This is the third in the Eve Ronin series and it doesn’t disappoint. While Eve and Duncan are still investigating the robberies, they get called to the scene of stillbirth but soon find the case is more complicated. This is fast paced police procedural that kept my interest from the beginning. Which isn’t surprising since Lee Goldberg is a veteran tv writer. The humor is well done and adds just enough levity to balance some of the much darker scenes. I really love the partnership between Duncan and Eve. FYI: This series should be read in order since Eve’s background and prior cases are important.

Gated Prey is the third book in the Eve Ronin series, about a young LA Sheriff’s Department detective who is popular with the public, but resented by most of her colleagues after being fast-tracked in her career thanks to a viral video, then uncovering major corruption amongst the local deputies. I’ve enjoyed all of the series to date, and this one delivers another well paced thriller featuring a likeably flawed heroine. This would work fine as a stand-alone as you get all the backstory you need, but the previous books are great, so you might as well start from the beginning.

Eve and her partner Duncan Pavone, who is months from retirement, are conducting an undercover sting operation, posing as a nouveau riche couple to catch a gang of armed home invaders targeting the wealthy inhabitants of Calabasas’ exclusive gated communities. When the thieves take the bait, a deliberate failure of back-up by Eve’s enemies leads to fatalities. The top brass are keen to move on, but Eve suspects there’s more to it, then another case in the same development catches her attention. Can Eve and Duncan outwit the publicity-hungry wannabe politicians, untrustworthy deputies and cunning criminals before anyone else is killed?

This is a fun police procedural series, nothing too dark although one of the cases is unexpectedly twisted. I liked the relationship between Eve and Duncan - although I don’t recommend reading this if you’re trying to diet - they are constantly eating super-yummy and highly calorific-sounding food. There’s humour and an unpredictable mystery and enough action to keep things moving very nicely. I commented in my reviews of the previous two instalments that they payed a bit too much homage to the Harry Bosch books, so was pleased that this one avoided imitation and works just fine without it. The subplot about plans to make a TV series based on Eve’s career - and her complicated feelings about it, added an extra layer of interest and I look forward to seeing where Goldberg takes the series next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Gated Prey is published on October 26th.

I stumbled across author Lee Goldberg when his book True Fiction was listed as an Amazon Prime First Reads. I loved that one and if given the chance to read another of his I seek it out! His books are like watching an episode of my favorite police procedural television show, definitely my guilty pleasure.

In Gated Prey, Eve Ronin is back with her soon to be retired partnership, Duncan Pavone, executing a sting to nab violent home invaders in an exclusive gated community. Their sting works, but after nearly being killed herself, leaves questions for Eve that she needs answered even if the brass considers the case closed.

Action packed, full of suspense and unexpected twists, this installment of the series is pure enjoyment.

In her third series entry, Calabasas detective Eve Ronin has to solve a series of home invasions and a case of fetal abduction, while continuing to fend off challenges within the LA County Sheriff's Department, her nascent TV career, and her family.

This latter series of challenges -- LASD politics, her TV show, and family -- take a back seat in this entry to the crimes, which makes for a more straightforward police procedural at the expense of moving her character along. And the ultimate reveal is so obvious that you wonder if it was ever really meant to be a mystery.

On the plus side, Eve's partner, Duncan "Donuts" Pavone, is elevated to full co-star in this story, and that's good -- he's a great comic foil and also a good detective. That elevates my rating to 4 1/2 stars, which I'm going to round up to five because this was overall a fun, fast-paced read.

After a slightly disappointing start, the Eve Ronin series has gotten better with the two subsequent entries, and I for one, being a big fan of Lee Goldberg, look forward to the next entry, especially if it returns to her personal story arc.

Gated Prey, by Lee Goldberg, is the third installment featuring new Det. Eve Ronin. Eve and her soon-to-be retired partner Duncan are trying to stop a series of violent home invasions in swanky gated communities. They decide to go undercover as a sugar daddy and his much younger wife and they go around town flaunting money. The plan works but it turns out it's nothing like what they expected.

This is the first book I've read of Goldbergs but certainly will not be the last. I've racked my head the last few days trying to come up with a comparison for Goldberg but especially Eve. Her character, in the recesses of my brain, felt familiar but I knew I was meeting her for the first time. Then it hit me: the TV Det. Adrian Monk, without the debilitating OCD. The only real similarity they share is the uncanny ability to put two-and-two together when no one else could.

Gated Prey might be part of a series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. While it is obvious a lot has happened in the first two books, Goldberg does a good job of highlighting her rise in the department, but not knowing the full picture isn't a detriment to the story. In fact, Goldberg does such a good job of hitting the high notes of Eve's career it makes you curious to find out more about her. At least it did for me.

Gated Prey is short and sweet and Goldberg uses action sparingly but effectively. The detective work is what moves the story along but make no mistake, Eve Ronin is the star of the show.

I'd like to thank Lee Goldberg, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of Gated Prey.

Eve Ronin is undercover. A series of burglaries in gated communities has left the police baffled, who is doing it and how do they enter? Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg is the third book in this series. The trap seems to work but it soon turns into two cases, one about the robberies and one about a still born baby. Oh, I must not forget the usual problems Eve has with her colleagues. I find this series entertaining and am glad to have found another strong female main character. It is also interesting that Goldberg uses cases that has happened as a base for this series it makes it a lot more interesting and also frightening. I must as usual thank @netgalley and "ThomasAndMercer for giving me this advance copy of #GatedPrey and @leegoldberg007 for writing it. If you haven't tried his books you really should, they are great.

Gated Prey was #3 in a police procedural series and I hadn't read the first two books, but I still enjoyed this one and could follow along just fine.

Eve Ronin is an LACS (LA County Sheriff) detective struggling with sexism on the force and her own accidental notoriety. She's also trying to solve two different crimes set in gated communities in L.A.

I really liked Eve and the vibe of this book reminded me of the work one of my favorite police procedural novelists, Michael Connelly. Both Eve and Bosch are lone wolf types who struggle in the political atmosphere of their departments but have close relationships with their work partners.

While this book was a little lean on the descriptive side, I really did enjoy it! I'll definitely go back and try to read the prior two books!

Another great fast paced, action filled and well written police procedural. Eve Ronin is a smart and headstrong rookie detective trying to prove herself in a department where most don't believe she deserves her job.  She is partnered with a seasoned detective who would like nothing more than to just bide his time until his upcoming retirement.  The dark and gritty cases are offset by some witty dialogue and dark cop humour which I really enjoyed. I found this to be a thoroughly entertaining read.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC

Eve Ronin is someone I never had the pleasure of meeting until Lee Goldberg dropped this fast-paced, go get ‘em adventure in Gated Prey. This is the third installment of Goldberg’s Ronin series and I am kicking myself for not having read them before and letting the first couple slip through the cracks.

Eve Ronin is a top-notch police investigator who you meet in an extremely unusual situation as she and her partner (Duncan Pavone) are on the hunt for the perps of high-end home burglaries. Just as the operation is getting hot and heavy, the investigators’ plan goes sideways. A couple of dead bad guys and a slaughtered Bentley later the case is seemingly solved. As if crime never sleeps, Ronin is forced into another case trying to determine what happened when a mother has a dead newborn in her arms in another gated community.

Eve Ronin is the perfect example of the law enforcement personnel you want to investigate the atrocities that are committed in your community. Goldberg finds the perfect balance of treachery and resolve in the strong female character of Eve Ronin. She is a force to be reckoned with that all criminals will hate to come face to face with and one that is deserved of the big screen. Goldberg's writing makes for an amazingly easy read and plays out just like the Hollywood we all know and hear about in real life.

I’m a long time fan of Janet Evanovich and through her books I discovered Lee Goldberg. I feel like they have similar writing styles which I obviously enjoy! This is the third installment in this series and I feel like it’s just as strong as his other books. As always, the characters are entertaining and the plots are intriguing. I highly recommend this author and look forward to more books!

This is the third in the Detective Eve Ronin series; it is the second one I have read and really enjoyed.

Eve is a minor celebrity, as some of her actions in the past were caught on video, went viral, and, much to the consternation of some in the LA County Sheriff Department, led to her early promotion to detective. While she has some supporters within the department, there are still others out to get her. Eve is relentless in her pursuit of criminals, while somehow maintaining a sense of humor and resonance with the reader. Her quick thinking and ability to read clues indicate she is well deserved of her promotion. I enjoy the caricature of Duncan, Eve’s partner; I will miss him when he finally retires.

This book was well written and fast moving with good character development. I read a lot of mysteries/police procedurals; this series seems to be a cut above so many others. This reads well as a standalone, but it should encourage readers to seek out the first two books in the series.

Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg is the third book in the Eve Ronin series. What was supposed to be an easy sting operation in a gated community becomes a violent confrontation between the police and the gang. Eve and her partner Duncan Pavone are posing as a wealthy couple who have been flaunting their wealth to provoke this robbery ring to hit their mansion. The ruse works; however, all three members of this gang are killed. Eve’s bosses are adamant, the case is closed, but Eve and Duncan have other ideas. Thank you, Net Galley, for this ARC.

Gated Prey, the latest novel by Lee Goldberg due to be published on October 26, 2021 is a cleverly crafted thriller sure to please fans of this genre. This is the third book in Mr. Goldberg’s Eve Ronin series and, by far, the most intriguing.

The story line begins with a series of robberies in upscale gated communities, which particularly piqued my interest since I live in a similar community. It continues with insights into the politics involved in police departments, murders and descriptions of how crimes are solved along with a lot of lucky coincidences. There are several diversions and references to prior happenings in Eve Ronin novels.

There is great character development along with many plot twists and turns and readers will be stunned by the outcome. I would be surprised if all readers won’t say “I never saw that coming!”

I thank NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read and review Gated Prey and look forward to the next installment.

Eve Ronin has been promoted to detective, over longer serving and more qualified officers. At least that’s the sentiment among fellow officers. Eve and her partner are working undercover to catch a crew robbing expensive houses. Backup fails to arrive in time and the shit show begins. This book grabbed me from the first page. It is fast paced with a good plot. I didn’t see part of the ending coming. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for a honest review. Thankyou Thomas and Mercer.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this. I loved the first two books in the series and was shattered to find the third book wouldn't be available for ten months. I was checking Netgalley weekly to see when the ARC's would be available and I was thrilled to be approved. And the book itself didn't disappoint.

Eve Ronin is back and raring to fight crime and give justice. Unfortunately her fellow officers still mostly don't like her, her superior officers definitely don't and the police department as a whole is ready to sacrifice her for public opinion. I like Eve a lot but she has zero social skills - she really needs to find a way to do her job and not piss off everyone she meets. Like the last two books it continued to annoy me that Eve still seesaws between political savvy and political ignorance. Fair enough if you don't want to play the game, but don't sit back and pretend you don't understand it.

Jen made a few appearances contributing her motherly wisdom - some of which was actually decent advice for all Eve dismisses her. I kind of want to see Jen create and take over Eve's social media accounts. I'm sure it'd be hysterical. Burnside also appears and I'd love to learn more about her. Duncan continued to be an amusing and steadfast partner. Duncan was more outspoken in this one, more willing to stand up for his beliefs and throw his weight behind Eve to get justice the closer he gets to retirement. It made for some interesting confrontations with their fellow and superior officers.

One thing that did irritate me was the focus on food. It felt like every time anything happened they had to stop and eat and make fat jokes. And frankly the cliche of the fat cop who eats and stains all their shirts got old fast. I could've done without.

The mystery though was fantastic. The plot was fast paced and complex and had me riveted. I guessed some parts and totally missed others. Everywhere Eve stepped there were clues and crimes and I was hooked. I loved Eve's dedication to slogging through video footage and crime reports and the way she worked towards solving the case.

Another fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one.

4 stars.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Lee Goldberg, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Having discovered the world of Lee Goldberg a few years ago, I have been pulled into the middle of this great series. The reader is sure to remain on the edge of their seat throughout. Goldberg’s television background shines through in the narrative, providing a story that would be perfect for the small screen. Eve Ronin is a detective used to fame, though she’s had to struggle with how that stardom has strained the relationships she has with colleagues. Goldberg does a masterful job in short order with a police procedural sure to tug on the heartstrings.

Eve Ronin has had a meteoric rise within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, having made detective faster than anyone else in recent memory. This comes with some issues, as many believe that she leapfrogged over others who have been putting in time and effort. While she’s happy with her position, it is still a daily struggle to be recognised as worthy.

Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone, are working undercover to capture some violent home invaders in a honey trap, who have been targeting rich couples within gated communities. When the sting yields a band of bandits, things go sideways and the suspects’ bodies lay in pools of blood. Surely not what Ronin and Pavone had in mind.

While some would call this an open and shut case, Ronin is not so sure. The targets might be part of a larger crime ring and Ronin is determined to get some answers. Working inside the gated community, she stumbles upon a young woman who gives birth to a stillborn. What seems like a horrible, yet simple, situation soon gets more complicated when the M.E. makes a startling discovery.

As Ronin digs a little deeper on both cases, she cannot help but wonder if this is a trap and whether someone’s targeted her directly. She’s trying to stay focussed, but even Pavone cannot lock Ronin into being positive. Something’s got to give as Ronin tugs on numerous threads in order to get to the heart of justice.

Lee Goldberg does well with his storytelling, leaving the reader to feel as though they are part of a great television drama. Strong writing with just enough humour to keep the reader from getting too bogged down, this series is coming into its own and flows extremely well. One can hope that Goldberg will keep things moving for the foreseeable future, as there’s something special about what he’s started.

Eve Ronin continues to dazzle and show her gritty side as she progresses in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Squabbles aside, her rise in the ranks has been helpful for her, as she makes a name for herself and slowly earns the respect of her superiors. Her dedication to the job is apparent and she’s surrounded with some strong supporting characters, some of whom have made appearances in the previous two books. Goldberg has a wonderful way of developing his characters so that they seem quite relatable to the reader.

In a story that seems ripped from television, Goldberg keeps the energy high throughout. A strong narrative that keeps gaining momentum throughout, Goldberg is able to spin a tale that can easily be visualized by the attentive reader. Shorter chapters push the story forward and begs the reader to ‘try just a little more’ before putting it down. This is a great series and I can only hope that Goldberg has more in store for Ronin in the coming months.

Kudos, Mr. Goldberg, as you continue to impress me with what you publish.

This is the third book in the series featuring female homicide detective Eve Ronin. We’ve previously learned that Eve earned her promotion to detective through an act, caught on video, that the ambitious but beleaguered Los Angeles County Sheriff publicly utilised to create some positive press at time the department was beset by scandal. This made her unpopular amongst the rank and file and this antipathy was later further fuelled by her exposure of a destructive secret clan within the ranks. So we reach this point with the young detective looking over her shoulder wondering who has her back and who might be willing to stab her in the self-same place.

Each episode has thus far taken place in the space of a few months and so the wounds of the past – both physical and mental – are still fresh ones. Eve’s partner, a seasoned veteran who is most definitely on her side, is due to retire shortly and this is both a blessing and a curse: on the upside he’s keen to pass on as much of his accumulated wisdom as time will allow but the offset is that at the first sniff of anything vaguely dangerous he’s quick to beat a hasty retreat, leaving his inexperienced partner to face the music. The action takes place in and around the Californian city of Calabasas, an enclave for the rich and famous, close to their costal playground of Malibu.

This time we follow Eve as she investigates two cases: a series of robberies carried out in gated communities populated by wealthy homeowners and a strange event involving a still born baby. The set-up will be familiar to readers of Michael Connelly’s Bosch series, in that its lead character is a pushy, devoted (some might say obsessional) cop who has regular clashes with authority. The fact that it’s set close to Bosch territory further accentuates the similarities. And I don't view this as necessarily a bad thing as Ronin is an interesting character in and of herself and each of the cases here are intriguing in their own right.

As it happens, I did work out the answer to one of the key mysteries early on but truthfully this didn’t diminish my enjoyment. For me crime fiction is always about the people, their interactions and the dialogue first and foremost, everything else is a secondary consideration. And I do believe that therein lies the strength of this series. I really hope that Goldberg will be able to keep it going for some time, but my doubts about how long the core concept of a rookie detective (who seems to shoot often and takes too few prisoners) and her eve of retirement partner can be sustained does cause me to ponder whether this can be achieved. Either way this book and its forerunners are worth catching – not quite Bosch, but close enough.

Gated Prey is the third entry in Lee Goldberg's Detective Eve Ronin series. In order to have a better understanding of the background, it is better to begin with the first and second books that explain how rookie Eve Ronin ends up in the homicide squad and the resentment the Sheriff's department expresses toward for her high profile appointment and for her role in exposing the corruption in the department.
Two plot threads are included in this third book. One has to do with a Eve and partner Duncan Pavone pretending to be a wealthy couple in order to catch the home invaders who have been hitting very wealthy homes in an exclusive and gated community. The second has to with Eve's questions about a still birth that has serious implications.

From the first book, Duncan Pavone's imminent retirement has been discussed. If Duncan retires, I'm not sure the series will succeed. His mentorship and support help keep Eve balanced. He is the perfect experienced foil to Eve's impulsiveness.

Read in May.

NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer

Police Procedural. Oct. 26, 2021. Print length: 268 pages

This is such an interesting series where the author weaves fast-paced action together with humor and great characterization. In the third book of the Eve Ronin series, Eve and her soon-to-be-retired mentor, Duncan, start off with a sting operation that fast becomes deadly. From there, the duo soon gets caught up inn another mystery which they solve with diligence and determination, and finally wrap up the first crime.

Along the way, Duncan disperses his particular brand of humor, together with pearls of wisdom. Eve is a wonderful protagonist but to really understand her motivations and what drives her, you really should read the first two books in the series.

I really enjoyed Gated Prey and highly recommend, not only this book, but the other two, as well. Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance copy!

Lee Goldberg does it again! I love the ebb and flow of cases around Eve and Duncan as this one follows a group of home invaders. It is never that simple though! I also love the side characters like Eve’s family, especially her mom, and the agent. The politics of the sheriffs office is fascinating and exciting. All around, a perfect book and series for me!

I am so happy that I received an arc from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.