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.

I just finished this book and I really wanted to keep reading. I really enjoyed this book but I always enjoy Lee Goldburgs books. This was fast paced and had all the great characters you have grown to know and love. The story was great. A sequel to Miami burning. I was watching the fires burning crazy in southern California at the same time I was reading this. Made it very real. I highly recommend this book. It has a great plot and twists you don't really expect. Read this next.

This is book 3 of the Walker & Sharpe series and while you don’t technically have to read the previous books in the series, I suggest you do as they explain in greater depth the characters, their relationships and motivations in ‘Hidden in Smoke’.
This time around Walker and Sharpe are tasked with investigating a dozen car fires at Hollywood apartment buildings that took place over one night and trying to stop a serial arsonist. But the duo are quickly reassigned to investigate a disastrous LA freeway fire which has caused havoc for the city. Sharpe and Walker are under immense pressure to solve the freeway fire quickly, everybody wants answers. But with no evidence left and bureaucrats getting in the way, it will take both their combined knowledge of fire investigation and old fashioned police work to solve it.
‘Hidden in Smoke’ was a great instalment to the Sharpe & Walker series. It was intriguing to learn more about concrete fires and their effects.
The four musketeers are also reunited in this book - Sharpe, Walker and Eve and Duncan from Lee Goldberg’s other great series ‘Eve Ronin’. The banter between all these guys is hilarious.
Kept me guessing till the end who the arsonist was. And the subplot involving characters from book 1 making an appearance with some very clever sleight of hand thievery was a bit of a surprise. I wasn’t sure how that storyline was going to fit in with the freeway fire, but i needn’t have worried. Lee Goldberg blended the two stories together very well in the end.
4 stars from me. Bring on the next Sharpe & Walker book, can’t wait.

Sharpe and Walker are on the trail of a serial arsonist that had lead to murder. They call upon detective Eve Ronin to help solve the case. I have given this book 5 stars. I love Lee Goldberg books and his characters. I would suggest this book to all my crime reading friends without hesitation. Thank you for netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

I always enjoy the witty banter of Goldberg’s characters, but the plot of Hidden in Smoke was pretty predictable.

It was astonishing to read this book while the wildfires in Los Angeles County were raging and out of control. This novel is a well written account of an arson investigation and a seemingly unconnected theft taking place thousands of miles away. To say the book is a page turner does not do it justice— it is an exciting story based on real events (read the author’s notes) and on existing technology (again read the author’s notes) that is somewhat astounding. Having read most, if not all, of Mr. Goldberg’s previous novels, I found it ingenious in his inclusion of Eve Ronin (a character he created in another series of books) who plays an integral role in this novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre and thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

I really enjoyed the theme of this book, the characters and the thrill. I usually don’t read this genre but I am so glad I did. If you love suspense/mystery then you will enjoy this book

Sharpe and Walker, fire investigators in LA, are looking into a series of local car fires. The investigation gets even more serious when there’s a fire that shuts down a major local highway. Is the same arsonist responsible? Corruption, murder, and some payback for corporate greed makes this a not to be missed page turner. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I had great fun reading this story. While the author does recommend reading the book before (which I have not) because of an ending reveal, it did not affect my enjoyment. The author does have a background in writing and producing many popular TV shows which seems to flavor the writing. It is a fast paced read with some crazy stunts, car chases, explosions and shoot outs. I was getting some Mission Impossible and Miami Vice vibes. I also enjoyed the banter. This is a new to me author who will be added to my auto click list!

Hidden in Smoke is the third installment of the Sharpe and Walker series. I have not yet read the previous two books, but I most certainly will be reading them now. This story trails arson investigators, Andrew Walker and Walter Sharpe, as they investigate a string of apartment fires. Just when they think they are on the brink of the case, they get assigned to a horrendous freeway fire that puts the entire city in grid lock. Along the way, they tap the assistance of homicide detectives to help them solve the arson cases. This story is gripping, edgy, and so captivating that you want to keep reading to find out what the author is going to think of next. This book has plenty of old fashioned detective work along with a plethora of tech gadgets to keep even the most skilled reader happy. This definitely is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a very long time!

Lee Goldberg's books are almost always five star reads for me. I wait to start them as long as possible because I know I'm going to devour them quickly.

The Sharpe and Walker series has been one of my favorites. The time Goldberg invests in researching his books is always evident, and he finds the perfect balance between factual accuracy and stretched plot lines that leave you wondering which parts are truth and which are fiction.

Hidden in Smoke brings back one of my favorite characters, Danny Cole. I always know it's going to be a beautifully constructed long game when that happens, and I was not disappointed. The other boundary Goldberg rides is the "good" vs. "bad" characters, and that's part of what makes his characters so endearing and fascinating.

This was another suspenseful story that left me guessing up until the end when everything was beautifully tied together. Definitely a must read!

hidden in smoke is the third book in the sharpe and walker series where they are investigating a pattern of fires in hollywood, and call in the help of two other investigators to figure out what exactly is going on.

this is my first ever ARC and i was very very excited to give this book a try despite never reading one by this author. the entire book gave criminal minds vibes, just without delving too deeply into the arsonist’s psyche. and although i love that show, this book just felt like something ive seen before. maybe not the exact situation, it just didn’t wow me necessarily. and there were even harmful/outdated words and phrases used such as hobos (houseless peoples) and an ableist slur that is extremely unpleasant to read in a book i thought i’d enjoy. sadly i just dont think the book is for me, and it was hard to find much i liked about it.

nonetheless, thank you thomas and mercer for providing this ARC for my honest review via netgalley!

Veteran arson investigator Walker and his fairly new partner, former US Marshall Sharpe are back in action chasing down arsonists. Both Walker and Sharpe, nicknamed Shar Pei because of his uncanny resemblance to one, are unique characters, a bit unconventional, but full of wit and intelligence. Best of all in this book, they have some opportunities to team up with Eve Ronin, a detective from one of Goldberg’s other popular series of which I am a fan.

With a few storylines, this is a fast paced thrill ride. I really enjoy the humorous wise cracks throughout the book and the relationship between the partners .A bit over the top at times, it is an entertaining read. An added bonus is insight into the investigative process involved in arson.

This series is a unique take on crime fiction/mystery/thriller. The third installment,  I did read and enjoy the first two. Although characters from a previous story appear, this would work as a standalone.

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
(Sharpe & Walker #3)

This is the third book in the Sharpe and Walker series. This series overlaps with the Eve Ronin series, which I also follow, and my favorite character interactions are when Walker and Ronin are together. Walker is very happily married so they aren't together in a hanky panky way but in a work related way. Except that Walker has burned all his bridges with Ronin so not only are they not best friends, for now they aren't even friends at all. But she'll get over it.

Sharpe and Walker investigate fires. Sharpe is the fire expert and he's bringing Walker along, showing him the ropes, letting him know what a dunce he is at his job. Walker was good as a man hunter but that job was too dangerous, according to his wife, so now he's supposed to be doing safer work. But in reality, Walker is still throwing his body into the middle of all kinds of dangerous action and then sneaking home to hide his bruises and body dings, hoping to get up and out the next morning before his wife sees the latest trouble he's gotten into.

This time Sharpe and Walker are investigating garage/apartment fires until they get pulled off those for a freeway fire. Then everything gets tangled up and they have to call in Ronin and her partner, Duncan Pavone. There is lots of action here, as usual, and lots of food talk since Duncan is in attendance. There is also a criminal from the past who is back with some of his cronies. There are a lot of things in this story that remind me of present day happenings in the news and that's kind of scary. Looking forward to the next book in either the Sharpe and Walker series or the Ronin series.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

Lee Goldberg is hands down my favorite cop drama writer. I compulsively look for new titles from him every few months because he's so prolific. Writing so many books doesn't drain the creative well though and this story compares to the best of his books.

I love love LOVE Eve Ronin and I will never say no to reading a book where she appears. Although this series is a little bit of an offshoot and Eve isn't a primary character, she does make a guest appearance.

I like the character of Walker too and readers got a little peek into what makes him tick and what he's willing to do to protect those he loves. Although not on the up and up, I think this flaw makes him more attractive to readers.

When's the next book???!!!

It's like Christmas every time I have a book by Mr. Goldberg on my TBR list and Hidden in Smoke was no exception! Someone is setting cars in carports on fire in Hollywood and Walker and Sharpe are called in to investigate. Just as they are starting to make a small dent into solving that crime, someone sets a huge fire under the overpass of one of the major freeways in Los Angeles undermining the safety of the overpass and causing it to be shut down.

I enjoyed it tremendously when Eve and Duncan joined the investigation. (I'm still happy-dancing that Duncan chose not to retire, yet.) If that weren't enough, there was a side story that made me feel as though I had been plopped into a James Bond movie!

Hidden in Smoke is a great read that explores dealing with life-threatening situations and the gray areas between good and bad. The characters are complex and interesting, plus there are many laughs, preventing the book from becoming too dark. I loved it and recommend it!