Gripping and intense, Hidden in Smoke is a combustible story that moves at a scorching pace and will ignite the thrill of the hunt in readers’ minds. Another fantastic book by Lee Goldberg, one of the most bankable authors in the genre for engaging, fun, smooth novels containing great characters and intriguing plots. All he does is churn out one great story after another.
An arsonist is setting fires at apartment buildings across Hollywood. Then a massive fire shuts down a major Los Angeles freeway. And just like that, arson investigators Sharpe and Walker are in the middle of the action, charged with finding those responsible. Could it be the same person causing havoc across the city or is there something more diabolical at play? Meanwhile, an old acquaintance of the two investigators is back in the fold and doing what he does best. Namely scheming and thieving. But this time, it could come back to burn them.
This third installment in the Sharpe and Walker series is as compelling and absorbing as the prior two. The banter between the two investigators is entertaining, their strengths are perfectly complimentary, and their investigative approaches are vastly different. But they form a brilliant team that gets the job done, usually with Walker having to make nice for all the people pissed off at Sharpe. It’s the interplay between the duo that makes this book, and this series, so much fun to read.
It also helps that the storylines are fire (pun intended) and the books well researched and written. I mean, it’s not often that someone throws together a serial arsonist, a world class cat burglar, delicious BBQ, big pharma, street artists, and the craziest museum you’ve ever heard about into a single book. But Goldberg pulls it off, seamlessly weaving it all together – and throwing in a few surprises and fan favorite characters – to construct a story that is equal parts amusing, anxiety-inducing and satisfying.
If you’re not reading Goldberg’s stuff, what are you waiting for? Get on it. Because I promise you a good time. And whatever he writes next, I’ll be first in line to grab a copy.
Follow Steve on Twitter or contact him via the site.
Purchase Hidden In Smoke
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)
Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
