Lately I have been reading more. Must be the new glasses. Lei Crime Series is by far an interesting mystery with just about the right amount of romance thrown in. I like the fact that you could pick up one of the books in the series and actually read it without getting lost. Each of these books stand alone in a sense, but one should start at the beginning to see how Lei's personal life unfolds. Kathy Beber lent me the first four books. Thank you very much, Sis. I am trying to get the 5th book at Booklending.com, but so far I haven't had any luck. Buying books on a fixed income is sometimes impossible. For some unfathomable reason, the library doesn't buy her books. I tried to tell them that their patrons would enjoy them. I will keep working on this. It helps sometimes to have a daughter that is a librarian.
Here are some excerpts from the private messages I have sent Toby Neal as I have finished each of the first four: (excluding her replies for privacy reasons)
Just read Blood Orchids. Fascinating read. Couldn't guess the killer until Lei killed him. Ray was predictable, but only after he quit showing up at class. Thanks for the diversion from everyday life.
Do your other readers get their days and nights mixed up from reading your books? Waiting for my friend to lend me Book 4. Can't wait. It is fun getting to know Hawaii from your books. Glad you offed those two evil ones in Black Jasmine and had to laugh at the situation they got themselves into believing they actually knew each other from their phone sex conversations. I am sorry though that there is actually an unsolved murder on the island. Makes one sad that such a beautiful paradise also has evil. Thanks again for the diversion.
Posted on my Facebook page: Just finished Book 4 in the Lei Crime series, "Broken Ferns" by Toby Neal. It did not disappoint. I did leave me wanting more. The author has a real handle on reality from both Lei and the criminal's point of view. The acknowledgement at the end of the book outlined how the author added more details about the "evil-doer" and that she had to rewrite the character several times because there was too much information included. I, myself, would like to see a book based on the criminal's life and the redemption of said life. I think it would be fascinating to explore that aspect of this particular character.
So if you are looking for a good read, check out this series.
