Rating - 5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - June 18, 2024
Publication Date - September 17, 2024

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @leegoldberg007, @amazonpublishing and @netgalley!

When reading this book, I enjoyed learning facts about fires and the thought process during arson investigations. I also found that Ashes Never Lie has very descriptive language that was easy for me to visualize. It felt like I was part of the team! This book highlighted how different emergency services work and do not work together, which was really interesting to see. Sharpe has some good comebacks! It was very sharp of him 😋 At one point, I felt my heart racing when Walker made a discovery. That really showed me how invested I was in the story! By the end, Walker grew on me but I still liked Sharpe more. There were many crimes and mysteries to solve throughout the book but it did not feel difficult for me to switch between them. Also, I found it so fun to find the title within the book, it’s like an Easter egg hunt!

If you like mystery and arson investigations, you should give Ashes Never Lie a try!

Get excited to read Ashes Never Lie, available September 17! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

There's a wonderful surprise in Lee Goldberg's second entry in his Sharpe & Walker series. The two LASD odd couple arson investigators are joined by the star of another of Goldberg's LASD series, Eve Ronin, and her partner Duncan "Donuts" Pavone, who still hasn't stopped eating.

First they investigate a fire that seems to be a suicide tied to a biological research station. Then they investigate a series of house fires in a new real estate development that are meticulously planned. And that leads them to another series of fires that seem to be part of an ongoing fraud scheme. Not to mention the threat of a possible pandemic!

Goldberg's fast-pace plotting, rapid-fire repartee, and crack character development, combined with his highly credible research into arson investigation, make for a great read -- as is usually case with this reliable and accomplished author. And it all leads up to a very entertaining climax at San Diego Comicon, with Walker dressed as The Mandalorian and Eve as Wonder Woman. Great stuff!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reading copy of this book.

Several years ago I was a transcriber for an arson investigator. This book was a true representation of what can occur during a fire and was very interesting and resonated with me.
Fire investigators, Sharpe and Walker are involved in several house fires occurring one after the other. With several individuals who were quickly identified as possible culprits, it was only through the dogged investigation of Sharpe and Walker was the real arsonist captured. There is also another sideline story within this book involving Walker which gives him the thrill of being in the thick of things that he finds missing from his days as a U.S.Marshall. An excellent book and this review is my personal opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Mercer Publishing for the early copy. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of this stand alone series.

This was the second book in the series - and I just love these characters.

Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker return, investigating fires in the LA county area. When new unoccupied homes are engulfed in flames in a subdivision, the pair need to figure out what is happening.

Walker, the ex-US Marshall, is craving some excitement. This new job is much safer than his previous job, but it lacks the thrill of the chase. Sharpe starts to give him some leeway in investigating the people involved - and that helps, although Walker tries to keep the more exciting parts of his job quiet from his wife.

We bring in Eve Ronin and Duncan Pravone from the author's other series, and the cross over works very well. Ronin and Walker have similar personalities, and are both driven to 'get their man'. I hope we see more crossovers between the two teams in the future.

I particularly enjoyed the part where Walkers wife teams up with Eve to go undercover. I also enjoy the very dry sense of humor from Sharpe and Walker, and Duncan too.

All in all a quick paced and humorous novel, combining two great teams from this author.

Mystery Thriller Police Procedural following a dogged LA arson investigator and his new partner team up with two sheriff's detectives to investigate their seemingly unrelated cases.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Goldberg's Sharpe & Walker series which is a Mystery Thriller Police Procedural that features a dogged Los Angeles arson investigator and his new ex-US marshal partner as they team up with two sheriff's detectives to investigate their seemingly unrelated cases. They'll gamble their lives to unmask a brilliant arsonist, uncover a massive swindle and track down a desperate fugitive before he unleashes a deadly virus. As always Goldberg's written a fast-faced action-packed procedural exploring arson and criminal investigations with plenty of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I really appreciate how Goldberg's plot unfolds and the deft way the two investigattions weave together. This is a very cinematic read, which isn’t surprising since Goldberg's a veteran TV writer. Additionally, Goldberg's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex. Sharpe and Walker are a great team and I really love catching up with the two of them. And the humor's spot on and adds just enough levity to balance the darker elements. Plus I loved getting to see Sharpe & Walker working with homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone. I'm always a fan of a good crossover and this one's excellent. (Start the Eve Ronin series with Lost Hills.) Goldberg's touch on some very serious topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Malibu Burning.

I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

When vacant, newly built homes in a housing development suddenly erupt in flames, Arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his new partner, Andrew Walker, face a puzzling situation. Shortly after they begin their investigation, another home, a far distance away from the housing development, burns to the ground, and a male body is found in the ashes. This becomes a different case, and homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone join the investigation, anxious for an answer
As the four detectives work together to gather evidence in the two cases, they soon face a third crisis. They are now involved in a desperate attempt to capture one of their suspects, who has the means to kill an entire population.

This book is part of the Sharpe and Walker series but it brings in characters from another series. The characters don’t exactly follow the rules and have a knack of getting in the middle, sometimes not appreciated by fellow law enforcement agencies.. They make a really good team and are highly successful in solving crimes. There is plenty of suspense, a little humor and a good story line. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Arson investigators Sharpe and Walker investigate multiple arsons in this second book in the series. One of the cases pairs them with Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone from the Eve Ronin series, which is so awesome. Sharpe concentrates on what he knows best, the details of the fire and how it was started. Walker wants more action, even though he took the safer option as arson investigator to appease his wife, who was concerned of him being on the line of fire most of the time.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned more about arson investigation, enjoyed the criminal investigation and just my kind of humor. We get to know Walker's wife Carly better also. I really like Goldberg's writing style. It's just my cup of tea.

ASHES NEVER LIE - I have enjoyed reading books by this author for years, including his teaming up with Janet Evanovich. ANL is an intriguing and entertaining story with interesting story lines, good characters and plenty of technical details. No drama queens but realistic dialogues and actions, and some humor, made for an easy immersion and hard to put down reading. Source: Netgalley. 5*

Humorous, lively, entertaining! Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg was an enjoyable arson mystery with twists and turns to carry the story along. Various characters and situations are interspersed with witty lines and fun scenes. A good read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Lee Goldberg has been around for years, writing novels and television scripts, but it’s only recently that I’ve caught up with him, reading a number of his more recent books. I’ve become hooked on his Eve Ronin series, featuring a young, attractive cop who leaps to fame after taking down a well-known film actor she witnessed striking his girlfriend. This act, filmed by a passing onlooker, made her famous overnight and prompted her premature promotion to homicide detective. Her partner is Duncan ‘Donuts’ Pavone, a rotund pen pusher who deals with the admin whilst Eve does the physical stuff.

Even more recently, I enjoyed the first book in another new series, featuring Walter Sharpe, a Walter Matthau lookalike, and experienced arson investigator. Sharpe is a dour character who boasts that he’s never failed to solve a case. Sharpe’s partner is Andrew Walker, an ex-U.S. Marshal, who just loves the chase, and who is easily bored. He’s only found himself in this job to appease his wife, who is fed up with the danger and subsequent injuries that seemed part and parcel of his previous role. As in the Eve Ronan series, the relationship between the lead characters is brilliantly developed and adds some great humour to what are explosive, fast moving tales.

In this story, all four meet up after being called in to investigate the aftermath of a house fire, a body having been found in the ruins of the property. Goldberg then contrives a series of events that result in Ronin and Walker teaming up to attempt to chase down a villain who poses a significant national threat. The story does include elements that are a little hard to swallow and a conclusion that is somewhat telegraphed, and yet it still kept me hooked throughout. The main attraction for me being the brilliantly written interactions between well fleshed out and intriguing lead characters.

Usually, I hate rain, but today I didn't mind, as I spent the day inside reading this book. The storytelling is absolutely fantastic, easy to read, funny and very entertaining. The characters are so vivid you feel you really get to know them well, and that's the mark of a very talented author. A must read book.

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.

I have always liked the writing of Lee Goldberg, as he gets to the heart of the matter while keeping the reader fully entertained. When a number of houses go up in flames, LA Sheriff Department arson investigators arrive to handle the scene. What they discover leads them to believe that there is more than accidental flames engulfing properties, but they will need to dig a little deeper and get some help from the homicide department. In a chilling story that takes over the reader’s full attention, Goldberg delivers and keeps things on edge throughout.

After a number of empty homes in a new housing development erupt in flames for no reason, many remain baffled. LA Sheriff Department Arson Investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are at the front of that line, unsure how to make sense out of it all. Sharpe is a veteran working arson, though his young protégé, Walker, has a few tricks up his sleeve. Still, they have no answers as they sift through the ashes.

While Sharpe and Walker try to make sense out of it, another house erupts, this time with the body of a man inside. LASD Homicide Detective Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone arrive to investigate at the scene, but are baffled. It appears similar to the other fires, with an obvious pattern in place. That body adds a new and troubling element. The four investigators take their seemingly independent cases and put them together to get some solid answers.

As Sharpe and Walker begin putting the pieces together, they discover a makeshift trigger for the fires, one that could easily explain everything. Working to find the person responsible while also bot blowing their cover, Walker and Sharpe will have to liaise with the LASD to ensure they do things by the book. A fiery tale that is as addictive as it is riveting. Goldberg does well to keep the reader on the hot seat.

It is quite apparent that Lee Goldberg has experience in the television writing business. His books have a life fo their own and provide the reader with something visual as well as entertaining the read. The narrative flow moves from scene to scene with ease, while always keeping things on edge from the start until the final page turn. A strong California setting propels the Tory forward in a variety of ways and provides the reader with something well worth their time. Momentum builds and the story finds itself getting more mysterious until a reveal allows things to finally fall into place. Characters throughout the book emerge to offer their perspectives and flavourings, while never entirely stealing the spotlight from Sharpe and Walker. Great use of crossover appearances by Ronin and Pavone bridge two of Goldberg’s recent series and permit his fans to bask in this double dipping of sorts.

Plot points prove highly important here, as they springboard the plot from one position to the next. There is an obvious development here and I cannot help but love how Goldberg does things, leaving a few questions to linger before tackling the largest issue at hand. I am eager to see where things are headed and how the series will progress.

Kudos, Mr. Goldberg, for another successful novel.

In ASHES NEVER LIE, written by Lee Goldberg, arson detectives Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are called away from the scene of a car fire to investigate a house fire at the Twin Lakes housing development. The house in question is one of the completed buildings, and the body of a man is found inside. How did the fire start? Who is the dead man, and is the fire the cause of his death? I have questions that need answers.

I enjoy reading any novel written by Lee Goldberg, and this second book in the Sharpe and Walker series is no exception. The characters are interesting, the dialogue is quick-witted, and the plot is well-constructed. I also like that Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone make a crossover from the Eve Ronin series. There are times while reading this book when the plot reminds me of season 3 of a television show I enjoyed a few years ago, 24. Excellent! I look forward to reading more books in the Sharpe and Walker series. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of ASHES NEVER LIE

How come I've never read a Lee Goldberg book? I can't believe I've been missing out on all the fun all these years!

This was a fast-paced, nonstop police chase with quick one-liners and spirited dialogue. Although there's definitely a "male" feel, there are strong female leads who are right there in the thick of the action. It was a nice break from all the female-centered fiction and drama I usually read.

Even though in some ways it's the typical cop book, it has some expanded elements because Sharpe and Walker aren't ordinary cops, they're arson investigators. They keep us on our toes as they analyze how a fire breaks out and spreads, which leads to incredible information gathering that helps them find the crooks. It's fascinating to listen to them explain all of the details, things everyday readers would never notice.

There are a few investigations going on at once, and nothing is what it seems to be. I enjoyed following the cops around the greater Los Angeles area as they zero in on the bad guys.

There are some deeper elements, too, although they're side points. Should we feel bad for a thief who stole to pay his wife's medical bills? Or a young man who didn't have what it takes to make the firefighter cut and is desperate to show that he's made of something? Or a socially awkward person who has had enough of not getting what he wants out of life?

Walker's wife is a psychologist, and she's constantly giving us the emotional side of things.

Apparently, Golberg wrote a whole series based on the Eve Ronin character, and fans will be happy to see that she plays a major role in this book.

4 stars for this great ride. Can't wait to read the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer, and Lee Goldberg for an advanced copy for review.

The red hot new mystery thriller in the second of a series by Lee Goldberg once again features veteran arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his partner, Andrew Walker, a former US Marshall, Homicide detectives Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone, both familiar to fans of another Goldberg series, also play a prominent role in the story. Eve became a celebrity, with a television show based on her exploits, after arresting a tv star. Duncan has been described as “a fat man in his late fifties” on the cusp of retirement.
Homes just built or in the process of being built in a new housing development are igniting in flames. Sharpe and Walker are assigned to investigate while Ronin and Pavone are sent to investigate a home and garage, some distance away, that has burned to the ground with a man having been killed by both the fire and a bullet. Somehow the fires are connected and the four detectives join together in an attempt to solve the seemingly unrelated cases.
As mundane as that sounds, it proves to be anything but. This is a thriller, complete with plenty of action, suspense, danger and threat. It involves arsonists, swindlers, and fugitives. Thousands of lives are in danger. Malibu Burning, the first in the series featuring Sharpe and Walker, (the third book, Hidden In Smoke, will be released on April 22, 2025), are relatively short books with print lengths of less than 300 pages, Each page is packed with great dialogue and the story evolves at a steady pace. With well-rounded characters, unique settings, and a good deal of humor, at no point does the story seem rushed. No corner of the plot is cut and all of the ingredients you like and expect in a good story are present. The plot has twists and turns, a number of surprises and is entertaining, The story line about fires and arson is given a fresh tale with unusual antagonists and the reader can even learn some facts about arson and arson investigation, With likable and relatable characters, the men are caring and brave and Eve is her usual capable self.
I look forward to reading the third book featuring Sharpe and Walker and I am certain that the villain they next they come across playing with fire will be sure to get burned.
I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for providing me an advance copy of this Ashes Never Lie in return for an honest review. It is most appreciated.

ex-US Marshal, California, working-partners, snarky, banter, investigations, detective-duo, crime-fiction, thriller, suspense, arson-investigators, physics-of-fire, fire-science, firefighters, local-law-enforcement, contagion, verbal-humor, undercover, unpleasant-suspect, unputdownable, situational-humor, procedural, friends, friendship, action, arsonists, con-artist, crossover*****

Arson, arsonists, fire in all its negative aspects are serious subjects but this series takes the unthinkable and shines a light of humor on the efforts of those who catch that particular brand of evil and make the case ready for the prosecution.
Arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his fairly new partner, Andrew Walker, a married ex–US Marshal who had enough with the being shot but is still an adrenaline junkie have a clutch of cases to investigate. Pretty soon they are joined by notorious Homicide Detective Eve Ronin and work together to make solid cases by any means they can imagine.
Laughed my sox off!
I requested and received a free temporary advance reader's copy uncorrected proof from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you!
#SharpeAndWalkerBk2 #EveRonin #CrossoverSeries

Ashes Never Lie is the second in the Sharpe and Walker series and great fun. I love these two arson investigators.
Sharpe is the senior investigator and doesn’t suffer fools. I adore his acerbic personality. Walker is still in training and misses the action of being a US Marshall. Be careful what you wish for, Walker.
They’re called to a house fire with a dead body inside. As it’s a questionable death, this leads them to interact with Eve Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone.
Meanwhile, newly finished houses seem to be spontaneously combusting in a housing development.
This is super fun entertainment, with literally no downtime. There is plenty of humor here, mostly thanks to the two senior investigators, Sharpe and Pavone. They’ve seen it all before and are intent on passing on their wisdom. Meanwhile, Walker and Eve make a great duo, being equally willing to ignore the rules if it means getting the criminal. And both are totally action junkies.
Just because the book is fast paced doesn’t mean Goldberg stints on character development or fleshing out Walker’s personal life. Goldberg has written for tv shows and it comes across in his ability to write characters and scenes that are easy to envision.
This easily works as a stand-alone but if you enjoy this one, you’ll want to check out both series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

Lee Goldberg's fascination with fire is timely in today's climate changing world, and especially hits home in the Southern California setting of this second entry in the Sharpe-Walker arson investigation series. For someone who grew up not too far down the road from where these scenes play out, I found myself searching Google Maps for the many references to housing developments and state parks - some real and others slightly fictionalized, as he acknowledges in the ending notes.

While this volume may not have as many of the gut-wrenching, intense moments that played out in the first book, it has the added punch of pulling in murder detective Eve Ronin from her popular book series to help bolster the story. With that said, the quirky personalities, and acerbic, witty banter between the two investigators and their colleagues can either put a smile on your face or get on your nerves after a while - you'll have to be the judge of that.

Overall, this was a solid entry in the series which hopefully will have more books down the line. The big question is - will Eve Ronin return? She may be needed to help Sharpe and Walker's next story entertain and keep the reader's interest.

Lots of fun

This was q very quick read - lots of fun and I learned some cool things about arson. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was a little worried this wouldn't live up to my expectations. But it exceeded them. The two arson investigators are joined by LAPD homicide cop Eve Ronin, the protagonist in another great series by this author. In this installment, someone is burning homes in a new development and a man is thought to have committed suicide due to being exposed to a deadly virus. I figured out the virus thing, but it was still quite enjoyable.

Highly recommended.