When bones of a missing woman from years ago appeared after fires at Santa Monica Mountains turned out to be a homicide case, Eve Ronin finds herself facing cases that will put her against her colleagues...

Honestly, I was a bit worried for Eve, the youngest homicide detective in LASD. I understand the she wants to prove herself, that what matters to her is getting justice done for to victim, but how she does it, may end up with her being a lone crusader, you know?

Eve is young, she doesn't have a lot of experience yet, and there are already resentment with her achieving the detective position using a viral YouTube video. And now matter how she does it, everyone will think that Eve does it for fame, anyway. It's going to be tough for her, as evidence shows in this book after Eve uncovers the conspiracy to cover the case.

Anyway, my worry aside, I enjoyed this book. It was nice procedural case that combines a (sort of) cold case with conspiracy. The answer to the case was quite surprising too, and in mystery novel, I liked being surprised. Oh, this time the author even added a forensic anthropologist as a secondary character, who worked with the bones. I hope he would re-appear in the future.

So yes, I definitely look forward to book #3.

Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg is a superb read with well-defined characters and plotline. Definitely a page turner and well worth a read!

An entertaining and compelling read.
The aftermath of a California wildfire reveals pieces of human bones. Rookie homicide detective Eve Ronin and her soon to retire partner Duncan Pavone investigate the cold case revealing some awful behaviour and coverups within the LA County Sheriff's Department. Most of the department already thinks she parlayed her fame from a viral video to get the job and is just in it for the fame, and try to warn her off this investigation. When another set of bones are found, Eve becomes even more determined to solve the crimes risking her job and possibly her life.
This was a well written police procedural with believable characters, realistic dialogue and some witty banter. Although I didn't read the first book I didn't feel lost and really enjoyed it. I will read it now to get the backstory and look forward to the next book.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC.

Lee Goldberg's "Bone Canyon" is more suspenseful and intriguing than the series' debut, "Lost Hills." This time, Detective Eve Ronin finds herself investigating the scattered bones of corpses that have been found as part of the aftermath of a devastating fire. These are the corpses of murder victims, thrown into the thick brush and forgotten. Eve is determined that justice will be served. In this deadly, gory, fast-paced mystery, Eve becomes the hated enemy of fellow police officers at the Lost Hills Station after she learns there is a connection between the corpses and a secret society. This exciting police procedural is highly recommended.

For my complete review, please see the upcoming January edition of Gumshoe at www.gumshoereview.com.

When wildfires spread their destruction over miles of the Santa Monica Mountains they also expose a multitude of bones some of which are identified as the victims of gangland violence. Others however, are far more mysterious Eve Ronin, a newly promoted Los Angeles Sheriff's Department homicide detective, and her soon to retire partner, Duncan Pavone are assigned to the investigation to discover both their identities and how they died.

Finding herself involved in a cold case which could have serious repercussions not only for her but also the department isn't how Eve hoped her second murder case would pan out. With her unconventional rise through the ranks causing mistrust and dislike amongst her colleagues Eve struggles to find the balance between the need for a clear impartial approach and her inherent headstrong personality. As the threat to herself increases she knows only solving everything will be enough to bring her back to some sort of normality.

I haven't read the first of the two Eve Ronin books but it wasn't any kind of a hindrance. This can easily be read as a standalone and is very good. It's obvious Mr Goldberg knows the area of Los Angeles featured here and how the Sheriff's department works. The peripheral characters give the story a strong background and help Eve become a more sympathetic main protagonist. It isn't clear if there will be another book in this series but I definitely hope there will be.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very good read.

This is the second book in this series, and finds our intrepid policewoman once again making LA County safe from bad cops and serial killers. She and her partner are called to a house where the homeowner has found a skull. There had been a brush fire on the ridge/cliff behind his house and the skull had been freed from the tangle brush. Who's body is it and how long had it been there?

When enough of the bones are found, it turns out to be the body of a young woman who had disappeared six years ago. It turns out her neck had been broken and then dumped in a ravine behind the house. Then a second body is found. Other areas that had burned had turned out to be the dumping grounds for bodies from drug gang wars.

When it turns out that the first body is that of a woman who had reported a rape six years ago and then disappeared, some of the cops from the Lost Hills precinct (where Eve works) become the prime suspects. Eve becomes the target of "unknown" assailants who are trying to scare her off the case. But our dedicate/driven policewoman is not easily scared away. At some points the story gets comical in the "perils" that Eve is subjected to, but that's the style of this series.

A wildfire in the Santa Monica Hills reveals the body of a woman who disappeared years ago. The discovery of the body puts a bad light on the local police department and puts The Deputy in charge of the investigation in the cross hairs of some dangerous people. This book was fast paced with plenty of twists and turns. The ending surprised me. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I read Lost Hills, the first book in the Eve Ronin series earlier this year as a Kindle First Reads choice and loved it. I loved the combination of police/detective work in relation to Hollywood and the Stars. Eve was a very likable character even though she's slightly unlikeable to her colleagues and Duncan, Eve's, nearly retried partner, gives off a gruff but fatherly vibe that makes them an unlikely duo but it works. I jumped at the chance to read a copy of Bone Canyon, the second in the series.

Eve and Duncan are investigating the discovery of bones in the canyon after the wildfires had done their damage. While many of them were gang members who had been murdered and dumped, the bones of a woman missing for six years sends them on a journey that does not reflect well on The Lost Hills PD and puts Eve in the crosshairs of those who will do whatever it takes to remain undetected. When more bones of more women are uncovered, Eve and Duncan must do whatever it takes to bring their killers to justice while Eve, still known as Deathfist, does her best to stay away from the spotlight.

The relationship between Eve and Duncan is a major selling point for the book. I like the give and take and how they work together, with Duncan supporting Eve even though he often shows her tough love. I love his grizzly demeanor and humor. I've read one other of Lee Goldberg's books and I liked the inclusion of a certain plot point from that book. It's always a welcome addition when the author's books are all part of the same "universe." I was afraid the book was going to wrap up a little too neatly however, I was thrown a curve toward the end, that I didn't expect even though earlier on I had inclinations about that particular character. Overall, this was another winner for me and I look forward to more Eve Ronin books.

Book 2 in this series did not disappoint! Like the first, it’s an adrenaline ride with many twists and turns. This book is on the smaller side and because it’s so fast paced, I flew through it in one sitting. The case was perplexing and the characters interesting. I loved the many red herrings the author gave us and found myself second guessing everything multiple times. The conclusion was a shocker! I loved this installment and look forward to more in this series! My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Deputy Eve Ronin was the "star" of an internet video that went viral, she used her unexpected fame to leverage herself a spot as the youngest female homicide detective in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She's good at her job and she truly believes in what she's doing.

Unfortunately, her high-profile position (and the way she obtained it) leaves everyone speculating on her true intentions within the department. Is she just a glory hound? Can she be trusted? Does she have ulterior motives; such as getting herself a film or TV series?

All that comes into play, as well as so much more, when the previously hidden skeletal remains of several people begin showing up in areas recently cleared by wildfires. No one is certain what, if any, connection there is between the victims... Or even if they're actually victims of anything other than accidental death or suicide.

Eve and her soon to be retired partner Duncan "Donuts" Pavone are on the case.

Bone Canyon is the second book in the Eve Ronin series, it picks up a couple of months after the first book Lost Hills. It works fine as a standalone but better as part of the series. The style is deceptively simple, meaning there are no attempts at poetic metaphor ala Raymond Chandler, just good straight ahead storytelling done well.

There is humor, subtle social commentary, and some nice plot twists. Good stuff start to finish. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good crime story that isn't cozy soft or noir dark.

There are adult situations, strong language, and some semi-graphic moments of violence. I would give it a PG-13 rating: should be okay for most readers.

***I received a free digital copy of this title from NetGalley.

Eve is a police officer in Southern California, and is called in to investigate the case of some recently found bones, which belong to a women who went missing after reporting a gang rape six years ago. Apparently, she had remembered a tattoo, and the artist who had recreated it for her identifies it as belonging to a brotherhood of cops. Her fellow officers already dislike her; would they actually do anything to harm her to get revenge? And did they rape and murder Sabrina? Then another body is found nearby, and the case becomes even more complicated, as Eve tries to ascertain if the two murders are in any way related. The identity of the murderer was a surprise to me--this is a well written series, and I look forward to reading the next book in the Eve Ronin series.Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

Eve Ronin is still making enemies in the department as she looks for the rapist and murderer of a victim discovered after a wildfire in CA. Duncan tries to control her and have her do it by the book and proper channels but Eve wants results now. As the case continues two more bodies are found, all women, all murdered. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Goodreads

The charred remains of a body is discovered in the Hueso Canyon in the aftermath of a forest fire. It is the remains of a girl who went missing a few years ago, under mysterious circumstance. Then another woman's body is discovered and there seems to be no connection between the deaths nor a common MO. Detective Eve Ronin and her partner race against time to find out the culprit. But that's not all. The revelations dredge up connections to the police force itself and Eve finds herself up against her own people.
This book was thoroughly interesting and I admit I could not predict who the murderer was. It was an enjoyable read and though not so dark and twisty (like I prefer), is perfect for thriller fans.
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.

The first book in this series - "Lost Hills" - didn't disappoint, and neither did this one (in fact, I think it's better). Los Angeles Sheriff's Department homicide detective Eve Ronin isn't perfect - nor is she likely to become besties with most of her department colleagues - but she gets the job done even if she has to step on some really big toes to do it.

It begins as Eve and her almost-retired partner, Duncan Pavone, are called to investigate human remains discovered in the rubble of a wildfire in the Santa Monica Mountains. As it turns out - with help from hunky and single forensic anthropologist Daniel Brooks - the tidbits belong to a woman who went missing several years ago not long after she'd reported a crime to police that somehow, in intervening years, got lost in the system.

That, of course, makes Eve's ears perk up and her nose twitch. Despite warnings to cool her heels from a few of the aforementioned colleagues - most of whom are convinced she got her homicide job by grandstanding - she plods on with the help of Duncan, who says he has nothing to lose by ruffling a few feathers. Good thing, because some of those feathers not only get ruffled, but totally bent out of shape.

The investigation goes slower than Eve would like - patience isn't one of her virtues - with roadblocks coming from unexpected places that bring a whole new meaning of dead end. The conclusion brings a twist; I was expecting one that I hoped was wrong, and, happily, I was (sorry, my lips are sealed). All told, another winner, for which I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for a pre-release copy.

This is the second book in the Eve Ronin series. Although I didn’t love [book: Lost Hills] but I like [author: Lee Goldberg]. I have read some of his other books including the entire Fox and O’Hare series that he coauthored with Janet Evanovich. I thought U would give this a chance. I am glad I did as I liked it better. Oh! BTW: It really it isn’t necessary that you read the first in this series as this is an entirely different story. It does start with a bit of a continuing from “Lost Hills”, in that Eve is recovering from a broken wrist and is now back on duty but has to have Physical Therapy. ’

Eve is the youngest Homicide detective in the LA Country Sheriff’s Department. Living near LA it seems the Sheriff’s Department is in the news daily.
Although Eve is a “go getter” she is still a rookie who has a lot to learn. I like her relationship with her older partner Duncan Pavone, who is close to retiring. He’s nickname is “Donuts” for good reason.
.Duncan is a good mentor to Eve. Unlike many men who have a low expectation of women, he wants Eve to be successful .Eve also has a nickname~ Deathfist”. She got his name when a video of her arresting a movie star for assaulting his girlfriend. In fact, there is talk of Eve staring in a movie herself!

Eve and Duncan are called to investigate bones that are found after the wildfires that torched the Santa Monica Mountains recently. The owner of the property who found the bones said he recently did landscaping and there certainly weren’t any bones in his yard then. Turns out the bones had been scattered after the fires and end up being a “cold case’. The skull is a woman who disappeared years ago.
Eve with the help of anthropoids, who is brought in to help identify the woman, must solve if the missing woman had an accident or was murdered.
Eve and Duncan are likeable believable characters. I look forward to the next story in this series

I always enjoy reading the Author’s Note and Acknowledgements at the end of the book and this was very interesting. There is no doubt that Mr. Goldberg did a lot of research. He attended homicide investigators’ training conferences for law enforcement professionals. There is a lot of forensic investigation in the story and again Mr. Goldberg looked to experts and researched professionals in the field of criminal justice, as well as a whole paragraph full of names of other experts. Needless to say, all of this made the story seem more nonfiction. However, he does state that he took creative liberties with areas that didn’t require an expert.

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this early release. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes only. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 5, 2021

When a wildfire hits the Santa Monica mountains, it doesn't just burn trees and houses. They find human bones in the aftermath.

Thomas & Mercer and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published January 5th.

A partial skull is found in the blackened ground. As they continue searching the ground, they find that two women are dead. Eve learns there was another woman with the younger woman and she tracks her down. The lady talks to her and gives the clothes she was wearing that night but she doesn't want her name brought up.

Eve goes along with her assumptions with how it happened. She knows the girls were raped and that it was cops that did it. They were surfing, the girls started talking to them and drinking and then they passed out.The men took advantage of the situation. But Eve is a cop, too, and no one wannts her to pursue the men. She does anyway.

They try to discourage her by ruining her car with dog poop and urine. They run her off the road in her rental car trying to kill her. And she still persists despite the threats.

Then she realizes they are not the killers of the women.

The killer was a surprise. I didn't think he was a suspect.

This is a good mystery with lots of twists and turns. It's a good thing her partner is there. He helps protect her.

You won't be bored.

This is the second title in the Eve Ronin series about her work as a detective in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. After a fire and rain at a nearby canyon yields bones that lead to a series of murders. Eve needs to wait for the forensics while navigating her family: her Hollywood infatuated mother, the sudden appearance of her estranged Dad, her match-making sister and her brother’s somewhat stale family. There is also the political situation of her office where a brotherhood of officers puts the whole department under unfavorable public scrutiny. Exciting, illuminating, and fast-paced…..Lee Goldberg’s books in this series are ones to look forward to reading. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this title. Recommended.

Bone Canyon is the second in the Eve Ronin series. It’s a well done police procedural, featuring a strong woman protagonist. Eve is the youngest Homicide detective in the LA County Sheriff’s Department. This time, Eve and her partner Duncan, are investigating a cold case. Human bones have literally turned up after a wildfire in Bone Canyon. It doesn’t take long to identify the woman and things move fast from there.
There are conspiracy undertones to this story, with Eve unable to trust anyone in her department outside of her partner. Eve is a believable character. She’s young and is still learning the ropes. She’s driven and has yet to become disillusioned. I also appreciated her partner Dunkin Donuts (Duncan Pavone). Despite being steps away from retirement, he’s still engaged and willing to risk his own reputation. He’s also a great teacher for Eve and unlike many of the male detectives, wants her to succeed.
Goldberg writes with a gritty realism, touching on department politics and misogyny overtop the search for the rapists and killer(s).
We get elements of humor in the form of an attempt to make a tv series of Eve’s fast rise in the department. The joke became even more obvious when I read that Goldberg was the writer for several crime shows, such as Monk.
This is a fun, entertaining book that moves at a crisp pace and kept me engaged every step of the way. I will definitely be looking for book three.
My thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

Eve Ronin is back and as determined as ever to show she deserves to be a homicide detective. Eve and her partner Duncan are called to the area that has been ravaged by the latest wildfires after bones are discovered. But, it ends up being more than just one set of bones. And, none of them are recent. Is there a serial killer out there or more than one killer...Eve is determined to find the truth; but could the truth get her killed when she finds out at least three fellow police officers could be involved. And, just how far up does the corruption go....

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Detective Eve Ronin returns to face more challenges as the youngest member of an "old boys" system that make her job more difficult at every turn. As her partner gets closer to retirement every day, her worries grow. Detective Duncan Pavone has mentored her at every step of the last year and she's still worried about her life after he leaves.
As so often happens in the Los Angeles foothills, a fire devastates the area, leaving the clean up crews to find human remains. Ronin and Pavone are assigned the investigation. The remains are those of a young woman who went missing after she filed a report of rape. The investigation will lead the detectives in a circle back to the sheriff's department and then another set of remains is found. The story picks up tension and pace at this point....take your break before you get to here because you are not going to be able to set it down after this.

Lee Goldberg is an accomplished author with many titles in his library including the Monk series....he was also a contributing writer/producer on the Monk TV series...and co-author with Janet Evanovich on the popular Fox & O'Hare series. He manages to please readers of many differing genres while maintaining the high quality of his writing. I'm a fan for life!