Walker & Sharpe continue to deliver as a pair of specialist arson investigators, along with help of Eve Ronin & Duncan Pavone (crossovers from another great series), and the reappearance of some antiheroes from book 1 running their own B Plot. It’s a lot of great characters amid the quick and snappy writing, following a crime spree and dirty dealings. Action, danger, humor, sleuthing, murder, revenge… I’m still fully invested and obsessed with these procedural stories. Though I will note that the parallel plotlines were too disconnected. It felt odd at times, though, it does meet up at the very end.

Overall, another great book and the audiobook experience remains a favorite, using the narrators from both series where needed to give a seamless listen. I’m already anticipating another Lee Goldberg book.

A serial arsonist is targeting Los Angeles. It appears to be the work of a man targeting places where his boyfriend's art,  has been painted over. When a fire destroys part of the interstate system the investigation grows. The on page chemistry between the four main investigating team, Sharpe, Walker, Ronin and Pavone is excellent. This is a very fast paced crimd thriller with a subplot involving a 40 million watch heist. Very enjoyable with a twisty ending.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer / Brilliance Audio  for the ALC.

𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 by Lee Goldberg
(Sharpe & Walker book 3 - Can be read as a standalone)

Thank you, Lee Goldberg, Brilliance Publishing, and NetGalley for this ALC of 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦!

Favorite quote:
"You look familiar.”
“Because you already know me,” Danny said. “It’s an illusion.”
Walker shook his head. “It’s not that. Your face reminds me of someone else.”
Danny knew who it was. “Chris Evans.”
“Thor?”
“That’s Chris Hemsworth,” Danny said. “Chris Evans was Captain America. The plastic surgeon says I have the same facial bone structure as Evans, so he used him as his model.”

A series of fires from an arsonist in Hollywood, a brilliant heist in Japan, a detective duo that calls in reinforcements...

This book was an exciting, action-packed, fast-paced crime thriller. The story moved along at a great pace and kept me interested.

The narrators were perfect. Eric Conger, the main narrator, did a wonderful job of adding to the greatness of this book. Nicol Zanzarella (one of my all-time my favorite narrators) also has some duet narration in the later chapters.

I read the author's notes and acknowledgments, and it's easy to see that a lot of research went into this book (and series).

𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦 did explore some serious topics, but there was also a lot of enjoyable humor and sarcasm. I highly recommend this if you like crime thrillers!


You can find Hidden in Smoke on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited - the audiobook is also included with Kindle Unlimited - Always a nice benefit!

Sharpe and Walker are back investigating fires in LA. When there is a spate of car fires under homes on stilts, they realize that there is a serial arsonist at play.

When a fire under the freeway damages the road and causes chaos in the city, the heat is on to catch the guy quickly. When the arsonist turns to murder, Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pravone are called in to help. I don't want to spoil the second plot line concerning an old acquaintance, but that whole story plays out well.

There is a great rapport between Sharpe and Walker, and I love the humor and their characters.

This was the third in the series, and it was a great read. The inclusion of Eve and Duncan helps the story along well too.

I listened to the book, and it was a very good listen. The narrator does an excellent job with the characters, and brings out their deadpan humor with excellent tone of voice.

I didn't mind this book, but it was a bit meh for me.
This was book 3 in this series.
Characters were developed.
The plot related to the Arson was okay. I got a little bored and felt there were some areas where they were trying to watch suspects that were monotonous.
The alternate plot is related to book 2, so I can't say much to avoid spoiling book 2 for you!
It wasn't a bad book. It is a very quick and easy read. Palatte cleanser type deal.
Just wasn't exactly what I expected.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me review this ARC!

All the gang is back in Hidden Smoke by Lee Goldberg.

Everyone should be talking about Goldberg's books. These characters are hilarious and bigger than life. How many writers can make you want to read about arson investigators?

"An arson spree gets Walker and Sharpe looking for the arsonist. A victim brings in Eve Ronin and Duncan. And the fiery destruction of a major LA highway brings in everybody. Mayhem ensues."

Goldberg's writing style is page-turning and entertaining. There are crooked politicians and corrupt public officials and an enforcer named Big Mike. (That chase scene is hilarious) Goldberg also has a side-story going with someone from the last book - running an elaborate con - that is tied in at the end. This can be read as a standalone but every book is fun and hilarious. These are great books when you need a change-of-pace from the usual crime fiction/thriller.

The audio is excellent. There are separate narrators for the men and for Eve. It feels more authentic that way. Both narrators get the nuanced emotion and personality of each character.

I would love to see these books get the Netflix treatment. More great fiction from Goldberg.

This is book #3 in the series, just fyi.
That being said, I did not find book # 1 or 2 at my library, so this was read as a stand-alone….which was ok, BUT, if you can read the entire series, I’d suggest you do that!

This book revolves around a lot of fires being set in a very short amount of time, and those who are tasked with finding out who is doing this!

But, just when they think they are making progress, it feels like they are back again at square one! 😮🤷🏻‍♀️

Add to this another sub-plot, involving a VERY high priced item, and you have the makings of a great story!

Lots of twists and turns, and honestly, I never saw the outcome that happened! 🫣😬

#HiddenInSmoke by #LeeGoldberg and narrated nicely by #EricConger and #NicolZanzarella.

4 smoky, big, bright ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review. I have loved many of Lee Goldberg’s books in the past, and consider myself lucky to be able to preview this one! ❤️❤️
*** Release date is 4/22/25, so look 👀 for it on shelves soon!! ***

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I've listened to several of this author's books. The Eve Ronin series in particular, so I was interested in this title as her character shows up, but I must have missed the other Sharpe/Walker titles. I'll be correcting that as quickly as I can, because I really liked these characters. Goldberg's writing style is engrossing, and the details that he provides of the books locations make the reader feel like they are right there with them. This book was fast paced, and the plot development was top notch.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Eric Conger and Nicol Zanzarella do a great job narrating this story and making it come to life.

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 tying up traffic and affecting dozens of businesses. It appears that the same person may be responsible for the arson.

Soon it becomes apparent to the investigators that there may be more to this than meets the eye, and the investigation takes a dark turn. Eve and Duncan come into the picture.

This is a well written thriller that has multiple sub-plots and adventure. Action packed police procedural thriller.

First off, I have read the first two books in this series, and recommend that anyone considering this book do the same, since although this can probably be an okay standalone, it gives major spoilers about the previous books. I'd also recommend reading the Eve Ronin series first, so that when she enters the picture in this novel, her character will make a lot more sense.

Overall, I enjoyed Hidden in Smoke as much as the previous Sharpe & Walker books. The characters have interesting personalities, and I like the duo of Sharpe and Walker together. The heist in the story was the most interesting part, much more than the fire investigation.

The narration was pretty good, but I wish the narrator differentiated more between the voices, especially in scenes with Sharpe, Walker, and Carter all talking. The rival investigators and other side characters were more clearly delineated, but I had a hard time keeping it straight which of the MCs was talking.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the complimentary ALC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Having read the advance copy of this book, I’m going to focus on the
great team work in the audio presentation. Nicol Zanzarella and
Eric Comger do a masterful job as they portray the characters in
this eerily current~events style novel by Lee Goldberg. These
Narrators have got the perfect cadence, tempermemt, syle
and delivery to keep the listener engaged and on the edge
of their set as fires continue to ravage the dwellings of so
many people, set by the desperate and criminally inclined…
Whether you wish to read the print copy or listen to the
presentation, you will not be disappointed! My thanks to
Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the audio
presentation of this book for review purposes🔥