Lee Goldberg’s fourth Eve Ronin mystery, Movieland, is fast-paced and riveting. While Ronin is still the focus, it’s her partner, Detective Duncan Pavone, who goes rogue this time. What can the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department do when Duncan is two weeks from retirement?

Malibu Creek State Park had once been a movie and TV set until Twentieth Century Fox donated it to the state of California in 1975. Now, it’s 8,000 acres in the middle of a metropolitan area, a gem, but also a perfect target for a sniper who can easily remain hidden. When two female campers are shot, and one dies, it makes all the headlines. But, Duncan blames himself. He’s convinced the shootings could have been avoided, but the politicians, the sheriff’s department, and the park system did not want the bad publicity. Although the sniper had been active long before Eve joined the Lost Hills Sheriff’s staton, no one had warned the public.

Eve and Duncan are assigned the murder investigation, and they have their hands full. It’s Zena Faust’s girlfriend who was killed. Faust is an activity blogger who was already a harsh critic of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station. She focuses on corrupt politicians, developers and celebrities. What happens when she learns forces joined together to keep the truth from the public?

In the course of their investigation, Eve and Duncan uncover incidents involving all that powerful group – “corrupt politicians, developers and celebrities.” Their case takes them all over the area surrounding Malibu Creek State Park, but before they uncover the truth, there is another murder, and an attempt on Eve’s life. Then, Duncan can’t take it anymore, and he’s willing to speak up and tell the truth.

Movieland is one of the best books in the Eve Ronin series. As Pavone prepares for retirement, Eve is worried “about who would protect her from herself once he was gone”. The partners both know she’s relied on him to make up for her inexperience in a job she wasn’t really prepared to handle. She might have a determination to find justice, but Duncan’s experience has benefited both of them in the last couple years. The focus on the partners in this book adds to the enjoyment.

Goldberg’s author’s note is an added feature, providing the background for Movieland. This compelling police procedural has roots in reality. If you haven’t read this series yet, you might want to check it out.

Lee Goldberg’s website is http://leegoldberg.com/

Movieland by Lee Goldberg. Thomas & Mercer, 2022. 978166250064 (paperback), 351p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley to review for a journal.