I’ve become a big fan of Lee Goldberg’s novels, particularly his twin series featuring cops (Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone) and arson investigators (Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker), all based in the Los Angeles area. Their stories often cross over, and though this is ostensibly a tale about an arsonist (or arsonists) causing havoc across the city, there’s still room for Eve and Duncan to appear in cameo roles.

Walker, who is the ‘man hunter’ of pair, gets a call one night to advise him that someone is setting fires across the city, burning up cars and apartments. He’s immediately on it and ensures that Sharpe, the true investigator, is alerted, too. Though there are few clues as to the identity of the perpetrator, they manage to pick up a couple of common themes that might help them identify who’s creating this chaos. But that’s just the start of their problems. A separate incident – a huge blaze at a major freeway – quickly becomes their priority.

There is a sub-plot here, too, involving expensive drugs that Walker and his wife have to fund in order to help their young son who suffers from seizures. The cost of the drugs is causing them severe financial stress, but they’re essential for their son’s wellbeing. However, Walker has a plan – unknown to his wife – and it involves a character Goldberg introduced in the first book in this series (Malibu Burning), an adventurous thief called Danny Cole.

It’s true escapism, but also grounded in solid research. It’s really well done. Another exciting, amusing, and surprising tale, which I found all the more interesting, having avidly followed the intense media coverage given to the terrible fires in Los Angeles recently. I can’t wait for the next episode

This was another great book in Goldberg's Sharpe/Walker series. I love the arson investigation aspects of these books and also the way Sharpe and Walker interact with each other. I also love it when Eve Ronin/Duncan Pavon from one of Goldberg's other series make an appearance in this series because you never know what will happen when the four of them work together but you are guaranteed to have some suspense, thrills and witty banter added in. I love this series and can't wait for the next books.

I read this just before the horrific wildfires in the LA area happened. It certainly put a new perspective on the area so prone to those Santa Anna winds and destructive fires and then flooding landslides. This is an author I really enjoy for his knowledge of the setting and characters that stick with me. It’s another fast-paced story in the series with multiple plots playing out concurrently. I love the contrast between old school and rookie arson investigators. I was ecstatic to have appearances from previous characters in an outlandish revenge plot. There’s an arsonist reeking havoc and lots of territory disputes between agencies from the LAFD, CA Dept. Forestry and Fire, the State Marshals service and so on. The two plots will keep you guessing and certainly had me racing through the pages. Everything about the story was exciting to read and I look forward to more in the series.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “Hidden in Smoke” Sharp and Walker #3, by Lee Goldberg, Publication expected 04/22/2025. These are my own personal honest thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Goldberg's Sharpe & Walker series which is a Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that features a dogged Los Angeles arson investigator and his ex-US marshal partner as they investigate two cases; A dozen Hollywood apartment buildings set ablaze by a serial torcher and team up with two sheriff's detectives for a catastrophic fire that destroys a major freeway and includes a murder. Together the four must quickly figure out whether the disaster was a tragic accident or the work of a mastermind with a horrific plan. Meanwhile, an old foe and thief with a revenge scheme enters the fray, igniting a race against time to stop a conspiracy of deception, corruption and murder. 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 investigations weave together. This is a very cinematic read, which isn’t surprising since Goldberg's a veteran TV writer. With a sharp and biting wit, Goldberg's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex. The story's main POV are the arson investigators but it also has chapters that follow the thief and their crew. Sharpe and Walker are a great team and I really love catching up with the two of them. Plus I love 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. (To start the Eve Ronin series, check out Lost Hills, book one.) Be aware that the resolution to book one, Malibu Burning, is spoiled in this novel. So while you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by starting this series at the beginning.

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

Arson fires are being set all over LA and fire investigators Sharpe and Walker are trying to find the culprit. The book has plenty of suspense and a twist at the end that will be sure to keep you guessing. This book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

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.

Another novel in the Sharpe and Walker series had me happy to return to the storytelling of Lee Goldberg. The author is always full of great ideas and knows how to keep the reader engaged, while also on the edge of their seat throughout. A number of fires across LA county have the pair trying to decipher if this is an arsonist on a spree or something deeper. While the evidence points in one direction, nothing can be taken for granted. All the while, a lingering event a few months ago serves as a secondary storyline that could keep one of our protagonists quite busy. Goldberg delivers a strong addition to the series and provides the reader with something to enjoy well into the night.

The skies of Los Angeles are full of smoke when scores of Hollywood apartments go up in flames during a single night of horror. It would seem that arson could be the reason, which sends Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker to the scene. Both are arson investigators with varied experience, though they are both tasked with trying to find the serial arsonist. Ending this slew of fires is their top priority, but it may take more than simply asking. While they have a lead or two, when a new fire of catastrophic proportions engulfs a freeway, Sharpe and Walker realise that they have a major case on their hands and no time to waste!

Just when things are heating up (pun intended), the investigation takes a turn and it would seem as though there may be additional motives for the fires, at least at the freeway. While Sharpe and Walker are trying to stay one step ahead, they reach out to homicide detective Eve Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone. A dead body loops the latter two into the middle of the investigation and permits all four to chase down some leads. The problem is that nothing may come to light without some added elbow grease.

As things get more complicated, an old foe returns to town and may be at the centre of the fires and larger criminal elements. While Sharpe and Walker know the drill, they must subject Ronin and Pavone to increased danger in order to solve the arson case and put everything back in order swiftly. It will take everyone working like clockwork to ensure success, but time is running out. Goldberg delivers another great story for those who have loved this series.

There's nothing like a police procedural penned by an author who knows how to present it well. Lee Goldberg does just what he needs to lure the reader into the middle of the action and keep them hooked until the very end. A clear narrative guides things along and provides a roadmap for success. The increased momentum keeps the reader flipping pages as they become enamoured with the larger story points. Characters that are always developing keep the series fans pleased and coming back to see progress. Plot points help bridge the gaps and provide moments of surprise to keep things from getting too repetitive, while leaving questions to linger for future novels. I am eager to see where things are headed and what Goldberg has in store for this series and some of his others with tangential connections.

Kudos, Mr. Goldberg, for another great read!

I’ve read book one and two in the Sharpe/Walker series and it just keeps getting better and better. The story is told from Walker’s POV but the cast of characters include the fantastic Eve Ronin from Goldberg’s other series and the sarcastic whit of her partner Duncan Pavon. Sharpe has his own brand of humor or should I say dry humor and we get a return of a character from book one that makes this book an adventure. Really great evolution of these pair of arson investigators and interesting cases to follow. Can’t wait for the next installment.

Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker have their hands full as they investigate not one but multiple arson incidents. Several fires are set at apartment buildings/garages, and before they can make an arrest on those, a massive fire destroys a major freeway section. Politicians demand quick answers to the freeway fire and a quick rebuild. Reaching out to homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone to help with the investigation, Sharpe and Walker bring their incredible instincts and skills to uncover the truth.
Danny Cole and his crew appear in this story with a con involving stealing an incredibly expensive watch and 'sticking it' to a baddie from a previous book. They do so while helping out those in less fortunate circumstances.
Lee Goldberg doesn't disappoint with his story lines, wit, action and characters that leave an impression. He is one of my favorite authors to recommend to patrons.
The author's end notes are even interesting - background on ideas (passive license plate readers, inhalers, etc.) with a suggestion for further reading.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Lee Goldberg and NetGalley for this ARC.

Wow - the plot of this book, the third in the series featuring arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker, sure has a lot of "legs." I guess that's another way of saying it was much more complex and hard to follow than that first two, at least until I'd passed the halfway point. After that, it everything started to mesh, though, and by the end, I realized how well it's written and how much I enjoyed it.

There are three situations involved from the beginning: the torching of several parking garages at apartments in Hollywood on just one night, a major fire that wipes out a major section of a busy freeway and destroys illicit businesses and homeless camps littered below the overpass, and an old "connection" of Walter's - Danny Cole - who for whatever reason has formulated a plan to steal a $40 million, one-of-a-kind wristwatch from it's high-security location in Japan. Fairly early on, Walter and Andrew are called away from the garage fires to the more potentiallyl devastating freeway - but there's still a possibility the same perp could be behind both.

How Danny fares with the theft - and why he's doing it - I'll leave for readers to learn for themselves. I will say, though, that I'm one of those who, while sympathetic, rarely believe the end justifies the means. And what that means is I lost a little bit of respect for one of the characters in the book even though his actions can be deemed justifiable (and most certainly address an important issue of national concern).

As the freeway investigation begins, Walter and Andrew hook up with Lost Hills homicide detective Eve Ronin and her sidekick Duncan Pavone - always guaranteed to add some spice to the series. When the man suspected of engineering the horrific blaze turns up dead, well, that adds even more intrigue. And that's as far as I'm willing to go to not risk revealing too much - I'll just say alls well that ends well, especially when it leaves an ember or two smoldering and ready for rekindling in the next installment. Soon, please?

Meantime, many thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

As always Lee Goldberg doesn’t disappoint. The characters are identifiable, the suspense is top notch and it’s gripping from start to finish.

Lee Goldberg’s mysteries are always action-packed and move very quickly. Hidden in Smoke is another great addition to the ongoing Sharpe and Walker series but definitely can be read as a standalone. Hoping for more of these!

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

Lee Goldberg’s Hidden in Smoke is an enjoyable adventure that follows a serial arson investigation alongside a heist subplot, both of which come together in the end in an unexpected and satisfying way. The story centers on Walker and Sharpe, two investigators working to solve a series of fires set in carports and along a freeway. Walker, who is also dealing with personal struggles, including his son’s medical condition, calls on an old conman, Brian, for help. However, Walker’s motive isn’t to involve Brian in the case; instead, he gives him an alternative task that leads to a separate heist.

Eve Ronin, a detective brought in to investigate a murder potentially connected to the fires, adds another layer to the story. While the arson investigation and the heist are separate, Goldberg skillfully brings these two threads together in the end, creating a rewarding payoff.

The book is an engaging and character-driven read, with moments of humor that lighten the mood. The story balances Walker’s personal challenges with the ongoing investigation, making the characters feel relatable and grounded.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Hidden in Smoke is an excellent thriller, and I'd expect no less from Lee Goldberg. I love the "Goldberg universe" he's building, with characters freely crossing over from his Eve Ronin series. This one features at least two separate plot lines that converge in an electrifying way. In addition to the well-drawn characters with sharp dialogue, the book is chockfull of fascinating facts about fires and arson investigation. Highly recommended!

In HIDDEN IN SMOKE, written by Lee Goldberg, Andrew Walker, an LA arson investigator with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is in Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend a four-day investigation seminar. He enters a communal bath and finds himself next to Danny Cole, a thirty-five-year-old thief and grifter (presumed dead) who has had facial plastic surgery. Walker enlists Danny to help him take down Roland Slezak. Back in California, cars are set afire in West Hollywood and beyond within a two-hour period of time. Andrew Walker and William Sharpe are on the case. Is a premeditated serial arsonist afoot? I want the answer to that question and to find out where the connection lies between the fires and the Slezak take-down. I read on.

I am immediately brought into the plot. I care about the characters and what happens to them. I especially like the way Walker and Sharpe interact with each other. The writing flows along well, and the dialogue is engaging. While the subject matter isn’t something I would normally be drawn to, I find myself immersed in the plot. I think the recent California fires increased my interest. I like that Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone come on board from the Eve Ronin series. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of HIDDEN IN SMOKE.

Title: Hidden in Smoke
Series: Sharpe & Walker Book #3
Author: Lee Goldberg
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: April 22, 2024
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages: 302

When a series of West Hollywood apartment buildings are set on fire, Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are assigned to catch the culprit or culprits. They have their suspicions as to whodunit but catching the culprit is another issues.
Now there is a massive fire threatens the I-10 -Santa Monica Freeway which is a major LA freeway. Our investigators know they need assistance. They seek the help of homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone. Together the four detectives have to find out if an accident…or is this work of a mastermind with a horrible plan.

I am a big : Lee Goldberg fan ! However living in the LA area stories about fires are always a tough read.
However, living in this area there several things in this story that are very close to what has happened.
In fact, Goldberg gives us a lot of info in his ‘Author’s Note’. He tells us his inspiration for the car fires; as well as gives references regarding other non-fiction things mention in his story.
I do know from living here that there was a freeway fire that caused a lot of damage to an overpass on a well-traveled freeway near
downtown LA. That fire was believed to have been started by the homeless living there who made the fires to keep warm.
Then there is the infamous ‘Graffiti Towers’ that were abandoned due to the company’s lack of funds. It truly became a tower of graffiti.

Oh BTW Goldberg tells us there will be a third Shape & Walker adventure!

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 22, 2025.

In Hidden in Smoke, the 3rd book in Lee Goldberg's Sharpe & Walker series, Sharpe and Walker dash from apartment fire to apartment fire, quickly recognizing a pattern that labels the fires serial arson. Soon, the arson investigators see a connection that helps them identify the arsonist, but when a similar fire destroys a section of major highway and weakens an overpass, they have to decide if the firebug is the one they have been chasing or if someone new has borrowed ideas to confuse a new game. The protagonists are strong, unique characters who carry the action well. The only weakness is that there may be a little too much focus on those two characters. Part of the focus is shifted with the group of criminals who step up to control a pharmaceutical CEO whose company owns the patent to the only medication that can help control certain types of seizures and the company has more than triple to price to one that is destroying families trying to help their children, not to mention they have personal reasons to target this jerk. The side story helps balance that overfocus on the lead characters and gives us someone to root for while we cross our finders that Sharpe and Walker catch the arsonist before he/she torches another vital part of the county and before they lose their jobs.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read an ARC of Hidden in Smoke. A strong suspense novel that stands well with other books by Lee Goldberg.
#NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer #Sharpe&Walker #LeeGoldberg #HiddeninSmoke

Another great read from Lee Goldberg in the Sharpe and Walker series (even with Eve Ronin). These are great characters, and the story/plot is very enjoyable with great pacing. Can't wait for the next book in both of these series. #HiddeninSmoke #NetGalley

Hidden in Smoke is the third in the Sharpe and Walker series. And once again, Goldberg has brought in Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone, for a “guest appearance.”
These books are always fast paced, mile a minute action thrillers. I thought the subplot, which harkens back to the plot of the previous book, was inspired. It shows a more nuanced side of Walker and has a touch of the Ocean’s 11 movie feel to it.
The main storyline focuses on a series of apartment building fires being set in West Hollywood. The detectives quickly discover the culprit and reason for the fires but things are just heating up (pun intended). A massive fire on the I-10 means their focus has to shift.
This is pure fun entertainment. But that doesn’t mean Goldberg doesn’t do his research. Make sure to read the Author’s Note to discover how much was NOT made up. In addition to his books, Goldberg has written and produced multiple tv shows and that ability to easily see every scene (even the wild ones) shines through. I hope Goldberg continues to provide us with more books in the two series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

There is a lot going on in this book. This story doesn't feel like a full blown crossover in the way the last Sharpe & Walker book did, even though main characters Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone do feature here. Ashes Never Lie almost felt like it could've been billed as "Sharpe & Walker #2 / Eve Ronin #6." This book feels like "Sharpe & Walker #3, featuring Eve Ronin and Danny Cole." Danny's story felt really separated from the main story for most of the book (by design), and those segments felt to me stylistically and tonally more similar to the Ian Ludlow Thrillers series than Danny's story from the first Sharpe & Walker book, which definitely contributed to the "guest star" feel for the character. It was very fun to see how the 3 sets of characters were brought together at the end. Danny's coda also makes it feel like Goldberg may be planning a Robin Hood style spin-off series for him, but I do hope all of Sharpe and Walker's comments about coming full circle at the end don't mean that Goldberg has finished their story. But wherever any of these characters go, I'll be sure to follow.

Thank you, Lee Goldberg, for another extremely enjoyable action/mystery read, and thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC.

Fire on high! I really enjoyed previewing this third volume in the Sharpe and Walker series. I started reading it the same day the LA fires broke out - and with this book's setting being relatively close to where both major fires started, you can tell Goldberg has done his research in creating realistic scenarios for his storytelling.

The usual banter between the arson investigators is on display, but this time around, there's another story arc that brings back the antagonist and his partners from the first book (Malibu Burning) in an exciting, unique sub-plot. It gives an opportunity to enjoy a heist in a completely different setting than fire-prone Southern Cal, as well as a chance to see another side of former lawman Walker that you wouldn't expect on first glance. Read it to find out what I'm talking about!

Overall, I highly recommend this volume in the series. I'm confident Goldberg still has plenty of material ahead for further volumes in this volatile arson investigation series.