Despite the threat of Russian mobsters and snipers, Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department refuse to give up on their latest homicide, one that turns into a multiple homicide case. Readers can read Lee Goldberg’s Fallen Star without having read previous books in the series, but Goldberg warns there are references to earlier books in this one. For those who read the Sharpe and Walker series, they return in this book to work with Ronin and Pavone. Even Detective Beth McDade from Calico puts in an appearance when Ronin stops in Barstow. This one is a treat for Goldberg’s fans.
Eve Ronin’s entire career hangs in the balance when she stops a flash mob at a shopping center, but violates a few rules in the process. She’s suspended from her job, but that suspension could lead to political repercussions so she’s reinstated and back on the job the next day. She’s just in time to meet up with Duncan at the beach where a body was found shot and dumped in a barrel. Their new homicide case brings up all kinds of problems with crooked politicians, land developers, and Hollywood players. And, it only gets worse.
Eve and Duncan keep plugging away, but this investigation leads Eve to wonder if she can be morally correct while doing her job. The sheriff isn’t the only one who warns her to do her job and stay out of politics. But, in LA, image is so important. Eve just happens to have a conscience.
As usual in the Eve Ronin books, there are outlandish situations that only seem to happen to her. Of course, those situations led to the TV show about her, the one she hates. But, as a reader, and one who finds some of those situations to funny, I appreciate all of those situations that come up in the course of her life. Fallen Star is another enjoyable book in Goldberg’s entertaining series.
Lee Goldberg’s website is https://leegoldberg.com/
Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg. Thomas & Mercer, 2025. 303p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with no expectations.
I very much enjoyed it.
Me, too, Kevin. Loved that opening in the shopping center!
I’m looking forward to this. There has definitely been a shortage of Duncan in the last couple of books. I hope he’s back to himself here.
Plenty of Duncan in this one, Jeff. I think you’ll be happy!
Thank you for the great review! I miss you at LJ.
Thank you, Lee. Loved the book. That opening scene was hilarious!
Can you believe it? I’ve only read CALICO, which was terrific. Time to get the first Eve Ronin book!
I agree. You should pick up the first Eve Ronin book, Kim.
If I were a writer, I’d want to be Lee Goldberg when I grow up.
You obviously haven’t seen a picture of me lately.