Renee began the Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk“ to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! My TT posts will not come from current ARCs or new releases. Means I’ll be going back over some of my oldies but goodies from this blog as well as my older reviews posted on Goodreads and/or Amazon. I gleaned many of these books from BookBub, including the one highlighted today, Torch Ginger. Hopefully, you’ll either find a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out.
Originally reviewed November 15, 2014
The Lei Crime Series by Toby Neal began in December 2011 with Blood Orchids and bloomed into twelve titles ending with Bitter Feast in May 2016. The series is set in the Hawaiian Islands and features smart, independent female protagonist Detective Lei (Leilani) Texeira. Through the series, we follow a romance with Lieutenant Michael Stevens, transfers to adjacent islands, to the FBI, and back to Maui where she is most comfortable. In the meantime, we see the rise of Sophie Ang, ITT expert, which will spin off into a separate, equally successful series. For now, let me introduce you to Torch Ginger, #2 of the series.
Book Blurb:
The island of Kaua`i is remote jungle, golden beaches and ancient culture–but transients are disappearing in paradise, and only Detective Lei Texeira notices. Fleeing a failed engagement, Detective Lei Texeira transfers to the island of Kaua`i, where she uncovers a pattern of disappearances that may be related to a bizarre cult–or is it just one madman at work? In Lei’s world, everyone is guilty until proven innocent. In Blood Orchids Lei battled her personal demons and won–but now they’ve come roaring back with reinforcements, including charming real estate magnate Alika Wolcott and former fiancé Michael Stevens. In the midst of the biggest case sleepy Kaua`i has ever seen, Lei must also discover who she loves. “Lei Texeira is both tough detective and a vulnerable woman in a winning Hawaii crime series created by novelist Toby Neal.” –David Bishop, mystery author
My Review: Torch Ginger
Neurotic and slightly damaged Leilani (Lei) Texeira makes a great detective on Kauai where there is a certain profile of men who seem to be disappearing and have been for some time. The police detective is paired with a new partner on a new island having been transferred there only recently where she discovers the island dynamic is not quite what the average tourist sees in the beautiful Garden Isle of the Pacific.
Lei knows her Hawaii, her village, the land, the weather, and most of the culture in which she is surrounded. She is haunted by the men in her life; the one who still gives her nightmares, as well as her father and her ex-fiancé’ who manages to be called into the same serial killing she discovered.
She badly wants to solve this on her own though eventually Stevens insists on help from her own captain and the FBI–who shall possibly become a new source of angst for her.
The hippie culture lives on in Hawaii enjoying the perfumed air, lush jungle-like mountains, and cold teeming waters. Is it possible it is there she’ll find her unsub?
I got this as a free download and grabbed it after I’d read and enjoyed Black Jasmine. Lei may be small, but that doesn’t equate to weak and I loved this series and devoured them as soon as they were made available! Recommended read for any mystery, thriller fans and anyone remotely interested in the beauty of Hawaii. And who isn’t?
The Author: Toby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii. In one way or another, she has been writing (and illustrating) since the age of five. Majoring in journalism, she settled on mental health as a career and is quoted as saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.” Toby credits that counseling background for adding depth to all her characters, from the villains to Lei. “Get TWO FREE full length Toby Neal books by signing up for her newsletter here! http://www.subscribepage.com/TobyNeal…”
©2017 Virginia Williams
More Throwback Thursday Blogs
Renee at Its Book Talk
Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe
Rebecca at The Book Whisperer
Lynn at Fictionophile
Sam at Clues and Reviews
Holly B at Dressedtoread
Rosepoint Publishing 