Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
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In this lively episode of *Prosecco and Pros*, hosts Wendy and Amy dive into *Hidden in Smoke* by Lee Goldberg, the third book in the Sharpen Walker series. The discussion begins with a playful cocktail tasting of a Prosecco bourbon cocktail, complete with infused cherries, which both hosts find potent and flavorful, though they debate its 'innocent' or 'guilty' verdict based on its strength and lingering effects. The book, a crime thriller blending two interwoven plots—arson investigations in LA and a high-stakes heist in Japan—sparks mixed reactions. Wendy finds the pacing slow and the characters underdeveloped, struggling to connect with the protagonists, while Amy appreciates the plot’s momentum and vivid imagery, particularly the gallery of curiosities and the character Tamiko Harada. Both acknowledge the novel’s thematic depth in exploring corruption, homelessness, LGBTQ+ erasure, and pharmaceutical greed, though Amy finds the procedural elements more engaging than Wendy. Despite their differing opinions, they agree the book’s strengths lie in its setting and atmosphere, with LA portrayed as a smog-choked, traffic-ridden city mirroring the chaos of the investigation. The episode ends with a lighthearted verdict: a 'partially guilty' cocktail, reflecting the drink’s boldness and the book’s uneven execution.
The Prosecco bourbon cocktail is strong and boozy, best enjoyed with extra cherries or syrup to temper the bourbon.
The dual narrative structure—arson investigation and international heist—works better for some readers than others, with plot momentum outweighing character depth.
Lee Goldberg’s vivid descriptions of LA effectively convey the city’s smog, traffic, and bureaucratic chaos, enhancing the novel’s atmosphere.
Tamiko Harada is a standout character whose bold personality and humor elevate the story, despite being underutilized in the broader narrative.
The book’s themes of systemic corruption, inequality, and LGBTQ+ erasure add depth, though they’re sometimes overshadowed by procedural mechanics.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cocktail Intro & Book Tease
The episode kicks off with a fun introduction to the Prosecco bourbon cocktail, complete with recipe details and a playful debate over its 'innocent' or 'guilty' verdict. The hosts set the tone with humor and banter, teasing their mixed feelings about *Hidden in Smoke*.
Author Spotlight: Lee Goldberg
Wendy and Amy explore Lee Goldberg’s background, including his early writing in grade school, his mother’s influence, and his unique writing process of scripting first before novelizing. They highlight his prolific career and TV work, especially *Monk* and *Diagnosis Murder*.
Plot Summary & Dual Storylines
The hosts break down the two main plotlines: the LA arson investigation led by Sharpen Walker and Walter Sharp, and the Japan-based heist involving Danny Cole (now Brian) and his crew. They discuss the convergence of the narratives, the role of the epilepsy drug price crisis, and the gallery of curiosities heist.
Character Dynamics & Themes
“The fire in this story was less a cleansing, and I think it was more just chaos.”
Pacing, Misdirection & Setting
Wendy critiques the pacing as sluggish and confusing, while Amy finds the urgency compelling. They discuss the effectiveness of misdirection, the use of LA’s infrastructure as a metaphor for investigative roadblocks, and the symbolic weight of traffic and helicopters.
“I would have DNF'd if I could have.”
“He's a great writer. These men in this book, oh my God, it was just like buffoonery.”
“I mean, if I had to hear one more time about the damn barbecue or the meal platters or the greasy burgers, I would have farted.”
Hosts
Amy
person
Wendy
person
Lee Goldberg
person
Sharpen Walker
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Walter Sharp
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Tamiko Harada
person
Prosecco bourbon cocktail
other
Los Angeles
place
George Petroni
person
The Gallery of Curiosities
other
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