Although Lee Goldberg’s Ashes Never Lie is the second novel featuring his arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker, the author manages to incorporate his other series characters, Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone, into this complex story. He adds a corpse at the scene of a fire, only to discover the foursome work well together. Walker, a former U.S. marshal, has been dying to get back into manhunting.
Sharpe and Walker are still learning to work together when they’re sent to a new development where a house caught fire. Sharpe’s convinced it’s arson, no matter what the fire department says. But, they soon have a more important case on their hands when a house goes up in flames, and a body is found inside. Ronin and Pavone, the cops assigned to the case could have called it suicide. But, Sharpe insists it was arson. And, the victim’s job leads them to another potential victim. With a dangerous arsonist on the run, Walker and Ronin realize they could hold the fate of the U.S. in their hands.
Ashes Never Lie skillfully blends several cases At the same time, Goldberg develops Walker’s character more, introducing his wife, and exploring their relationship. At times, the story seems to bog down a little with the number of storylines, but Goldberg ties them up beautifully. But, the best part of this latest book is the banter and the working relationship between the four investigators. Goldberg takes two pairs of partners, who no one else cares to work with, and blends them with humor and care.
Lee Goldberg’s website is https://leegoldberg.com/
Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg. Thomas & Mercer, 2024. ISBN 9781662512384 (hardcover), 288p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley so I could review the book for a journal.
I enjoyed your review of Lee Goldberg’s book–loved the book when I read it too. After meeting him at Bouchercon last year in San Diego, I’ve been on a Lee-Goldberg reading binge, and even have most of his old medical series books (“Diagnosis Murder”). Loved his recent book “Calico”–that plotline is incredible. Thanks for interviewing him! One of my favorite authors/screenwriters. Wish he’d write a “How To” book for writers!
Susan, If you go to this part of his website, https://leegoldberg.com/books/#nonfic, it lists his nonfiction books, including ones on writing for television.
I’ve been looking forward to this one since it was first announced. Glad Duncan decided not to retire.
Me, too, Jeff. While I like the others, Duncan is my favorite.
Wow, an ex-Navy Seal, one of my friends at work was one, so that puts him in high esteem for me. I checked out his books on Amazon and found one set in LA, one of my favorite places. Added it to my wish list1
Carol, His last couple series are set in LA.
Very much enjoyed this read. My review runs tomorrow on my blog.
I did, too, Kevin.