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Edison Bixby #1
Murder by Design
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.
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
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
Lee Goldberg
187 books2,307 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 810 reviews
September 3, 2026
“A path is never random. It’s always by design. Homicide is achieved through design.”
I’ve been a fan of Lee Goldberg for years, beginning with his television work as a screenwriter and producer on “Diagnosis Murder,” “Monk,” and Hallmark’s “Mystery 101” mystery movie series. I’ve also enjoyed his literary work, including the Eve Ronin series.
So, I was ready to read his first in a new series featuring his newest character. Edison Bixby—a former LAPD homicide detective who, after suffering a traumatic head injury, has developed an almost uncanny ability to pick up random clues and connect them to solve mysteries.
And, as is typical with Goldberg, his characters are definitely not typical.
Bixby has his quirks. His traumatic coprolalia causes him to be painfully direct and completely unfiltered, often saying things that are rude, offensive, and politically incorrect.
While I understand that his behavior is connected to his disability, his unabashedly inappropriate comments—including fat-shaming and other offensive observations— felt less like an authentic part of the character and more like an excuse for behavior that simply wasn’t funny.
Our narrator, Wally Nash, is an unsuccessful actor who has played dead people on television. He becomes Bixby’s assistant, helping him navigate social situations and those inappropriate mouthy tendencies. In return, Bixby recognizes that Nash’s ability to act out scenes is actually useful to his crime-solving process.
There’s a definite Sherlockian quality to Bixby’s approach. He sees details others miss and quickly pieces together what appear to be accidents that may actually be murder. Nash serves as something of a Dr. Watson, often softening the blow when Bixby’s observations become insulting.
Their employer, Triax, is an insurance company that would prefer not to pay claims unnecessarily, giving the pair plenty of motivation to determine whether a death was accidental—or deliberately designed.
Readers will want to pay attention to character, Bridget McGregor, an LAPD detective, because she also plays an integral role in the story.
There are some genuinely clever moments here, and Goldberg keeps the story moving. But the banter sometimes felt over-the-top, and the repeated references to looks, wealth, and celebrity became tiresome.
Still, I kept reading—and the ending delivered a twisty surprise that I genuinely didn’t see coming.
For me, this was one of those “I’m glad I read it, but I’m not completely sure how I feel about it” books.
The premise is clever. The mystery is entertaining. The characters are certainly memorable. But Bixby’s behavior sometimes overshadowed the very qualities that made him interesting.
Quirky, creative, frustrating, and interestingly twisty, this was a quick, easy read that kept me turning the pages—even when I wanted to tell Edison Bixby to just. Stop.🛑 Talking.
🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Lee Goldberg for years, beginning with his television work as a screenwriter and producer on “Diagnosis Murder,” “Monk,” and Hallmark’s “Mystery 101” mystery movie series. I’ve also enjoyed his literary work, including the Eve Ronin series.
So, I was ready to read his first in a new series featuring his newest character. Edison Bixby—a former LAPD homicide detective who, after suffering a traumatic head injury, has developed an almost uncanny ability to pick up random clues and connect them to solve mysteries.
And, as is typical with Goldberg, his characters are definitely not typical.
Bixby has his quirks. His traumatic coprolalia causes him to be painfully direct and completely unfiltered, often saying things that are rude, offensive, and politically incorrect.
While I understand that his behavior is connected to his disability, his unabashedly inappropriate comments—including fat-shaming and other offensive observations— felt less like an authentic part of the character and more like an excuse for behavior that simply wasn’t funny.
Our narrator, Wally Nash, is an unsuccessful actor who has played dead people on television. He becomes Bixby’s assistant, helping him navigate social situations and those inappropriate mouthy tendencies. In return, Bixby recognizes that Nash’s ability to act out scenes is actually useful to his crime-solving process.
There’s a definite Sherlockian quality to Bixby’s approach. He sees details others miss and quickly pieces together what appear to be accidents that may actually be murder. Nash serves as something of a Dr. Watson, often softening the blow when Bixby’s observations become insulting.
Their employer, Triax, is an insurance company that would prefer not to pay claims unnecessarily, giving the pair plenty of motivation to determine whether a death was accidental—or deliberately designed.
Readers will want to pay attention to character, Bridget McGregor, an LAPD detective, because she also plays an integral role in the story.
There are some genuinely clever moments here, and Goldberg keeps the story moving. But the banter sometimes felt over-the-top, and the repeated references to looks, wealth, and celebrity became tiresome.
Still, I kept reading—and the ending delivered a twisty surprise that I genuinely didn’t see coming.
For me, this was one of those “I’m glad I read it, but I’m not completely sure how I feel about it” books.
The premise is clever. The mystery is entertaining. The characters are certainly memorable. But Bixby’s behavior sometimes overshadowed the very qualities that made him interesting.
Quirky, creative, frustrating, and interestingly twisty, this was a quick, easy read that kept me turning the pages—even when I wanted to tell Edison Bixby to just. Stop.🛑 Talking.
🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars
July 14, 2026
2.5 stars, rounded up
Usually, I’m a huge fan of anything Lee Goldberg writes. But this one didn’t quite measure up. Maybe because I found the main character more obnoxious than engaging. It also didn’t work for me that the book breaks the fourth wall to talk directly to the reader. It’s humorous but it’s more teenage boy humor. I like mine dry. Also, the book requires a major suspension of belief, something I don’t like to do in police or detective stories.
Wally Nash is a struggling actor that lists his times playing 3 different corpses on Law & Order as a recurring role. In order to make ends meet (read not get evicted from his apartment) he takes a job as an assistant to a brilliant insurance investigator. Edison Bixby doesn’t have to work, he’s loaded. But he thrives on the excitement. And because he suffered a traumatic brain injury that removed his filter, he needs an assistant to smooth the ruffled feathers he leaves in his wake.
Their first case involves a woman who fell down the stairs at a mall, witnessed by many. I did enjoy the way Goldberg slipped in a lot of interesting facts about a variety of subjects that weren’t pertinent to the case but fun to learn (like how the design of indoor shopping malls is designed purely for those driving not walking). And that’s just the first of several murders. It’s a convoluted case, with plenty of red herrings. The ending was a surprise that didn’t quite work for me.
I listened to this and Eric Conger did a fine job as the narrator.
Usually, I’m a huge fan of anything Lee Goldberg writes. But this one didn’t quite measure up. Maybe because I found the main character more obnoxious than engaging. It also didn’t work for me that the book breaks the fourth wall to talk directly to the reader. It’s humorous but it’s more teenage boy humor. I like mine dry. Also, the book requires a major suspension of belief, something I don’t like to do in police or detective stories.
Wally Nash is a struggling actor that lists his times playing 3 different corpses on Law & Order as a recurring role. In order to make ends meet (read not get evicted from his apartment) he takes a job as an assistant to a brilliant insurance investigator. Edison Bixby doesn’t have to work, he’s loaded. But he thrives on the excitement. And because he suffered a traumatic brain injury that removed his filter, he needs an assistant to smooth the ruffled feathers he leaves in his wake.
Their first case involves a woman who fell down the stairs at a mall, witnessed by many. I did enjoy the way Goldberg slipped in a lot of interesting facts about a variety of subjects that weren’t pertinent to the case but fun to learn (like how the design of indoor shopping malls is designed purely for those driving not walking). And that’s just the first of several murders. It’s a convoluted case, with plenty of red herrings. The ending was a surprise that didn’t quite work for me.
I listened to this and Eric Conger did a fine job as the narrator.
Read
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!
July 5, 2026
Story 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Narration 4 stars.
This was the first of this series about a very wealthy, very handsome and genius former detective. Former because he had a traumatic brain injury that causes him to say exactly what he’s thinking even if it hurts people’s feelings or makes people mad. His detective skills are still in tact as is his ability to figure out cases that no other detective can or could. Now he works for an insurance company to keep fraudulent claims from being paid out. The other main character is a failed actor that the insurance company hires to keep Bixby from causing more problems with his truthfulness. Actually, the story is told by Wally. It took me awhile to like Wally because he’s kind of strange. Of course Bixby was his own kind of strange, but I liked him immediately.
The story had its share of twists and Bixby’s skills are put to the test multiple times during several cases. I took one star off narration because at times the two men’s voices were so exactly the same I couldn’t tell who was speaking. Otherwise, narration was pretty good. I’ll be interested in reading another one in this series, but right now I’m waiting for the author’s next book in the Eve Ronin series. It can’t come soon enough for me!
This was the first of this series about a very wealthy, very handsome and genius former detective. Former because he had a traumatic brain injury that causes him to say exactly what he’s thinking even if it hurts people’s feelings or makes people mad. His detective skills are still in tact as is his ability to figure out cases that no other detective can or could. Now he works for an insurance company to keep fraudulent claims from being paid out. The other main character is a failed actor that the insurance company hires to keep Bixby from causing more problems with his truthfulness. Actually, the story is told by Wally. It took me awhile to like Wally because he’s kind of strange. Of course Bixby was his own kind of strange, but I liked him immediately.
The story had its share of twists and Bixby’s skills are put to the test multiple times during several cases. I took one star off narration because at times the two men’s voices were so exactly the same I couldn’t tell who was speaking. Otherwise, narration was pretty good. I’ll be interested in reading another one in this series, but right now I’m waiting for the author’s next book in the Eve Ronin series. It can’t come soon enough for me!
September 23, 2026
What if the world around you could be weaponised against you—and you never even knew you were being killed?
Lee Goldberg has taken that chilling idea and built Murder by Design around it, creating a series debut that feels genuinely different in a genre overflowing with detectives, killers and familiar formulas. This isn’t simply another whodunit. Goldberg has found an ingenious new way to make the ordinary terrifying.
Edison Bixby is a wealthy, brilliant insurance investigator with a traumatic brain injury that has left his social filter in tatters. He is impulsively rude, relentlessly analytical, and gifted at seeing how the design of the world around us can be manipulated to make seemingly impossible crimes possible. Enter Wally, a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone within conversational range. It’s an unlikely partnership, but Goldberg makes the combination work beautifully.
Their first series of cases begin with what appears to be an open-and-shut collection of events, highlighted by an accident. Caroline Crowley falls down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses, with video seemingly capturing the fatal misstep. But Bixby sees something everyone else has missed. He believes Crowley was murdered by design—subtly manipulated into causing her own death. The mall itself has become the weapon, and Bixby has to prove his outrageous theory before the killer turns the same environment against someone else.
That premise is where Murder by Design really separates itself from the crowd. Goldberg takes familiar murder-mystery mechanics and twists them into something unexpectedly clever, asking us to look at the built environment differently. Stairs, spaces, systems and everyday objects suddenly become potential instruments of murder. It’s an ingenious investigative hook, and Goldberg clearly has fun exploring just how much danger can be hiding in the world we take for granted.
The pacing is a significant strength for the book and likely the series once things get moving. Goldberg structures the story almost like a countdown, jumping between characters and locations as the situation continually escalates. Every chapter introduces another complication, another piece of the puzzle, or another reason to keep turning pages. I repeatedly told myself I’d read one more chapter, only to realise I’d somehow sat through a few more.
While the action moves quickly, the investigation never gets lost. Competing interests, multiple moving pieces and an active supporting cast give the story more weight than simply watching Bixby chase a killer. The secondary characters remain relevant, while Bixby’s history and peculiarities are revealed at a measured pace that leaves plenty of room for the series to develop.
It’s the combination of Bixby and Wally that may ultimately prove to be the series’ secret weapon. They are hardly the conventional crime-solving duo, and that unpredictability gives the book much of its personality. They spent much of this book getting a feel for one another, both dripping with their own form of sarcasm and a banter that is sure to find its pacing as the series progresses.
Murder by Design is witty, inventive and refreshingly unwilling to play by the usual rules. Goldberg has found a distinctive way into a crowded genre, and the result is a debut that feels less like another detective series and more like the beginning of something with its own identity.
Kudos, Mr. Goldberg, for a unique opening for all to enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Lee Goldberg has taken that chilling idea and built Murder by Design around it, creating a series debut that feels genuinely different in a genre overflowing with detectives, killers and familiar formulas. This isn’t simply another whodunit. Goldberg has found an ingenious new way to make the ordinary terrifying.
Edison Bixby is a wealthy, brilliant insurance investigator with a traumatic brain injury that has left his social filter in tatters. He is impulsively rude, relentlessly analytical, and gifted at seeing how the design of the world around us can be manipulated to make seemingly impossible crimes possible. Enter Wally, a struggling actor hired to keep Bixby from offending everyone within conversational range. It’s an unlikely partnership, but Goldberg makes the combination work beautifully.
Their first series of cases begin with what appears to be an open-and-shut collection of events, highlighted by an accident. Caroline Crowley falls down a staircase at a shopping mall in front of dozens of witnesses, with video seemingly capturing the fatal misstep. But Bixby sees something everyone else has missed. He believes Crowley was murdered by design—subtly manipulated into causing her own death. The mall itself has become the weapon, and Bixby has to prove his outrageous theory before the killer turns the same environment against someone else.
That premise is where Murder by Design really separates itself from the crowd. Goldberg takes familiar murder-mystery mechanics and twists them into something unexpectedly clever, asking us to look at the built environment differently. Stairs, spaces, systems and everyday objects suddenly become potential instruments of murder. It’s an ingenious investigative hook, and Goldberg clearly has fun exploring just how much danger can be hiding in the world we take for granted.
The pacing is a significant strength for the book and likely the series once things get moving. Goldberg structures the story almost like a countdown, jumping between characters and locations as the situation continually escalates. Every chapter introduces another complication, another piece of the puzzle, or another reason to keep turning pages. I repeatedly told myself I’d read one more chapter, only to realise I’d somehow sat through a few more.
While the action moves quickly, the investigation never gets lost. Competing interests, multiple moving pieces and an active supporting cast give the story more weight than simply watching Bixby chase a killer. The secondary characters remain relevant, while Bixby’s history and peculiarities are revealed at a measured pace that leaves plenty of room for the series to develop.
It’s the combination of Bixby and Wally that may ultimately prove to be the series’ secret weapon. They are hardly the conventional crime-solving duo, and that unpredictability gives the book much of its personality. They spent much of this book getting a feel for one another, both dripping with their own form of sarcasm and a banter that is sure to find its pacing as the series progresses.
Murder by Design is witty, inventive and refreshingly unwilling to play by the usual rules. Goldberg has found a distinctive way into a crowded genre, and the result is a debut that feels less like another detective series and more like the beginning of something with its own identity.
Kudos, Mr. Goldberg, for a unique opening for all to enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 12, 2026
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.
Edison Bixby had a high case closure rate and still does, but the injury that took away his career made it so he’d never have to work again from the payout. But he wants to work and he has an undeniable ability with the way his mind sees designs in the facts of a case and the lay of the crime scene. To keep his now way to honest tongue from leading him astray, he’s hired an assistant. An actor, waiting for the big chance, Wally Nash, has the job of preventing his employer from spouting all the wrong things at the wrong times. It is Wally who is narrating the story from his keen actor skill observant eyes.
The case of the woman dying in the mall was just the thing to showcase Edison and Wally’s partnership and combined talents. Edison has his love interest still on the police force and his rep and contacts, but he’s definitely the lead in digging out the truth behind a death that was never meant to be tagged as a murder. I found Murder by Design a lighter, yet still engrossing thriller. This was only my third read from an author I keep swearing I’m going to read more of his backlist, especially his Eve Ronin series. Those are more serious in nature than this new Edison Bixby series and I confess to really loving the unfiltered tongue of Edison and his worthy assistant. For those who like their thrillers with a lighter touch, I offer up this one.
I rec'd a eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 6.24.26
Edison Bixby had a high case closure rate and still does, but the injury that took away his career made it so he’d never have to work again from the payout. But he wants to work and he has an undeniable ability with the way his mind sees designs in the facts of a case and the lay of the crime scene. To keep his now way to honest tongue from leading him astray, he’s hired an assistant. An actor, waiting for the big chance, Wally Nash, has the job of preventing his employer from spouting all the wrong things at the wrong times. It is Wally who is narrating the story from his keen actor skill observant eyes.
The case of the woman dying in the mall was just the thing to showcase Edison and Wally’s partnership and combined talents. Edison has his love interest still on the police force and his rep and contacts, but he’s definitely the lead in digging out the truth behind a death that was never meant to be tagged as a murder. I found Murder by Design a lighter, yet still engrossing thriller. This was only my third read from an author I keep swearing I’m going to read more of his backlist, especially his Eve Ronin series. Those are more serious in nature than this new Edison Bixby series and I confess to really loving the unfiltered tongue of Edison and his worthy assistant. For those who like their thrillers with a lighter touch, I offer up this one.
I rec'd a eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
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 13, 2026
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.
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.
June 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.
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.
June 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
An entertaining start to a new detective series with a strong classical feel. Lee Goldberg clearly pays homage to the great detective tradition, but his television background also shows in the theatrical style and the abundance of witty banter. I enjoyed the investigation and will gladly continue the series, although the motive behind the crimes didn't completely convince me, and at times the story felt more interesting than exciting.
An entertaining start to a new detective series with a strong classical feel. Lee Goldberg clearly pays homage to the great detective tradition, but his television background also shows in the theatrical style and the abundance of witty banter. I enjoyed the investigation and will gladly continue the series, although the motive behind the crimes didn't completely convince me, and at times the story felt more interesting than exciting.
June 22, 2026
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!*
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!*
May 16, 2026
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.
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.
June 24, 2026
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.
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.
August 4, 2026
Oh my goodness. I've never had a book take me from "I hate this" to "I love this" so fast!
I'll admit it took me a minute to get used to our characters and their snark. I just kept thinking "quirky". I generally hate quirky. But before I knew it, I was smiling, I was smirking and, to my eternal shame, snickering so hard that I literally spit water on my monitor.
The book is for fans of historic crime duos - but who are also ready for a healthy does of fun along with murder. Think Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin if Nero was handsome and blurted out every thought he had and if Archie was a failed (I mean...struggling) actor who was in need of a job.
This ended up being such a delight that I immediately went to see if book 2 was ready. (It's not, but it's already on my Amazon wishlist.)
This was too much fun.
I'll admit it took me a minute to get used to our characters and their snark. I just kept thinking "quirky". I generally hate quirky. But before I knew it, I was smiling, I was smirking and, to my eternal shame, snickering so hard that I literally spit water on my monitor.
The book is for fans of historic crime duos - but who are also ready for a healthy does of fun along with murder. Think Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin if Nero was handsome and blurted out every thought he had and if Archie was a failed (I mean...struggling) actor who was in need of a job.
This ended up being such a delight that I immediately went to see if book 2 was ready. (It's not, but it's already on my Amazon wishlist.)
This was too much fun.
April 20, 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.
June 1, 2026
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...
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...
June 23, 2026
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.
July 2, 2026
Murder By Design by Lee Goldberg is a new series starring Edison Bixby. He has a traumatic brain injury that causes him to be impulsively rude. He's also wealthy and handsome, so maybe that gives him a little leeway. Wally, an actor, is hired to keep him out of trouble.
Murder By Design is a different kind of mystery, and includes some laughs along the way. Sometimes a tongue in cheek book like this works for me, other times, not so much. I guess it depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I did enjoy the mystery and the ending was marvelous. I never saw that coming and I am always up for a good surprise.
My thanks go out to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to share Murder By Design by Lee Goldberg.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Murder By Design is a different kind of mystery, and includes some laughs along the way. Sometimes a tongue in cheek book like this works for me, other times, not so much. I guess it depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I did enjoy the mystery and the ending was marvelous. I never saw that coming and I am always up for a good surprise.
My thanks go out to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to share Murder By Design by Lee Goldberg.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
June 28, 2026
This book walked the line between being a good detective novel and a painfully unfunny detective spoof. Would have likely enjoyed it more had it been slightly more serious in its tone and less juvenile its use of humour.
May 19, 2026
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.
Edison Bixby is a fun, quirky character. Looking forward to book 2 next year.
August 12, 2026
Funny, clever characters, and an interesting murder. Lee Goldberg always entertains me with his humor & unusual story lines. This one involves a brain injured former detective and his self-absorbed actor assistant. This is the first book in a new series & I eagerly await #2!!
June 12, 2026
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.
June 28, 2026
This really didn’t work for me… I’ve read two of Lee Goldberg’s series and I’ve enjoyed them immensely. He always has humor in his books and banter in dialogues, but this books almost felt like a satire.
The treehouse, the AI mentions… The plot was clever put together, he does that well, but I didn’t enjoy the investigations. Bixby and Wally weren’t likable characters either, they were both annoying.
Disappointed
The treehouse, the AI mentions… The plot was clever put together, he does that well, but I didn’t enjoy the investigations. Bixby and Wally weren’t likable characters either, they were both annoying.
Disappointed
June 7, 2026
3.25 Stars ⭐️
I have recently started reading several books from different series by Mr. Goldberg. I have especially enjoyed his Eve Ronin series, as well as the Sharpe & Walker series. This book (and new series) is a huge departure from those other two.
We meet MMC Edison Bixby who at the time is an LAPD detective with some amazing detecting skills. He almost reminded me of a Rain Man type of character in that he can arrive on scene, look at all of the evidence, study the surroundings, and then spout out who the killer is all before anyone else can even get a handle on what has occurred. At one of these crime scenes, he irritates a suspect so much that he is shot in the face.
We then meet the other MMC - Wally Nash - who is a down on his luck, out of work actor. He is then hired as an "Assistant" to Mr. Bixby. Mr. Bixby has now changed jobs because even though he did recover from the gunshot, it has somehow caused somewhat of a traumatic brain injury and that leads to a certain amount of impulsiveness - in other words, he doesn't think before he speaks and the results of his comments are NOT good. Hence, he is separated from the LAPD and is now working for an insurance company and investigating certain claims for fraud.
Wally is hired to basically keep him in line, to head off some of the impulsiveness and to try to smooth over the rough edges of Bixby's crazy comments. Here is where this series deviates from other books I've read by Mr. Goldberg. Wally seemingly lives his life as if every situation is an acting scene. He puts himself in the shot by immediately deciding who his "character" is, the background of the character and "why" the character is responding the way he is. For example, when the two of them begin investigating the death of a woman who falls down some stairs in a mall section that was under construction, Wally immediately decides he is a worn down cop (with an entire back story that comes with his character) and he immediately begins to act out the part - introducing himself as Detective So and So with his body language and real language all acted out as if there is a camera filming somewhere. Bixby learns fast and begins to go along with him so there is a ton of banter between the two and many lines that are "tongue in cheek".
To me, it was a bit over the top. It got to the point where everything felt like it was just TOO MUCH which then ended up pulling me out of the story. Did I hate the book? No, I didn't hate it. I just wasn't a fan of the way the characters were written. The story itself was interesting; the actual crimes were complicated - but they were complicated on purpose, I think. To show that only Edison Bixby could figure them out.
As the book went on, I did get a better handle on their behavior so there was that. The ending twist was definitely a surprise that I didn't see coming and I really DO like being surprised.
Will I continue on with this series? At this point, I think I might. I'd like to see how I'm feeling after the second book in the series. To see if I am feeling more comfortable with where the series is headed. I can definitely say that the two lead characters are extremely unique and surprisingly, that in itself in not something that is easily created.
I have recently started reading several books from different series by Mr. Goldberg. I have especially enjoyed his Eve Ronin series, as well as the Sharpe & Walker series. This book (and new series) is a huge departure from those other two.
We meet MMC Edison Bixby who at the time is an LAPD detective with some amazing detecting skills. He almost reminded me of a Rain Man type of character in that he can arrive on scene, look at all of the evidence, study the surroundings, and then spout out who the killer is all before anyone else can even get a handle on what has occurred. At one of these crime scenes, he irritates a suspect so much that he is shot in the face.
We then meet the other MMC - Wally Nash - who is a down on his luck, out of work actor. He is then hired as an "Assistant" to Mr. Bixby. Mr. Bixby has now changed jobs because even though he did recover from the gunshot, it has somehow caused somewhat of a traumatic brain injury and that leads to a certain amount of impulsiveness - in other words, he doesn't think before he speaks and the results of his comments are NOT good. Hence, he is separated from the LAPD and is now working for an insurance company and investigating certain claims for fraud.
Wally is hired to basically keep him in line, to head off some of the impulsiveness and to try to smooth over the rough edges of Bixby's crazy comments. Here is where this series deviates from other books I've read by Mr. Goldberg. Wally seemingly lives his life as if every situation is an acting scene. He puts himself in the shot by immediately deciding who his "character" is, the background of the character and "why" the character is responding the way he is. For example, when the two of them begin investigating the death of a woman who falls down some stairs in a mall section that was under construction, Wally immediately decides he is a worn down cop (with an entire back story that comes with his character) and he immediately begins to act out the part - introducing himself as Detective So and So with his body language and real language all acted out as if there is a camera filming somewhere. Bixby learns fast and begins to go along with him so there is a ton of banter between the two and many lines that are "tongue in cheek".
To me, it was a bit over the top. It got to the point where everything felt like it was just TOO MUCH which then ended up pulling me out of the story. Did I hate the book? No, I didn't hate it. I just wasn't a fan of the way the characters were written. The story itself was interesting; the actual crimes were complicated - but they were complicated on purpose, I think. To show that only Edison Bixby could figure them out.
As the book went on, I did get a better handle on their behavior so there was that. The ending twist was definitely a surprise that I didn't see coming and I really DO like being surprised.
Will I continue on with this series? At this point, I think I might. I'd like to see how I'm feeling after the second book in the series. To see if I am feeling more comfortable with where the series is headed. I can definitely say that the two lead characters are extremely unique and surprisingly, that in itself in not something that is easily created.
April 30, 2026
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)
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)
May 26, 2026
I don’t see how Bixby was any different before and after the shooting. Also, was his condition that bad? I read frequently MacBride’s Steel and Kirk’s Hoon and by those standards Bixby is elegant and refined when he speaks. I guess the writer wanted to recreate Monk but instead he got Wimsey. It even has Monk’s line of “here’s what happened” so a little formulaic but good entertainment. It is light reading but very amusing. Looking forward for the next installment that will come out in March of 2027.
June 1, 2026
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.
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.
June 2, 2026
“‘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.
‘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.
June 25, 2026
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.
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.
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