Murder by Design

Edison Bixby #1

by Lee Goldberg

In 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.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Humor, Crime, Suspense

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2026

About the author

Lee 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.

Reviews

[Dave]

Goldberg, 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.

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sophia]

What 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

[Sunhawk · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[3 no 7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughing, crying, and scratching my head

Loved every page and eagerly turned page after page. Now I am getting the next book in the series. I hope there are many, many more hilarious crimes to come.

[Robert Alexander Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Witty, Fast-Paced, and the Perfect Introduction to a Great Author

Discovering a fantastic new author is one of the best parts of reading, and Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg proved to be a wonderful, highly engaging surprise. I received an Advanced Reviewer Copy (ARC) from NetGalley, and although it was listed under the Mystery and Thriller genre, it turned out to be less of a dark thriller and more of a thoroughly enjoyable, smart book. The story has an incredible intellectual wit and humor that makes it a lightning-fast experience, allowing me to fly through the entire narrative in less than a single day. The cinematic pacing and sharp dialogue give the book a distinct quality that would translate perfectly into a hit television show. I am already looking forward to reading the next installment in the Edison Bixby series and exploring the rest of this author's work.

The absolute highlight of the book is the magnificent sidekick character, Wally Nash. Edison Bixby is a fine protagonist, but Nash completely steals the show with his brilliant interactions and perspective. His mindset as a struggling/failed actor brings the perfect amount of humor to the investigative dynamic. The unique "murder by design" mystery aspect provides a fun setup, even if the sheer number of highly orchestrated deaths requires a significant suspension of disbelief. The ending did leave me slightly disappointed because the final resolution felt like a bit of a stretch that did not quite live up to the spectacular quality of the rest of the book. Murder by Design is an incredibly witty, fast-paced, and highly entertaining mystery that reads exactly like a hit television show, anchored by an absolute star of a sidekick in Wally Nash.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Lee Goldberg, and Brilliance Audio/Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mia 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Murder by Design follows Edison “Eddie” Bixby, a wealthy former detective who now investigates suspicious insurance claims after a brain injury leaves him with no filter. He ends up teaming up with Wally, a struggling actor whose job is basically to smooth things over every time Eddie says something completely inappropriate. Their first case starts with what looks like an accidental death at a shopping mall, but Eddie is convinced there’s more to it.

I thought the whole idea of solving murders by looking at architecture and building design was really unique. It’s not something I’ve seen in a mystery before, and it made the investigation feel fresh. The mystery itself kept me interested the whole time, and I liked how all the clues slowly came together.

Eddie was definitely my favorite part. He says whatever comes to mind, which led to some really funny moments, and Wally trying to clean up after him made them a great duo. Their banter was probably what kept me turning the pages the most.

The only thing that didn’t totally work for me was that some of the architecture and engineering explanations went over my head a little. Eddie could also come across as a bit full of himself at times. But overall, I had a lot of fun with this one. It was clever, funny, and a really entertaining mystery. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.

[Kris the retired librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read with a really fun premise.

As the blurb says, Bixby used to be an incredibly talented investigator, until getting shot in the face left him with a traumatic brain injury that basically removed his social filter (he didn't seem to have any even before the accident, buuut ok). So now he’s impulsively rude to absolutely everyone.

Which is exactly why Wally gets hired: to smooth things over after Bixby inevitably insults people.

The story is told from Wally Nash’s POV, and honestly, the dynamic between him and Edison Bixby was probably my favorite part of the book. The whole thing gave me very strong Sherlock & Watson vibes, and I mean that in a good way ...

The “murder by design” concept was also really clever. I liked how Bixby approached cases by analyzing how environments, buildings, layouts and everyday design elements could actually be manipulated to create crimes.

Despite being a shorter book, it managed to fit several cases and mysteries together really well, and I thought it worked great as a series opener.

My only real complaint is that I occasionally wished we had at least a little bit of Bixby’s POV too. I would’ve loved seeing more directly inside his thought process while solving cases because his way of thinking was probably the most fascinating part of the story.

Overall though, a very entertaining and fast-paced mystery with a unique detective duo.

⭐ 4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...

[Roxanne Siel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a lot of fun. Bixby and Nash and both ridiculous and egotistical but that's what makes the duo work. It's very self-aware of how similar it is to Sherlock Holmes and plays on that. I did like that most of the mysteries were focused on building design rather than character motivation. I often think about poor design when I'm in a new hotel/vehicle/store and so the idea of this appealed to me. If you are looking for likeable heroes, this isn't your book but for me this was a fast-paced and exciting read.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best Kindle First Reads I read in awhile.
Edison Bixby is a fun, quirky character. Looking forward to book 2 next year.

[Jack Hance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. Not really a thriller, because it was too light-hearted and humorous for that, but the story gripped me and there was a great plot twist at the end. Wally Nash, the narrator, a struggling actor, is hired as assistant to Edison Bixby, a brilliant, wealthy detective who developed a Tourette’s- like disorder when he was shot in the forehead by an enraged criminal. Nash’s name is confusing, at least for me, because I just read Baldacci’s latest series, where the main character is also Walter Nash. Anyway, the characters are likable, the action goofy and cartoonish, and Wally and Edison have a bizarre chemistry.

[Todd Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first and last of this series

This was an awful waste of my time. Start with a cast of completely unlikable characters, a ridiculous string of events and stunningly horrible dialogue and you have this mess. A disappointment from this author. If there was one highlight for me it was the insertion of a Harry Bosch quote. A nod to a superior writer, imho.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having enjoyed and come to depend on Lee Goldberg's laugh-out-loud funny, fast-paced thrillers with his Ian Ludlow and Eve Ronin series, I was really looking forward to this first Edison Bixby novel, Murder by Design. Unfortunately, the book fell flat for me.

Edison Bixby's looks, wealth, and home would make him the stuff of fairy tales if not for his mouth. He's always been obnoxious, but a traumatic brain injury has loosened what few restraints he had on his tongue. No longer in the Los Angeles Police Department, he is now the stuff of nightmares for the insurance company that hired him. The man needs someone to keep a close eye on him to prevent any more lawsuits, and that's where wannabe movie star Wally Nash comes in.

We see everything through Wally's eyes, and for a while, that's entertaining. (He tends to see everything as an opportunity for his Big Break in films.) Also intriguing is Bixby's contention that the design of man-made things can be the source of crime. Then, there's the relationship Bixby has with LAPD officer Bridget McGregor. Not only did McGregor get right up my nose, but I just couldn't buy into how their relationship worked.

In fact, that wasn't the only thing that didn't quite make sense. Too many aspects were over the top. To be honest, the suspension bridge of my disbelief collapsed two-thirds of the way through Murder by Design. Hopefully, your mileage will vary.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I've enjoyed several books and tv series that Lee Goldberg has been involved with and was so excited to receive this book. It has the funny banter and humorous situations I would expect from a Goldberg novel, but with a really unique premise. The main character, Edison Bixby, is an insurance investigator who is handsome, intelligent, and wealthy. However, due to a brain injury, he has no filter and says whatever comes to mind. His boss has hired a series of assistants for him to help smooth things over when he inevitably offends someone. His latest assistant is Wally Nash, a struggling actor who takes other jobs to try to pay the bills.

Edison and Wally work on a case together when a woman dies after falling down a staircase at a local mall. It looks like an accident that the mall will need to pay out on, but Edison has a unique way of looking at the design of things in the world and sees things others don't, and Edison thinks the design of the stairs and other factors in the way the mall is arranged manipulated the victim and led to her death. I found this fascinating and would like to read some of the reference books the author mentions in the notes at the end. Edison and Wally end up making a great team. Edison appreciates Wally more than prior assistants and Wally finds an unexpected aptitude and enjoyment of his new job. The two engage in humorous, sometimes silly, banter throughout the book for an entertaining dynamic. I was completely surprised when everything was revealed at the end, even though there were some clues. I loved this book and hope this is just the first we see of this fun detective duo.

I received a copy of this book from MB Communications and Amazon Publishing, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘The best murderers are imaginative.’
‘What qualifies as best?’
‘The ones who have the skills to actually get away with it.’”

What a thought provoking read. Wow. I have been thoroughly entertained by this quick and fast paced story.

I loved the dynamic between Bixby and Wally and Caroline was a sarcastic, surprising, and unbothered character. Their banter and quick wit had me laughing out loud throughout. This was one of the most unique murder mysteries I’ve ever read I think. So imaginative and unputdownable.

Thank you to @mbc_books, @leegoldberg007, and @amazonpublishing for the gifted book.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A new take on Mr Monk? This main character detective is rich, good looking but due to a brain injury has NO filter so offends everyone. So he leaves the police and is hired as an insurance investigator. His company hires an actor to be his assistant.

Genius detective Bixby continues on his next case of a woman falling down a staircase at a mall. Using his superior logic, crime scene videos and camera angles he figures out. Someone arranged for her to fall by distracting her while she was going down a staircase. His assistant the actor is the one telling the story.

Slightly entertaining, was free on Kindle.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored Wally Nash and Edison Bixby and their hilarious Sherlock and Watson antics. This book was so much fun!

Nash is hired to keep brilliant insurance investigator Bixby in check due to a brain injury that causes absolutely no filter. Nash is an actor and uses his “talents” to build personas that contribute to whatever would be needed to help Bixby get the information he needed to solve the case.

I couldn’t get enough of both characters who were over the top eccentric and had the greatest banter between them.

I know that Murder by Design is book 1 in the Edison Bixby series and I will most definitely be continuing this series!

*Thanks so much to MBC Books and to Amazon Publishing for the gifted finished copy!*

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly enjoyable read with a great Sherlock-and-Watson dynamic! Edison's design specialty is a unique hook, and learning how environments affect behavior is fascinating. Wally is a standout character, especially with his haughty attitude toward his acting skills and the "roles" he plays for Edison.

My only minor critiques? Edison's supposed "wildly inappropriate" filter didn't feel all that shocking—he mostly just comes across as blunt, reminiscent of Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Also, the nerd in me desperately needs to know the logistics of how that breakfast tree stores ingredients and cleans itself! Looking forward to book two.

[Candace Saxman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light banter makes for great read

What a great beach book. Bixby is a character I would like to befriend and get to know. Fanciful plot that keeps you involved and reading to see what happens next. Explanation of how murders happened is masterful in itself. Great easy enjoyable low stress book to pass some time. Looking for the next one now.

[Judy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Goldberg is a favorite author. His mystery/thriller books have my kind of humor and solving the crimes is always intriguing. “Murder by Design” is Mr Goldberg’s newest series featuring the character, Edison Bixby. I always get the Audible books as his narrators are always excellent. No spoilers here, however, you’ll be waiting for book 2 in the series. Enjoy.

[Amy Beighey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 ⭐. Good comedic writing with twists. I'll read the next in the series when it comes out.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super easy read. Kept my attention and the lighthearted characters made it a fun little jaunt through the murder mysteries. Interesting explanations with the architecture angle. I would recommend for an easy, quick, entertaining read.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced and entertaining read. The plot was good and tight with adequate explanations on the design. The author has made a novel venture and it has paid well. A good start to a new series.

[Scott Degraff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, Lee Goldberg is a great writer

[Kasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Toni G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story - 3.5 stars Too many crimes committed and solved too quickly. I know that’s the brilliance of the character but stretched my limits.
Narrator 3 stars

[Allison Gilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

More 3.5 stars. Quirky and goofy and a little silly, but easy read and entertaining enough.

[Blasr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully witty. Keeps the reader on their toes. Ace characters.

[Deanna Detchemendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Got it through Amazon First Reads, quite a fun romp.