Dream Town

Eve Ronin, Book 5

By: Lee Goldberg

Narrated by: Nicol Zanzarella

A gated dream town for the megarich becomes a murderous nightmare in a riveting Eve Ronin thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.

Hidden Hills is a private celebrity enclave of white picket fences and horse trails that seems to exist in a dreamworld. But when reality superstar Kitty Winslow is killed within their gates and corpses are found in the vast state park outside them, LASD detective Eve Ronin realizes there is a deadly, razor-thin line between what’s real and what’s imagined.

Eve discovers that Kitty’s surreal on- and off-camera life, a blur of fact and fantasy, shockingly mirrors her own as she struggles to investigate the killings, wade into a music industry war, and battle a vicious Chilean gang—all while her life is being turned into a fictional cop show directed by her estranged father.

Eve’s grip on reality and the case is strained to the breaking point as the slayings continue, the media frenzy reaches a fever pitch, and the only inescapable truth she can see is death…and it’s coming for her.

©2024 Adventures in Television, Inc. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A deftly crafted suspense thriller that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in police procedural murder mysteries. Brilliantly narrated by the impressively talented skills of Nicol Zanzarella…especially and unreservedly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review

“Old bones, paparazzi, rappers, sex tapes, the whole nine yards—topped off with a surprisingly Big Reveal.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of fast-paced police procedurals will enjoy Goldberg’s trademark humor and his insight into the entertainment world in his latest Eve Ronin novel (following Movieland).”—Library Journal (starred review)

Frustrating, But Ok

The pop culture references overflowed in this book. I get the feeling the rapper's name was purposefully ridiculous. I am not a reality tv fan, so I wasn't into that part of the book. I thought it was interesting that all of the bad guys were obvious to me.

Certain things held true in this book. The reader was taken through the highways, byways, and neighborhoods of LA in great detail. I think it actually slows down the pace of the story.

Everyone hating Eve is starting to be a bit tiresome. The anger and resentment makes me wonder how she can successfully perform her job with maybe 3 or 4 people she can trust.

I felt bad for Daniel with Eve sending out mixed signals. I was glad when Eve and Daniel actually had a conversation to discuss how she was feeling about the relationship. Daniel seemed to be all in.

I am trying to figure out the dynamic between Eve and her parents. I don't understand why she is so angry yet caves in to what they want. It seemed to me that she is consistently being manipulated by her parents.

I felt like Eve had developed a certain way of working through the puzzle of the crime to get the right answer. I wish she didn't feel the need to beat herself up about the way she comes to a positive conclusion.

I did enjoy the characters of Duncan, Daniel, Lisa, Kenny, Cassie, Tom, and Eddie. The partnership between Duncan and Eve was compelling, though I remain undecided about Eve.

It will be interesting to see if there will be another book, and if there is, where will it take us next?

Previous books better

I have really enjoyed the previous series in the Eve Ronin stories but this one just did not cut it for me . Eve has become almost a unlikable character, whereas in the first couple of books you are pulling for her. Hopefully the next series will be better without the harping , bitching and back stabbing that has become part of Eve’s personality.
Now use your imagination on which real life reality stars this was taken on - bet you can get it with first guess - and I never watched that show either

A Great Story

I'm enjoying this series about Eve Ronin. She's trying to learn from Duncan. I like when everything comes together for her. The narration is terrific.

Fun to listen to!

Great, contemporary plot. Enjoyable and likable female lead. Liked her partner, too. So, the end.

female lead

Duncans constant eating and her mother's constant sniping at Eve about her makeup and clothes

Exciting!

I absolutely enjoyed this fast paced, high quality mystery set on the edges of glamorous Hollywood. The characters are compelling, and I'll definitely read more books in the series.

Great Installment

I have enjoyed this series since book one. Great story, good narration and an awesome twist in the end. It keeps the listener guessing.

Nice Quick Whodunit

I've enjoyed this whole series - fun, unusual spin with the TV series added. It might be nice for Eve to get through a case without a hospital visit. I really enjoy the narrator and what she adds to the characters. Really hope this series continues.

best in the Eve Ronin series!

this was the best entry in this series.
I would love to see a crossover with the Ian Ludlow books, even though those are slightly more on the humorous side.
Lee is obviously a prolific author who continues to put out good work. considering the pace of his books, they are still great stories.

Dream Town

I like that the main character is a tough, smart, independent female, and the plot isn't over the top violent!