This book is exactly everything it's supposed to be...but. It kinda reads like the third in a series. I don't mean it doesn't work as a stand alone, because it completely does, it's just...it really vibes tv show installment, to be honest.

“Hidden in Smoke” by Lee Goldberg is the 3rd book in the Sharpe & Walker series and is just as much fun and well written as books 1 and 2!
In this book cars and carports are being set afire in Hollywood. At the same time a major underpass that intersects most of the main LA highways is also ablaze and Walker and Sharpe are called in to investigate. As an added fun element, we also find Eve Ronan and Duncan Pavone from Mr. Goldberg’s other great series called in to assist with the investigation. There is a well crafted subplot that takes us into the extreme world of expensive cars, watches, and wing-suit flying that will remind you of a James Bond movie that makes this book impossible to put down! This can be read as a standalone but anyone looking for a great thriller will enjoy the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Very intense story of Walker and Sharpe, LA Fire investigators, who
are assigned to a massive freeway fire that's shuts whose destruction shuts down a huge
part of the transportation system around LA.
Everyone from the governor down wants the arsonist found and Walker calls
in two homicide detectives to work with them when charred bodies are discovered
among the ruins.
Walker engages in personal side action with a former arson investigation target.
Really engaging and very suspenseful.
The characters are strong and the plot solid.
Good read.

Another enjoyable adventure with Arson Investigators, Walker and Sharpe. Walker gets a call about a car and structure fire but before he can get there more fires are reported in the Hollywood Hills. Arriving at the first report, he finds Sharpe inspecting the car and the damaged building above it. They continue to the next fire and find a similar MO. The surrounding fire departments are all called in to the various reports. The last fire they investigate is at the Towers, an abandoned high rise where a security guard is trapped on the upper floors and his vintage mustang is incinerated. Meanwhile a horrific fire happens under the I-10 freeway damaging the roadway and closing down the freeway at that point. They are immediately reassigned to find the arsonist. There is also another interesting story-line interwoven in the book. Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone , characters in one of the author's other series make an important appearance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read several of the author's series and have always looked forward to the next book in each series.

The author is definitely on fire (pun intended) as he crafts a mystery with plots and sub-plots that keep the story moving at a fast pace. Characters are well-developed to move the story to excellence conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Hidden In Smoke" by Lee Goldberg.
This is the third in the "Sharpe & Walker" series, and as an added bonus, Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone (from Mr. Goldberg's other great series) are part of this one, too - so a twofer!
The main storyline involves, of course, fire - to be specific, arson, as a number of cars are set fire in carports throughout Hollywood, and Sharpe and Walker are called in to investigate. It takes some time and investigation, but the reason and method of the fires is soon discovered; and the race is on to apprehend the perpetrator.
Simultaneously, there is a major underpass fire, affecting dozens of businesses (some very sketchy) and absolutely tying up traffic, as the overpasses are also unusable. The pair are called in on this one, also, and at first it appears that the same person may be responsible for the arson - all of the signs are there. But it soon becomes apparent to the investigators that there may be more to this than meets the eye, and the investigation takes a dark turn. This is where Eve and Duncan come into the picture.
In a subplot that runs through the entire book, Walker has made contact with a former adversary, to hatch a 'cunning plan'. Too many spoilers, so I'll just say it's a romp and a half!
Excellent story, well crafted and highly recommended. If you're new to the series, not a problem. This can be read as a standalone; but do yourself a favour and start from book one. You won't regret it.

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg -- 5 Stars
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
9781662526466

I check NetGalley often waiting for the availability of a new novel by Lee Goldberg because I am certain it will be exciting and well written. Once again, he delivers a fast-paced entertaining novel with well-constructed characters and an intriguing plot. Multiple story lines are woven seamlessly. Best thing I can say about this book is I absolutely enjoyed it.

Reviewer: Nancy

This is the third in a series and another winner. It's fast-paced, with fun, colorful dialogue and rich characterization.

Sharpe and Walker are arson investigators, and following them around the greater Los Angeles area while they figure out who's setting fires really keeps you on your toes!

There are several subplots, or really more like three separate plots that are connected. It's fascinating to watch Sharpe and Walker work and see how they figure out the arsonists and killers.

It was easy to figure out who the main culprit was here, and I didn't find the heist or follow up to it totally convincing. But it was still wild to read and I enjoyed the next installment in the series.

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

Three seemingly unrelated mysteries combine in Hidden in Smoke, third in the compelling, excellent Sharpe & Walker series. A series of random building fires plagues Los Angeles. Explosions and fire have shut down part of the city’s complicated freeway system, bringing traffic to a halt. In a strange, subterranean museum on an island in Japan, exhibits ranging from methods of death to weapons and timepieces draws the attention of a man presumed dead. As usual, multi-award winning author Lee Goldberg’s taut fiction teases these situations into a taut, thriller that is impossible to put down.

Hidden in Smoke reads like the screenplay for a movie. I only hope it will be. It has the best elements of James Bond thrillers - the glass bridge and wingsuit flying scenes are terrifying. There is a gritty Los Angles police procedural as Sharpe and Walker conduct meticulous searches and interviews to solve the freeway arson case. The politics of police work and the rivalry between police and firefighters is shown in the different techniques of investigation and interviews. Descriptions of expensive cars, clothing and watches add to the potential movie as do the easy and available (yes, really) spy techniques. I can’t give Lee Goldberg any less than 5 stars! He deserves every one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Lee Goldberg for this ARC.

I doubt you will find a book with a plot similar to this one, as this is truly original. You will find that this book is written by a professional, as the storytelling is great and the characters fantastic.

I loved this book and everything Goldberg writes. This one was so good and I always feel like I’m immersed in LA .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review book

Major disappointment. I selected this book because the synopsis mentioned that Eve Ronin was a part of the story…. but she did not appear until more than midway through the story and her part during the rest of the story was minimal. Eve Ronin is a badass that keeps one’s attention. Sharpe and Walker do not!!!!!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Lee Goldberg’s Hidden in Smoke is a blistering thriller that seamlessly blends high-stakes action with intricate detective work. This third installment in the Sharpe & Walker series is a testament to Goldberg’s mastery of the genre, delivering a narrative that is both gripping and meticulously crafted.

The novel begins with a night of terror as dozens of Hollywood apartment buildings erupt in flames, the work of a serial arsonist. Arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are thrust into the chaos, tasked with stopping the arsonist before more lives are lost. The stakes escalate when a catastrophic fire destroys a major freeway, crippling the city and adding a new layer of urgency to their mission. Desperate for assistance, Sharpe and Walker enlist the help of homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone.

Goldberg excels in character development, particularly with his protagonists. Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are portrayed with depth and nuance, their professional camaraderie and personal struggles adding layers to the story. The inclusion of Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone brings fresh dynamics to the team, enhancing the narrative with their unique skills and perspectives. The antagonist, with a chilling and calculated approach, adds a formidable challenge that keeps readers on edge.

Goldberg’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a pace that never lets up. His descriptions of the fires and the ensuing chaos are vivid and immersive, pulling readers into the heart of the action. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the urgency and tension of the situation. Goldberg’s ability to weave complex plots with clear, concise prose ensures that the story remains accessible and compelling throughout.

Hidden in Smoke explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and the moral complexities of justice. It delves into the psychological toll of facing life-threatening situations and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of truth. The novel also highlights the impact of corruption and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests.

Hidden in Smoke is a thrilling and emotionally resonant addition to the Sharpe & Walker series. Lee Goldberg’s ability to blend intense action with deep character exploration makes this book a standout in the genre. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by this unputdownable thriller.

Highly recommended for fans of crime thrillers, police procedurals, and action-packed mysteries. Hidden in Smoke is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, high-stakes narrative with well-developed characters and intricate plotting.

this was a strong third entry in the Sharpe & Walker series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel to this world. It continued to tell the story and worked with the world that was built. The characters had that element that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this. Lee Goldberg has a strong writing style and am excited for more in this series.

When the crimes of a serial arsonist lead to murder, Sharpe and Walker need detective Eve Ronin to join the hunt in a blistering thriller!! Great read!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had high suspense, intriguing, action, murder, mystery, arson, fantastic characters, a shocking who done it and some wild twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting!! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! Can’t wait for more!