Ticket 2 Ride

Lee Goldberg is becoming one of my favorite mystery writers. His writing style is akin to Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, where there is a smartness and humor that connects the characters to the story. Like I have with those other writers, I devour a new Lee Goldberg mystery.

Wildfires is the theme of Malibu Burning (2023, Thomas & Mercer), specifically how fires are set and controlled, to cover up high-stakes burglaries of wealthy Malibu homes. Danny Cole is the smart conman who got caught and spent years as a convict firefighter. He’s on the street and planning his next crime, involving the affluent Malibu community, and exacting some payback for the firefighting dead of a close friend. On the opposite side are Andrew Walker and Walter Sharpe, investigators with the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, who pulling a thread, catch onto the scheme.

Walker was a U.S. Marshall but took a different job to be home more as his wife is about to have their first child. A seasoned investigator, he is green as an arson investigator, but it turns out his and Cole’s path have crossed before. Sharp is the veteran arson expert and as he educates his new partner, he educates us. A good mystery novel is one that takes you into an exciting world where you are challenged and feel you are part of that mystery. Goldberg doesn’t preach, he teaches; and you are drawn into this world he has created.

Goldberg creates believable characters, who just happen to be good at what they do.

“Arson investigation wasn’t supposed to be as dangerous as chasing fugitives. That was the deal I made with Carly. And yet here I am, walking into the path of two raging wildfires without any backup or much of a plan. Explain that to me.” (Walker talking)

“Have you ever considered that it’s not the job that’s dangerous, it’s you?” (Sharpe talking)

“Nope,” Walker said.

Goldberg’s writing is not showy, or overly clever. He is efficient, yet delivers key information and never forgets to keep telling you something about the characters. My only caution about this book is how the story bounces around between the present and various places in the past, but after you’re finished, the story and the plotting make sense.

That brought a brief smile to her face and when it did, for a split second, he caught a glimpse of how she looked before she was hit by a freight train carrying a mile-long load of bad luck.

Goldberg has a devilish sense of humor. Below, fake firefighters are actually looting homes of the wealthy, who have “earned” their fortunes off the sweat of a lot working class folks.

“After you save my house, bring this to any of my dealerships.” Kempton handed Danny a business card with his signature on the back. “I’ll show my appreciation by giving each of you guys an incredible deal on a new car.”

“We don’t make a lot of money,” Danny said.

“Don’t worry. We offer unbelievable financing. You’ll pay so little each month, it will feel like the car is free.” Kempton smiled and drove off, followed by his wife and kids in the second Range Rover.

Danny turned to Mertz and Logan. “We can start with Kempton’s place.”

—

How will the story end? There are a few surprises, as one might expect, heading toward the conclusion. It’s difficult putting down a good story, that’s what every writer wants. Goldberg delivers. Again.