Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman Published by Forge Books on May 31, 2022
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 272
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Joey Green has returned to Beaufort, South Carolina, with its palmettos and shrimp boats, to look after his ailing father, who is succumbing to dementia, while his overstressed mother takes a break. Marshall Green's short-term memory has all but evaporated, but, as if in compensation, his oldest memories are more vivid than ever. His mind keeps slipping backwards in time, retreating into long-ago yesterdays of growing up in Beaufort as a boy.
At first this seems like a blessing of sorts, with the past providing a refuge from a shrinking future, but Joey grows increasingly anxious as his father's hallucinatory arguments with figures from his youth begin to hint at deadly secrets, scandals, and suspicions long buried and forgotten. Resurfacing from decades past are mysteries that still have the power to shatter lives - and change everything Joey thought he knew.
Especially when a new murder brings the police to his door . . . .
I’ve enjoyed this author in the past with the mystery series set in Minnesota. I lived there many years and now live in North Carolina. Carolina Moonset is in South Carolina though. The world feels much more deep south than here but it’s probably the historical scenes and memories which make it so, not that there is a big difference.
Joey is a successful businessman who goes to his parent’s home, which was his grandparent’s home first, in the small town where his dad grew up and now has retired. He lives in Chicago, where his father attended medical school, met his wife and practiced medicine. His father is now having health issues and he is spending his vacation there to help his mother.
Joey is divorced with teen children who are vacationing with his ex-wife. His parent’s neighbors have a divorced daughter, who is similarly visiting from Boston while her teens are with the ex. The parents set them up and it works out better than expected. Their dialogue is hilarious. While they are getting to know each other, there is a murder in the middle of a thunderstorm.
The investigation of the murder, the emotions of dealing with a parent in failing health, and the new romance fill the pages and the heart. I found this an emotional story with very well developed characters. It was stunning and provoking.
About Matt Goldman
MATT GOLDMAN is a playwright and Emmy Award-winning television writer for Seinfeld, Ellen, and other shows. He brings his signature storytelling abilities and light touch to his debut novel Gone to Dust. He began his career as a stand-up comedian while attending the University of Minnesota before moving to Los Angeles to write full-time.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
This sounds like such a well rounded story with lots of great elements. I haven’t read this author before, but maybe I need to!
This would be an excellent one to try Tammy. It’s very well written.
This sounds like a good one for me. Neat how you have the connection with the author’s older books for where you’re from.
That’s how I got started with the author and ended up reading this gem.
I just read another review of this book that was equally positive and enthusiastic. Now I really have to read this one. 😀
You do! It’s really a worthy read.
Awesome cover. and the idea of secrets coming out from his deeper memories is fascinating. I love it too when a book really captures the feel for an area.
It’s an amazing book with much to appreciate.
Oooo this sounds intense!
It is intense and engaging. It is so well developed.
I’ve heard so many great things about Carolina Moon, It’s on my TBR, and I need to get to it soon. What a great review, Anne.
I highly recommend it.
This looks interesting, so now I have a new book to add to my TBR.
It’s not ordinary. I highly recommend it.
This sounds wonderful. I love a story that has a lot of layers to it.
Exactly I think you would love this one.
I want this one, too, but really am looking for the audio version. Really glad you enjoyed it, Anne💜
I hope you love it as much as I did!