawaiian Islands. Her characters resonate with a truth and integrity to them all. She obviously knows the locations well and her descriptions allow the reader to feel as if they bask in the sunshine of the islands. I have recommended Toby's books to many friends,s all of whom have also enjoyed them.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 15, 2018
This book! Omg! It was awesome! I laughed and I cried and cheered Sophie on! The ups and the downs of Sophie’s depression play a key part to the story and there are many surprises that I did not see coming! I have a book hangover from reading this book but it was well worth it!! Love the characters and the way Toby has intertwined them to create one of the best Sophie books yet! Can’t wait for the next book to come out! Love this series and love Sophie!
June 1, 2018
Do not read this at bedtime. I put it down and woke up all night wondering what was going on next with Sophie. Terrific character development and storyline. Best yet in series.
May 24, 2018
First off, I am so thrilled that the Wired series has continued so long. Originally, it sounded like a 3 installment series, then 5, but like Lei, the Sophie story has not ended. In this installment, the story of Sophie gets more interesting and darker. In this book we really get to see and feel how debilitating Sophie Ang’s depression is. We also get to delve into Sophie’s Love Quadrangle, and Connor/the Ghost makes a solid reappearance as does Alika. By the end of the book, we get some closure with this, but the Chang family saga is just heating up. What I really found interesting in this book is the more detailed study of Pim Wat, Sophie’s mysterious mom. We should not underestimate her or the secret organization trying to recruit Sophie. This book is full of the lovely Hawaiian flora and fauna that gives the setting life, it is well-written, and the characters are well-drawn, even some of the villains. Nothing is as simple as it seems. And of course, we have Sophie’s wonderful Ginger to warm the heart. If you have never read Toby Neal, I suggest starting with the first Wired book or one of the early Lei crime series. You could also read either stand-alone book about Agent Marcella or Dr. Wilson. These characters overlap in this Hawaiian world. If you prefer romance, Toby also writes some heart-warming modern romances. I enjoy all her genres.
May 21, 2018
OLD SECRETS + NEW SECRETS = ALL TYPES OF DEEP DARK SECRETS!
Sophie Ang is back and she thinks she’s ready to handle any problem she may have to face. If she knew several of her worst nemeses were already planning her takedown, she’d be stepping up her practice of “hiding in plain sight”. She has been tested many times before (her ex-husband possibly being the worst!) but this time, the hits will come from many different directions. Sophie finds herself in one of the deepest, darkest spots she has been in and uses her beloved technology to call for help. She is desperate to reach out for help from an unlikely source. The secrets continue to build and so does the intensity. There are secrets among her family members, secrets in a huge trial that she’s involved in, secrets in Security Solutions, secrets in her feelings for two men, secrets in her personal life and secrets in her cyber working collaboration with the Ghost in the name of justice. I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Sophie Ang is back and she thinks she’s ready to handle any problem she may have to face. If she knew several of her worst nemeses were already planning her takedown, she’d be stepping up her practice of “hiding in plain sight”. She has been tested many times before (her ex-husband possibly being the worst!) but this time, the hits will come from many different directions. Sophie finds herself in one of the deepest, darkest spots she has been in and uses her beloved technology to call for help. She is desperate to reach out for help from an unlikely source. The secrets continue to build and so does the intensity. There are secrets among her family members, secrets in a huge trial that she’s involved in, secrets in Security Solutions, secrets in her feelings for two men, secrets in her personal life and secrets in her cyber working collaboration with the Ghost in the name of justice. I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
May 24, 2018
Ok so Sophie is so much more than a trouble magnet...lol Trouble finds Sophie at every corner and tries to not only kill her but everyone around her. Wired Secret was a brilliantly explosive read from beginning to end.
I really love Sophie even when she is in the depths of despair, I still love her. Sophie is such a strong character, she is fierce, loyal and truly lovable even if she doesn't always believe it.
Sophies penchant for bleak depressive moments are fascinating, they sometimes come from nowhere and sometimes there is a trigger but this time, this time they took Sophie to her darkest despair yet, that was a very well written scene.
I loved that she basically told Connor he was done that was a good ending for me I just couldn't see her ever forgetting even if she could forgive him for what he did.
Alika, Alika omg this guys get's shot down so often I'm not sure how he is still standing, honestly and while he is an amazing guy I just don't see Sophie as the right woman for him, Alika deserves someone sweet and nice, thats not how I would ever describe Sophie.
Jake is needed yep those were the words Jake is needed let's hope needing someone is enough for both of them.
I really love Sophie even when she is in the depths of despair, I still love her. Sophie is such a strong character, she is fierce, loyal and truly lovable even if she doesn't always believe it.
Sophies penchant for bleak depressive moments are fascinating, they sometimes come from nowhere and sometimes there is a trigger but this time, this time they took Sophie to her darkest despair yet, that was a very well written scene.
I loved that she basically told Connor he was done that was a good ending for me I just couldn't see her ever forgetting even if she could forgive him for what he did.
Alika, Alika omg this guys get's shot down so often I'm not sure how he is still standing, honestly and while he is an amazing guy I just don't see Sophie as the right woman for him, Alika deserves someone sweet and nice, thats not how I would ever describe Sophie.
Jake is needed yep those were the words Jake is needed let's hope needing someone is enough for both of them.
May 15, 2018
Security specialist Sophie Ang continues fighting her personal demons and shadowy criminal elements while on the ruggedly beautiful big island of Hawaii. Accompanied by her faithful furry companion, Ginger, Sophie struggles through multiple dangerous encounters for her heart and her life, with people bent on either hurting or helping her. Who does she dare trust? Where is she safe?
As with every Neal book, the story is a labyrinth of layers that immerses the reader into characters, Hawaiian island culture, flora and fauna. Wired Secret is filled with twists, intrigue, excitement and the lovable quirkiness that is Sophie Ang. Following Sophie’s journey of personal growth through betrayal, depression, friendship and love has me feeling like she a friend.
Toby Neal writes characters that capture my heart, engage my emotions, and always leave me wanting more of her stories.
May 22, 2018
You are going to need a seat belt for this one, it is one heck of a roller coaster ride- like a helicopter out of control. Sophie is still in danger from the Chang family, and everyone she loves is in the crosshairs. From the dangerous beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii to the serenity of Thailand Sophie, known for refusing to ever let anyone protect her, has to use every skill, every lesson that she has ever learned because this time she is not only the hunter but also the hunted. No one is safe in the Chang's pursuit to get to her. This story will take you to the top of the mountain with joy, drop you to the bottom and break your heart then soothe you with sharp witty banter that Toby Neal writes so well- all speeding to an ending that...well you will just have to read for yourself.
May 22, 2018
Where to even begin?! I love Sophie and the adventures she finds herself in. But my heart breaks every time I think of the isolated life she led. Sometimes I just want to grab a hold of Sophie and just hug her long and hard. Sure she had her dad and her computers but she only longed for one thing and that was the love of her mother. But she gets the raw end of the deal with that as the only thing she gets from her mother is her overwhelming bouts of deep depression. We get a better look into Sophie’s life as she led it and why she’s so socially awkward yet strong and fiercely independent. Now her heart is another matter. Sophie has such a big open heart full of love to give which she gives freely to her lovable lab Ginger. Having three guys yearning for her attention, I believe she’s slowly figuring it out what it means to be truly loved by another person and I can’t wait until she finds the one to hold her heart but most of all heal her soul. I look forward to following Sophie along on her many journeys as it seems trouble isn’t far from finding her either.
May 18, 2018
Toby continues to amaze me! Very few authors can continue a series of books where the reader is still engrossed in the books, but Toby definitely is one! Sophie’s story continues stronger in each book! She can’t stay away from trouble! It always seems to find her. I love how we see the highs in her life, yet we also see her at her lowest. I was so involved in this addition. What was going to happen in her love life? Would it be Conner, Jake or Alika? What about her finding out the truth about her mother? There wasn’t a moment that I lost interest in Sophie’s story! Now I’m looking forward to the next installment. Thanks Toby, for letting me be a part of this journey!!
May 20, 2018
Sophie's story continues. Her life is in danger from the Chang crime family. She is one of two witnesses and had to stay alive until the trial. Toby Neal takes us on an awesome adventure with lots of plot twists and suspense.
I absolutely loved this book, and had a hard time to put this book down. Sophie is a very complex heroine, and is dealing with many issues including severe depression. How Sophie copes with this, her love interests, and staying alive, has you rooting her on, and has you becoming very involved in her life story. I have read all of Sophie's books, and have enjoyed them all. I think this is the best one yet. Can't wait for the next one. Great job Toby Neal! I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I absolutely loved this book, and had a hard time to put this book down. Sophie is a very complex heroine, and is dealing with many issues including severe depression. How Sophie copes with this, her love interests, and staying alive, has you rooting her on, and has you becoming very involved in her life story. I have read all of Sophie's books, and have enjoyed them all. I think this is the best one yet. Can't wait for the next one. Great job Toby Neal! I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 13, 2018
Sophie needs a happy vacation without men, just dogs and girlfriends. Seriously, she has three men of different strengthens and caliber craving her attention. Aside from her love life she is working a dangerous case along with WITSEC and is also considered a witness. Her mother asked for her help and just adds to more stress for Sophie. She knows her limitations but seems drawn to dangerous situations. This series gets better with each book as we follow Sophie and her crime fighting quirky ways. I caution you to start at the first book to understand Sophie and the other recurring characters, the storyline is continuous. I received an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.
May 14, 2018
I usually do not like the Sofie Ang books as much as the Lei Crime Series but this book is an exception. I love following along with Sofie's struggle with choosing a relationship and the issues she faces. One of those issues, depression, has been a forefront in her series but I feel that this book does an amazing job with describing to the reader what depression is like and how it effects everyone. I was so engrossed with this book that I read it in one sitting. It is thrilling and captivating. I can't say enough about Toby Neal's writing style. It's thoroughly engaging.
May 20, 2018
Once again Toby Neal has done it again with the 7th installment of her series featuring Sophie Ang. This fast-paced story filled with intrigue, suspense, love, tears had me glued to my iPad from beginning to end. Neal does a great job of laying out a clear plot but adding enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the story. And then there are the characters - some new and others returning from previous books. You won't want to miss Wired Secret to find out the fate of Sophie Ang!
May 22, 2018
I just cannot believe how Toby Neal's stories just keep getting better and better! And I thought 'Blood Orchids', her very first and excellent book, was about as good as an author could get! LOL! Little did I know! Wired Secret is about her 25th full novel; I've read all of them. Each one has taken me on a 'right there' journey and each one is better than the last. Wired Secret is chock-full of bad and dangerous people, each of which present a unique danger to Sophie. AND - her own personal demon, depression, rears its ugly head to new heights in this one. Add her total confusion over the men in her life who love her, a mother who seems not to be as everyone thought, well, this is not a sweet 'cozy' mystery! It's deep and dark at times. Strap yourself down, hang on and be ready for a rough and twisting ride! You'll love it!
May 21, 2018
It's good to be back in Sophie's world. When I'm waiting for the next book in the series, I find myself missing her and some of the other characters, as if she was a real person and a friend :). Toby takes us again through high and lows, heartbreak and hope, action and romance. I have to say there were a few moments in the story that left me speechless as I didn't see THAT coming.
This was one part of Sophie's journey that I wish it was 10000 pages. I am looking forward to reading her next adventure.
This was one part of Sophie's journey that I wish it was 10000 pages. I am looking forward to reading her next adventure.
May 24, 2018
Another suspenseful, action packed novel from Toby Neal. And this time on my very favorite island. This book was full of twists and turns and even the expected unexpected that always keeps you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to the next book in this series, as this one left me hanging just a bit and ended way to soon! Thank you Toby for sharing your gift with us. I am an ARC reader, but my review is my own opinion.
May 26, 2018
Wow, another great in this awesome crime series, starring Sophie and her dog. Trouble in paradise for sure. They are caught up in a murder, and it’s definitely impossible to stop reading until you’re finished.
May 29, 2018
Continuing the excellence
I am so totally hooked on this series! Like with the Lei Crime series, this features strong characters who are very human in their lives. I adore Sophie, and commiserate with her when she is depressed. All the men are freaking awesome, though I am not sure yet whether I am happy with her current decision on which one to be with.
And I have to say, I utterly detest Pim Wat! The testament to an amazing author, when you can't stand her characters because they are SO believable!
Keep them coming Ms. Neal, please!!
I am so totally hooked on this series! Like with the Lei Crime series, this features strong characters who are very human in their lives. I adore Sophie, and commiserate with her when she is depressed. All the men are freaking awesome, though I am not sure yet whether I am happy with her current decision on which one to be with.
And I have to say, I utterly detest Pim Wat! The testament to an amazing author, when you can't stand her characters because they are SO believable!
Keep them coming Ms. Neal, please!!
May 18, 2018
Just finished my arc copy of wired secret and I have to say that which each new book in this series im getting to know sophie better. In this latest book all 3 of her guys are fighting for a chance to win her heart. This a non stop action plus lots of twists and turns and jaw dropping moments.
May 20, 2018
Non-stop action with lots of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. Sophie's character continues to develop. I can't wait for where Sophie will take us next.
May 24, 2018
Great book
I found this author by accident and fell in love with the books. I have read most of them. They are all good.
I found this author by accident and fell in love with the books. I have read most of them. They are all good.
May 28, 2018
Love, love, love Toby Neal!!!! Her books are "can't put down" good! I am truly a Sophie Ang fan.
She can't stay out of trouble! LOL. Wired Secrets takes Sophie deep into her depression, but thankfully is ok. I laughed, cried and yelled,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks Toby, now I am patiently waiting on #8 Wired Fear.
She can't stay out of trouble! LOL. Wired Secrets takes Sophie deep into her depression, but thankfully is ok. I laughed, cried and yelled,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks Toby, now I am patiently waiting on #8 Wired Fear.
May 22, 2018
WIRED SECRETS by Toby Neal Paradise Crime 7
Chang’s a drug family; private firm Sophie and Jake getting Holly into witness program. Before they leave the cell, a riot, and a jammer used so no signal out. Needing help from Conner, an ex boyfriend, there is a leak in the Hawaiian branch of WITSEC, take the case that’s all. Her personal life, she is too honest Alika, boyfriend of Sophie, as well as Jake her partner, feelings for both, that hurts them. Then her motherhas a Proposal, that cant be good either.
Chang’s a drug family; private firm Sophie and Jake getting Holly into witness program. Before they leave the cell, a riot, and a jammer used so no signal out. Needing help from Conner, an ex boyfriend, there is a leak in the Hawaiian branch of WITSEC, take the case that’s all. Her personal life, she is too honest Alika, boyfriend of Sophie, as well as Jake her partner, feelings for both, that hurts them. Then her motherhas a Proposal, that cant be good either.
June 5, 2018
Toby Neal has a number of storylines and series going on. All take place in Hawaii, and while I've become at least somewhat familiar with who's who by virtue of following this particular series, it's worth knowing more for her world-building skill than any need to have the background. Suffice it to say she populates this series with those characters, and gives you enough of a peek into them that you could set yourself up for reading a lot of her material.
This is the seventh about her part Thai, part American heroine, Sophie Ang. The first few books in the series were brilliant (IMHO) for the world that got painted of a woman who escaped from a sadistic husband to the world of computers and crime as an FBI agent and MMA (Mised Martial Arts) fighter. Mostly, I was charmed by a character who didn't react like a Western woman, but who struggled with language, customs, her history with her ex and depression. Solid characters drove the first books. Then she began to come out of her shell and had to deal with a whole lot of crap. Shot, beaten, heartbroken - up and down all the time.
This latest follows her as she attempts to escape her past and discover herself. Along the way tables keep getting turned, depression is a omni-present issue, men come and go. That's the good stuff. There's a great deal of good stuff. But there are just enough odd, "only in fiction conspiracy theory driven" plot twists to take away from what I see was the real strength of the character. I'm a fan of the character, but a little bit soured on the plot twists and turns, so that's why it didn't get all the stars.
This is the seventh about her part Thai, part American heroine, Sophie Ang. The first few books in the series were brilliant (IMHO) for the world that got painted of a woman who escaped from a sadistic husband to the world of computers and crime as an FBI agent and MMA (Mised Martial Arts) fighter. Mostly, I was charmed by a character who didn't react like a Western woman, but who struggled with language, customs, her history with her ex and depression. Solid characters drove the first books. Then she began to come out of her shell and had to deal with a whole lot of crap. Shot, beaten, heartbroken - up and down all the time.
This latest follows her as she attempts to escape her past and discover herself. Along the way tables keep getting turned, depression is a omni-present issue, men come and go. That's the good stuff. There's a great deal of good stuff. But there are just enough odd, "only in fiction conspiracy theory driven" plot twists to take away from what I see was the real strength of the character. I'm a fan of the character, but a little bit soured on the plot twists and turns, so that's why it didn't get all the stars.
March 17, 2021
Sophie is charged with protecting Holly Rames who has gone into the Witness Protection Program awaiting the trial of Akane Chang. U. S. Marshall Matsue and Sophie take Holly to a safe house, but the safe house is compromised and Holly is killed. Sophie decides to go on her own where she camps in the wilderness. She falls into a deep, deep depression and is in danger of losing her life. She decides she wants to live and manages to contact Conner who rescues her and takes her to his private island in Thailand to recover. Throughout this story Sophie has conflicting feelings about Conner, Alika and Jake—she cares for all three of them. As the trial nears Sophie goes to her father’s apartment building in Oahu where the trial is about to start. The Chang family is trying to do anything they can to disrupt the trial. Byron Chang is killed but Akane’s trial is proceeding. Alika shows up at her father’s unannounced where he wants to give Sophie a ring. A staff member gives a package to Sophie saying it’s from Dr. Wilson. As she, Alika and Ginger head to the elevator, the unthinkable happens—the package is a bomb intended to keep Sophie from testifying. Thanks to Ginger Sophie escapes with broken ribs and lots of cuts and bruises. But Alika is not so lucky. He is alive but has lost his arm in the blast. Sophie is devastated and feels it is her fault and wants to stay as far away from Alika as she can. It is now time for her to testify and Akane is sent to prison for good. There is so much more to this story than these few highlights. I was totally absorbed in this book and am still thinking about it to this day. I love the Wired series and highly recommended it.
April 23, 2021
The author, a psychologist, states in the author notes that she is exploring clinical depression with Sophie. I understand that desire, and hopefully it is helping readers who suffer from - or have a loved one suffering from - it, but it makes for boring reading. How many times can the dark wings of depression flutter around her? How many more times is she going to hole up in the dark and have a friend come dig her out? Add to that her constant indecision on which man she should be with and...
Seven books in - it's time to move on. Sophie needs some character development, and not by eliminating choices or throwing a new obstacle at her or having someone make a decision for her. She is a grown up who knows she needs help. Get some.
This book is a continuation of the last one (Wired Justice) which absolutely needs to be read before this one. In fact, this would be a hard series to jump into the middle of since so much of Sophie's story is revealed in prior novels. In Wired Secret, Sophie is in WitSec until she can testify, and her mother is still in town waiting for her answer on joining the secret society that protects the Thai monarch.
This is not family friendly due to violence and language. Overall, it isn't a bad book but it's not the best book in this series.
Seven books in - it's time to move on. Sophie needs some character development, and not by eliminating choices or throwing a new obstacle at her or having someone make a decision for her. She is a grown up who knows she needs help. Get some.
This book is a continuation of the last one (Wired Justice) which absolutely needs to be read before this one. In fact, this would be a hard series to jump into the middle of since so much of Sophie's story is revealed in prior novels. In Wired Secret, Sophie is in WitSec until she can testify, and her mother is still in town waiting for her answer on joining the secret society that protects the Thai monarch.
This is not family friendly due to violence and language. Overall, it isn't a bad book but it's not the best book in this series.
July 1, 2018
Unwired
Contrary to what appears to be popular opinion, I am not enamored with the continuation of Sophie Ang’s story, “Wired Secret”. It follows Sophie and her dog Ginger, as she accepts an assignment to guard a client in witness protection who is scheduled to testify at the trial of a Hawaiian mob figure. Amidst this high drama, Sophie is again battling severe and debilitating depression and is simultaneously involved to varying degrees with three different men. Whew! The concept makes my head spin. I love a fast-paced thriller that can keep me flipping pages well past bedtime but this one didn’t do it for me. I read and enjoyed “Torch Ginger” and “Somewhere On St. Thomas” by Toby Neal but this one, not so much. Part of that is most likely due to so much of the story being taken up by Sophie’s depressive state. It was just, well - depressing. I’m sure many readers enjoy and appreciate the research that must’ve gone into this book. However, I read mostly for pleasure and the depression, coupled with Sophie’s romantic dithering between Connor, Jake and Alika, was tiring. Several times I nearly relegated it to the DNF shelf but I persevered and was simply relieved to finish it.
Contrary to what appears to be popular opinion, I am not enamored with the continuation of Sophie Ang’s story, “Wired Secret”. It follows Sophie and her dog Ginger, as she accepts an assignment to guard a client in witness protection who is scheduled to testify at the trial of a Hawaiian mob figure. Amidst this high drama, Sophie is again battling severe and debilitating depression and is simultaneously involved to varying degrees with three different men. Whew! The concept makes my head spin. I love a fast-paced thriller that can keep me flipping pages well past bedtime but this one didn’t do it for me. I read and enjoyed “Torch Ginger” and “Somewhere On St. Thomas” by Toby Neal but this one, not so much. Part of that is most likely due to so much of the story being taken up by Sophie’s depressive state. It was just, well - depressing. I’m sure many readers enjoy and appreciate the research that must’ve gone into this book. However, I read mostly for pleasure and the depression, coupled with Sophie’s romantic dithering between Connor, Jake and Alika, was tiring. Several times I nearly relegated it to the DNF shelf but I persevered and was simply relieved to finish it.
June 26, 2018
I recommend this series
There isn't a Toby Neal book that I've read that I didn't like. And I like the character of Sophie Ang and the Paradise Crime Series, but this was not one of my favorites and neither was the last one. For some reason, I'm not a big fan of the multiple-POV contrivance of these two novels and I can't explain why. Nor am I enamored of the more romantic bent these two books have taken. I know Sophie is conflicted but too much time is being devoted to her dilemma of which man is the one for her, if any. I don't know, maybe this says more about me than her. Will I stop reading this series? No way. I have too much invested in Sophie and I'm curious where this will go. And, for the record, I'm rooting for Connor!
There isn't a Toby Neal book that I've read that I didn't like. And I like the character of Sophie Ang and the Paradise Crime Series, but this was not one of my favorites and neither was the last one. For some reason, I'm not a big fan of the multiple-POV contrivance of these two novels and I can't explain why. Nor am I enamored of the more romantic bent these two books have taken. I know Sophie is conflicted but too much time is being devoted to her dilemma of which man is the one for her, if any. I don't know, maybe this says more about me than her. Will I stop reading this series? No way. I have too much invested in Sophie and I'm curious where this will go. And, for the record, I'm rooting for Connor!
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