Malibu Burning

Sharpe & Walker, Book 1

By: Lee Goldberg

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

For a professional criminal and a relentless arson investigator, fear and revenge spread like wildfire in an incendiary thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.

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.

©2023 Adventures in Television, Inc. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Goldberg is a master of his craft, creating vibrant characters brought to life through Eric Conger’s voice-acting talents. Perfect for audiences who enjoy a good action-adventure story and lovers of heist films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job. A nail-biting thriller that will have listeners on the edge of their seat.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Goldberg returns to the wildfire he memorably chronicled in Lost Hills (2020) from a strikingly new angle….A businesslike thriller that shows how rewarding it can be to revisit the same story from a new point of view.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Goldberg’s well-drawn characters will keep readers rooting for both crooks and cops, and he hangs everyone’s fates on a clever, complicated con. The result is as explosive as a wildfire.”—Publishers Weekly

My new favorite

Absolutely one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. The writing is very clear and descriptive without being flowery. Great characters with clear motives. The narrator is the best I’ve ever heard. I’ve listened to this almost every day in my free time, restarting as soon as I finish. I adore the characters and can’t wait for the next book.

Great new characters!

This is the beginning of a new series that seems pretty promising. This time, it seems that we are going to be delving into the world of fires. The setting is Mr. Goldberg's usual - Central California - and we are introduced to two new characters - Walker and Sharpe.

To be honest, I felt like these two characters are what made this book. We have Walker, a former US Marshall who is expecting his first child and has had to change the focus of his profession in order to pacify his wife (she is afraid of the danger he was subjecting himself to in his former profession, and it seems as if she has reason to be). Then, we have Sharpe. Sharpe is an older, VERY experienced arson investigator who seems to be a bit lacking on the social skill ladder. His nick name is Shar-Pee and it seems as if he has a hang dog manner that makes this nick name realistic. These two characters are as different as night and day - but that is what makes it work. Both of them are extremely intelligent and bring something different to the table. Walker has years of police experience and truly understands the criminal mind set while Sharpe has a knack for seeing things with fires that other people wouldn't notice.

So- these two are thrown together and immeditely fall into a case that is years in the making. I have to admit, the antagonist in this case - Danny - is one of those criminals that you accidentally find yourself kinda rooting for. Anyway, I'm not going to summarize the plot, just know that it is interesting and you suddenly find yourself in the middle of all kinds of action and by that time, you are not sure exactly who you are rooting for.

I found myself fully invested in this book and am looking forward to seeing what else the two of these guys are going to get themselves in to.

Original storyline

I found the original storyline to be a compelling listen but at the same time, a sad example of greed and negligence. I do recommend it though.

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I always enjoy Lee Goldberg novels. His dialogue and banter never seem forced, there’s plenty of action, great characters, and as soon as I’m done with one I want to buy another. This one was a hit for me.

Loved this

I didn’t know what to expect and lately I’ve been disappointed. 700 books plus read and listened to this caught my attention from start to finish. A new partnership is born! In law enforcement partnerships aren’t easy sometimes forced, but the back and forth and trust issues were realistic. I loved my ex-con and the characters had short but good back stories. I’m saying this for the first time, I’m re-listening to this.

Masterful Fun

This is a story for fans of the ensemble cast take-down: like "Ocean's Eleven," "The Italian Job," or "The Expendibles." There's plenty of testosterone to go around, lots of action, and a tightly executed crime. I enjoy these stories once in a while, and this one pretty much hits all those high points I enjoy when I do indulge in this trope.

The ringleader and antagonist, Danny, is a really interesting character with a high sense of morals for a thief. His duality is pretty intriguing. So also, the protagonists Sharpe and Walter are complicated characters: one who should be ready to retire and another just getting into this field with very little knowledge of wildfires.

The setting of the fantasy house was great fun, reminding me of the old show, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" but amped up even more. Of course, so many of us love the concept of getting revenge on those we feel truly deserve it that we don't mind suspending belief in order for a great show. That's something this story has in spades. It is great fun, and masterfully written.

Solid Detective Story

This is a solid story that is fast moving and not offensive in its approach. It focuses on fire investigations and the use of prisoners as firefighters.

Eric Conger gives a very good narrative performance.

Good story

I found this book to be entertaining. I’ve read things from Lee Goldberg previously  and enjoyed

Incredible story!!

Great story and incredibly well done by Eric Conger! Highly recommend this book to any thriller fan.

Always a winner from Lee Goldberg.

I have loved all of his books. Grew up in California, and his books bring me home again.