Malibu Burning
Lee Goldberg
Publication Sept 1st, 2023
Thomas & Mercer
🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is a new series opener from the author of the reliably entertaining Ian Ludlow and Eve Ronin series, which is also set in Los Angeles. This one features three distinct protagonists – arson investigators Walter Sharpe and his new partner, maverick former US Marshall Andrew Walker, and con man with a heart Danny Cole, who is released from prison and plans one major final con as revenge for the death of a friend.
This was an enjoyable heist story that vividly conveys the horror of out of control California wildfires, although I had problems with any arsonist being portrayed as a hero/antihero. Yes he may be targeting billionaires who can afford to lose everything, and not be intending for anyone to die, but given the millions of animals that die horribly in fires, to me deliberate arson is one of the most despicable crimes of all. Danny is so consumed by his lust for vengeance that he dismisses the risks to innocents, and that made him impossible to sympathise with or root for. I did like Sharpe & Walker though, and it looks like hey will be back for further adventures, which I look forward to reading. 3.5 rounded up for good storytelling and dramatic action scenes. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Leave a Reply