Delving into Fallen Star: A Personal Reflection on Eve Ronin’s Latest Adventure
When I first picked up Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg, I was curious to see how a mystery police procedural would resonate with me, given my usual literary cravings lean towards the bleak and violent. However, I quickly realized that there was something refreshing about Detective Eve Ronin’s story that drew me in. This sixth installment is not just a whodunit; it’s an engaging exploration of resilience, humor, and the complicated world of police work in today’s politically charged climate.
In Fallen Star, we find Eve Ronin, the youngest female homicide detective in LASD at just 26, navigating the aftermath of a chaotic day that starts innocently enough with a shopping trip to Trader Joe’s. The subtle comedy that unfolds during a flash-mob robbery is brilliantly set against the backdrop of her imperfect yet charming life. Eve, with her frozen chicken pie dinners and lackluster wardrobe choices, feels refreshingly relatable—far from the hardened, jaded characters I typically gravitate towards. Despite her potential for impulsiveness, she’s fiercely smart and brave, qualities that shine as she delves into the intricacies of a murder tied to a larger conspiracy involving political corruption.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, with Goldberg’s blend of humor and action creating a fast-paced narrative that had me turning pages eagerly. The deliberate pacing balances the heart-pounding scenes of gunplay and suspense with moments of levity, mostly delivered by her mentor, Detective Duncan “Donuts” Pavone. With his warm camaraderie and love for McDonald’s, Duncan is both comic relief and a symbol of support for Eve. I genuinely found myself chuckling at his wisecracks, proving that humor can thrive even in a murder mystery.
What I particularly appreciated about this book were the character dynamics and recurring figures from previous stories in the series. Inviting in characters like arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker from Goldberg’s other series added depth and cross-pollination to the narrative. Their contributions to solving the case not only enhanced the plot but also sparked renewed interest in their respective stories.
That said, I found the political undertones—to some extent—heavy handed. The threads related to corruption and bribery within the police force and political fields felt weighty and occasionally detracted from the engaging elements of the story. While I understand their necessity as part of the overarching plot, I craved a bit more of the action and mystery that the series does so well.
As I closed the book, I found myself reflecting on what comes next for Eve. Will we continue to see her evolve as a detective? And, fingers crossed, will Duncan stick around for the ride? For those who enjoy captivating mysteries filled with quirky characters, unexpected humor, and a touch of darkness, Fallen Star delivers. It may even draw in readers (like me) who typically shy away from police procedurals.
Overall, Fallen Star not only entertained me but reminded me of the vibrancy of storytelling in a genre I don’t usually explore. A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy—I can’t wait to see where Eve’s journey takes her next!
Discover more about Fallen Star (Eve Ronin #6) on GoodReads >>