| Title | : | Malibu Burning (Sharpe \u0026 Walker #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | Expected publication September 1, 2023 |
Hell comes to Southern California every October. It rides in on searing Santa Ana winds that blast at near hurricane force, igniting voracious wildfires. Master thief Danny Cole longs for the flames. A tsunami of fire is exactly what he needs to pull off a daring crime and avenge a fallen friend.
As the most devastating firestorms in Los Angeles’ history scorch the hills of Malibu, relentless arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his wild card of a new partner, Andrew Walker, a former US marshal, suspect that someone set the massive blazes intentionally, a terrifying means to an unknown end.
While the flames rage out of control, Danny pursues his brilliant scheme, unaware that Sharpe and Walker are closing in. But when they all collide in a canyon of fire, everything changes, pitting them against an unexpected enemy within an inescapable inferno.
Malibu Burning (Sharpe \u0026 Walker #1) Reviews
-
BIG thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Malibu Burning!!
Expected publication: June 20th 2023
As the most devastating firestorms in Los Angeles’ history scorch the hills of Malibu, relentless arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his wild card of a new partner, Andrew Walker, a former US marshal, suspect that someone set the massive blazes intentionally, a terrifying means to an unknown end.
What a rip-roaring ride Malibu Burning was! It felt so good to lose myself in a book that made me laugh out loud. (I think I've read too many sad books, lately.) The pace was fast, and I never got bored. Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker were hilarious together! Not only that, the depiction of the Santa Ana winds was spot on! Also, I loved the con man with a heart of gold. Wonderful book!
I have a request, Mr. Goldberg. Can you pretty please bring Sharpe and Walker back in another book? -
Lee Goldberg has written more than 40 novels. I have read only about half a dozen, but really like his Eve Ronin series which is why I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of what is to become a new series featuring arson investigators Walker and Sharpe. Rather than trying to summarize the story, suffice it to say that it involves a clever con artist who is too good hearted for his own good, raging fires caused by arson, retribution, a bit of Robin Hood mentality, and the afore mentioned two investigators. Walker, a former US Marshall, is newly teamed with Sharpe, whose nickname is Shar-pei, one of the reasons being his uncanny resemblance to that breed of dog. Both Walker and Sharpe are unique characters, a bit unconventional, but full of wit and intelligence.
Despite the plot being a bit over the top, it is a good story. Some of the dialog in the beginning is a bit cheesy, but it is a fun read, with a measure of humor and vivid descriptions. I would liken it to a popcorn movie….a fast moving nailbiter to read purely for entertainment….and you just may learn something about fires and firefighting. Get in on this series from the beginning!
Thanks to #netgalley and #thomas&Mercer for the ARC. -
4.5 Stars
Danny Cole, conman extraordinaire, sets out to execute the mother-of-all heists. But this time, his motivation isn’t strictly monetary. He has a score to settle, one long overdue.
Enlisting several unsavory characters and a stolen, locked-and-loaded, Icarus drone, Cole puts his plan into motion and ignites an inferno within the California landscape housing billionaire homes, the perfect cover for a bunch of ex-cons with sticky fingers.
Meanwhile, a John-Wayne-wannabe, U. S. Marshal Andrew Walker, heeds his uncanny spidey sense, convinced the air reeks of something other than acrid smoke and failed powerlines. And while Walker may be an expert in reading criminal behavior, his new partner, Walter Sharpe, is a connoisseur in all things combustible. Together they enter the terrifying firestorm with plans to catch their man…if the thugs sent by a cartel kingpin don’t get to him first.
This is my introduction to Lee Goldberg. I appreciated the fast pace and tight plot, as well as the captivating but believable characters. I may just become a fan. My thanks to Mr. Goldberg, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC. -
Completely unbelievable but one heck of a ride! This was told in exquisite detail, the writing was top notch. This was incredibly fast paced and I was riveted from the beginning. The characters were unique and mixed very well together. While not plausible it was very, very entertaining. If you are looking for an adrenaline ride- this is it!
-
When I first saw this book I thought it was a new Eve Ronin but I was wrong it is a new Sharpe and Walker. This is the first book in a brand new series by Lee Goldberg and boy is it good. Now I eagerly await the second one in this series. The story and the characters in this suspensefilled new adventure are well created as usual and I get the feeling that Goldberg has some feel for the location, it's almost as if he lives there?(HaHa) This is actually the second book in a short time that concerns wildfires but this one is really brutal. There is a great timeline that narrows as one reads the story and in the end the two timelines melts into the present. It's a fastpaced book that is very easy to enjoy thanks to the wonderful writing of Goldberg, I can see why he also writes for the screen. I think I have to look into some of his other works because so far everything I have read by him is great. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Amazon publishing and Netgalley for providing me with this great story.
-
Prolific author Lee Goldberg maintains his standard excellent writing in his latest legal thriller, “Malibu Rising” — a terrific action-packed tale of two partners who definitely need a sequel or two.
Cowboy-hatted US Marshal Andrew Walker has recently changed careers to become a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arson investigator, joining veteran Detective Walter Sharpe. Sharpe’s first lesson to Walker: “Arson is done for a purpose and it’s usually for revenge, money, or hiding another crime.”
Two villains are introduced: the unrelentingly harsh Santa Ana winds due to arrive soon and a criminal from the past. Eight years ago Walker pursued and captured master thief Danny Cole, who finagled his way onto one of CalFire’s inmate firefighting gangs. The story is original and clever as Walker finds himself pursuing Cole again while Sharpe uses his incredible skill set to determine the causes of fires, but this time the pursuit is through flames and near death experiences. Kudos to Mr. Goldberg’s research about firefighting in California! This really was an unputdownable book — even as it was pouring rain while I read this, the author created an immersive world where I could imagine bushes bursting into flames before my eyes (and looking up for drones and ping-pong balls). 5 stars! I hope to see Walker and Sharpe back in a series of their own.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review! This will also be a Kindle Unlimited release.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Mr. Goldberg said he will never make this mistake because he’s colorblind (his input to my last review of his book “Movieland”!), but, well, well, well, there’s Drysdale (ok, they’re contacts), pregnant Carly, and the crazy lady whose green eyes are fogged with cataracts… THREE green eyed characters!
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO As I learned from his past books, Lee Goldberg really knows the fauna and flora in the Malibu region. -
This series is getting better and better with each new book. I was captivated by the previous one and was so excited to see there’s a new book coming out soon.
Malibu Burning is a story full of interesting characters, a fast-paced action and a very character driven plot.
A former police officer is the investigator of arson cases that have been happening lately and many of these cases haven’t been solved until now. There are so many unlikable characters in here. From the movie producer, a vengeful wife, the Mexican mafia and the rich oligarchs. They all have a say and their place, and I think they portrait a great big picture after reading the book and going back thinking at all the scenes from the book.
I liked the interactions and how the dialogue just flows between the main characters.
I actually liked the con guy, Danny Cole. He is smart and while his actions speak for himself; I found him an intriguing character altogether.
The fires and the burning scenes and the firefighters’ rescue teams and attempts to tame those fires are so vividly described. You can easily see that the author is a screenplay writer and I hope these books will make their debut on the big screen because they really deserve it.
A thrilling must read story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy -
A “Robin Hood” type of conman with a heart of gold. A former U.S. marshal working as an arson investigator while he waits for the birth of his first child. A widow seeking revenge. A jaded detective who has seen too many unsolved cases. Throw in a narcissistic producer, a Russian oligarch, members of a Mexican drug cartel and you have some of the characters that make Malibu Burning a simply sensational read!
Sentenced to prison after a con job goes bad, Danny Cole becomes a volunteer firefighter with other inmates. He’s disturbed by a cruel event but inspired by the empty, evacuated California mansions and the wealth left behind. After he serves his sentence, he gathers his team of criminals to plot a spectacular crime. Meanwhile, arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker are investigating a series of wildfires they believe were deliberately set. Of course, they two separate plots will collide in the middle of one of the worst fires the area has ever seen.
The writing in Malibu Burning is so realistic and visual that you feel the heat of the flames. You see the firefighters creating fire breaks, hear the vibration of the helicopters and try to catch your breath during the breakneck action. Here’s the reason why: Lee Goldberg, an Edgar and Shamus Award winner and TV show writer/producer. The next step for Malibu Burning should be a screenplay. The team of Sharpe and Walker should be a series. And Danny Cole should keep on planning the long cons. Thank you, Lee Goldberg. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Lee Goldberg for this ARC. -
I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Goldberg has become one of my favorite authors, and I’d been biding my time waiting for a new release by re-reading his other books.
This “standalone” (really hoping it’ll become a series) introduces a new cast of characters (some of whom feel like long lost friends from other books) in a familiar setting, with Goldberg’s usual impeccable style. Danny Cole is a con man reminiscent of Nick Fox, from Goldberg’s series with Janet Evanovich. The location and the firestorm are a nod to Goldberg’s Eve Ronin series. And two of the new characters, Sharpe and Walker, are arson investigators whose storylines highlight the depth of Goldberg’s research and his meticulous attention to detail in writing.
Malibu Burning is, at its surface, an intriguing take on the typical Southern California firestorm and what could be happening behind the scenes. But it also highlights CA’s frequent use of “convict firefighters” in a way that has you rooting for the criminals. And for this Southern California girl, the hint of a “dig” at SoCal Edison was also a delight.
It’s a well-told story, suspenseful and thrilling, with plenty of twists and turns. Definitely one to read! -
5/5 stars! Everyone knows the Santa Ana winds spell trouble. As these tempestuous winds roll into California, they bring with them extreme fires and horrors to match. I loved this story. I have not read many books that focus on arson investigators rather than homicide detectives and it was a great change of perspective. This story was as much of a whirlwind as the swirling fires it depicts, with an increase in heat and pressure as it continued. I was shocked at the ending (in a good way). Would highly recommend it to any crime or thriller readers and will definitely be looking up more books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily -
I let out a yelp of excitement when I saw there was a new Lee Goldberg available and this did not disappoint. Witty dialogue, a subtle tie in with another novel, and a con man with a heart of gold? Yes, please. On a completely related topic, you just don't find good heist novels that often, so it's worth picking up for that alone.
-
I just love Lee Goldberg! Malibu Burning takes place in the same area as his previous story, Lost Hills.
While the obvious would be to say this book is about fires and firefighters, it’s also about greed and loyalty.
It’s true that Los Angeles County has a fire season and some of the most expensive real estate is lost on a regular
basis because firefighters cannot get to the remote locations. To help professional firefighters, we use inmate firefighters, men in the custody of the CDCR who are trained to work alongside the firefighters. They live and work together saving lives and property for days, weeks, months.
Danny was part of a crew fighting a fire that was not cooperating, and took the life of a friend. He felt his friend was not given the care he would have gotten had he been a regular firefighter. Allison is a destitute widow, having lost her firefighter husband after a long and expensive struggle that, for obscure regulations was not considered a covered death. Back at the Sheriff’s Department, Arson Investigator Sharpe finally gets a new
partner, and Walker might be a seasoned Cop, but he has no Arson experience.
Danny has a plan borne out of his desire to make folks who hire private firefighters provided by their
Insurance company, to simply protect a single home at the expense of the neighborhood learn a lesson.
This story is simply fascinating as the various characters and situations outdo the last.
One thing about Lee Goldberg is his sense of humor that he weaves through his books,
I highly recommend this book.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and this is my honest review. -
Malibu Burning is scorching. Another riveting story by Lee Goldberg. This story line with arson investigators pitted against a conman waiting for the perfect storm to pull off his what could be his last crime as the flames come baring down.
I am a big fan of Goldberg's and this did not disappoint, I highly recommend this.
Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC -
Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg is a scorching, atmospheric, and suspense-filled novel that grabs the reader from the first page and doesn’t let up until the end.
For me, everything about Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg, although a work of fiction, oozed authenticity. It’s incredibly difficult to imagine but so easy to appreciate the massive number of hours of research that obviously went into this book featuring enormous, wind-driven, California brush fires described in such epic and vivid detail the reader almost feels the heat and smells the smoke. This book isn’t just a very well-executed crime thriller. It’s a fantastic novel, period. The nuanced character development is first rate–even that of the bad guys–from backstories to their motivations to the dialogue. It all smacks of realism.
When Stetson-wearing U. S. Marshal Andrew Walker’s wife gets pregnant with their first child, she persuades him to give up his dangerous job as a man-hunter to take a safer law enforcement job. After getting hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, they assign him to arson investigations where Walker teams up with veteran arson detective Walter Sharpe. Sharpe, he soon learns, knows everything there is to know about fires–how they start, how they burn, and how they behave. When three seemingly unrelated brush fires start, Sharpe doesn’t buy the theory they started from accidents stemming from power line failures and decides to investigate. He and his new green partner, Walker, find evidence that suggests arson and that someone with a lot of knowledge about fires, started them in an ingenious and unusual way. Sharpe is the expert on fires and arson investigation, but Walker is the expert on the criminal mind and suspects the arsonist started the fires either to conceal or facilitate the commission of some other crime. As the pair continues to investigate, Walker realizes an old nemesis, a brilliant con man named Danny Cole, is involved. And all they have to do is figure out what it is Cole is using the wildfires to cover up, how to prove it, and where to find Cole so they can arrest him.
Intense suspense, shocks, and chilling authenticity make this one a very special book. It has everything you expect from a flawlessly executed, action-packed crime thriller. The characters are likeable and realistic–including the antagonist, Danny Cole. Sure, he’s a criminal, but you grudgingly find you admire him just a little. The entertaining story feels sufficiently gritty, although Goldberg softens it a little with both heart-warming moments and humor. The stakes are impossibly high and continue rising in the narrative about Southern California cops, firefighters, and thieves, and it all takes place in the middle of an epic conflagration that puts them in imminent danger. Malibu Burning is perfect for fans of authors like John Sandford.
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes. -
There are a handful of authors whose books I always look forward to reading, and Mr. Goldberg is one of them. And with this book, he once again doesn't disappoint; it's a real barn-burner. Besides that, I absolutely loved the main characters, the super-skillful arson investigator Walter Sharpe and his new partner, Andrew Walker - so much so that I'm hoping we'll see them again (and again) in a series.
For this nonstop adventure, they're hot on the trail of ex-con Danny Cole, a clever thief who, during his prison time, volunteered for the prison's firefighter squad. The work is challenging and dangerous, but to Danny, it beat being stuck in a prison cell and trying to avoid payback from people he'd scammed. But living out in the wilderness sparked not only his expertise with wildfires, but also his desire for another big payoff - along with getting revenge on behalf of a friend who was terribly wronged. Almost as soon as he walked out the prison door as a free man, he began putting together an air-tight plan and assembling his team of experts.
Chapters shift back and forth between Danny's efforts to get rich and what's going on in the lives of the arson team's effort; it's no surprise when everything and everyone come together amid an out-of-control wildfire that threatens multi-million dollar California mansions. Along the way Andrew - himself a seasoned detective - soaked up Walter's extensive knowledge of wildfires (as do readers, BTW). Good thing, because it'll take all that, and more, if they want Danny's grand plan to go down in flames.
Suffice it to say there's never a dull moment from the first page to the rather unexpected ending, whether it be chuckles, gasps or nail-biting angst over which character might not make it to the next chapter. That's another way to say this is another sizzler, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Good job! -
Author Lee Goldberg seems to surpass himself at each release, and in Malibu Burning, he truly has. Lee Cole is a master at heists, and following a selfless choice at the beginning of the story he finds himself in prison. There he shaves time off his sentence by serving as part of the convict firefighting unit. A needless death through a selfish act provide him an idea of the ultimate heist.
The plot moves from there with two distinct storylines. The second surrounds two members of LA County Sheriff arson unit; a veteran, newly teamed with a former Ranger. What I found remarkable is how the author could have me rooting for all the protagonists despite the fact that they were on opposite sides of the law.
Malibu Burning is excellent. Just like the flames that scorch the earth from different directions as they head to a the same area, Lee Goldberg does masterful work of bringing various types of adventure together to delight any enthusiast. If you like heist novels, there is plenty of that genre here. If buddy cop stories are your favorite, there is that. Classic mystery elements, non stop, surprise you when you least expect it,action? It is all here, cleverly woven into one novel that I simultaneously did not want to put down or let it end.
As of this writing the novel is a stand alone, but I will not be surprised or disappointed if these characters make an appearance in another. I recommend Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg
Provided a free review copy of the novel, I was encouraged to provide my honest review of the work, which I have done here. -
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the copy of Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg. It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, maybe because it was eight years in the past and was just set up for Danny’s character. Once the timeline changed to the present, the book got more compelling. I really liked learning more about convict firefighters and the arson investigation details were interesting. This is a clever, fast-paced read and I really liked Danny and Walker, but Danny was really the stand out! I loved how he cared about people and tried to get justice for his friend. I have read 18 books so far this year, and this is my first 5 star book!
-
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer Publishing for providing a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I got hooked on Lee Goldberg books with the start of the Eve Ronin series and, having really enjoyed those, have gone back and read several of his past standalones (
The Walk,
Watch Me Die,
King City) and he has since become one of the authors where I immediately read new releases since I have loved everything hes written so far.
In this new standalone, he kept up the pattern of home runs. The combination of humor, tension and contrast between wealthy homeowners, wild fires, prisoner firefighters, and con men really hit the mark. I loved how the cops and arson investigators were portrayed and even some of the criminals were likeable and relatable. Goldberg clearly did a lot of research into the technical details of arson and fires and it really shows in both the depth of the plot and cranking up the tension in many scenes.
Highly recommended as a standalone thriller and its a great intro to Lee Goldberg if you havent already discovered him. -
I throughly enjoyed this book. Towards the last half it was very hard to put down. The only real problem I had, was which people to root for? The good guys were the Arson Investigators, but Danny Cole and his crew were also mostly likable, especially the "weather girl" who was roped into it. She and Danny were more for helping others than wanting the money. She needed the money to get out of debt, but probably never went home. It was left at them being on the run, and paying back the people who got hurt. Hopefully never doing a con again! I Like Walker and Sharpe, and look forward to more, but now back to my favorite series, Eve Ronin!
-
Ian Ludlow and Margo French. Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone. Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker. Proof positive Lee Goldberg is the master of dynamic duos. Malibu Burning introduces the latter pair and they are instantly likeable. Imagine Sherlock Holmes teaming up with James Bond. Goldberg once again uses pitch perfect pacing to propel the narrative forward. His ability to use flashbacks to plant the seeds for what happens in the present day is commendable. Malibu Burning is a page turner, yes. Gripping. Enthralling. And, because it is Lee Goldberg, it's a whole lot of fun. I really hope we see more of this pair because they complement each other so well. It's another Goldberg book which would make a thrilling movie. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion. #MalibuBurning
-
What’s not to love about this book? It reads like a crime to show - fast paced, lots of action, great characters. I can totally see these characters on screen.
I love the Eve Ronin series by this same author so I was expecting to like this one as well. And, I did. This was just great! Definitely recommend!!
Thank you #netgalley and #Thomas & Mercer for the eARC. -
Malibu Burning is scorching. Another riveting story by Lee Goldberg. This story line with arson investigators pitted against a conman waiting for the perfect storm to pull off his what could be his last crime as the flames come baring down.
I am a big fan of Goldberg's and this did not disappoint, I highly recommend this. -
Prolific author Lee Goldberg maintains his standard excellent writing in his latest legal thriller, “Malibu Rising” — a terrific action-packed tale of two partners who definitely need a sequel or two.
Cowboy-hatted US Marshal Andrew Walker has recently changed careers to become a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arson investigator, joining veteran Detective Walter Sharpe. Sharpe’s first lesson to Walker: “Arson is done for a purpose and it’s usually for revenge, money, or hiding another crime.”
Two villains are introduced: the unrelentingly harsh Santa Ana winds due to arrive soon and a criminal from the past. Eight years ago Walker pursued and captured master thief Danny Cole, who finagled his way onto one of CalFire’s inmate firefighting gangs. The story is original and clever as Walker finds himself pursuing Cole again while Sharpe uses his incredible skill set to determine the causes of fires, but this time the pursuit is through flames and near death experiences. Kudos to Mr. Goldberg’s research about firefighting in California! This really was an unputdownable book — even as it was pouring rain while I read this, the author created an immersive world where I could imagine bushes bursting into flames before my eyes (and looking up for drones and ping-pong balls). 5 stars! I hope to see Walker and Sharpe back in a series of their own.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review! This will also be a Kindle Unlimited release.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Mr. Goldberg said he will never make this mistake because he’s colorblind (his input to my last review of his book “Movieland”!), but, well, well, well, there’s Drysdale (ok, they’re contacts), pregnant Carly, and the crazy lady whose green eyes are fogged with cataracts… THREE green eyed characters!
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO As I learned from his past books, Lee Goldberg really knows the fauna and flora in the Malibu region.
