I read the ARC on Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is an extremely well written fast paced thrilling arson investigation.

Sharpe and Walker are two arson investors who are called to solve it. They race against time to solve it. I finished reading it in record time.

Walker and Sharpe are back investigating fires and solving crimes. In this book they are tracking a serial arsonists, who sets up several car fires two nights in a row. Third night escalates the situation, when a major freeway is set on fire.

This book is Goldberg's trademark police procedural mixed with a healthy dose of humor. My other favorite pair, Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone also make an appearance in the story. Likable characters and tight situations top off the reading experience.

Another thrilling chapter in the Sharpe & Walker series! This time they’re investigating a series of fires set under cars in apartment building and under the freeway. But it’s not so simple as Arson. This story keeps your attention the whole way through with twists and turns and a few surprises from the past.

Hidden in Smoke is part of a series but I read it without reading all the other books in the series. With that being said, the story begins with references to past events from a former book. Someone is burning cars and buildings with them. Arson investigators Sharpe and Walker quickly close in on a suspect. Before making an arrest, the duo are pulled off the case and assigned a mess of case involving a freeway fire. Calling in homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone, Sharpe and Walker have to find the link between cases and catch a serial arsonists. In the background, master thief is working behind the scenes to bring a pharmaceutical company owner to his knees. The story is suspenseful and the characters are memorable for an interesting whodunnit that I want to read more of. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Because I received an Advance Readers Copy of Hidden in Smoke from NetGalley, I felt obligated to finish the book, but it was dreadful from beginning to end. I honestly cannot find a single positive thing to say about it. The plot was far-fetched and cartoony, all of the characters were one-dimentional caricatures, and the book read like an 80's cop show, lacking any semblance or adherence to reality. Added to this, the author's blatant treatment of women as sex objects, the stereotyping of minorities, LGBTQ, and homeless persons, and the author's decision to have at least one main character willfully abuse the power of his law enforcement position purely for personal gain (and without any remorse or legal repercussions), made this an unpleasant journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, as well as the publisher, for providing me with the ARC. I'm sorry it wasn't more enjoyable.

This book is the 3rd in Goldbergs Sharpe and Walker Series. This story made me happy to give it a chance over all this book and the 2nd in the series to me were better then book 1 by a lot.
The book begins with Walker dealing with some personal stuff due to his sons Epilepsy and going to Japan to meet a familiar face to get help for his own personal vendetta. We then jump a little to the present where Walker and his partner Sharpe Need to investigate carfires that burn Apartment buildings. Sharpe of course continues to not make friends with how he treats people weather they be the LAFD firefighters or investigators or some of the people he interviews as a gruff old school investigator.

Eventually a freeway overpass goes on fire causing more drama in the city and leading to a death which then causes none other then Eve Ronin to join the task force with her partner. However this death investigation is a tough one and requires some muscle from the team to try to get to the boot of things. Evenutally the team solves all the fires and the homicide however not without some action and twists to things.

This story had a clear narrative and great plot points. The character development and surprises that this story brought made for an amazing read and I loved how we get to involve Eve Ronin again in another cross over with Sharpe and Walker.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy that allowed me to read this in exchange for my honest review. I hope Mr. Goldberg is working on a 4th story in the series.

Another great book in the Sharpe and Walker series!!

Wow, did this book fly by for me! It was so good, the plot(s) kept me engaged and I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. There are 2 plotlines in this story, the larger one where Sharpe and Walker are tasked with solving the string of arsons that are happening in the area, seemingly tied to the death of a tagger/mural designer. The other plot brings back a character from a previous book. We also see Eve and Duncan back from previous books.

If you enjoy action-packed detective-type stories, this book is for you!! You'll thank me later.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

4 stars for a thriller mystery set in Los Angeles County, California. I have read the previous 2 books in the series and you should also, before reading this book. The author even has a warning at the start of
the book, advising the reader that the first chapter contains major spoilers for book 2. Sharpe and Walker are arson investigators who work for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
This book has two plots: One plot is about a serial arsonist who is starting fires in cars under homes on stilts. Sharpe and Walker realize that the fires are not random and start investigating. They do solve the mystery.
The second plot is a carryover from book 2 and I cannot say more without spoiling book 2. I enjoy the humor and camaraderie between Walker and Sharpe. Sharpe is the expert at unraveling the source of the arson, but has an abrasive personality, causing anger and resentment from firefighters. Walker is more of a people person and is usually able to smooth hurt feelings. He is also good at tracking suspects down.
One quote on two characters reuniting to do a robbery. The woman tells the guy that "I got new boobs. " she said.
He'd noticed. "That's different."
"Not if you're a woman," she said. "More men talk to my boobs than to my face."
Thank You Thomas & Mercer for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#HiddeninSmoke #NetGalley

Pub Date Apr 22 2025

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.