In the third thriller in his Sharpe and Walker series, Hidden in Smoke, Lee Goldberg brings back a character from the first book, Malibu Burning. But, Goldberg and I both want to emphasize that you can start with this book, although it’s more fun if you read the first one.
Walter Sharpe is an experienced arson investigator teamed up with Andrew Walker, a former U.S. Marshal who still longs for his days as a manhunter. It’s Walker who travels to Japan to track down an old acquaintance who owes him a favor, hoping to set in motion a plan to lower the obscene cost of a medicine for epilepsy. That three-day trip sets in motion an unbelievable con, but it doesn’t change Walker’s day-to-day job as an arson investigator.
In the middle of the night, the two men are called to multiple scenes of arsons, cars on fire under various apartment complexes in LA. The sheriff gives them unlimited powers, but they take advantage of those powers when one of the freeways becomes the site of another arson fire. As their arson case turns to murder, Walker calls in homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan “Donuts” Pavone.
Once again, Goldberg provides a complex crime novel with characters who are humorous, hard-working and innovative. He even introduces a new police officer who shows potential. And, of course, the return of the character from Malibu Burning adds depth.
You can certainly read all three of these novels without reading the Eve Ronin thrillers. However, Goldberg’s two series blend beautifully. If you enjoy thrillers with great characters and a lot of action, try both series. But, don’t hesitate to pick up the one you can get this week, Hidden in Smoke.
Lee Goldberg’s website is www.leegoldberg.com
Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg. Thomas & Mercer, 2025. ISBN 971662526466 (hardcover), 300p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with no promise of a positive review.
Very much enjoyed it. My review runs Tuesday as Aubrey has Monday.
Perfect! Tomorrow is release day anyways, Kevin, and I usually run my review on release day. At the moment, though, I have nothing for tomorrow, so I ran it today.
As a fan of the Ronin and Sharpe & Walker series, of course I am looking forward to this. I’m hoping I get the notice from the library soon. The last collaboration of the team was mostly Walker & Ronin.
Lots of arson in this one, Jeff, so you’ll see Sharpe. But, I won’t spoil the book for you.
Thank you, Lesa, for the great review! I’m delighted that you enjoyed the book.
Eve Ronin returns in FALLEN STAR in October… and Sharpe & Walker also play a significant role in the story (the galley is already available on NetGalley).
Lee
Terrific book, Lee. And, I already have Fallen Star in NetGalley. Kevin Tipple and I inform each other when we catch one of your books there. Thank you!
Will you be reviewing HIDDEN IN SMOKE for Library Journal?
I am busy writing a new novel that’s not part of either the Eve Ronin or Sharpe & Walker series. I should be out in Spring 2026.
After that, probably another Eve Ronin…
I’m afraid I won’t be reviewing Hidden in Smoke for Library Journal, Lee. I no longer review for them. I have some health issues that made 10 books a month more than I could handle on a regular schedule, so I resigned. I loved the opportunity there, but I felt as if I was letting them down.
I still review here, and on NetGalley, which means my reviews will also appear on Amazon.
I’m sorry to hear about your health issues! I’m glad you prioritized yourself over reviewing books. And I appreciate your reviews whereever they appear 🙂
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve only read CALICO–and I loved it. I have an awful lot of catching up to do, don’t I?
You do have some catching up to do since the Eve Ronin series is a police procedural, Kim. But, you have to publicize Splintered Justice first.
Kim, I’ve read a lot of Lee Goldberg’s books, and CALICO was a definite favorite.
By the way, I finished SPLINTERED JUSTICE yesterday. Good one! More on Thursday.
I’m glad you enjoyed CALICO — that’s a book very close to my heart.