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)

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

Fun to listen to!

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

a fun story mixing old hollywood with new hollywood

it was a pleasant read with a few twists and turns. it put reality tv in a new light

Tasty little snack

Ok, I think we know the premise of a Lee Goldberg book--basically, a TV series episode that you can read or listen to. Anna Karenina they are not, but they're not intended to be and they're usually enjoyable.

That was the case here, and with the entire Eve Ronin series. I have other, more "substantial" books in my wish list, but as soon as I saw that Dream Town was available I immediately bought it, and just a few days later I'm done with it.

Goldberg paints a scene well--it's easy to visualize a scene that he has written is (of course, given his background), and his books flow well. There's a good balance between action and dialogue and plots are pretty straightforward. If an Eve Ronin book was a food it would be nachos. Tasty and satisfying, but not something that lingers in one's mind afterwards.

Bottom line, I'm glad I listened to this book, and I hope Dream Town is not the last in the Even Ronin series. And by the way, Nicol Zanaarella always does a great job with the narration.

A bit too much of a good thing

Too much repetitive review of who Eve is and why, but a good fast moving plot and character development of Eve.

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!

Kardashion knock off

Story follows actual events with a different ending .. a better ending
For reality TV stars and viewers

I’m a fan of these books but…

Is there a more unpleasant protagonist in mainstream crime fiction than Eve Ronin? Page after page is her being upset about someone or something.