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Nils Shapiro #1
Gone to Dust
Set in Minnesota, Gone to Dust is the debut private eye murder mystery from Emmy Award-winning Seinfeld writer Matt Goldman.
A brutal crime. The ultimate cover-up. How do you solve a murder with no useable evidence?
Private detective Nils Shapiro is focused on forgetting his ex-wife and keeping warm during another Minneapolis winter when a former colleague, neighboring Edina Police Detective Anders Ellegaard, calls with the impossible.
Suburban divorcee Maggie Somerville was found murdered in her bedroom, her body covered with the dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags, all potential DNA evidence obscured by the calculating killer.
Digging into Maggie’s cell phone records, Nils finds that the most frequently called number belongs to a mysterious young woman whose true identity could shatter the Somerville family--but could she be guilty of murder?
After the FBI demands that Nils drop the case, Nils and Ellegaard are forced to take their investigation underground, where the case grows as murky as the contents of the vacuum cleaner bags. Is this a strange case of domestic violence or something with far reaching, sinister implications?
A brutal crime. The ultimate cover-up. How do you solve a murder with no useable evidence?
Private detective Nils Shapiro is focused on forgetting his ex-wife and keeping warm during another Minneapolis winter when a former colleague, neighboring Edina Police Detective Anders Ellegaard, calls with the impossible.
Suburban divorcee Maggie Somerville was found murdered in her bedroom, her body covered with the dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags, all potential DNA evidence obscured by the calculating killer.
Digging into Maggie’s cell phone records, Nils finds that the most frequently called number belongs to a mysterious young woman whose true identity could shatter the Somerville family--but could she be guilty of murder?
After the FBI demands that Nils drop the case, Nils and Ellegaard are forced to take their investigation underground, where the case grows as murky as the contents of the vacuum cleaner bags. Is this a strange case of domestic violence or something with far reaching, sinister implications?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2017
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8480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 895 reviews
October 18, 2017
Nils Shapiro, just love the contradiction in that name, is a private investigator in Minnesota who is called on by a past friend and colleague to assist the local police in a most unusual case. A woman is found murdered in her home, covered with bags of vacuum dust. Try to separate the evidence from the garbage, a little difficult for a police force with little experience in murder.
Loved the sassiness of this, Nils is quite a character, sarcastic and not at all intimidated by upper management, so to speak. He is still n love with his ex wife and desperately wishes he wasn't. A good mix of personal and story keeps it moving along at a rapid clip. Again a book coincidence, seems to be my new normal, just had recently finished a book concerning the Somali community, and this one too is partly centered on this community, in a roundabout way.
The author was a former writer of Seinfeld, a show much loved in my house, so the tone and writing is very witty, but also insightful. I enjoyed this, the cold setting, Interesting storyline and some great characters. Hope to see more of Nils in future storylines.
Loved the sassiness of this, Nils is quite a character, sarcastic and not at all intimidated by upper management, so to speak. He is still n love with his ex wife and desperately wishes he wasn't. A good mix of personal and story keeps it moving along at a rapid clip. Again a book coincidence, seems to be my new normal, just had recently finished a book concerning the Somali community, and this one too is partly centered on this community, in a roundabout way.
The author was a former writer of Seinfeld, a show much loved in my house, so the tone and writing is very witty, but also insightful. I enjoyed this, the cold setting, Interesting storyline and some great characters. Hope to see more of Nils in future storylines.
June 23, 2018
It's a fun, quick read with a likable main character. Based on my undetectably low knowledge of Minnesota, I thought that the setting and local color were great. A few quibbles on detail, do tweezers clog in cold climates? But the story moved right along, and he made me laugh.
December 30, 2017
Let me start by saying I liked the main character, Nils Shapiro. He felt realistic. Smart, witty, didn’t kowtow to the Chief of Police. Still loves his ex-wife, but also still searching for love.
I also think the author writes well. Words flow easy and quickly. There might be too many brand names bandied about. The story was interesting for as far as I read. That’s right, I didn’t read the complete book. I skipped to the last few chapters and found out who and why and what Nils had in his future.
My major complaint lies with basically minor things. For example, a dozen bags of leaves are stored in a garage for disposal in the spring. Who doesn’t get rid of their leaves in the fall? Another example, 8°F 10:30 at night and kids are sledding. I doubt it. There are more, but the final straw for me was when Nils handed an evidence bag to the cops with “a few eyebrow hairs” that he’d collected from a woman's “tweezer”. I wasn’t aware that tweezers could get clogged up with hairs. The author needs to do some serious research because the devil is in the details.
I also think the author writes well. Words flow easy and quickly. There might be too many brand names bandied about. The story was interesting for as far as I read. That’s right, I didn’t read the complete book. I skipped to the last few chapters and found out who and why and what Nils had in his future.
My major complaint lies with basically minor things. For example, a dozen bags of leaves are stored in a garage for disposal in the spring. Who doesn’t get rid of their leaves in the fall? Another example, 8°F 10:30 at night and kids are sledding. I doubt it. There are more, but the final straw for me was when Nils handed an evidence bag to the cops with “a few eyebrow hairs” that he’d collected from a woman's “tweezer”. I wasn’t aware that tweezers could get clogged up with hairs. The author needs to do some serious research because the devil is in the details.
February 9, 2019
A total home story around the community I've grown up and lived in all my life. A pretty good story too. I listen to this and I think for this story it's best. 8 of 10 stars
August 29, 2018
I discovered this book, Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman through my public library's Overdrive service. I was looking for an old-fashioned private detective story; and since this summer has been especially hot and humid, I was also hoping for a story which would allow me to visualize being in a cooler, more comfortable climate. As it turns out, this book was almost perfect for my needs. I listened to the audiobook and it was narrated by MacLeod Andrews.
This book is set in Minnesota and takes place during the winter so the reader is treated to descriptions of softly falling, accumulating snow, biting wind and the feel of bone-chilling subzero temperatures on unprotected skin. The detective in this story is Nils Shapiro, a thirty-something, self-described 'Scandinavian Jew' who operates his detective agency out of his aging Volvo in Minneapolis. Nils (called 'Shap' by childhood friends), had gone through the police academy only to end up losing his job as a police officer due to political maneuverings and budget cuts. 'Shap' is often sarcastic but carries with him an air of melancholy which seems to stem from the fact that although he is divorced, he is still hung up on his ex-wife and this reality is equal parts maddening and comforting to him.
The story begins with a murder and a phone call. Anders Ellegaard, a police detective in the town of Edina, Minnesota and a friend from the police academy, has been called to a strange murder scene in a well-to-do neighborhood. The Edina police department has not investigated a murder in 10 years so Ellegaard asks Shap for help. Shap and the police are bewildered by what they see. The victim, a divorcee named Maggie Somerville, is lying dead in her bedroom but what is so shocking about the scene is that the inside of the house and Maggie Somerville's body is completely covered with a layer of dust and dirt, which is ultimately identified as dirt that had been collected in vacuum cleaner bags.... in this case, HUNDREDS of vacuum cleaner bags. What is the meaning of this dust? Was it used by the killer simply to contaminate the crime scene.. or was the killer leaving some sort of bizarre message? Regardless, the crime scene WAS useless in terms of forensic evidence and the police and Shap realized they were faced with the daunting task of solving a murder without physical evidence.
The lack of evidence forced Shap into investigating the crime the traditional way... mainly looking into the victim's background and interviewing the people who knew her.... friends, family, co-workers. And I have to admit that it is this interviewing process that I enjoy most about detective novels. Detective novels don't perhaps provide many thrills but I love that they are instead methodical and character-driven. Shap's investigation takes him down many paths and the reader is introduced to all the interesting and potentially suspicious characters in Maggie Somerville's life.... there is her ex-husband who is an environmental sheep farmer; a beautiful young Somali medical student whose phone number appears on Maggie's phone over and over; and there is the grief-stricken, self-proclaimed best friend who lives next door to Maggie who seems at times a little TOO knowledgeable about her life. And of course, there is Maggie's current love interest who is not only a filthy rich real estate tycoon but also the brother of Shap's childhood best friend. Oh, and I should probably mention that he is also a secret informant for the FBI... which adds a whole degree of difficulty to Shap's investigation. Is the killer among this cast of characters? Read the book and find out, of course.
Although this book wasn't action-packed, it WAS a well-written, entertaining detective story with complex characters who led complicated lives. Each interview Shap conducted with the people nearest and dearest to Maggie Somerville provided information and clues... and of course, a red herring. And the reader learns (if you haven't ALREADY learned) that people are never who they seem to be. They are often harboring secrets, even from the people they are closest to.
Matt Goldman was a writer for the 'Seinfeld' show and this book, 'Gone to Dust' is the first in a series he is writing for the character Nils Shapiro. I will definitely read more in this series.
This book is set in Minnesota and takes place during the winter so the reader is treated to descriptions of softly falling, accumulating snow, biting wind and the feel of bone-chilling subzero temperatures on unprotected skin. The detective in this story is Nils Shapiro, a thirty-something, self-described 'Scandinavian Jew' who operates his detective agency out of his aging Volvo in Minneapolis. Nils (called 'Shap' by childhood friends), had gone through the police academy only to end up losing his job as a police officer due to political maneuverings and budget cuts. 'Shap' is often sarcastic but carries with him an air of melancholy which seems to stem from the fact that although he is divorced, he is still hung up on his ex-wife and this reality is equal parts maddening and comforting to him.
The story begins with a murder and a phone call. Anders Ellegaard, a police detective in the town of Edina, Minnesota and a friend from the police academy, has been called to a strange murder scene in a well-to-do neighborhood. The Edina police department has not investigated a murder in 10 years so Ellegaard asks Shap for help. Shap and the police are bewildered by what they see. The victim, a divorcee named Maggie Somerville, is lying dead in her bedroom but what is so shocking about the scene is that the inside of the house and Maggie Somerville's body is completely covered with a layer of dust and dirt, which is ultimately identified as dirt that had been collected in vacuum cleaner bags.... in this case, HUNDREDS of vacuum cleaner bags. What is the meaning of this dust? Was it used by the killer simply to contaminate the crime scene.. or was the killer leaving some sort of bizarre message? Regardless, the crime scene WAS useless in terms of forensic evidence and the police and Shap realized they were faced with the daunting task of solving a murder without physical evidence.
The lack of evidence forced Shap into investigating the crime the traditional way... mainly looking into the victim's background and interviewing the people who knew her.... friends, family, co-workers. And I have to admit that it is this interviewing process that I enjoy most about detective novels. Detective novels don't perhaps provide many thrills but I love that they are instead methodical and character-driven. Shap's investigation takes him down many paths and the reader is introduced to all the interesting and potentially suspicious characters in Maggie Somerville's life.... there is her ex-husband who is an environmental sheep farmer; a beautiful young Somali medical student whose phone number appears on Maggie's phone over and over; and there is the grief-stricken, self-proclaimed best friend who lives next door to Maggie who seems at times a little TOO knowledgeable about her life. And of course, there is Maggie's current love interest who is not only a filthy rich real estate tycoon but also the brother of Shap's childhood best friend. Oh, and I should probably mention that he is also a secret informant for the FBI... which adds a whole degree of difficulty to Shap's investigation. Is the killer among this cast of characters? Read the book and find out, of course.
Although this book wasn't action-packed, it WAS a well-written, entertaining detective story with complex characters who led complicated lives. Each interview Shap conducted with the people nearest and dearest to Maggie Somerville provided information and clues... and of course, a red herring. And the reader learns (if you haven't ALREADY learned) that people are never who they seem to be. They are often harboring secrets, even from the people they are closest to.
Matt Goldman was a writer for the 'Seinfeld' show and this book, 'Gone to Dust' is the first in a series he is writing for the character Nils Shapiro. I will definitely read more in this series.
August 19, 2017
This (Preview Excerpt) ARC was provided by NetGalley. Appreciation sent to Tor Forge - MacMillan for making this release available. My unbiased review follows.
In an excerpt of his debut novel, Matt Goldman narrates an exquisitely well-written storyline. The characters come well-developed leaving no room for confusion. If this is a taste of things to come from him, I'll look forward to his forthcoming release.
PI Nils Shapiro (Shap) is called to a murder scene in the sleepy town of Edina, Minnesota. It had been ten years since a homicide had been committed here. The Chief of Police wanted an experienced, extra set of eyes and ears on the case. Shap came well recommended. The sooner this mess got wrapped up, the sooner the townspeople would sleep soundly. All the better for the Chief.
Upon entering the house, first thing Shap noted was a layer of dust. Everywhere. It looked like the type of dust that would accumulate in a vacuum cleaner bag. From the looks of things, many bags. How strange. The victim, Maggie Somerville was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. She was lying face up in bed. Covered with a layer of the same dust. Detective Ellegaard of the Edina PD. took lead for this case. The usual suspects were rounded up and questioned. She had not been known to have any enemies.
Maggie's body had been vacuumed and washed at the morgue. The ME claimed cause of death was asphyxiation. Drunk, drugged and smothered. She had been unconscious while the killer spread the dust around the room. Around the house. What was the true nature of this dust?
Between an ex-husband, current boyfriend, next-door neighbor, someone seen running from the back yard and mysterious calls the night of the murder - the suspect list was growing. In this compelling excerpt, there's only the one question left to me unanswered - Whodunnit?
In an excerpt of his debut novel, Matt Goldman narrates an exquisitely well-written storyline. The characters come well-developed leaving no room for confusion. If this is a taste of things to come from him, I'll look forward to his forthcoming release.
PI Nils Shapiro (Shap) is called to a murder scene in the sleepy town of Edina, Minnesota. It had been ten years since a homicide had been committed here. The Chief of Police wanted an experienced, extra set of eyes and ears on the case. Shap came well recommended. The sooner this mess got wrapped up, the sooner the townspeople would sleep soundly. All the better for the Chief.
Upon entering the house, first thing Shap noted was a layer of dust. Everywhere. It looked like the type of dust that would accumulate in a vacuum cleaner bag. From the looks of things, many bags. How strange. The victim, Maggie Somerville was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. She was lying face up in bed. Covered with a layer of the same dust. Detective Ellegaard of the Edina PD. took lead for this case. The usual suspects were rounded up and questioned. She had not been known to have any enemies.
Maggie's body had been vacuumed and washed at the morgue. The ME claimed cause of death was asphyxiation. Drunk, drugged and smothered. She had been unconscious while the killer spread the dust around the room. Around the house. What was the true nature of this dust?
Between an ex-husband, current boyfriend, next-door neighbor, someone seen running from the back yard and mysterious calls the night of the murder - the suspect list was growing. In this compelling excerpt, there's only the one question left to me unanswered - Whodunnit?
January 22, 2023
3.5 stars. Decent mystery plot line, and I like the main character well enough. Nothing particularly special though.
January 9, 2023
Someone emptied bags and bags of vacuum dirt all over the house and dead body of a nice white lady. The nerve. And the red herrings!
I enjoyed this.
Witty, progressive dialogue and a cynical Jewish protagonist—what’s not to like?
I enjoyed this.
Witty, progressive dialogue and a cynical Jewish protagonist—what’s not to like?
July 31, 2022
How do you solve a murder with no usable evidence? Just ask Nils Shapiro.
Suburban divorcee Maggie Somerville has been found murdered, her body covered with dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags. The killer trying to cover up any potential DNA evidence.
Edina MN police detective Anders Ellegaard calls in his former partner turned private detective Nils Shapiro for help on a case that seems to have no usable evidence left behind to work with.
But who would want Maggie dead? Ansley Bell, the daughter Maggie had when she was 15 and has kept a secret all these years and who may have Somali ties? Robert Somerville, Maggie's ex-husband, who may still hold a grudge? The Fine brothers, Andrew and Stevey, who both slept with Maggie at one time or another. One of whom is really a total scumbag. Or Perry and Beth Lindquist, Maggie's neighbors, one of whom may have had a secret crush on Maggie.
My first Matt Goldman book but not my last. Having spent my life in Minnesota enjoyed the Minnesota connection and humor. If your looking for a fun, quick and easy read I recommend it. Four stars.
Suburban divorcee Maggie Somerville has been found murdered, her body covered with dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags. The killer trying to cover up any potential DNA evidence.
Edina MN police detective Anders Ellegaard calls in his former partner turned private detective Nils Shapiro for help on a case that seems to have no usable evidence left behind to work with.
But who would want Maggie dead? Ansley Bell, the daughter Maggie had when she was 15 and has kept a secret all these years and who may have Somali ties? Robert Somerville, Maggie's ex-husband, who may still hold a grudge? The Fine brothers, Andrew and Stevey, who both slept with Maggie at one time or another. One of whom is really a total scumbag. Or Perry and Beth Lindquist, Maggie's neighbors, one of whom may have had a secret crush on Maggie.
My first Matt Goldman book but not my last. Having spent my life in Minnesota enjoyed the Minnesota connection and humor. If your looking for a fun, quick and easy read I recommend it. Four stars.
September 5, 2018
Oh can you tell that this author is a screen writer/ conversational master at scriptwritering for TV! And that aspect of this book IS entertaining.
The laugh lines in Nils' "think" (you almost can hear the laugh track response) come quick and furious at the beginning and after page 40 or 50 they still drip laugh tears down through the copy. I did laugh. And at times they (the quips) are 5 star quality too- the wordage. I loved, loved the one where he saw the "smile" of a stranger and the entire Minneapolis thermostat outside went up a couple of degrees. Most of his prose work here (uses English colloquial language exceptionally well)is 4 to 5 star throughout. Not only for clarity, but to connote mood and distinct information too so that you can "see" the scene he sets. You can too. Extremely well, a picture made with words.
And I do like Nils. And what can be so wrong for a man to be in love long and hard with a past wife! Little can.
Yet the plot was average and the entire Minneapolis setting and frozen ambiance, for me, it just surpassed the entire story of "who-did-it". And that's a significant "short" for me. Minus a full star for the locale itself, movements and descriptions, to out-skate the twists or plot or perp reality within this particular kind of hockey game.
I'll read the next. Nils is a sharp cookie. But some of his pursuits, especially in the erotic? No one is so lucky and with multiple choices in MN January or February. Not even in their 30's. Too many heavy layers and puffy jackets.
And yes, there are kids going out at night to skate and hit the hills. I know it is STILL true. When it's that late and that cold. They do here in Northern IL too. And in the rural MI I know so well too- they've been known to have their pants freeze solid to the snowmobile seat. And have a high school age Football night bonfire at 11pm when you can hardly stand outside long enough to appreciate it.
I love the Novocaine wind quip and its like. Yep, especially if you skate for hours and can't tell the difference between your feet, the skate or the ice. And need to take a 1/2 hour inside before you dare to pull the entire skate off- despite the burning while you're waiting. Always on edge of scared for a worse than expected "damage" report when you look down. Oh, the memories!
And yes, you often have leaves to deal with in February and in March when there is no longer any pick ups or curb sucking sweeps.
Very modern, fluffy light writing with an exposed heart in the pivot character.
The laugh lines in Nils' "think" (you almost can hear the laugh track response) come quick and furious at the beginning and after page 40 or 50 they still drip laugh tears down through the copy. I did laugh. And at times they (the quips) are 5 star quality too- the wordage. I loved, loved the one where he saw the "smile" of a stranger and the entire Minneapolis thermostat outside went up a couple of degrees. Most of his prose work here (uses English colloquial language exceptionally well)is 4 to 5 star throughout. Not only for clarity, but to connote mood and distinct information too so that you can "see" the scene he sets. You can too. Extremely well, a picture made with words.
And I do like Nils. And what can be so wrong for a man to be in love long and hard with a past wife! Little can.
Yet the plot was average and the entire Minneapolis setting and frozen ambiance, for me, it just surpassed the entire story of "who-did-it". And that's a significant "short" for me. Minus a full star for the locale itself, movements and descriptions, to out-skate the twists or plot or perp reality within this particular kind of hockey game.
I'll read the next. Nils is a sharp cookie. But some of his pursuits, especially in the erotic? No one is so lucky and with multiple choices in MN January or February. Not even in their 30's. Too many heavy layers and puffy jackets.
And yes, there are kids going out at night to skate and hit the hills. I know it is STILL true. When it's that late and that cold. They do here in Northern IL too. And in the rural MI I know so well too- they've been known to have their pants freeze solid to the snowmobile seat. And have a high school age Football night bonfire at 11pm when you can hardly stand outside long enough to appreciate it.
I love the Novocaine wind quip and its like. Yep, especially if you skate for hours and can't tell the difference between your feet, the skate or the ice. And need to take a 1/2 hour inside before you dare to pull the entire skate off- despite the burning while you're waiting. Always on edge of scared for a worse than expected "damage" report when you look down. Oh, the memories!
And yes, you often have leaves to deal with in February and in March when there is no longer any pick ups or curb sucking sweeps.
Very modern, fluffy light writing with an exposed heart in the pivot character.
August 11, 2017
PREVIEW EXCERPT ONLY)
Private Detective Nils Shapiro gets a call from his good friend, Detective Anders Ellegaard to take a look at a murder scene with him. Maggie Somerfield was found dead in her bedroom, covered with the dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags. The dust continues all through the house.
Since any and all DNA has been compromised, the cops and Nils "assume" that Maggie knew her killer. But without any clues or leads, this may become a cold cold case.
I only received a short preview of this book. This is the debut book of this author... and one that needs to be watched. The characters, even in a very short period of time, are well defined. Nils has a rough sense of humor, and can be a bit sarcastic as needs be, but he is totally likeable. Ellegaard is more down to earth, maybe because he has a wife and three young children. These guys make wonderful series characters.
Set in winter in Minnesota, the author has a wonderful descriptive way of writing. And although I am in Arizona, I felt a yearning to get up and put a pair of socks on my feet. The story premise is a good one. There's nothing quite like a well-written crime thriller.
This is one book I will definitely be looking for.... I was given just enough to whet my appetite .. now I want the full course.
Many thanks to the author / Macmillan-Tor/Forge / Netgalley for the advanced digital preview copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Private Detective Nils Shapiro gets a call from his good friend, Detective Anders Ellegaard to take a look at a murder scene with him. Maggie Somerfield was found dead in her bedroom, covered with the dust from hundreds of emptied vacuum cleaner bags. The dust continues all through the house.
Since any and all DNA has been compromised, the cops and Nils "assume" that Maggie knew her killer. But without any clues or leads, this may become a cold cold case.
I only received a short preview of this book. This is the debut book of this author... and one that needs to be watched. The characters, even in a very short period of time, are well defined. Nils has a rough sense of humor, and can be a bit sarcastic as needs be, but he is totally likeable. Ellegaard is more down to earth, maybe because he has a wife and three young children. These guys make wonderful series characters.
Set in winter in Minnesota, the author has a wonderful descriptive way of writing. And although I am in Arizona, I felt a yearning to get up and put a pair of socks on my feet. The story premise is a good one. There's nothing quite like a well-written crime thriller.
This is one book I will definitely be looking for.... I was given just enough to whet my appetite .. now I want the full course.
Many thanks to the author / Macmillan-Tor/Forge / Netgalley for the advanced digital preview copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 20, 2017
This was a very well constructed "who-done-it" mystery with all of the loose ends neatly tied by the end. The setting of Minneapolis is very well depicted and private detective Nils "Shap" Shapiro has an appealing combo of vulnerability and toughness. This isn't due to be published until August 2017 but I'm looking forward to more "Shap" books.
The narrative and character development is a nice blend of Lee Child and Sue Grafton and fans of either would enjoy this book.
Thanks to Macmillan for the advance reading copy.
The narrative and character development is a nice blend of Lee Child and Sue Grafton and fans of either would enjoy this book.
Thanks to Macmillan for the advance reading copy.
December 6, 2017
This book was a wonderful read. Nils Shapiro, a Swedish Jew as he refers to himself, living in Minneapolis and working as a private eye gets a call from his friend Ellegard who is a detective in the Edina PD. A murder has taken place in Edina and the local PD is in over there heads. Shap is hired to help out.
For those who do not know Minneapolis, Edina is an area of the city for the wealthy. My kids lived in Minneapolis and both of them worked in Edina, food service and retail. So, I appreciated the locales and settings in this book. I knew the businesses. Also, the book cover has a quote from Lee Child stating "a perfect blend of light touch and dark energy". Exactly true. Loved the characters and look forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.
For those who do not know Minneapolis, Edina is an area of the city for the wealthy. My kids lived in Minneapolis and both of them worked in Edina, food service and retail. So, I appreciated the locales and settings in this book. I knew the businesses. Also, the book cover has a quote from Lee Child stating "a perfect blend of light touch and dark energy". Exactly true. Loved the characters and look forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.
May 9, 2018
I absolutely loved this mystery! It's a brilliant whodunnit that had me guessing until the very end. Matt Goldman was one of the writers of Seinfeld (one of my all time favorite sitcoms). I'm happy he decided to try his hand at writing a novel. He combines humor with mystery and his book is very descriptive (almost like a screenplay). I could see this book as a movie as it's very cinematic. The story features a private detective called Nils Shapiro who's been hired by the police in a Minneapolis suburb to investigate the brutal murder of a divorced woman. There are plenty of twists and turns in the story and interesting characters. Nils is also dealing with trying to get over his love for his ex wife.
I hope Matt Goldman writes a series of Nils Shapiro books because I will definitely read them! This is one of those books that you don't want to end. I recommend it highly!
I hope Matt Goldman writes a series of Nils Shapiro books because I will definitely read them! This is one of those books that you don't want to end. I recommend it highly!
June 20, 2018
This is a first person narrative told in the POV of the private detective. He's got good voice and attitude although his circumstances are rather hackneyed: lives in a dump, in love with his ex-wife who loves him back but doesn't want to be married to him, wise-cracking tough guy. I enjoyed his attitude and some of his off-the-cuff remarks. If you like hard-boiled detective novels that are a fast read, this would work for you. If you want more meat, I'd try something else.
November 5, 2022
Matt Goldman—writer for sitcoms like Seinfeld, Ellen, and other 90s classics—and, who knew, pretty durned good novelist. I picked this book up with low expectations. Screenwriters-turned-novelists very often aren’t very good, but this book looked interesting and had a nice and frosty Minnesota setting, so I figured it was worth a shot.
And I’m glad I did! I will without a doubt be reading his other novels, 3 more in this series and one standalone. This is book one of his Nils Shapiro series—murder mysteries about a PI. This one is about a bizarre murder of a woman in the twin cities whose body was found covered in bags and bags of vacuum cleaner dust, effectively making DNA ID a real chore.
Murder mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, but it is a genre I love to visit from time to time. It took me a while to warm up to, but I remember when I discovered how entertaining a good murder mystery could be: Winter Prey by John Sandford; still one of my favorite books in the genre. I’ve gone on to read a bunch of his other books, as well as writers who, in my opinion, elevate the genre a bit with amazing character work like William Kent Krueger and Louise Penny.
Is this book on that level?
No, but Goldman has potential. This is his debut novel and it flowed well, was very entertaining, funny, and readable. We also got some pretty good character work that really did a good job introducing us to Nils Shapiro and his life outside hunting for bad guys. And, like Sandford and Krueger, these books take place in Minnesota, a state I adore and is a perfect setting for these books, for whatever reason.
If you’re a fan of the authors I listed above and love a good whodunnit, I think this series is worth checking out. Solid writing, likable characters and a wicked dark streak of humor is served up in a fine whodunnit hotdish. Looking forward to more.
And I’m glad I did! I will without a doubt be reading his other novels, 3 more in this series and one standalone. This is book one of his Nils Shapiro series—murder mysteries about a PI. This one is about a bizarre murder of a woman in the twin cities whose body was found covered in bags and bags of vacuum cleaner dust, effectively making DNA ID a real chore.
Murder mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, but it is a genre I love to visit from time to time. It took me a while to warm up to, but I remember when I discovered how entertaining a good murder mystery could be: Winter Prey by John Sandford; still one of my favorite books in the genre. I’ve gone on to read a bunch of his other books, as well as writers who, in my opinion, elevate the genre a bit with amazing character work like William Kent Krueger and Louise Penny.
Is this book on that level?
No, but Goldman has potential. This is his debut novel and it flowed well, was very entertaining, funny, and readable. We also got some pretty good character work that really did a good job introducing us to Nils Shapiro and his life outside hunting for bad guys. And, like Sandford and Krueger, these books take place in Minnesota, a state I adore and is a perfect setting for these books, for whatever reason.
If you’re a fan of the authors I listed above and love a good whodunnit, I think this series is worth checking out. Solid writing, likable characters and a wicked dark streak of humor is served up in a fine whodunnit hotdish. Looking forward to more.
August 12, 2017
4.5 stars!
Nils Shapiro is a private eye with a smart mouth, an ex-wife he can’t forget, and a determination to get to the truth no matter the consequences. When he is called in on a murder where a woman’s killer covers the crime scene with dust and debris from hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags (thus virtually destroying the chance of recovering DNA evidence), he knows that this case will be a challenge- and he’s ready for it.
Goldman’s debut has everything- a unique crime scene, an incredibly engaging main character, a great sense of place, a well-paced plot, and a nicely tied together ending that made me wish I didn’t have to leave the story. Here’s hoping that the Spenser-esque Nils will be investigating another crime soon.
Thank you to Forge/Macmillan for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nils Shapiro is a private eye with a smart mouth, an ex-wife he can’t forget, and a determination to get to the truth no matter the consequences. When he is called in on a murder where a woman’s killer covers the crime scene with dust and debris from hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags (thus virtually destroying the chance of recovering DNA evidence), he knows that this case will be a challenge- and he’s ready for it.
Goldman’s debut has everything- a unique crime scene, an incredibly engaging main character, a great sense of place, a well-paced plot, and a nicely tied together ending that made me wish I didn’t have to leave the story. Here’s hoping that the Spenser-esque Nils will be investigating another crime soon.
Thank you to Forge/Macmillan for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
How do you solve a murder when all the DNA evidence has been compromised? With determination, resourcefulness and some wit according to private detective, Nils Shapiro. When Nils is called in on an investigation which occurred out of his usual district, Nils finds that whoever executed the killing had planned it well in advance. The house in which the murder had taken place is covered in dust, dust that looks as if it was removed from vacuum cleaner bags.
I enjoyed all the different avenues that Nils navigates to track down the killer and establish what that individual’s motivation was, to commit such a crime. It’s not a cut-and-dry case but one where there are ample individuals who have the motive to complete the task. Nils was a great character as he didn’t play a hotshot detective but he was a guy who was dealing with his own issues but his mannerism was calm and collective. He was a nosey individual, one that looked at all sides before committing himself to his own opinion. I enjoyed the ending of the novel. As Nils solves the case, his thinking is explained and rationalized, taking all other suspects out of the picture.
I enjoyed all the different avenues that Nils navigates to track down the killer and establish what that individual’s motivation was, to commit such a crime. It’s not a cut-and-dry case but one where there are ample individuals who have the motive to complete the task. Nils was a great character as he didn’t play a hotshot detective but he was a guy who was dealing with his own issues but his mannerism was calm and collective. He was a nosey individual, one that looked at all sides before committing himself to his own opinion. I enjoyed the ending of the novel. As Nils solves the case, his thinking is explained and rationalized, taking all other suspects out of the picture.
July 1, 2018
I thought the premise of this book was good. What a great mystery! I really enjoyed the beginning, where the mystery is discovered.
Then as the story progressed I started to notice something w/ the character; his description of woman. he always mentioned their weight, or their breast size, all physical thing. I noticed then it wasn't just woman. He would do the same w/ men. He would mention something negative about them. I found this extremely insulting, superficial and shallow. I think it says something about the author when he writes such things.
Woman in this book were nothing more than a thing to screw or dream about screwing. They were portrayed as broken, or a bimbo that the main character would "save". I found that disturbing that an editor would not notice that in reading, but I'm guessing the editor was a man.
The only reason I finished it was to see who the murder was. The mystery was predicable, the writing was subpar, and that character was a jerk. The author was trying too hard to be a mystery writer and in my opinion, failed. Will NOT be reading this author again.
Then as the story progressed I started to notice something w/ the character; his description of woman. he always mentioned their weight, or their breast size, all physical thing. I noticed then it wasn't just woman. He would do the same w/ men. He would mention something negative about them. I found this extremely insulting, superficial and shallow. I think it says something about the author when he writes such things.
Woman in this book were nothing more than a thing to screw or dream about screwing. They were portrayed as broken, or a bimbo that the main character would "save". I found that disturbing that an editor would not notice that in reading, but I'm guessing the editor was a man.
The only reason I finished it was to see who the murder was. The mystery was predicable, the writing was subpar, and that character was a jerk. The author was trying too hard to be a mystery writer and in my opinion, failed. Will NOT be reading this author again.
August 25, 2017
Nils Shapiro is a PI in Minneapolis brought into consult on a murder case in an upscale suburb. The murderer emptied hundreds of bagsworth of vacuum cleaner dust over the victim and the crime scene to mask any DNA that might have been left.
From that unusual beginning the story keeps building. Matt Goldman is an Emmy-winning writer from many tv shows. His expertise evident quality of the plotting and his ability to just tell a damn good story. You'll enjoy meeting Nils Shapiro. I know I hope to meet him again soon.
From that unusual beginning the story keeps building. Matt Goldman is an Emmy-winning writer from many tv shows. His expertise evident quality of the plotting and his ability to just tell a damn good story. You'll enjoy meeting Nils Shapiro. I know I hope to meet him again soon.
September 30, 2017
Nifty "traditional" mystery à la Philip Marlowe with up-to-the-minute modern characters and unguessable (but clever) plot twists. Nils Shapiro, a world-weary but idealistic PI, gets called in to investigate a murder where the crime scene has been powdered with hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags' worth of dust, therefore hundreds of extra DNA profiles. Shapiro's thoroughly likable, as is his supporting cast of friends, ex-spouse, mystery women and other regulars. Various Minneapolis locales and businesses also get cute shout-outs.
August 27, 2017
Fantastic murder mystery! Keeps you wanting more each and every page. I highly recommend this book if you like a great murder mystery. Great detail in writing and makes you feel like you physically there trying to solve it yourself. As soon as I thought I knew who committed the murder, I found out I was wrong. I think I changed my mind on the murder at least 4 times.
October 14, 2017
The plot kept the pages turning and I got a kick out of the Minneapolis setting, but good grief were there some dumb narrative decisions.
February 7, 2019
Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman is an old style private eye tale that is reminiscent of 1980s television shows. In the frigid cold of a Minnesota winter, there is a murder, there is a cover-up and there is a secret. But there is also Nils Shapiro.
Nils Shapiro is in a state of flux. His marraige is over but he still loves his ex-wife. His career as a policeman is over but he still keeps his fingers in the pies as a private detective. Now, with dwindling options, he is looking forward to just getting through the winter. But a phone call from an old colleague, Edina Police Detective Anders Ellegaard, to help out with a murder that just took place.
Divorced mother Maggie Somerville is found murdered in her bedroom, completely covered in dust from hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags. The dust obscuring all DNA evidence. Edina police ask Nils to help look into it, to look in places they cannot.
But when you dig in those kind of places, you find things out that no one wants revealed. The FBI wants Nils to back off. The Police that hired him want him to back off. But Nils has questions. Why is the most frequently called phone number in Maggie's cell phone belong to some mysterious young woman? What secret does this young woman have that might destroy the Somerville family and was it worth killing over?
Nils digs and digs and won't drop the case no matter who threatens him. No matter who stands in the way. No matter what it might cost him, because what Nils doesn't realize, is that no matter what he has lost, he still has something to lose.
This is old time private eye, hard-boiled, code of right and wrong and plain old stubbornness. Nils is like James Rockford and Sam Spade. Broken men who just don't know they are broken, eeking out a living, but not knowing that they can never get it all. Not truth and not justice. But sometimes, answers and Nils is after answers.
Gone to Dust is a smooth book. It flows with the ebb of a consistent tide and it builds its mystery and its web of tangled trails until the truth is revealed. This is good ol' noire. With the backdrop of a frozen winter in Minnesota.
A really good read.
Nils Shapiro is in a state of flux. His marraige is over but he still loves his ex-wife. His career as a policeman is over but he still keeps his fingers in the pies as a private detective. Now, with dwindling options, he is looking forward to just getting through the winter. But a phone call from an old colleague, Edina Police Detective Anders Ellegaard, to help out with a murder that just took place.
Divorced mother Maggie Somerville is found murdered in her bedroom, completely covered in dust from hundreds of vacuum cleaner bags. The dust obscuring all DNA evidence. Edina police ask Nils to help look into it, to look in places they cannot.
But when you dig in those kind of places, you find things out that no one wants revealed. The FBI wants Nils to back off. The Police that hired him want him to back off. But Nils has questions. Why is the most frequently called phone number in Maggie's cell phone belong to some mysterious young woman? What secret does this young woman have that might destroy the Somerville family and was it worth killing over?
Nils digs and digs and won't drop the case no matter who threatens him. No matter who stands in the way. No matter what it might cost him, because what Nils doesn't realize, is that no matter what he has lost, he still has something to lose.
This is old time private eye, hard-boiled, code of right and wrong and plain old stubbornness. Nils is like James Rockford and Sam Spade. Broken men who just don't know they are broken, eeking out a living, but not knowing that they can never get it all. Not truth and not justice. But sometimes, answers and Nils is after answers.
Gone to Dust is a smooth book. It flows with the ebb of a consistent tide and it builds its mystery and its web of tangled trails until the truth is revealed. This is good ol' noire. With the backdrop of a frozen winter in Minnesota.
A really good read.
May 5, 2018
I loved this book! To start with, it's a very clever and original idea for a murder. The plot is well-developed and kept me guessing right up until the end. I LOVE the main character, Nils Shapiro. I'm so glad the author is writing another book in this series because I definitely want more. I've never lived in Minnesota, but living in Illinois, I can relate to the descriptions of the snowy winter in this book. I think the best part of of book for me was it had a great blend of humor along with being a great mystery story. I laughed out loud reading it several times. This was definitely a five-star read for me.
May 2, 2019
This was a great mystery -- keeps you guessing right up to the end. What made this story extra fun for me is the fact that it takes place in the Twin Cities, which is where I live. It was great knowing the area where the story took place. Listening on audio book, I totally appreciate the fact that the narrator took the time to research how to pronounce the city names, and even thew in a mis-pronunciation so he could correct the character for the incorrect name. Good listen -- 6 out of 10.
April 17, 2018
An unusual murder mystery and an exceptionally likeable private investigator make up this debut novel. A few good twist will throw you off track. An quick and enjoyable read.
February 13, 2020
Would’ve given this a higher rating but having every Somali character in this book connected/linked to terrorism in some way is, to put it mildly, gross!
May 5, 2018
After the below average mystery/detective books I’ve read recently, I was glad to come across this new author Matt Goldman, who’s delivering his first book with Gone to Dust. His writing style is very fluent and the plot kept me captivated. I truly liked the main character, Nils Shapiro, a Private Investigator, operating in the greater Minneapolis area. I liked his down-to-earthness, kindness and sassiness. I liked how he never missed an opportunity to speak his mind, where needed; a fact he can afford since he’s an independent operator.
When his long-time friend, Police detective, Anders Elligaard, from the Edina PD, asks Shapiro for assistance in solving the murder of 40-ish rich housewife, Maggie Somerville, Shapiro can see he has his work cut out for him. Maggie’s entire house, including her peacefully laid out body is covered in fine grey dust, making it impossible to trace DNA.
I enjoyed this book because this was real detective work; knocking on doors and talking to people, that’s how, together with evidence, you put a case together. (Now where have I heard that? Bosch, be still my heart ).
The characters in Gone to Dust felt authentic, nothing too far-fetched, and what’s more important, nothing grueling or horrendous, like so many mysteries are these days. The whole feel was a bit reminiscent of an Elvis Cole book (without the muscle power). This felt normal, believable and nuanced. I hope that there are many more books to come in this series. I’m giving it a 4-star rating as an encouragement.
When his long-time friend, Police detective, Anders Elligaard, from the Edina PD, asks Shapiro for assistance in solving the murder of 40-ish rich housewife, Maggie Somerville, Shapiro can see he has his work cut out for him. Maggie’s entire house, including her peacefully laid out body is covered in fine grey dust, making it impossible to trace DNA.
I enjoyed this book because this was real detective work; knocking on doors and talking to people, that’s how, together with evidence, you put a case together. (Now where have I heard that? Bosch, be still my heart ).
The characters in Gone to Dust felt authentic, nothing too far-fetched, and what’s more important, nothing grueling or horrendous, like so many mysteries are these days. The whole feel was a bit reminiscent of an Elvis Cole book (without the muscle power). This felt normal, believable and nuanced. I hope that there are many more books to come in this series. I’m giving it a 4-star rating as an encouragement.
September 14, 2024
This is tough, the who-done-it was SO fun, I loved all the twists and turns. But the way Nils spoke about several women’s bodies (stuff like “she could lose 30 pounds but she’d still be fun in bed”) made it hard to read. So 5 stars for the story, 1 star because of that kind of comments, we’re averaging out at 3. I think I’ll give another book in the series a shot, but I need a palate cleanser after this.
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