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Edison Bixby #1
Murder by Design
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26In a world carefully constructed for murder, solving crimes takes a keen mind and eye in a witty, clever, and fresh reinvention of the whodunit.
Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.
Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
2232 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
136 books2,167 followersLee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
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December 11, 2025Goldberg, who has literally written dozens upon dozens of books, has taken a sharp turn from his popular Eve Ronin LAPD series, and tapped into a less serious, albeit still deadly, turn. This is billed as the first in his Edison Bixby series, featuring a former LAPD detective, who following a gunshot to the face, lost control of his verbal abilities and is known for spouting out rude offensive remarks. He is now an insurance investigator and just does that for giggles as he is fabulously wealthy and doesn’t need to work. He lives in a mansion (forget the price) with a Swiss Family Robinson/ Willy Wonka backyard.
The story is told through the eyes of one Wally Nash, a struggling character actor known for embarrassing commercials, who is hired on as Bixby’s assistant and can’t believe what he’s gotten himself into.
Bixby views the world through planned design and instantly can see through a crime scene and is fascinated by how for instance malls are designed. The main plot is the death of a woman who falls to her death down a mall stairway at the nearby Woodland Hills mall, but Bixby quickly discerns that it was no accident. Indeed, it was death by design.
If you take your murder doused liberally with tongue-in-cheek humor, this is your ticket.
The story is told through the eyes of one Wally Nash, a struggling character actor known for embarrassing commercials, who is hired on as Bixby’s assistant and can’t believe what he’s gotten himself into.
Bixby views the world through planned design and instantly can see through a crime scene and is fascinated by how for instance malls are designed. The main plot is the death of a woman who falls to her death down a mall stairway at the nearby Woodland Hills mall, but Bixby quickly discerns that it was no accident. Indeed, it was death by design.
If you take your murder doused liberally with tongue-in-cheek humor, this is your ticket.
December 27, 2025
Lee Goldberg, who has brought us LA Sheriff’s Department superwoman detective Eve Ronan and clever fire investigators Sharpe and Walker, creates a new primary detective character who is a “sickeningly wealthy, painfully handsome, irritatingly brilliant, outrageously self-absorbed, and infuriatingly manipulative detective,” Edison Bixby. Bixby experienced a gunshot wound to the face, when he was an LA homicide detective, which scrambled his brain (traumatic coprolalia), giving him unfortunate verbal uninhibitedness. After a 100% criminal case closure rate and distinguished career with the police department, he’s now an insurance investigator, albeit a star in this field, too.
Edison is currently accompanied by a reasonable sidekick, Wally Nash, who is really a bodyguard for Bixby’s mouth when he spontaneously spouts unabashed insults and nasty observances. Nash is an unsuccessful but optimistic method actor, taking temporary commercial ad jobs for inspiration until the “big break” happens. Bixby might be that break.
Wally is our narrator, so we encounter Bixby’s faux pas through Nash’s somewhat jaded and actor-trained eyes. Their insurance cases include deadly accidents (or maybe intentional murderous cons) and Bixby has an informational inside-track because he’s in a love-hate “situationship” with homicide detective Bridget MacGregor. Bixby is also an opponent of dysfunctional design, arguing that some physical design or architecture will eventually kill you. The first suspect is a staircase and later light switches, letter openers, and unmanned cars are examined by Bixby.
We have a very original, often obnoxious primary character, whose actions are blunted by Wally, who is the right amount of lovable and self-absorbed as Bixby’s companion. The book is subtitled Edison Bixby #1, so we’re pretty much guaranteed the return appearances of these two characters. I’m definitely looking forward to repeat performances! 4.5 stars
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Edison is currently accompanied by a reasonable sidekick, Wally Nash, who is really a bodyguard for Bixby’s mouth when he spontaneously spouts unabashed insults and nasty observances. Nash is an unsuccessful but optimistic method actor, taking temporary commercial ad jobs for inspiration until the “big break” happens. Bixby might be that break.
Wally is our narrator, so we encounter Bixby’s faux pas through Nash’s somewhat jaded and actor-trained eyes. Their insurance cases include deadly accidents (or maybe intentional murderous cons) and Bixby has an informational inside-track because he’s in a love-hate “situationship” with homicide detective Bridget MacGregor. Bixby is also an opponent of dysfunctional design, arguing that some physical design or architecture will eventually kill you. The first suspect is a staircase and later light switches, letter openers, and unmanned cars are examined by Bixby.
We have a very original, often obnoxious primary character, whose actions are blunted by Wally, who is the right amount of lovable and self-absorbed as Bixby’s companion. The book is subtitled Edison Bixby #1, so we’re pretty much guaranteed the return appearances of these two characters. I’m definitely looking forward to repeat performances! 4.5 stars
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Read
April 12, 2026What happens when a former LA police detective is left with a brain injury that makes him spout uncomfortable truth whenever he opens his mouth, but is a whiz at solving crime still? He goes private eye in the insurance investigation industry. Lee Goldberg’s new detective had me laughing aloud and riding along merrily as he and his sidekick work their case.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.24.26
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.24.26
May 8, 2026
A thriller? Nah: not so much. I finished the book, but for me the author's efforts to reach through the 'fourth wall' and engage me directly just didn't land. I did love the sub-theme: that the 'built environment' is, too frequently, hastily and carelessly put together, typically for the wrong reasons and considering the wrong audience. Example: a house in a sunny clime oriented to the street (for curb appeal and eventual resale, rather than for happy householding) rather than to the site's offerings -- sun to the south (in the northern hemisphere), storms coming from wherever. I also loved that the author thoroughly researched this idea (as noted in the thoughtful afterword) but I felt that this compelling theme was overshadowed by the tiresome Haoliwood actor-yap. A little too many layers of tongue-in-cheek for me.
May 6, 2026
This thriller duo is the most fun I’ve had reading in months.
A detective who can’t stop insulting people + the broke actor hired to apologize for him = chaos.
Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg grabbed me on page one.
Edison Bixby is brilliant, wealthy, and thanks to a traumatic brain injury, has zero filter. Whatever he thinks, he says. He was a decorated detective until his condition cost his department millions in lawsuits, so they pushed him out. Now he works as an insurance investigator, taking on cases where you genuinely wonder what these people were thinking.
Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor with one job: trail Bixby around and apologize to everyone he offends. The two of them are a ridiculous pair and I had so much fun watching them work.
What sets this book apart is the angle on the crimes. Every case ties back to design: how buildings, spaces, and environments are built to shape how people behave. It’s such a fresh hook for a thriller.
Bixby’s house is basically its own character. It’s this wild architectural fever dream. And yes, there’s a treehouse in the backyard that cooks you a full hot breakfast if you pull the right vines and levers. Bizarre? Absolutely. But it works because the whole book is built around the idea that design shapes experience. Goldberg’s author’s note says the house is inspired by two real storybook-style homes in the LA area. I went down a full rabbit hole looking at photos. So cool.
The pace doesn’t quit, the twists hit, and the Sherlock-and-Watson energy between Bixby and Wally is just pure fun. If you like mysteries that are clever without being stuffy, grab this one.
Thank you to Megan Beattie Communications for the gifted ARC.
A detective who can’t stop insulting people + the broke actor hired to apologize for him = chaos.
Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg grabbed me on page one.
Edison Bixby is brilliant, wealthy, and thanks to a traumatic brain injury, has zero filter. Whatever he thinks, he says. He was a decorated detective until his condition cost his department millions in lawsuits, so they pushed him out. Now he works as an insurance investigator, taking on cases where you genuinely wonder what these people were thinking.
Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor with one job: trail Bixby around and apologize to everyone he offends. The two of them are a ridiculous pair and I had so much fun watching them work.
What sets this book apart is the angle on the crimes. Every case ties back to design: how buildings, spaces, and environments are built to shape how people behave. It’s such a fresh hook for a thriller.
Bixby’s house is basically its own character. It’s this wild architectural fever dream. And yes, there’s a treehouse in the backyard that cooks you a full hot breakfast if you pull the right vines and levers. Bizarre? Absolutely. But it works because the whole book is built around the idea that design shapes experience. Goldberg’s author’s note says the house is inspired by two real storybook-style homes in the LA area. I went down a full rabbit hole looking at photos. So cool.
The pace doesn’t quit, the twists hit, and the Sherlock-and-Watson energy between Bixby and Wally is just pure fun. If you like mysteries that are clever without being stuffy, grab this one.
Thank you to Megan Beattie Communications for the gifted ARC.
May 7, 2026
Wonderfully witty. Keeps the reader on their toes. Ace characters.
March 29, 2026
Always hilarious with snappy dialogue an out of work actor is hired by a detective and the shenanigans that go on his page turning
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Unique Way To Solve Crimes
After a philosophical prologue, Detective Edison Bixby is called to a death scene. A renowned chief is being honored. Five hundred of the Los Angeles elite are there. After taking one sip, he face plants dead in his bowl of gumbo, his signature dish. The responding detective, McGregor, recognizes that this investigation will be very difficult to solve, so she calls in a detective with a 100% clearance rate. He walks around the table of honor. Then he walks over to the side of the auditorium and asks the hotel manager about which switch controls which chandelier. As he starts walking away with the manager, McGregor asks him about the death. He says that everyone at the table of honor was involved in the chef's killing. A matron seated at the table calls him using a very vulgar term. He turns around, and she takes out a gun from her purse and shoots him in the face. From this start and four years later, several humorous murder mysteries unfold, featuring very imaginative investigative techniques.
I have not read such a character introduction as this author did for Wally Nash. His desire for his acting career, his knowledge of the profession, his use of his acting skills, and the background provided presented a very well-rounded character. The B-storyline between Nash and Bixby provides much of that information. There is another B-storyline between Bixby and McGregor that completes the Bixby character. Both B-storylines provide the background on Bixby. Overall, all three of these major characters were well developed. I enjoyed this aspect of the novel.
This novel has no intimate scenes, but there are many references and before-and-after scenes. Profanity is noticeable but consistent with the characters and situations. I found only one instance of impious language. There was only one instance of violence that occurred in the first chapter. There are constant occurrences of inappropriate comments by Bixby, but these are consistent with his character due to brain damage from the gunshot. Lastly, it is the first novel in a two-book series, so there are no issues with what happened in prior novels.
As for the main storyline being believable, the explanations of how the cases occurred are a little fantastical, but they were intriguing and greatly enhanced my reading enjoyment. These were countered by the snarkeyness of Nash and, especially, Bixby, which was excessive even given Bixby's brain injury. For me, the use of a combination of TV shows or movies to describe a situation, and the use of quotes from TV series, were overused. I was particularly pleased with the great twist at the end.
I have read ten previous novels by this author across two series and a standalone. I have purchased two of them. The author is a Must-Read for me. I recommend this novel and look forward to reading further novels by this author, including the second in this series. I enjoyed reading this novel and rate it with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
After a philosophical prologue, Detective Edison Bixby is called to a death scene. A renowned chief is being honored. Five hundred of the Los Angeles elite are there. After taking one sip, he face plants dead in his bowl of gumbo, his signature dish. The responding detective, McGregor, recognizes that this investigation will be very difficult to solve, so she calls in a detective with a 100% clearance rate. He walks around the table of honor. Then he walks over to the side of the auditorium and asks the hotel manager about which switch controls which chandelier. As he starts walking away with the manager, McGregor asks him about the death. He says that everyone at the table of honor was involved in the chef's killing. A matron seated at the table calls him using a very vulgar term. He turns around, and she takes out a gun from her purse and shoots him in the face. From this start and four years later, several humorous murder mysteries unfold, featuring very imaginative investigative techniques.
I have not read such a character introduction as this author did for Wally Nash. His desire for his acting career, his knowledge of the profession, his use of his acting skills, and the background provided presented a very well-rounded character. The B-storyline between Nash and Bixby provides much of that information. There is another B-storyline between Bixby and McGregor that completes the Bixby character. Both B-storylines provide the background on Bixby. Overall, all three of these major characters were well developed. I enjoyed this aspect of the novel.
This novel has no intimate scenes, but there are many references and before-and-after scenes. Profanity is noticeable but consistent with the characters and situations. I found only one instance of impious language. There was only one instance of violence that occurred in the first chapter. There are constant occurrences of inappropriate comments by Bixby, but these are consistent with his character due to brain damage from the gunshot. Lastly, it is the first novel in a two-book series, so there are no issues with what happened in prior novels.
As for the main storyline being believable, the explanations of how the cases occurred are a little fantastical, but they were intriguing and greatly enhanced my reading enjoyment. These were countered by the snarkeyness of Nash and, especially, Bixby, which was excessive even given Bixby's brain injury. For me, the use of a combination of TV shows or movies to describe a situation, and the use of quotes from TV series, were overused. I was particularly pleased with the great twist at the end.
I have read ten previous novels by this author across two series and a standalone. I have purchased two of them. The author is a Must-Read for me. I recommend this novel and look forward to reading further novels by this author, including the second in this series. I enjoyed reading this novel and rate it with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Murder by Design
Series: Edison Bixby Book #1
Author: Lee Goldberg
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: June 2, 2026
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 302
Story start with the telling of how Zillionaire Edison Bixby ended up with traumatic brain injury. He has always been wanted to be a police office. He is not only very wealthy but also very intelligent. His brain injury resulted in him being impulsively as well as can be rude - he has no filter and just says what is on his mind. He can no longer work with the Los Angeles Police Department as now is a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Something he has always been
able to do – it is his behavior that got him ousted from LAPD.
Bixby now has an assistant Wally Nash -a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets. A seemingly accidental fall at a mall, which Bixby suspects was a cleverly designed murder.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. Bixby and his assistant Wally Nash begin their investigating as Bixby is certain Caroline Crowley was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before this cunning killer gets others to murder themselves!!
I have read many Lee Goldberg stories and one of my favorites was “Calico”. I realized while read that one that Goldberg has a GREAT sense of humor and it came to light for me in that story. My comments was ~
I have a few authors that I totally love not only because of their stories with twists and turns but also their wit and humor.
Harlan Coben is at the top of my list
Now Lee Goldberg is high on my list as well!!
So it was no surprise that his wit came through in Bixby!
Additionally there is no doubt he did an amazing amount of research in creating this story.
Not sure I will continue with this series but I certainly have a new respect for Goldberg.
In fact, I was looking forward to reading his Authors Note and Acknowledgement as I knew his personal journey in writing this story was a story in itself.
I encourage you to be sure to read it as well
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this fun early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Series: Edison Bixby Book #1
Author: Lee Goldberg
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: June 2, 2026
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 302
Story start with the telling of how Zillionaire Edison Bixby ended up with traumatic brain injury. He has always been wanted to be a police office. He is not only very wealthy but also very intelligent. His brain injury resulted in him being impulsively as well as can be rude - he has no filter and just says what is on his mind. He can no longer work with the Los Angeles Police Department as now is a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Something he has always been
able to do – it is his behavior that got him ousted from LAPD.
Bixby now has an assistant Wally Nash -a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets. A seemingly accidental fall at a mall, which Bixby suspects was a cleverly designed murder.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. Bixby and his assistant Wally Nash begin their investigating as Bixby is certain Caroline Crowley was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before this cunning killer gets others to murder themselves!!
I have read many Lee Goldberg stories and one of my favorites was “Calico”. I realized while read that one that Goldberg has a GREAT sense of humor and it came to light for me in that story. My comments was ~
I have a few authors that I totally love not only because of their stories with twists and turns but also their wit and humor.
Harlan Coben is at the top of my list
Now Lee Goldberg is high on my list as well!!
So it was no surprise that his wit came through in Bixby!
Additionally there is no doubt he did an amazing amount of research in creating this story.
Not sure I will continue with this series but I certainly have a new respect for Goldberg.
In fact, I was looking forward to reading his Authors Note and Acknowledgement as I knew his personal journey in writing this story was a story in itself.
I encourage you to be sure to read it as well
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this fun early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 2, 2026.
May 5, 2026
Here’s the 5 key takeaways from Murder by Design (Edison Bixby #1) by Lee Goldberg:
1. The Built Environment as a Murder Weapon: The core concept is that the man-made world—architecture, objects, stairs, malls, and everyday designs—is often deliberately or negligently constructed in ways that enable, facilitate, or even make inevitable certain deaths. Edison Bixby solves crimes by analyzing how design manipulates human behavior and creates opportunities for "murder by design," turning ordinary accidents into cleverly orchestrated killings.
2. A Fresh, Design-Obsessed Detective Protagonist: Edison Bixby, a former LAPD detective turned insurance investigator, is brilliant, handsome, wealthy, and profoundly rude due to a traumatic brain injury (with elements of coprolalia). Raised by an inventor and an architect, he views the world through the lens of design principles and manipulation. His unique perspective and high success rate drive the story, blending elements of Sherlock Holmes, Adrian Monk, and James Bond in a witty, flawed package.
3. The Odd-Couple Detective Duo and Buddy Dynamics: Wally Nash, a struggling actor hired as Bixby’s handler/assistant to mitigate his social blunders, serves as the more relatable narrator and emotional counterbalance. Their Holmes-Watson-style partnership—marked by sharp banter, Wally’s acting skills aiding investigations, and mutual growth—brings humor, heart, and fresh energy to the classic mystery formula.
4. Perception, Manipulation, and Hidden Dangers in the Everyday: What appears as a straightforward accident (a woman falling to her death down mall stairs in front of witnesses and video) is revealed as something far more sinister. The novel trains readers to question the built world around them, highlighting how subtle design choices, negligence, and human psychology can be weaponized while critiquing how we overlook these factors.
5. Wit, Humor, and a Modern Reinvention of the Whodunit: Lee Goldberg delivers a lighthearted yet suspenseful thriller full of playful dialogue, clever plotting, and cheeky commentary. It blends mystery, character-driven comedy, and insightful observations on design and human nature, making it an entertaining, fast-paced launch to a new series that feels fresh within the genre.
This 2026 release is praised for its originality, strong characters, and the way it makes readers see everyday spaces differently. It’s a fun, clever mystery that balances thrills with humor while introducing a memorable new sleuthing team.
1. The Built Environment as a Murder Weapon: The core concept is that the man-made world—architecture, objects, stairs, malls, and everyday designs—is often deliberately or negligently constructed in ways that enable, facilitate, or even make inevitable certain deaths. Edison Bixby solves crimes by analyzing how design manipulates human behavior and creates opportunities for "murder by design," turning ordinary accidents into cleverly orchestrated killings.
2. A Fresh, Design-Obsessed Detective Protagonist: Edison Bixby, a former LAPD detective turned insurance investigator, is brilliant, handsome, wealthy, and profoundly rude due to a traumatic brain injury (with elements of coprolalia). Raised by an inventor and an architect, he views the world through the lens of design principles and manipulation. His unique perspective and high success rate drive the story, blending elements of Sherlock Holmes, Adrian Monk, and James Bond in a witty, flawed package.
3. The Odd-Couple Detective Duo and Buddy Dynamics: Wally Nash, a struggling actor hired as Bixby’s handler/assistant to mitigate his social blunders, serves as the more relatable narrator and emotional counterbalance. Their Holmes-Watson-style partnership—marked by sharp banter, Wally’s acting skills aiding investigations, and mutual growth—brings humor, heart, and fresh energy to the classic mystery formula.
4. Perception, Manipulation, and Hidden Dangers in the Everyday: What appears as a straightforward accident (a woman falling to her death down mall stairs in front of witnesses and video) is revealed as something far more sinister. The novel trains readers to question the built world around them, highlighting how subtle design choices, negligence, and human psychology can be weaponized while critiquing how we overlook these factors.
5. Wit, Humor, and a Modern Reinvention of the Whodunit: Lee Goldberg delivers a lighthearted yet suspenseful thriller full of playful dialogue, clever plotting, and cheeky commentary. It blends mystery, character-driven comedy, and insightful observations on design and human nature, making it an entertaining, fast-paced launch to a new series that feels fresh within the genre.
This 2026 release is praised for its originality, strong characters, and the way it makes readers see everyday spaces differently. It’s a fun, clever mystery that balances thrills with humor while introducing a memorable new sleuthing team.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I previously worked for an organization that represented product designers and one that represented architecture students. So imagine my surprise when my May selection from Amazon First Reads was about how the design of our world makes it easier for murders to occur! (And the author credited books written by people I’ve known.)
Edison Bixby is an ex-police detective. He’s handsome, fabulously wealthy, and impeccably dressed—and he has no filter, as the result of a traumatic brain injury he sustained on the job. While the TBI causes him to speak his mind, it hasn’t halted his brilliance, and he now works as an insurance investigator.
Bixby is a firm believer that the design of the world around us enables people to kill. But before his next case, Wally Nash, an aspiring actor who truly believes in his craft, gets hired to be his assistant. It’s Wally’s job to apologize for Bixby’s rudeness and smooth things over for him. But Wally sees this as the ultimate acting job, at least until he lands his dream role.
From their very first case working together, Wally is dazzled by Bixby’s brilliance and his doggedness in solving crimes. He finds clues and motives where no one else can, and even the most outlandish-sounding theories come true. They often work at the behest of a police detective with whom Bixby has a “situationship,” although they often find themselves at odds with one another.
Their investigation of the death of a woman who fell down a flight of stairs at a shopping mall seems pretty cut and dried. But what looks like sheer negligence appears to be murder in Bixby’s eyes, and the deeper he digs, the more tangled the web he has stepped in gets.
I thought this was such a great book. Bixby is one of the most unique characters I’ve read about in a long while, and his banter with Wally is top-notch. I really wasn’t sure how everything would tie up, but I really loved this, and I’m so glad a second book is on the horizon.
The book will publish 6/1.
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Edison Bixby is an ex-police detective. He’s handsome, fabulously wealthy, and impeccably dressed—and he has no filter, as the result of a traumatic brain injury he sustained on the job. While the TBI causes him to speak his mind, it hasn’t halted his brilliance, and he now works as an insurance investigator.
Bixby is a firm believer that the design of the world around us enables people to kill. But before his next case, Wally Nash, an aspiring actor who truly believes in his craft, gets hired to be his assistant. It’s Wally’s job to apologize for Bixby’s rudeness and smooth things over for him. But Wally sees this as the ultimate acting job, at least until he lands his dream role.
From their very first case working together, Wally is dazzled by Bixby’s brilliance and his doggedness in solving crimes. He finds clues and motives where no one else can, and even the most outlandish-sounding theories come true. They often work at the behest of a police detective with whom Bixby has a “situationship,” although they often find themselves at odds with one another.
Their investigation of the death of a woman who fell down a flight of stairs at a shopping mall seems pretty cut and dried. But what looks like sheer negligence appears to be murder in Bixby’s eyes, and the deeper he digs, the more tangled the web he has stepped in gets.
I thought this was such a great book. Bixby is one of the most unique characters I’ve read about in a long while, and his banter with Wally is top-notch. I really wasn’t sure how everything would tie up, but I really loved this, and I’m so glad a second book is on the horizon.
The book will publish 6/1.
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beware of incredibly handsome millionaires encompassed in Sherlock Holmes vibes.
Lee Goldberg, you almost made me slam this book shut in the beginning chapters. I saw the DNF letters floating in my vision. You presented your character of Edison Bixby and for the life of me I could not cozy up to him......like a know-it-all brother-in-law who just rubs you the wrong way. Arrogant and off-putting. But then you snuck in Wally Nash and my irritation turned to Jello.
Edison Bixby is that millionaire of big money and of big brains. But Bixby took a bullet to the head and everything thereafter changed. Because of his traumatic brain injury, Bixby blurts out the first thing that comes to mind. That's often encased in insulting comments and over-the-top offensive language. He's hired Wally Nash, an out of work actor, to serve as his sidekick and his instant filter. Wally must run interference constantly for Bixby. But Wally is amused by Bixby's shortcomings.
Bixby worked for the LAPD before his injury. He now takes on some of their cases as a consultant. Bixby is brilliant and has an amazing track record of successes. His impulsive nature has Wally perplexed, but there is method to his madness. Their first case is a woman who died under questionable circumstances at the local mall. The mall's insurance company is ready to pay out, but Bixby believes that it was murder......and the chase begins.
Murder by Design is filled with side cases as well as this mall case. Goldberg provides the laughs with this strange duo of Bixby and Wally. You'll instantly have a soft spot for Wally as well. He takes his actor's inner workings and uses it to see what others do not. The dialogue is wonky and quirky. Goldberg has a great sense of humor and he uses it to the advantage of his latest novel. So tiptoe lightly in the beginning chapters as you become familiar with Bixby. He'll grow on ya like moss, but it will provide a comfy environment for Murder by Design. I've already inserted myself into Bixby's social calendar for the next one. Cheers to you, Lee Goldberg.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Lee Goldberg for the opportunity.
Lee Goldberg, you almost made me slam this book shut in the beginning chapters. I saw the DNF letters floating in my vision. You presented your character of Edison Bixby and for the life of me I could not cozy up to him......like a know-it-all brother-in-law who just rubs you the wrong way. Arrogant and off-putting. But then you snuck in Wally Nash and my irritation turned to Jello.
Edison Bixby is that millionaire of big money and of big brains. But Bixby took a bullet to the head and everything thereafter changed. Because of his traumatic brain injury, Bixby blurts out the first thing that comes to mind. That's often encased in insulting comments and over-the-top offensive language. He's hired Wally Nash, an out of work actor, to serve as his sidekick and his instant filter. Wally must run interference constantly for Bixby. But Wally is amused by Bixby's shortcomings.
Bixby worked for the LAPD before his injury. He now takes on some of their cases as a consultant. Bixby is brilliant and has an amazing track record of successes. His impulsive nature has Wally perplexed, but there is method to his madness. Their first case is a woman who died under questionable circumstances at the local mall. The mall's insurance company is ready to pay out, but Bixby believes that it was murder......and the chase begins.
Murder by Design is filled with side cases as well as this mall case. Goldberg provides the laughs with this strange duo of Bixby and Wally. You'll instantly have a soft spot for Wally as well. He takes his actor's inner workings and uses it to see what others do not. The dialogue is wonky and quirky. Goldberg has a great sense of humor and he uses it to the advantage of his latest novel. So tiptoe lightly in the beginning chapters as you become familiar with Bixby. He'll grow on ya like moss, but it will provide a comfy environment for Murder by Design. I've already inserted myself into Bixby's social calendar for the next one. Cheers to you, Lee Goldberg.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Lee Goldberg for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Edison Bixby is a rich, good-looking man. He’s also a genius detective. But after solving a murder case a few minutes after attending crime scene, he becomes the victim of a devastating piece of retribution. As a result of the brain injury he’s left with, he’s thereafter endowed with a compulsive need to verbalise his mental reaction to people and events – no matter how rude they are. In fact, it’s almost as if he enjoys being as rude as possible to everyone he meets.
Enter Wally Nash, a wannabe actor whose starring roles to date seem to be restricted to television adverts featuring a man receiving medical treatment for embarrassing conditions. But he’s determined to succeed – he has to as he’s skint and about to be turfed out of his L.A. apartment. Then a temporary position as travelling ‘apologist’ for Bixby is offered up. This might just tide him over until a big-time acting role comes along.
Bixby works for an insurance company these days, his role being to assess whether their liability can be reduced due to extenuating circumstances. The death of a woman who falls down a set of stairs at a shopping centre is his latest case. It’s hard to see how it can be anything other than an accident, but our intrepid investigator has other thoughts.
The chemistry between Bixby and Nash is interesting and there is certainly a good sprinkling of laugh out loud moments. But the story itself feels somewhat disjointed – I’d call it bitty. It lurches around, punctuated by Bixby’s instant conclusions, and relying on what feel like an unlikely set of actions perpetrated by a person or persons unknown. As a whole, I must admit that I found it somewhat unsatisfying.
I remain a huge fan of Goldberg’s output and I’ll no doubt give Bixby and Nash a second chance if, as I suspect, they return for a second outing. But my sense is that this one will receive mixed reviews from his fanbase.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for supplying an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Enter Wally Nash, a wannabe actor whose starring roles to date seem to be restricted to television adverts featuring a man receiving medical treatment for embarrassing conditions. But he’s determined to succeed – he has to as he’s skint and about to be turfed out of his L.A. apartment. Then a temporary position as travelling ‘apologist’ for Bixby is offered up. This might just tide him over until a big-time acting role comes along.
Bixby works for an insurance company these days, his role being to assess whether their liability can be reduced due to extenuating circumstances. The death of a woman who falls down a set of stairs at a shopping centre is his latest case. It’s hard to see how it can be anything other than an accident, but our intrepid investigator has other thoughts.
The chemistry between Bixby and Nash is interesting and there is certainly a good sprinkling of laugh out loud moments. But the story itself feels somewhat disjointed – I’d call it bitty. It lurches around, punctuated by Bixby’s instant conclusions, and relying on what feel like an unlikely set of actions perpetrated by a person or persons unknown. As a whole, I must admit that I found it somewhat unsatisfying.
I remain a huge fan of Goldberg’s output and I’ll no doubt give Bixby and Nash a second chance if, as I suspect, they return for a second outing. But my sense is that this one will receive mixed reviews from his fanbase.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for supplying an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been fortunate to receive the last five Lee Goldberg releases as ARCs through NetGalley well before publication, and the best part is I never even have to request them, they’re available for immediate download. I appreciate the author’s generosity, but even more, I love that every book turns out to be a gem. I’ve rated all of them five stars, and this new series is no exception.
After reading countless murder mysteries and detective thrillers, I often wonder how authors keep coming up with fresh ideas. With Lee Goldberg, creativity seems endless. Having read and enjoyed all the Monk books, I was eager for more. Edison Bixby isn’t Monk, but he’s close and maybe even better.
Bixby is a retired cop now working as an investigator for an insurance company. Like Monk, he can identify the killer within minutes of arriving at a crime scene. His retirement was due to a head injury that left him with a “superpower” of sorts: he speaks his mind without filters. Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor who becomes Bixby’s assistant, tasked with smoothing over the feathers ruffled by Bixby’s bluntness. In reality, Nash isn’t great at that job, but he plays a Robin to Bixby’s Batman. And yes, Bixby is super-rich like Batman, complete with gadgets and a fleet of cars.
Nash is a method actor who dives into roles with imaginative backstories, adding humor and charm to the narrative. Bixby solves multiple cases in this book, and what makes it stand out like all Goldberg novels is the attention to real-world details. The design aspects are explained clearly without feeling like a textbook (unlike some overly technical novels). Another plus: the book packs several murders into just 220 pages without unnecessary filler, melodrama, or gore. No animals or children are harmed, and there’s no dragging heartbreak subplot.
This is why I love Lee Goldberg’s writing: fast-paced, clever, and entertaining. Other authors could learn that word count and gratuitous blood don’t make a better story.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more!
After reading countless murder mysteries and detective thrillers, I often wonder how authors keep coming up with fresh ideas. With Lee Goldberg, creativity seems endless. Having read and enjoyed all the Monk books, I was eager for more. Edison Bixby isn’t Monk, but he’s close and maybe even better.
Bixby is a retired cop now working as an investigator for an insurance company. Like Monk, he can identify the killer within minutes of arriving at a crime scene. His retirement was due to a head injury that left him with a “superpower” of sorts: he speaks his mind without filters. Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor who becomes Bixby’s assistant, tasked with smoothing over the feathers ruffled by Bixby’s bluntness. In reality, Nash isn’t great at that job, but he plays a Robin to Bixby’s Batman. And yes, Bixby is super-rich like Batman, complete with gadgets and a fleet of cars.
Nash is a method actor who dives into roles with imaginative backstories, adding humor and charm to the narrative. Bixby solves multiple cases in this book, and what makes it stand out like all Goldberg novels is the attention to real-world details. The design aspects are explained clearly without feeling like a textbook (unlike some overly technical novels). Another plus: the book packs several murders into just 220 pages without unnecessary filler, melodrama, or gore. No animals or children are harmed, and there’s no dragging heartbreak subplot.
This is why I love Lee Goldberg’s writing: fast-paced, clever, and entertaining. Other authors could learn that word count and gratuitous blood don’t make a better story.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a relaxed, not-quite-suspenseful book with terrific, unique, and often humorous characters. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Present day, Los Angeles
Characters: Edison Bixby, former ace LA detective and current insurance private investigator, Wally Nash, his hired helper and the almost reliable narrator of the tale, and many intriguing supporting characters, including an enigmatic female detective
Overview of plot:. Bixby amazingly survived a gunshot wound to the head, causing coprolalia, a condition where there are no filters to his insults and candid observations. He is narcissistic -“brilliant, rich, and handsome,” in his own words - arrogant, and has the incredible ability to solve crimes, basically by studying the designs of the environment where the crime was committed. Wally is an aspiring, failing actor who is hired into the unlikely role of trying to shepherd Edison through his investigations, apologizing frequently for his crude, nasty, direct comments and translating into more acceptable language. Wally treats every situation as an opportunity to be an actor and create a fitting support role, being more than a verbal buffer. Together, they work to unravel several devious crimes and survive the opposition.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras:. While the overall plot and suspense may be thin, the unique settings, dialogue between Edison and Wally, and the interaction with the other main players make this a light, engaging read that will, hopefully, spawn many more episodes.
Thanx to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to provide this candid review
Setting: Present day, Los Angeles
Characters: Edison Bixby, former ace LA detective and current insurance private investigator, Wally Nash, his hired helper and the almost reliable narrator of the tale, and many intriguing supporting characters, including an enigmatic female detective
Overview of plot:. Bixby amazingly survived a gunshot wound to the head, causing coprolalia, a condition where there are no filters to his insults and candid observations. He is narcissistic -“brilliant, rich, and handsome,” in his own words - arrogant, and has the incredible ability to solve crimes, basically by studying the designs of the environment where the crime was committed. Wally is an aspiring, failing actor who is hired into the unlikely role of trying to shepherd Edison through his investigations, apologizing frequently for his crude, nasty, direct comments and translating into more acceptable language. Wally treats every situation as an opportunity to be an actor and create a fitting support role, being more than a verbal buffer. Together, they work to unravel several devious crimes and survive the opposition.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras:. While the overall plot and suspense may be thin, the unique settings, dialogue between Edison and Wally, and the interaction with the other main players make this a light, engaging read that will, hopefully, spawn many more episodes.
Thanx to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to provide this candid review
Review of advance copy
MURDER BY DESIGN was an engaging mystery by Lee Goldberg that introduces a new sleuthing duo. Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and rude. This former police detective with an enviable solve rate suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was shot in the face by an assailant. His impulsive rudeness has caused him to lose his job with the police but primed the way for him to be an excellent insurance investigator.
Wally Nash is a wanna-be actor who has thus far played a number of corpses and starred in a number of commercials for medical products. He's still waiting for his big break which he knows is just around the corner. He does temp work to make ends meet which they aren't currently doing. A short-term job as Bixby's minder seems ideal especially since it comes with free living quarters on Bixby's fanciful estate.
Nash narrates this story and has a chance to play a number of different characters as he assists Bixby with solving a number of murders. The first has been declared an accident since a woman fell down a flight of stairs that she shouldn't be using at a mall. What first looks like an accident quickly becomes a murder investigation after Bixby looks at the scene.
This first crime leads to a few more. All of which are determined to be murders by Bixby. All of which also occurred because of what Bixby sees as design flaws in the environment around the victims. Design of human spaces makes up a big part of this story and is the key to Bixby's deductions.
This was an entertaining story. I enjoyed Nash's narration and self-delusion. The story was humorous and thought-provoking too.
Wally Nash is a wanna-be actor who has thus far played a number of corpses and starred in a number of commercials for medical products. He's still waiting for his big break which he knows is just around the corner. He does temp work to make ends meet which they aren't currently doing. A short-term job as Bixby's minder seems ideal especially since it comes with free living quarters on Bixby's fanciful estate.
Nash narrates this story and has a chance to play a number of different characters as he assists Bixby with solving a number of murders. The first has been declared an accident since a woman fell down a flight of stairs that she shouldn't be using at a mall. What first looks like an accident quickly becomes a murder investigation after Bixby looks at the scene.
This first crime leads to a few more. All of which are determined to be murders by Bixby. All of which also occurred because of what Bixby sees as design flaws in the environment around the victims. Design of human spaces makes up a big part of this story and is the key to Bixby's deductions.
This was an entertaining story. I enjoyed Nash's narration and self-delusion. The story was humorous and thought-provoking too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Note: There are 2 independent entries of this book in GR. I am adding the review for both the entries
I’ve been fortunate to receive the last five Lee Goldberg releases as ARCs through NetGalley well before publication, and the best part is I never even have to request them, they’re available for immediate download. I appreciate the author’s generosity, but even more, I love that every book turns out to be a gem. I’ve rated all of them five stars, and this new series is no exception.
After reading countless murder mysteries and detective thrillers, I often wonder how authors keep coming up with fresh ideas. With Lee Goldberg, creativity seems endless. Having read and enjoyed all the Monk books, I was eager for more. Edison Bixby isn’t Monk, but he’s close and maybe even better.
Bixby is a retired cop now working as an investigator for an insurance company. Like Monk, he can identify the killer within minutes of arriving at a crime scene. His retirement was due to a head injury that left him with a “superpower” of sorts: he speaks his mind without filters. Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor who becomes Bixby’s assistant, tasked with smoothing over the feathers ruffled by Bixby’s bluntness. In reality, Nash isn’t great at that job, but he plays a Robin to Bixby’s Batman. And yes, Bixby is super-rich like Batman, complete with gadgets and a fleet of cars.
Nash is a method actor who dives into roles with imaginative backstories, adding humor and charm to the narrative. Bixby solves multiple cases in this book, and what makes it stand out like all Goldberg novels is the attention to real-world details. The design aspects are explained clearly without feeling like a textbook (unlike some overly technical novels). Another plus: the book packs several murders into just 220 pages without unnecessary filler, melodrama, or gore. No animals or children are harmed, and there’s no dragging heartbreak subplot.
This is why I love Lee Goldberg’s writing: fast-paced, clever, and entertaining. Other authors could learn that word count and gratuitous blood don’t make a better story.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more!
I’ve been fortunate to receive the last five Lee Goldberg releases as ARCs through NetGalley well before publication, and the best part is I never even have to request them, they’re available for immediate download. I appreciate the author’s generosity, but even more, I love that every book turns out to be a gem. I’ve rated all of them five stars, and this new series is no exception.
After reading countless murder mysteries and detective thrillers, I often wonder how authors keep coming up with fresh ideas. With Lee Goldberg, creativity seems endless. Having read and enjoyed all the Monk books, I was eager for more. Edison Bixby isn’t Monk, but he’s close and maybe even better.
Bixby is a retired cop now working as an investigator for an insurance company. Like Monk, he can identify the killer within minutes of arriving at a crime scene. His retirement was due to a head injury that left him with a “superpower” of sorts: he speaks his mind without filters. Enter Wally Nash, a struggling actor who becomes Bixby’s assistant, tasked with smoothing over the feathers ruffled by Bixby’s bluntness. In reality, Nash isn’t great at that job, but he plays a Robin to Bixby’s Batman. And yes, Bixby is super-rich like Batman, complete with gadgets and a fleet of cars.
Nash is a method actor who dives into roles with imaginative backstories, adding humor and charm to the narrative. Bixby solves multiple cases in this book, and what makes it stand out like all Goldberg novels is the attention to real-world details. The design aspects are explained clearly without feeling like a textbook (unlike some overly technical novels). Another plus: the book packs several murders into just 220 pages without unnecessary filler, melodrama, or gore. No animals or children are harmed, and there’s no dragging heartbreak subplot.
This is why I love Lee Goldberg’s writing: fast-paced, clever, and entertaining. Other authors could learn that word count and gratuitous blood don’t make a better story.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy
Mystery readers have an endless fascination with Sherlock Holmes; the number of books, movies, and TV shows rebooting these characters blows my mind. Murder by Design taps into this ready-made audience but does so in a way that feels fresh, modern, and original. Narrated in the first person by struggling actor Wally Nash, in a humorous voice that playfully breaks the fourth wall at just the right times, the story follows the over-the-top exploits of Holmesian sleuth Edison Bixby. Impossibly handsome and wealthy, Bixby suffers from a rare brain condition caused by a bullet wound to the head, which makes him blurt out offensive remarks and ends his career as an LAPD detective. But he's still a crime-solving whiz, so an insurance company hires him to investigate claims, pairing him with Wally to run damage control on his inappropriate banter. Together, they investigate seemingly unconnected murders that everyone except Bixby dismisses as accidents. Bixby's superpower is that he sees every murder as a design in which the victim's environment is an accomplice of sorts, allowing him to identify foul play and often the killer's identity by observing the design features of the crime scene. Though the plot is far-fetched, and some readers may not buy into its twisty resolution, this book is just plain fun. The crisp prose, witty dialogue, clever concept, and winning chemistry between Bixby and Wally make it a five-star read. I look forward to the sequel.
Review of advance copy
God, I love Lee Goldberg. This time, he's created a Holmes & Watson pair, complete with his Watson acting as the storyteller. The story itself and the murder mysteries within were so interesting. I felt like this was structured almost like a TV series, where you could kind of feel episode breakpoints, and I'm sure that was only partially influenced by Wally's regular references to commercial breaks and "act out" lines.
Loved the Nan cameo, firmly establishing Bixby and Nash in the shared Eve Ronin, Sharpe & Walker, and Beth McDade universe he's built over the last 6+ years.
I had to double check that number by the way. It is insane to me that between January 2020 and October 2026, Lee Goldberg will have released 12 books in this shared universe (7 Eve Ronin, 3 Sharpe & Walker, Calico, and the first Edison Bixby, with a sequel planned for early next year). How??? I'm not complaining. It's awesome. Keep up the great work!
As a final note, I always love reading the Author's Notes after each of Goldberg's books, where he describes his inspirations for the stories and characters within the book you've just finished. It's always fascinating to me to get a peek at the writing process and the real world experiences he's used to build these works of fiction and it's really cool that he shares that.
Loved the Nan cameo, firmly establishing Bixby and Nash in the shared Eve Ronin, Sharpe & Walker, and Beth McDade universe he's built over the last 6+ years.
I had to double check that number by the way. It is insane to me that between January 2020 and October 2026, Lee Goldberg will have released 12 books in this shared universe (7 Eve Ronin, 3 Sharpe & Walker, Calico, and the first Edison Bixby, with a sequel planned for early next year). How??? I'm not complaining. It's awesome. Keep up the great work!
As a final note, I always love reading the Author's Notes after each of Goldberg's books, where he describes his inspirations for the stories and characters within the book you've just finished. It's always fascinating to me to get a peek at the writing process and the real world experiences he's used to build these works of fiction and it's really cool that he shares that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In a new series we are introduced to Edison Bixby, once a brilliant and respected LA cop, who because of a traumatic brain injury (due to a gunshot to the head) has been retired from the force and is working an insurance investigation company. Unfortunately his injury causes Bixby to have no filter when speaking which often results in rude remarks being spoken spontaneously out loud. The company he works for seeks to provide him with an assistant to prevent these blunders or at least mitigate the effects of his hurtful outbursts. Wally Nash, a struggling actor, is the latest to be hired. Wally uses his improvisational and acting skills to help Bixby in his investigations. Their first case involves a young woman who falls to her death on a staircase at a renovation sight in a Mall. Bixby sees things others miss and deducts things other people wouldn't think of a determines that the woman may have been murdered. As the case unfolds Bixby uses his prodigious observation skills to prove each crime in this "murder". Is he right or is he delusional. This was a fun fast paced unusual read from interesting and inventive perspectives.
Review of advance copy
Blurb -
Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.
My take away -
Clever, entertaining, and humorous, But not at all believable in any sense of the word. Good as something quite different from anything I've ever read, but not what I was looking for in a mystery. Entertainment value alone as a humorous fantasy mystery worthy of 3 stars.
Edison Bixby is wealthy, handsome, and, due to a traumatic brain injury, impulsively rude. He’s also a brilliant insurance investigator who solves baffling crimes by figuring out how the design of the man-made world around us makes them possible. Enter Wally a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone he meets.
Their first case together looks like a simple accident. Caroline Crowley took a nasty fall down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses. Video clearly shows the deadly misstep. But Bixby is certain she was murdered by design, subtly manipulated into causing her own demise. The mall itself made the crime intentional, if not inevitable.
Now Bixby must prove his outrageous theory before a very cunning killer gets others on his hit list to murder themselves, too.
My take away -
Clever, entertaining, and humorous, But not at all believable in any sense of the word. Good as something quite different from anything I've ever read, but not what I was looking for in a mystery. Entertainment value alone as a humorous fantasy mystery worthy of 3 stars.
Review of advance copy
This was a fun read, and a pretty unique idea for a book series! Edison Bixby is a smart, handsome and extremely rich detective who survives a shot to the head. The only residual side effect remaining after convalescence is the inability to filter what comes out of his mouth. He now works as an investigator for a large insurance company. Due to the fact that Edison can’t seem to control what comes out of his mouth, the insurance company hires Wally Nash, an actor who thus far has only managed to get small rolls playing dead bodies or appearing in commercials for products such as flatulence medications. The book is told from Wally’s perspective and it’s pretty darn funny. And a bit of a side note, most of what comes out of Edison’s mouth I didn’t really find inappropriate. Not sure what that says about me but it think most people would get a kick out of this novel. I also enjoy the abundance of pop culture references. I’m never disappointed with a Lee Goldberg book, and was really looking for to this one. Can’t wait for book number two and I hope this is just the beginning of a good series run!
Review of advance copy
This is a wonderful, unique, and very “laugh-out-loud” detective novel that only Lee Goldberg could have created. Along with being an absolutely brilliant detective, extraordinarily wealthy, and having movie star looks, Edison Bixby has one terrible flaw…following a gunshot wound to the head, he has a neurological condition akin to Tourette’s Syndrome that causes him to blurt out inappropriate remarks. As a result, his insurance investigating firm hires Wally Nash, a near-starving actor, to soothe over Bixby’s offensive comments. Not surprisingly, this unlikely duo quickly become involved in solving a number of peculiar deaths.
As a long time reader of detective novels, I like to think that I have fairly good track record for solving a mystery, as well as figuring out the antagonist; however, this was one time that I was way off the mark. In any event, I wish that every book I pick up could be as interesting and entertaining as “Murder by Design.” And, just a quick warning to my fellow readers…be prepared to unexpectedly burst out laughing at Goldberg’s dry humor throughout the novel.
As a long time reader of detective novels, I like to think that I have fairly good track record for solving a mystery, as well as figuring out the antagonist; however, this was one time that I was way off the mark. In any event, I wish that every book I pick up could be as interesting and entertaining as “Murder by Design.” And, just a quick warning to my fellow readers…be prepared to unexpectedly burst out laughing at Goldberg’s dry humor throughout the novel.
Review of advance copy
Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg is a mystery with humor and unexpected twists. The main character of Edison Bixby is an eccentric, seemingly unhinged insurance investigator. He has hired (with help) Wally Nash, a struggling actor and writer to help him with social niceties and to help blunt his strangeness. Together, they are a humorous crime fighting duo.
Edison has been asked to investigate the death of Caroline Crowley who seemingly lost her balance and fell down a circular staircase. Edison is convinced it was murder and is increasingly able to explain the oddness of the crime. Then another and still another death happens, putting Edison and Wally in unusual situations.
On top of the crimes, Edison lives in an oasis of strange gadgets, unexpected luxury with over the top curiosities. The novel is a hoot with strangeness, and whimsical characters and happenings. Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg is an unconventional murder mystery.
Edison has been asked to investigate the death of Caroline Crowley who seemingly lost her balance and fell down a circular staircase. Edison is convinced it was murder and is increasingly able to explain the oddness of the crime. Then another and still another death happens, putting Edison and Wally in unusual situations.
On top of the crimes, Edison lives in an oasis of strange gadgets, unexpected luxury with over the top curiosities. The novel is a hoot with strangeness, and whimsical characters and happenings. Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg is an unconventional murder mystery.
Review of advance copy
New character/series by Goldberg that just doesn't do it for me. Got this as an Amazon First Reads.
Edison Bixby, a rich former homicide detective (was shot in the head by someone he was arresting) is now an insurance investigator. He is suffering from a condition after the shooting that causes him to blurt out anything that comes to mind, thus insulting many so the company hires him companions to mitigate the "damage". So far he's had many, none of which last long. Here comes wanna be famous actor & soon to be evicted Wally Nash. He takes the gig and finds he likes it. He gets free room/board in plush digs and seems to mesh well with Bixby.
There are a series of "cases" which Bixby solves in record time (his thinking is that circumstances always help cause the crime) but the dialogue between the characters is exhausting.
Somehow couldn't connect with the characters, both Bixby/Wally seemed over the top ridiculous. Much prefer Sharpe/Walker or Eve Ronin series.
Edison Bixby, a rich former homicide detective (was shot in the head by someone he was arresting) is now an insurance investigator. He is suffering from a condition after the shooting that causes him to blurt out anything that comes to mind, thus insulting many so the company hires him companions to mitigate the "damage". So far he's had many, none of which last long. Here comes wanna be famous actor & soon to be evicted Wally Nash. He takes the gig and finds he likes it. He gets free room/board in plush digs and seems to mesh well with Bixby.
There are a series of "cases" which Bixby solves in record time (his thinking is that circumstances always help cause the crime) but the dialogue between the characters is exhausting.
Somehow couldn't connect with the characters, both Bixby/Wally seemed over the top ridiculous. Much prefer Sharpe/Walker or Eve Ronin series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did you see Lee Goldberg’s name on this novel? Good. Five stars automatically!
Okay, okay. I read the book because even the best of writers has a miss occasionally. Except if your name is Lee Goldberg. Five stars!
This is the beginning of a new series starring Detective Edison Bixby. Bixby is one of the best creations in fiction in a long time. Added to that is Wally Nash, a struggling actor, who is his “able” assistant. Not since Lawrence Block’s last 2 Chip Harrison books has there been such an incredible investigative duo.
Now, in all of this, do not miss the mystery. The novel is worth the price for the characters and the humor, but the mystery is sooo good. Buy this book, no, buy a lot of copies of this book and share it with friends and family. Or even an enemy or too.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Okay, okay. I read the book because even the best of writers has a miss occasionally. Except if your name is Lee Goldberg. Five stars!
This is the beginning of a new series starring Detective Edison Bixby. Bixby is one of the best creations in fiction in a long time. Added to that is Wally Nash, a struggling actor, who is his “able” assistant. Not since Lawrence Block’s last 2 Chip Harrison books has there been such an incredible investigative duo.
Now, in all of this, do not miss the mystery. The novel is worth the price for the characters and the humor, but the mystery is sooo good. Buy this book, no, buy a lot of copies of this book and share it with friends and family. Or even an enemy or too.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Lee Goldberg's new series featuring the quirky character Edison Bixby. The term "character" fits this savant detective perfectly. Pairing him with an insecure bit actor as a "sidekick"—hired to prevent Bixby from offending others with his unique manner—makes for an entertaining adventure.
Bixby's ability to see connections that others miss while saving money for his insurance company employer is fascinating, and it was great to see his softer side develop as the plot progressed.
The storyline moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. I'm anxious to see where Goldberg takes this new detective/bit actor team next.
Bixby's ability to see connections that others miss while saving money for his insurance company employer is fascinating, and it was great to see his softer side develop as the plot progressed.
The storyline moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. I'm anxious to see where Goldberg takes this new detective/bit actor team next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s the first book in Lee Goldberg’s brand-new Edison Bixby series. Edison Bixby, who is a brilliant insurance investigator with a massive catch: he has a traumatic brain injury that makes him incredibly rude and impulsive. He literally has no filter. A character like the TV show Monk (a show Goldberg was a writer on).
I love reading Goldberg’s books. They are a quick reads that transport you out of your reality into another one. Since Goldberg is a TV writer, I always imagine how the book would be set on a tv show.
I love reading Goldberg’s books. They are a quick reads that transport you out of your reality into another one. Since Goldberg is a TV writer, I always imagine how the book would be set on a tv show.
May 10, 2026
Another Fun Series by Lee Goldberg
In this first book of a new series, author Lee Goldberg introduces us to the brilliant Edison Bixby, a former LA homicide detective, now consultant, whose career was altered when he was shot in the face. We meet him through his new assistant, an unsuccessful actor and the perfect foil/handler. There are plenty of plot twists and surprises as they work to solve murders using logic and a special understanding of how design in architecture affects our everyday existence. Be prepared to laugh, and learn.
In this first book of a new series, author Lee Goldberg introduces us to the brilliant Edison Bixby, a former LA homicide detective, now consultant, whose career was altered when he was shot in the face. We meet him through his new assistant, an unsuccessful actor and the perfect foil/handler. There are plenty of plot twists and surprises as they work to solve murders using logic and a special understanding of how design in architecture affects our everyday existence. Be prepared to laugh, and learn.
Review of advance copy
After being shot in the head, a former cop, now an insurance investigator, has a disorder that causes him to speak without a filter. An aspiring (and failing) actor is hired to work with him to mitigate the issue and be an apologist. Their dynamic, great character development and dialogue, excellent writing, and a surprise ending make this book a fun read. It's one of the best books I've read lately.
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