MOVIELAND

SYNOPSIS

For decades Malibu Creek State Park was the spectacular natural setting where Hollywood fantasies were made. But when a female camper is gunned down, it becomes a real-life killing ground. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone are assigned the case…which Duncan fears is the latest in a series of sniper attacks that began long before Eve came to Lost Hills.

Seven victims over fourteen months…and top officials still refuse to see a connection. Eve and Duncan are stonewalled, threatened, and ordered to keep quiet. But Eve won’t back down. She’s no stranger to intimidation or corruption—she’s had a target on her back from day one at Lost Hills station.

Despite finding no evidentiary links between the shootings, Eve and Duncan follow their instincts into the shadows of Malibu Creek, where it’s not enough to expose the secrets and break the conspiracy of silence. They also have to make it out alive.

Title: Movieland

Author: Lee Goldberg

Series: Eve Ronin #4

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication date: June 21, 2022

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Movieland is the fourth book in the Eve Ronin series and still as fresh as the first one.

Malibu Creek State Park was the backdrop of many Hollywood movies for decades, and now is a favorite spot for hikers and campers. When a woman is shot dead and another injured, Homicide Detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone are assigned to the case. Duncan suspects this is the latest in a series of sniper attacks but authorities refuse to connect the cases, so they will have to go against not only the killer but the police force. 

Although it could be read as a stand alone, I think it’s best read in order as Eve’s background plays a huge part in understanding some aspects of the story.

Eve is such a compelling character. Her doggedness in pursuing police corruption, despite her youth and the general resentment towards her inside the Department, makes it very easy to root for her. Also, she must be the unluckiest person in the world, so she has all my sympathies 😆.

I love how the character has evolved since the first book and how, even though still a bit impulsive, she’s learning to rein herself a little bit to make a better detective. This is in part thanks to her relationship with Pavone, who I like more and more with each new installment. The humor and banter between them and that way of protecting her without being overbearing or condescending with her are some of my favorite elements in the series.

The writing is great and it reads as a fast paced episode from a hit tv-show. The visual style, an intriguing plot and lots of action, make of Movieland a very quick read that will have you turning pages at a fast rate.

I was wondering what would happen with Eve once Duncan retired and she lost one of her few allies, but I guess we’ll have to wait for book 5 to find out.

Great police procedural with a fantastic lead that will keep you enthralled.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.