This is the fourth book in the Eve Ronin series, and I really enjoyed this book. (I have also read the other three) I like the character of Eve, and the partnership she has with Duncan.

This book was interesting as well because it is loosely based on shooting that took place in the area a few years ago. Definitely recommend, another enjoyable Eve Ronin book, thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

This is the latest in my favorite series that Lee Goldberg has written. All have great sense of place and fun characters.

I really like Lee Goldberg's books, but my favorites are those in the Eve Ronin series. They follow a pretty standard formula, but are always a fun read.

I love the partnership of Eve and "Donuts" - they respect each other and Duncan is the funny guy who helps Eve let go of some of her seriousness. This time, a serial sniper is on the loose in Los Angeles. There's no shortage of suspects, which keeps the reader guessing.

Can't wait to read the next one - because you know there will be a next one!

I didn't realize that this book was the 4th one in a series, and had I known that I probably would not have chosen it. While I thought the author did a good job of recapping the previous books when needed, I personally felt like I was missing something and it bothered me throughout the book. That being said, I did enjoy the story and am motivated to read the previous books in the series.
I would recommend this to others, with the caution to read the previous books in the series first.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone are assigned a case involving a shooting which has left one woman dead and one injured. Is it a random incident or a serial shooter?
Caveat: I did not realise this was the fourth book in the series when I started reading this. To this end, I feel it is somewhat unfair to give a review, but as I was given an ARC courtesy of Netgalley and the publishers, I'll do my best to do so.
Lee Goldberg is obviously a very experienced and succesful writer - and his work in TV and film, as well as prose, creeps in throughout the novel with an interesting insider's perspective and some interesting titbits.
There's clearly a lot happened in the first three books, and brief mentions of some of these events are sprinkled throughout the book. For a newcomer to the series it didn't really fill in enough detail for me to understand the relationship which I presume has been forged between Ronin and Pavone, although I'm guessing if you have read the rest of the series it might have been a little too much repetition. (I get how Ronin has been elevated in position due to her off duty take down of an abusive movie star, and after finishing the book I see that was the starting point for book one. Given it is still such a strong element by book four, I'm curious as to how much this has taken up in books 2 and 3).
Plot wise it was quick paced enough, but nothing really original - it seemed more like an episode of CSI or one of the other standard cop shows the book frequently references than an original novel. Character wise, I didn't really warm to either Ronin or Pavone. Maybe something else I've missed by joining late, but I didn't really get much from them other than she's committed and he's eating his way to retirement.
As I say - I feel it is unfair to judge a book when it was my mistake for not realising it was the fourth in the series, so it's probably me missing stuff and being the dummy for requesting to read...

Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone work in Robbery/Homicide. The novel starts with them interviewing a Las Virgenes Municipal Water District bureaucrat concerning two break-ins of the break room where two bags of Doritos, a package of double stuff Oreos, some other food items, a detective novel and a sweater were taken. Unfortunately, the bureaucrat has been watching too TV police procedurals and tells Eve and Duncan how this crime can be solved without leaving their desks. Luckily, they are saved by a phone call from their captain to go immediately to the scene of a shooting. While at the scene, Duncan tells Eve that this is his fault.

This is the fourth fast-paced murder mystery thriller with LA Sheriff’s detective, Eve Ronin, that every deputy in her station believes she does not deserve and thinks that she is a traitor because she busted several deputies for murder and caused one of them to commit suicide. There are three threads all in the voice of Eve. The major thread is the investigation of the murder and attempted murder. The second centers on a law suit against her by the wife of the deputy who committed suicide. The last thread centers on Eve’s involvement in the TV series based upon her. The survivor of the attack is an activist reporter. While in the hospital, she provides a list of all who my wish her harm. It is a laundry list of local politicians, developers, and rich home owners. As the novel unfolds, the list grows. The novel progresses quickly, but probably a slower than the previous novels in this series. Just the working through the problem in which all of the possible suspects do not fits all the facts captured my interest that is one of my major criteria for a large star rating.

A major contributor to the B-storyline is the multi-novel thread concerning a TV series based upon her. This reveals more personal interactions with her mother, father, and even more with Duncan who is a technical advisor on the series. More is revealed or reinforced with her interactions with the sheriff, her captain, other deputies and detectives. As Duncan is to retire in two weeks at the start of the novel, Eve is more introspective about herself going forward without Duncan. This C-storyline along with the B-storyline made reading this novel richer and more enjoyable to read.

As for the aspects that are reading-killers for some readers, vulgar, rude and impious language is present, but not an issue for me. I rate it with a yellow flag. There are not any intimate scenes, but there are some life-styles that a few readers may object. I rate this aspect a very light-yellow flag. Violence is present in both the more edgy as it occurs and described in the more clinical after the fact. I do not believe that there are any aspects in this novel to which most readers object.

For what I liked and disliked about this novel; let me start with what I believe will be the biggest complaint of negative reviews. Some of the action is a little over the top. The series is significantly based upon being an action novel that always is present in novels in novels employing this aspect. For the aspects that enhanced my enjoyment reading this novel, the major one was an ending did not end as I thought it would. I liked this literary grenade. The mentor/mentee relationship was more prevalent in this novel. I just didn’t want to stop reading this novel even late into the night and continue to read some upon waking.

I have read all the three previous books by this author, and based upon enjoying this series, I purchased four books of the previous series by this author. This author is in my Must-Read category, and I am looking forward to reading further books and series from this author. As I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, I recommend reading it. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based only by my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

I love a strong, smart, fearless female lead who doesn't take any BS from anyone and that woman is Detective Eve Ronin in "Movieland". Her fearless approach to catching the killer in this, the 4th installment of the Eve Ronin series by Lee Goldberg, while taking on the corruption within her own department makes for a great read. Her partner Duncan Pavone is just a few weeks shy of retirement and throws out some laugh out loud one liners making them the perfect combination of all business basassery and short timer sarcasm.

Another huge win for this book is that while it is fiction it is loosely based on actual shootings that took place in and around Malibu State Park a few years ago years. The author did a fantastic job of describing the location and its rich history in film making as the location for many movies and TV shows including MASH, Planet of the Apes and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and many more. I love a book that triggers me to research locations or events that are woven into the story.

Five stars from me for a book that really does have all of the elements of a fantastic read.

Eve Ronin has a new case. Someone has just been shot in a local park, and her partner Duncan believes that there have been similar cases which were covered up. Eve has a few enemies in the department who resent the attention she's gotten for solving high-profile cases, but she didn't expect that one of them would try to kill her. She doesn't believe that the person who is arrested is the real killer, but proving who did it, or indeed if there was only one culprit, will put Eve in another challenging spot. Great characters, a twisty plot, and plenty of action made this a book I just couldn't put down--I look forward to reading about Eve's next case.. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is the 4th book in the Eve Ronin series, and even though I haven't read the first books in the series, I still enjoyed this one, but do recommended you start from number 1. The book was a good solid read, and I will now read the rest. Recommended.

"Old Hollywood is just like a desert water hole in Africa. Hang around long enough and every kind of animal in the world will drift in for refreshments." (Will Rogers)

Some things never change. The hills of Calabasas, California and the area surrounding Malibu Creek State Park were the prime backdrop for Hollywood movie filming. The terrain could reflect anywhere in the world that the director envisioned. It still provides hidey holes for people with bad intentions.

Lee Goldberg takes us back to Calabasas and into the L.A. County Sheriff's Department located at the Lost Hills station. We'll come upon the duo of Detective Eve Ronin and Detective Duncan "Donuts" Pavone. Eve is the youngest detective serving in the robbery/homicide division. Eve has a reputation for being head-strong with a touch of defiance. But she's more than earned it after coming against some crooked individuals in her department. She's made plenty of enemies along the way. And Pavone is just clockin' time until he retires after thirty years of dedicated service.

This pair is in the midst of a report of a break-in at the local water district when they are radioed to attend to a shooting at the Malibu Creek State Park. A woman has been killed and another seriously injured near a pond. From all indications, it appears to have been a sniper attack. Eve, Duncan, and the crew search the area, but there is no longer a shooter on site. The park is made up of thousands of acres. No eyewitnesses. Limited evidence.

To complicate matters, the surviving woman is Zena Faust who is an activist blogger for the Malibu Beat. Zena prides herself on taking down anyone who interferes with the flora and fauna of the area. She also is known for keeping public servants in check through her blog. Kim, the murdered woman, was her partner. Healing is going to take on more than just physical injuries. She's going to hold Eve's feet to the fire. Zena has plenty of enemies to sift through.

Movieland straight-up can be read as a standalone. Lee Goldberg does a fine job of providing fill-ins here and there for backstories. Goldberg also sets out multiples of possibilities as to who the shooter is. Duncan fesses up that there have been other shootings similar to this one before Eve came onboard. No deaths until now. The park rangers haven't always reported them. Vehicles have been damaged from bird shot as well. Someone is keeping to a demented agenda. And when another death occurs and Eve is injured, it's time to get more than serious.

Movieland takes on an even deeper storyline in this fourth edition. Eve, although sometimes impulsive, is taking on the bones of a more seasoned detective. So young, but with the skills of a bloodhound. This case is a complicated one. More to love. And the trail will widen into some barbed wire covered paths leading to much much bigger game. A winner, Goldberg.

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Lee Goldberg for the opportunity.

You know how you read a series and at some point, it "jumps the shark," and you are left feeling like you have just wasted all your time getting invested in the main characters? I have enjoyed every book in this series, and this one is no exception. Eve has a good head on her shoulders and gets into some interesting situations. I know when I pick up an Eve Ronin book, I'm in for an adventure with an unexpected and satisfying ending.

The Eve Ronin series continues to get better and better each time. Goldberg does a fantastic job of intertwining all the subplots into an quick paced procedural. This is one series I look forward to year after year.

I've read many books by Lee Goldberg and have enjoyed them all. This one was no different. His books are faced pace and easy to read. Great characters that are easy to root for. I highly recommend this book.

Eve Ronin takes us on another headlong fight for justice while battling the corruption inherent in the sheriff's department, reluctantly contributing to a television series based on her escapades, and keeping her soon-to-be-retired partner fed. A wild ride full of Eve's snarkiness with some surprises along the way.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

Another fun read from an author who rarely disappoints. Movieland is the fourth instalment of the Eve Ronin series, about a young homicide detective with the LA County Sheriff’s Department whose colleagues resent her because of her rapid promotion and popularity with the public. These work best if read in order, as there are various ongoing plot threads and recurring characters, although would be readable as a stand-alone if you’re not worried about the backstory. These are well written engaging police procedurals with an intriguing heroine - not too dark, with plenty of humorous banter between our leads.

Eve and Duncan, who is a week from retirement, are called to a murder in a State Park popular with hikers and campers. A woman has been killed and her journalist partner seriously injured while night swimming, and they learn that multiple other shotgun attacks have been covered up by officials worried that negative publicity will deter the visitors that the area desperately needs. Eve has her own problems - a TV series based on her life is going ahead, which her family all want to be involved in, she’s facing a wrongful death suit from the family of a deputy who committed suicide when she exposed his criminal activities, and she’s still a target for members of her own department. Can they solve the case before the “Malibu Sniper” strikes again?

I’ve enjoyed all of these books and this was another highly readable outing for feisty Eve and relentlessly hungry Duncan. I like the dynamic between the two detectives - with Duncan always looking out for Eve but also keeping her from giving into her own worst enemy - herself. There are various references to Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch books, which these remind me of - I always picture Barrel (or is it Crate?) from the TV series when Duncan appears - I but this one also brought to mind the Lucifer series, without the supernatural elements of course. This one had a lot of minor characters to keep track of - I was grateful for the search function on my Kindle to remind me who was who, and I don’t even try to understand the complexities of the LA police system. There were plenty of clues and red herrings, and a satisfying resolution to the mystery; I look forward to continuing this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Movieland is published on June 22nd.

Murder, politics and deception in the heart of Hollywood…oh my! Movieland brings the heat and packs a punch like a shotgun blast to the face.

A camper is killed and another injured in a shooting within Malibu Creek State Park, a location famous for the setting of many Hollywood movie productions. Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan “Donuts” Pavone of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department pick up the case, with Duncan believing this is just the latest in a series of shooting incidents going back over a year. However, politics being what they are, the powers that be refuse to admit there’s a connection and try to make this go away quietly. But they still underestimate Eve’s dogged pursuit of justice and not letting anything stand in her way. With her partner’s help, Eve continues her investigation and puts herself in the crosshairs once again. Eschewing personal safety, she will not stop until the perpetrator is brought to account for his or her violent actions.

Movieland continues the solid Eve Ronin series, now four books deep and finding its legs with another entertaining storyline, heinous crime and twisting investigation. Eve continues to be developed as the headline character, though she’s still hardheaded and lacks the self-awareness to realize her approach makes her a target. But you can see the potential for her to turn the corner as events unfold at the end of this novel. Which I hope she does because at times she can be quite unlikeable and hard to root for despite her persistence. However, she’s balanced out by her immensely likable partner Duncan who does a great job being Eve’s mentor, providing praise or the hard criticism of her performance when appropriate. The pairing works very well to both toe the line of the department’s policies and challenge the status quo. Add in a cast of characters who all add their unique personalities and perspectives, and you get a page-turning story that grabs your attention early and doesn’t let go until the case is solved.

But perhaps the best part of the book is the inclusion of Councilman Netter as an important character in the plot, being mentioned something like 117 times throughout the novel. I won’t say what happens to him, but fellow Best Thriller Books reviewers will probably tell you he deserves any harm that might befall him. And even though Councilman Netter has a different first name than mine, I’m going to assume the character is named after me and claim my 15 minutes of fame. Thank you, Lee Goldberg! The check is in the mail :)

If you are a fan of strong female protagonists and haven’t discovered the Eve Ronin series, Movieland is a great place to jump in. Page-turning plots, good characters, interesting crimes and more, all with the backdrop of Hollywood as a supporting character. Check it out!

this is probably one of my favorites of the series!! and boy am I still as invested as ever!!

after the letdown that was gated prey, I was half nervous half excited to receive this ARC! and I’m so glad that it didn’t fall the way of its predecessor

the author took inspiration from a series of malibu shootings in a park that ended up with someone dead, and lots of unanswered questions. movieland goes about the same way, and keeps the reader hooked until the very last chapter!!

what I love most about the amazing eve and duncan detective duo is how committed they are to justice and not about getting the easy way out or being the first to solve a crime. they’re not afraid to stand up for themselves and what’s right, and I wish every police officer would take a note from their book.

in movieland, the suspect pool is so large that it’s almost impossible to predict the way that it was heading. and in goldberg’s series, the end murderer, in this case the malibu sniper, is never who it seems to be.

a fabulous continuation of this series!! I’m already anxious for more!!

thank you to netgalley and thomas & mercer for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!

rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: southern california zinfandel

This was an entertaining story about a gutsy, sarcastic, somewhat green detective and her partner who is about to retire. It started a little slowly with lots of details about locations in LA, that didn't seem overall important. there were on the hunt for a serial shooter, who was covered up by the police and various other depts. She had angered much of the police dept due to prior cases and what she had exposed. It is part of a series, but was fine to be read alone.

I just love Eve Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone, as they continue their partnership in the 4th book of the series. These two work just great together and the author blends humor, drama and action so very well. It's fascinating how every book gives us just a little bit more history of LA and the surrounding area as it pertains to movie-making.

Eve and Duncan are the hunt for a serial shooter which quickly evolves into a series of homicides. Eve continues to fight prejudice and discrimination but she always seems to overcome these drawbacks, a little blackmail not withstanding.

I can't recommend this series enough and I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

Movieland

It is April as Movieland begins and Sheriff’s Department Detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan “Donuts” Pavone are dispatched to Malibu Creek State Park on a homicide call. A scenic location used by both movies and television programs over the decades, it is now the scene of at least one murder with a second victim in critical condition.

The survivor is Zena Faust, a well-known local writer and activist blogger who is a harsh critic of the Sheriff’s Department, developers, and politicians of all types, as well as others who deserve her attention. She has been hit by a shotgun blast and very seriously wounded. Somehow, she managed to crawl out of the nearby pond and get herself to where a couple found her and called for help. Zena’s girlfriend, Kim, took the brunt of a shotgun blast and is very much dead. Zena’s anguish over the death will turn to rage when she realizes that they were not the first targets of a maniac.

Somebody has been shooting at things as well as people. This is the sixth shooting that Duncan knows about as he was working the case months ago before Eve Ronin moved to the Lost Hills Station. Political issues with those running the Park as well as elected officials have kept most of the cases quiet because of fears of scaring away tourists. Duncan tried to pursue things internally, but got stonewalled by the upper brass.

Now what Duncan suspected and long feared has happened. They have a dead woman and one gravely injured thanks to the shotgun sniper back at work after a long hiatus. Unfortunately, those running the park and those at the top levels of the Sheriff’s Department are far more concerned with politics and keeping things quiet, than actually solving the case.

They forgot to factor in a blogger who is not going to let the death of her friend go off the front pages and vanish from the media cycle. They also never considered what Detective Eve Ronin will do, with and without the steadying guidance of her partner who has decades on the job.

Movieland is the fourth book in this very good series that began with Lost Hills and is another fine installment. Politics, inside and outside the department, continues to play a significant role as does the ongoing hatred of Eve by some in her own department. Those two issues, which are almost main characters in their own right, is part of an intense mix that features a complicated murder case that has links to many other cases and situations. A complex and engrossing read, Movieland, is highly recommended as are the previous books in the series. Best to read in order.


Movieland is currently scheduled to be released on June 21, 2022. My reading copy was an ARC via NetGalley. My review is scheduled to run 4/28/2022 on my blog first and will then be rolled out to other sites.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2022