What do you think?
Rate this book
Carolina Moonset
Both suspenseful and deeply moving, Carolina Moonset is an engrossing novel about family, memories both golden and terrible, and secrets too dangerous to stay hidden forever, from New York Times bestselling and Emmy Award-winning author, Matt Goldman.
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...
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...
262 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
376 people are currently reading
9554 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 694 reviews
April 6, 2023
My parents owned dozens of paintings by local artists, but the one in the foyer was the only one that depicted night. And it’s the only painting I remembered from my childhood. It showed the dark marsh in heavy brushstrokes. A sprawling oak in the foreground framed an expanse of reeds. A tidal creek snaked through the reeds. The tide was out, and the creek’s muddy bottom reflected the moonlight. A clump of more oaks in the distance lay dark under the full moon shining above them. And behind those oaks, the dark shadow of an immense home, no light in the windows except for one on the second floor. The marsh is beautiful during the day, changing colors with the angle of the sun. But it’s eerie at night. Too many secrets hiding in its vastness and in its crevices. The sea comes in and the sea goes out. Only it knows what’s hidden in the marsh.The name of that painting is Carolina Moonset. It always gave him the creeps. Too bad the artist’s signature is smudged.
Matt Goldman - image from Amazon
Forty-something Joe Green (not mean at all) is visiting Beaufort, South Carolina (lives and works in Chicago) to help mom, Carol, take care of his ailing father. Marshall Green, 75, is a good guy who had passed on having a lucrative medical career to open a free clinic on Chicago’s South Side. When he retired, he returned to his home town. Dad is suffering with Lewy Body Dementia, second most widespread form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s.
My mother sat down next to me and said, “It’s like when a person loses their sight, their hearing improves. Except with Dad, he’s lost his short-term memory, and his long-term memory has improved. He tells stories I’ve never heard before.”Well, that’s one element. Another is that he sometimes talks to people who are not there, which can be unnerving. One such is long-late friend Trip Patterson, who died very young, under dodgy circumstances. Joey is curious who this guy was and begins looking into some family history.
“Aw, Joey. You were always a good fisherman. Even when you were tiny you were fascinated by what you couldn’t see below the surface. That’s what fishing is all about. Curiosity and the patience to learn.”Fishing of all sorts will be done. Soon after Joe’s arrival a local bigwig is shot dead in the street. Pops did not have a high opinion of the man or his family.
Those Hammonds are nasty sons a bitches. Every one of ’em. Stole that island from the blacks. When the Union Army came through, they gave black people their own land. Gave ’em a chance. And it worked, too. The people prospered. Until the goddamn Klan took over and redistributed the land.” My father had venom in his voice. “Redistributed the land with guns and knives and ropes and trees. I wouldn’t live on Hammond Island if you paid me a million dollars. Hope a hurricane wipes it off the face of the earth.”Despite his considerable impairments, Marshall is considered a suspect. Particularly when the gun that did the dark deed sure looks like dad’s old revolver. And when Joey looks for his father’s gun, why is it not the usual place? Did Pop pop Thomas Hammond, whether he remembers doing it or not? Faces from the past re-emerge, whether in person or in memory alone. Questions remains, like what ever happened to Roy Hammond, Thomas’s brother, who vanished under mysterious circumstances? What’s the deal with Thomas’s much younger glam-wife, Gail?
As a forty-something, in town sans kids, Joe is prime matchmaking material for his parents’ set. It seems that their next-door neighbors just happen to have a forty-something divorced daughter, Leela, in town for a holiday visit. The senior circuit angles to get them together. And lo and behold, Joey and Leela hit it off remarkably fast.
I was single in my mid 40’s like Joey, and people in my parents’ generation, including my parents, would often mention single women they knew of. I think some people in that generation are less comfortable with a younger person being single, so they try to play matchmaker. I also wanted Joey to have a partner in his informal investigation—someone in whom he could confide—and adding a romantic element to that felt not only fun but true in that life presents beautiful magic and brutal reality at the same time. And finally, I recently experienced a Joey/Leela like courtship. I met my wife in February of 2018 and we married that same year in October. I wanted to show how a combination of chemistry and life-experience can lead to that kind of relationship in a grounded way. - DAB interviewJoe and Leela team up to see below the surface to what might be swimming in the deeper waters, as they try to land a killer. I found their relationship delightful. And can attest, from personal experience, to the possibility of a quick connection between mid-life divorced/single people. Leads are followed. Murder suspects make their way across the page, along with their theoretical motives. In a book with fishing as an element, there are, of course, red herrings. Bait is employed to good effect. The who and why-dunnit puzzles will keep you
The story takes place in the present, but there are many references to mid 20th century, when some long-ago crimes are crying out to be solved. At the center of these, the Hammond and Green brothers were young men with diverse world views, and some serious personal conflicts.
In addition to the fun of the mysteries and the investigation, Goldman also offers a look at the racist, classist realities of South Carolina, both the actions that took place in the past and their ripples forward to the present.
GRIPES
The cops are portrayed as soulless dolts, which is common enough in mysteries, but remains a disappointing accession to default settings. There are several mentions of Joey’s sisters, but they manage to remain off screen and out of mind once noted. Why include them at all if they are to serve no role? There are several instances of what seemed trite wisdom being proferred. Here is a sample
as teenagers, girls grow more complicated and difficult and boys more stoic. That is a generalization. A stereotype. But having been a boy who fit the stereotype, I believe stoicism is a mischaracterization of our behavior. We are not more stoic than girls. We are more ashamed. Of our boy-thoughts and risky deeds, mostly revolving around or inspired by sex or at least the idea of sex. That seemingly unattainable nirvana ignited by blossoming bodies and invisible pheromones. That shame sends us underground. Quiets us. Our vortex of shame is so powerful all our thoughts and deeds get sucked into it, so we share nothing.another
A friend once told me women have face-to-face relationships and men have shoulder-to-shoulder relationships. Men do things like watch football and go fishing.Ok, it is starting to seem like the Gripes piece is getting large. I do not want to give the impression that I disliked this book at all. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. The gripes are merely what kept me from adding that final star.
There is a lot in Carolina Moonset that is lovely, nice bits of craft that reinforced the steady forward movement of the plot with some meaningful imagery. Paintings, for example, stand out. Not just the strong image of the book-title work. Joe’s uncle David has a painting over his desk and there is a framed work in the Hammond residence that offers some food for thought. Even the word painting is used in other contexts to offer a perspective.
So fear not. Carolina Moonset is a fun mystery with an appealing dynamic duo of amateurs slogging through a marsh of information trying to figure out multiple crimes, one now, others back then, without much help, in fact with only interference from the po-po. The addition of historical/cultural payload makes it even richer. If you reel this one in, pretty soon you will be the one who’s been hooked.
From where I’m sitting, Thomas Hammond’s motto must have been Think Globally, Destroy Locally.
Review posted – June 3, 2022
Publication dates
----------Hardcover – May 31, 2022
----------Trade paperback - April 4, 2023
I received an EPUB of Carolina Moonset from Forge/Macmillan in return for a fair review, and a lovely mint julep. Thanks, folks. And thanks to NetGalley for facilitating.
This review has been cross-posted on my site, Coot’s Reviews. Stop by and say Hi!
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s personal, FB, Instagram, and Twitter pages
From About the Author
New York Times bestselling author MATT GOLDMAN is a playwright and Emmy Award-winning television writer for Seinfeld, Ellen, and other shows. Goldman has been nominated for the Shamus and Nero Wolfe Awards and is a Lariat Award Winner. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, two dogs, two cats, and whichever children happen to be around.
Interview
-----Donnell Ann Bell - Author Interview with Matt Goldman & Carolina Moonset
Items of Interest from the author
-----Macmillan - excerpt
Songs/Music
-----Fiddler on the Roof - Matchmaker
----- James Taylor - Carolina in My Mind
A personal aside – a tiny bit spoilerish, but not enough to hide.
I understand that some might scoff at the speed at which Joey and Leela bond with each other. I can relate to the notion of finding the right person on the second-go-round fairly quickly. I was around the same age as Joey, first marriage done, when I encountered the woman who would become my second wife. It was not a matter of days, as with Joey and Leela, but it was quick as such things go. (I did suggest marriage after our second or third in-person date, if memory serves. But that might have had something to do with a good friend of hers having season tickets to the Mets.) When you reach a certain point in life, you have a sense, in fairly short order, of whether a relationship is likely to work out or not, or at least whether it might be possible. Turns out it was. We have now been married for twenty-one years. (as of 2022)
March 4, 2022
This novel was a wonderful surprise!! This galley landed in my mailbox and, endorsed by one of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger, I had to read it!! It also takes place in South Carolina, a state that we love to visit!!
Joey Geen, our main protagonist, lives in Chicago with his two children. They are currently spending a vacation with his ex-wife and Joey takes this time to visit his father in Beaufort, South Carolina. Joey knows that his father has Lewy body dementia but is surprised at the rate at which the disease has eaten away at his father’s short term memory.
His mother has been Marshall’s sole caregiver and Joey convinces her to take a few days away with her friends to relax and prepare for what comes next.
While Marshall’s short term memory is getting worse and worse, he can’t even remember what he had for breakfast, his long term memory becomes even more vivid than it was. He remembers things from 50 years ago and starts to talk about things that Joey has never heard of before. He has also started to have hallucinations and conversations with people not in the room.
Joey, his dad, and a great friend, Bubba, spend a lot of time fishing off the coast. All is well until Joey leaves his father alone for a few hours one evening, forgetting to lock just one door. Unfortunately during this time a local murder takes place. Tom Hammond, a wealthy local businessman is shot and it is well known that Marshall has never liked the Hammonds.
What transpires next is a great unraveling of two mysteries, one long hidden and one current. I loved sleuthing with Joey and Leela and also enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
The characters felt so real!! Incredibly well described, with their backgrounds and present time to define them, I grew to love the people in this small town. I found them relatable and believable.
The atmosphere was wonderful!! I love spending time along the South Carolina coast and this small coastal town sounded like a great place to visit. Time spent out fishing was a time for bonding, friendship and storytelling – I loved it.
The writing was excellent. The pace was even and flowed well, there were no lags in the story and I flew through it.
The mysteries were multi-layered and it took a lot of sleuthing and time spent with different characters to come to the conclusion of the novel. I felt happy at the ending and felt that justice had been served!!
I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written mystery and would like to spend some time in this beautiful coastal area!!
I received a galley of this novel from the publisher. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
This novel is set to publish on May 31, 2022
#MacMillan Influencer program
Joey Geen, our main protagonist, lives in Chicago with his two children. They are currently spending a vacation with his ex-wife and Joey takes this time to visit his father in Beaufort, South Carolina. Joey knows that his father has Lewy body dementia but is surprised at the rate at which the disease has eaten away at his father’s short term memory.
His mother has been Marshall’s sole caregiver and Joey convinces her to take a few days away with her friends to relax and prepare for what comes next.
While Marshall’s short term memory is getting worse and worse, he can’t even remember what he had for breakfast, his long term memory becomes even more vivid than it was. He remembers things from 50 years ago and starts to talk about things that Joey has never heard of before. He has also started to have hallucinations and conversations with people not in the room.
Joey, his dad, and a great friend, Bubba, spend a lot of time fishing off the coast. All is well until Joey leaves his father alone for a few hours one evening, forgetting to lock just one door. Unfortunately during this time a local murder takes place. Tom Hammond, a wealthy local businessman is shot and it is well known that Marshall has never liked the Hammonds.
What transpires next is a great unraveling of two mysteries, one long hidden and one current. I loved sleuthing with Joey and Leela and also enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
The characters felt so real!! Incredibly well described, with their backgrounds and present time to define them, I grew to love the people in this small town. I found them relatable and believable.
The atmosphere was wonderful!! I love spending time along the South Carolina coast and this small coastal town sounded like a great place to visit. Time spent out fishing was a time for bonding, friendship and storytelling – I loved it.
The writing was excellent. The pace was even and flowed well, there were no lags in the story and I flew through it.
The mysteries were multi-layered and it took a lot of sleuthing and time spent with different characters to come to the conclusion of the novel. I felt happy at the ending and felt that justice had been served!!
I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written mystery and would like to spend some time in this beautiful coastal area!!
I received a galley of this novel from the publisher. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
This novel is set to publish on May 31, 2022
#MacMillan Influencer program
November 13, 2022
3.5⭐
45-year-old Joey Green, a divorced father of two, travels from Chicago to Beaufort, South Carolina to help his mother take care of his 75-year-old father, Marshall, who has recently been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. His father, a doctor by profession, spent his whole life tending to the needs of patients in a free clinic for the less privileged and moved back to Beaufort after a long career in Chicago. Marshall's illness has adversely affected his short-term recall but his ability to recollect events from his past is stronger and he is able to describe his memories from decades ago with astonishing clarity. Marshall also experiences bouts of hallucinations wherein he strikes up conversations with people from his past. As Joey spends more time with his father, Marshall shares his memories of his own life as a child growing up in Beaufort and often brings up fond memories from Joey's and Joey's sisters' childhoods.
“My father had lost most of those distractions. He couldn’t hold anything in his head long enough to anesthetize himself with the simple diversion of thinking ahead. His past was his only safe haven. He could linger there to relive what he’d already lived. His present offered nothing but giant steps toward the end.”
When an affluent and influential member of the community is found murdered and clues point to the murder weapon being a pistol owned by Marshall, it is up to Joey to prove his father’s innocence as the police seem to close in on Marshall as a suspect. He is aided by Leela, also divorced and the daughter of his parents’ neighbors, with whom both sets of parents are intent on setting him up. From his father’s recollections, Joey also learns of two previous murders, dating back decades, of people close to Marshall. Joey must figure out whether the present-day murder is in any way connected to the events in his father’s past.
Matt Goldman’s Carolina Moonset is a beautifully penned novel. The setting is atmospheric and I loved the descriptions of the coastal town and the community. Goldman’s writing is impressive as are the characterizations. Both Joey’s and Marshall’s characters are very well–developed. Though the plot has a murder mystery at its core, the novel touches upon themes of love, family, community and aging. While I did enjoy the banter between Leela and Joey, I felt that the romantic track was unnecessary and rushed. The author paints a moving picture of the emotional toll that Marshall’s diagnosis has on his family and Joey’s helplessness as he witnesses his father’s health deteriorating and his desire to cherish every moment he can with his father is heartbreaking. Given that the story vacillates between the impact of Marshall’s illness on the Greens’ lives and the murder mystery, the pace does fluctuate which is not a problem. The author does a fine job of balancing both aspects of the story. The interactions between Joey and his father were deeply moving as was the bond the Green family shared with their friends and neighbors.The final reveal is a surprise and I enjoyed the build-up . This is my first Matt Goldman novel and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
“There are moments in life when you feel a truth so irrefutable that every thought and emotion you’ve ever experienced, every joy and hardship, falls into alignment. In that pinhole of time life makes sense.”
45-year-old Joey Green, a divorced father of two, travels from Chicago to Beaufort, South Carolina to help his mother take care of his 75-year-old father, Marshall, who has recently been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. His father, a doctor by profession, spent his whole life tending to the needs of patients in a free clinic for the less privileged and moved back to Beaufort after a long career in Chicago. Marshall's illness has adversely affected his short-term recall but his ability to recollect events from his past is stronger and he is able to describe his memories from decades ago with astonishing clarity. Marshall also experiences bouts of hallucinations wherein he strikes up conversations with people from his past. As Joey spends more time with his father, Marshall shares his memories of his own life as a child growing up in Beaufort and often brings up fond memories from Joey's and Joey's sisters' childhoods.
“My father had lost most of those distractions. He couldn’t hold anything in his head long enough to anesthetize himself with the simple diversion of thinking ahead. His past was his only safe haven. He could linger there to relive what he’d already lived. His present offered nothing but giant steps toward the end.”
When an affluent and influential member of the community is found murdered and clues point to the murder weapon being a pistol owned by Marshall, it is up to Joey to prove his father’s innocence as the police seem to close in on Marshall as a suspect. He is aided by Leela, also divorced and the daughter of his parents’ neighbors, with whom both sets of parents are intent on setting him up. From his father’s recollections, Joey also learns of two previous murders, dating back decades, of people close to Marshall. Joey must figure out whether the present-day murder is in any way connected to the events in his father’s past.
Matt Goldman’s Carolina Moonset is a beautifully penned novel. The setting is atmospheric and I loved the descriptions of the coastal town and the community. Goldman’s writing is impressive as are the characterizations. Both Joey’s and Marshall’s characters are very well–developed. Though the plot has a murder mystery at its core, the novel touches upon themes of love, family, community and aging. While I did enjoy the banter between Leela and Joey, I felt that the romantic track was unnecessary and rushed. The author paints a moving picture of the emotional toll that Marshall’s diagnosis has on his family and Joey’s helplessness as he witnesses his father’s health deteriorating and his desire to cherish every moment he can with his father is heartbreaking. Given that the story vacillates between the impact of Marshall’s illness on the Greens’ lives and the murder mystery, the pace does fluctuate which is not a problem. The author does a fine job of balancing both aspects of the story. The interactions between Joey and his father were deeply moving as was the bond the Green family shared with their friends and neighbors.The final reveal is a surprise and I enjoyed the build-up . This is my first Matt Goldman novel and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
“There are moments in life when you feel a truth so irrefutable that every thought and emotion you’ve ever experienced, every joy and hardship, falls into alignment. In that pinhole of time life makes sense.”
July 5, 2022
Joey Green has returned to his hometown, Beaufort, South Carolina to take care of his father who has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. His mother has been his father's primary caregiver and he has encouraged her to take some time for herself. His father, Marshall Green, has his oldest memories and mainly lives in the past.
Joey's father hallucinates due to his dementia and these cause alarm for Joey as the hallucinations hint at secrets....
Then someone is murdered, and the police have come knocking.
This was such an enjoyable and engrossing novel. This was a breath of fresh air as it is beautifully written and well thought out. I found the story to be captivating as were the relationships in this book. I love putting on my super sleuthing hat and trying to figure things out. I didn't figure things out which was fine by me.
I thought the author did a great job building the story and the mysteries in this book.
This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
How about that beautiful cover?!!!
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Joey's father hallucinates due to his dementia and these cause alarm for Joey as the hallucinations hint at secrets....
Then someone is murdered, and the police have come knocking.
This was such an enjoyable and engrossing novel. This was a breath of fresh air as it is beautifully written and well thought out. I found the story to be captivating as were the relationships in this book. I love putting on my super sleuthing hat and trying to figure things out. I didn't figure things out which was fine by me.
I thought the author did a great job building the story and the mysteries in this book.
This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
How about that beautiful cover?!!!
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 21, 2024
When I got this as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, I was immediately intrigued by what the back cover had to say about it.
Of course, it also helped that authors Harlan Coben, William Kent Krueger and Lee Child wrote quotes about how wonderful this author and story was, so I knew I needed to read it.
And yes...Never underestimate the seemingly smooth surfaces of small-town life. There is always something to explore about the inner workings of family relationships.
Typically complex, sometimes volatile, and especially when memories are buried or being taken away by disease. And this is something I can relate to personally. (I will share soon.)
And...The memory issues are not necessarily about what is happening to the same person.
What will come up to the surface?
Premise: Joey Green comes home to help his mom care for his dad Marshall who is suffering from advanced dementia. *He is also baffled by his dad's one-sided conversations he is having with his deceased childhood friends.
Giving his mom a break, he decides to take on care of his dad alone. One night, while out with the daughter of a family friend, he leaves his dad alone. When he returns he finds that his Dad is outside, even though he thought he had left him safely locked inside.
That particular night, a prominent businessman has been murdered. Was his dad responsible for that death?
As Joey works to clear his dad of this murder, much is revealed about his own past, and the past of his dad. There was a murder in the past that readers discover. Was his dad involved with that one, too?
*I wanted to mention, before I go much further, that this story hit a personal note for me, in that the dad character suffered from Dementia with Lewy Bodies. My mother had the same disease.
Together with Parkinson's disease dementia, DLB is one of the two Lewy body dementias. It is a common form of dementia, but the prevalence is not known accurately and many diagnoses are missed. (They misdiagnosed my mother, too.)
The actor/comedian Robin Williams also had DLB. Those with DLB can have hallucinations. My mother often did, and would share amazing stories of what she believed was her life. They were actually her hallucinations. Our job was to listen.
Back to the review...
This novel is an intriguing, twisted story that unfolds at a steady pace.
Readers will find the connection between past and present murders and how they tie to the Green family.
But readers need to be patient. It takes time to get there.
There is love. There are secrets. And it is a slow reveal. With lots of red herrings. And lots of suspects.
Will readers figure it out before the end?
Of course, it also helped that authors Harlan Coben, William Kent Krueger and Lee Child wrote quotes about how wonderful this author and story was, so I knew I needed to read it.
And yes...Never underestimate the seemingly smooth surfaces of small-town life. There is always something to explore about the inner workings of family relationships.
Typically complex, sometimes volatile, and especially when memories are buried or being taken away by disease. And this is something I can relate to personally. (I will share soon.)
And...The memory issues are not necessarily about what is happening to the same person.
What will come up to the surface?
Premise: Joey Green comes home to help his mom care for his dad Marshall who is suffering from advanced dementia. *He is also baffled by his dad's one-sided conversations he is having with his deceased childhood friends.
Giving his mom a break, he decides to take on care of his dad alone. One night, while out with the daughter of a family friend, he leaves his dad alone. When he returns he finds that his Dad is outside, even though he thought he had left him safely locked inside.
That particular night, a prominent businessman has been murdered. Was his dad responsible for that death?
As Joey works to clear his dad of this murder, much is revealed about his own past, and the past of his dad. There was a murder in the past that readers discover. Was his dad involved with that one, too?
*I wanted to mention, before I go much further, that this story hit a personal note for me, in that the dad character suffered from Dementia with Lewy Bodies. My mother had the same disease.
Together with Parkinson's disease dementia, DLB is one of the two Lewy body dementias. It is a common form of dementia, but the prevalence is not known accurately and many diagnoses are missed. (They misdiagnosed my mother, too.)
The actor/comedian Robin Williams also had DLB. Those with DLB can have hallucinations. My mother often did, and would share amazing stories of what she believed was her life. They were actually her hallucinations. Our job was to listen.
Back to the review...
This novel is an intriguing, twisted story that unfolds at a steady pace.
Readers will find the connection between past and present murders and how they tie to the Green family.
But readers need to be patient. It takes time to get there.
There is love. There are secrets. And it is a slow reveal. With lots of red herrings. And lots of suspects.
Will readers figure it out before the end?
June 6, 2023
I literally read this book one year ago, REALLY enjoyed it …. and then never wrote a review . . .
Why is it so much easier to puke something out about a book you dislike?
Carolina Moonset arrived as surprise bookmail. The cover immediately caught my eye and I actually gave the synopsis a gander, declaring it worthy of the top of Mt. TBR. The story of a man returning home to care for a father succumbing to dementia - with a potential mystery from the past to figure out hooked me right away and the characters and flow easily met my standards as well. The dialogue was reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, which was like having a cup of coffee out on the deck while catching up with an old friend - and that’s exactly how I read this book. If it’s not yet hot as the fiery pits of Hades where you live that’s how I’d recommend reading this one.
4.5 Stars - Kelly certified, Mitchell approved.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Why is it so much easier to puke something out about a book you dislike?
Carolina Moonset arrived as surprise bookmail. The cover immediately caught my eye and I actually gave the synopsis a gander, declaring it worthy of the top of Mt. TBR. The story of a man returning home to care for a father succumbing to dementia - with a potential mystery from the past to figure out hooked me right away and the characters and flow easily met my standards as well. The dialogue was reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, which was like having a cup of coffee out on the deck while catching up with an old friend - and that’s exactly how I read this book. If it’s not yet hot as the fiery pits of Hades where you live that’s how I’d recommend reading this one.
4.5 Stars - Kelly certified, Mitchell approved.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
I did really enjoy this mystery, but I have to admit it took a little to get used to. It also is brutally honest about having someone you love suffer with dementia so be warned if that is a trigger. The writing was good and I liked the multi-layered story quite a bit. The characters were very well developed and very interesting. I liked them and felt very invested in their success.
Joey Green is a divorced man with two teenaged children who comes to visit his parents and help take care of his father who has a form of dementia called Levy Body Dementia which not only impacts his memory but causes hallucinations. While Joey is caring for his father a man his father was known to not care for was murdered and Joey is determined to keep his father out of trouble no matter what happened. As he investigates to try to ensure his father’s safety he learns about several secrets from the past and teach him things he never could have guessed.
Joey Green is a divorced man with two teenaged children who comes to visit his parents and help take care of his father who has a form of dementia called Levy Body Dementia which not only impacts his memory but causes hallucinations. While Joey is caring for his father a man his father was known to not care for was murdered and Joey is determined to keep his father out of trouble no matter what happened. As he investigates to try to ensure his father’s safety he learns about several secrets from the past and teach him things he never could have guessed.
May 31, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This book was terrific! I went into this book without any expectations since I hadn’t heard a whole lot about it. It didn’t take me very long to determine that I had stumbled on an absolute gem. This book blends several genres seamlessly and is filled with realistic and likable characters. Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put it down.
Joey Green is on a visit to the small town of Beaufort, South Carolina, to spend some time with his father who is suffering from Lewy’s body dementia. He encourages his mother to take a trip since he can watch out for his father for a few days. Everything seems to be going well until a murder in the neighborhood brings the police to their front door. Joey’s father is stuck in the past since he has lost his short-term memory and seems to be talking to people from the past who aren’t there. Are the events from the past connected to the current murder? What exactly does Joey’s father know?
I thought that this book was incredibly well written. I was hooked by this book from the very start. The family drama surrounding the decline of Joey’s father and the toll it has taken on his mother was really well done. The change in Joey’s father’s mental status was upsetting not only for the family but for him as well. The mysteries from the past and the current murder kept me guessing and I enjoyed trying to figure out exactly what happened and how things might be connected. There is even a bit of romance between Joey and the neighbors’ daughter, Leela. I thought that Joey and Leela were great together and made a great team in trying to solve the mysteries. I really liked that they are a bit older and had a lot to figure out if they wanted to try to make a relationship work.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this story was an incredibly enjoyable read that left me thinking about the story anytime I had to set the book aside to deal with life. I will have to check out some of Matt Goldman’s other works.
I received a review copy of this book from Forge Books.
Initial Thoughts
This was fantastic! I may bump my rating up a bit after I have some time to completely process everything. I was completely taken with this mystery and couldn't wait to find out exactly what happened. An incredibly well-written story that kept me glued to the pages.
This book was terrific! I went into this book without any expectations since I hadn’t heard a whole lot about it. It didn’t take me very long to determine that I had stumbled on an absolute gem. This book blends several genres seamlessly and is filled with realistic and likable characters. Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put it down.
Joey Green is on a visit to the small town of Beaufort, South Carolina, to spend some time with his father who is suffering from Lewy’s body dementia. He encourages his mother to take a trip since he can watch out for his father for a few days. Everything seems to be going well until a murder in the neighborhood brings the police to their front door. Joey’s father is stuck in the past since he has lost his short-term memory and seems to be talking to people from the past who aren’t there. Are the events from the past connected to the current murder? What exactly does Joey’s father know?
I thought that this book was incredibly well written. I was hooked by this book from the very start. The family drama surrounding the decline of Joey’s father and the toll it has taken on his mother was really well done. The change in Joey’s father’s mental status was upsetting not only for the family but for him as well. The mysteries from the past and the current murder kept me guessing and I enjoyed trying to figure out exactly what happened and how things might be connected. There is even a bit of romance between Joey and the neighbors’ daughter, Leela. I thought that Joey and Leela were great together and made a great team in trying to solve the mysteries. I really liked that they are a bit older and had a lot to figure out if they wanted to try to make a relationship work.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this story was an incredibly enjoyable read that left me thinking about the story anytime I had to set the book aside to deal with life. I will have to check out some of Matt Goldman’s other works.
I received a review copy of this book from Forge Books.
Initial Thoughts
This was fantastic! I may bump my rating up a bit after I have some time to completely process everything. I was completely taken with this mystery and couldn't wait to find out exactly what happened. An incredibly well-written story that kept me glued to the pages.
August 17, 2022
4.5 stars! I loved this page-turning, atmospheric novel. I wasn't ready for it to end...
February 10, 2022
In Carolina Moonset, Matt Goldman probes beneath the seemingly smooth surface of small town life to explore inner family relationships as well as the complex, often volatile relationships between families - especially those of different social status. He takes readers on a journey inside the mind of a man with dementia with virtually no short-term memory, but perfect recall of past memories that threaten to destroy the lives of loved ones in the here and now. Carolina Moonset is a twisted story of how past memories that refuse to stay buried change the present and future of one small town and its people.
Joey Green returns to his childhood home to help his mom care for his dad Marshall Green who is suffering from advanced dementia. Joey's surprised how badly his father has deteriorated since he last saw him and is baffled by the weird one-sided conversations his dad is carrying on with deceased childhood friends. When Joey convinces his mom to take a much needed few days away with friends, he's left to care for his father alone. There are locks on the doors preventing his dad from getting out, and so Joey leaves him alone for a few hours while he pursues a budding relationship with the daughter of family friends next door. When Joey returns home to find the back door unlocked and his father eating a fresh picked orange, he has an ominous feeling that something is seriously wrong. He's proven right when news of the late night murder of a prominent businessman circulates through the town's people the next morning . . . a man his father repeatedly proclaimed to hate. As the investigation progresses, the past and present clash as all roads lead back to Joey's father as the murderer. Joey doesn't believe his father capable of murder, but if he didn't do it, who did? The one character who knows the truth about the past is highly unreliable in spite of his ability to remember past events with precision, and his inability to recall the present means he can not truthfully say that he did not murder a man he considered his arch enemy. As Joey works to clear his father's name, shocking past events threaten to rock his world and destroy his family. Will the truth set them free? Or shatter his family into a million pieces?
Carolina Moonset is an intriguing, twisted story that unfolds at a steady pace charging readers with finding the connection between past and present murders and how they tie to the Green family. Goldman has rendered a potent story about the power of family, love and secrets. The poignant late life journey of a man with a mentally debilitating disease is brilliantly depicted, along with the consequences of his past actions to both him and his family. I found the plot line to be intriguing as I worked to solve the mystery of both past and present murders. With the introduction of several red herrings, the list of suspects expanded. I was lucky to figure things out fairly early in the second half, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way. I highly recommend Carolina Moonset to fans of family dramas, mystery and suspense. Carve out some time to dive into this mystery and see where it leads you.
Many thanks to Forge Books for an arc of this book.
Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Reviewed posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
Joey Green returns to his childhood home to help his mom care for his dad Marshall Green who is suffering from advanced dementia. Joey's surprised how badly his father has deteriorated since he last saw him and is baffled by the weird one-sided conversations his dad is carrying on with deceased childhood friends. When Joey convinces his mom to take a much needed few days away with friends, he's left to care for his father alone. There are locks on the doors preventing his dad from getting out, and so Joey leaves him alone for a few hours while he pursues a budding relationship with the daughter of family friends next door. When Joey returns home to find the back door unlocked and his father eating a fresh picked orange, he has an ominous feeling that something is seriously wrong. He's proven right when news of the late night murder of a prominent businessman circulates through the town's people the next morning . . . a man his father repeatedly proclaimed to hate. As the investigation progresses, the past and present clash as all roads lead back to Joey's father as the murderer. Joey doesn't believe his father capable of murder, but if he didn't do it, who did? The one character who knows the truth about the past is highly unreliable in spite of his ability to remember past events with precision, and his inability to recall the present means he can not truthfully say that he did not murder a man he considered his arch enemy. As Joey works to clear his father's name, shocking past events threaten to rock his world and destroy his family. Will the truth set them free? Or shatter his family into a million pieces?
Carolina Moonset is an intriguing, twisted story that unfolds at a steady pace charging readers with finding the connection between past and present murders and how they tie to the Green family. Goldman has rendered a potent story about the power of family, love and secrets. The poignant late life journey of a man with a mentally debilitating disease is brilliantly depicted, along with the consequences of his past actions to both him and his family. I found the plot line to be intriguing as I worked to solve the mystery of both past and present murders. With the introduction of several red herrings, the list of suspects expanded. I was lucky to figure things out fairly early in the second half, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way. I highly recommend Carolina Moonset to fans of family dramas, mystery and suspense. Carve out some time to dive into this mystery and see where it leads you.
Many thanks to Forge Books for an arc of this book.
Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Reviewed posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
April 25, 2024
CAROLINA MOONSET is the first book I have read by Matt Goldman, but it will not be my last. I found his writing to be amazing, engaging, unique, and totally believable! The twists and turns will have you holding your breath and not being able to put this amazing story down. Hang on tight people! It is one crazy and emotional rollercoaster of a ride.
What an intense story CAROLINA MOONSET is. Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop. Joey Green, a divorced forty five year old father of two, travels from Chicago, Illinois to Beaufort, South Carolina to help his mother take care of his dad, Marshall, who is seventy five and has recently been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Joey’s father hallucinates due to his dementia and these cause alarm for Joey as the hallucinations hint at secrets. Then someone is murdered, and the police have come knocking on the Green’s front door! You aren’t going to believe where this heart pounding story goes!
CAROLINA MOONSET is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened. Fans of psychological mysteries will enjoy this one. CAROLINA MOONSET is so well written, that even though it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, it is still easy to follow. As Joey investigates to prove his father’s innocence, he learns about several secrets from the past that teach him things he never would have believed. It is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages. I did not want this perfect story to end. I highly recommend CAROLINA MOONSET!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What an intense story CAROLINA MOONSET is. Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop. Joey Green, a divorced forty five year old father of two, travels from Chicago, Illinois to Beaufort, South Carolina to help his mother take care of his dad, Marshall, who is seventy five and has recently been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Joey’s father hallucinates due to his dementia and these cause alarm for Joey as the hallucinations hint at secrets. Then someone is murdered, and the police have come knocking on the Green’s front door! You aren’t going to believe where this heart pounding story goes!
CAROLINA MOONSET is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened. Fans of psychological mysteries will enjoy this one. CAROLINA MOONSET is so well written, that even though it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, it is still easy to follow. As Joey investigates to prove his father’s innocence, he learns about several secrets from the past that teach him things he never would have believed. It is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages. I did not want this perfect story to end. I highly recommend CAROLINA MOONSET!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 2, 2022
I got hooked on this book - especially Joey Green, the main character, in the first chapter and my love of this character never diminished. This book has it all - family dealing with an aging parent, love, a bit of sex and a mystery that gets deeper as the book goes on and ends with a surprise ending. The other plus for me were the beautiful descriptions of Beaufort, South Carolina, one of my favorite cities to visit.
Joey is a 45 year old divorced man with two children. He's come to visit from Chicago to help his mother take care of his father who has advanced Alzheimer's. As his father's short term memory disappears, his long term memory comes alive. Most days, he can't remember eating right after he finishes a meal but he can tell long and involved stories about his childhood. At first it seems like a blessing to have his long term memory become so vivid. But when he starts talking to old friends that aren't there, secrets from his youth come to light. Even though his hallucinations are from years earlier, the truth could cause damage to many people in town. Joey starts investigating when an enemy of his father gets shot and his father's gun is missing. As Joey talks to long-term residents of Beaufort, the mystery slowly unravels but it needs to be better understood so that the wrong people don't get blamed for what happened.
This story really touched my heart and, yes, caused a few tears. From what Joey said, his father used to be a strong dedicated doctor who took care of the poor. To see what was happening to him due to his disease was difficult and I felt the love that Joey had for him and the despair that he was feeling about his disease. Joey believed that he was not an empathetic person but he was wrong, The empathy that he showed his parents at this dark time in their lives was wonderful.
Matt Goldman is a new author for me and this book impressed me so much that I plan to read his earlier books soon.
Thanks to Bookish Firsts for a copy of this book to read and review.
Joey is a 45 year old divorced man with two children. He's come to visit from Chicago to help his mother take care of his father who has advanced Alzheimer's. As his father's short term memory disappears, his long term memory comes alive. Most days, he can't remember eating right after he finishes a meal but he can tell long and involved stories about his childhood. At first it seems like a blessing to have his long term memory become so vivid. But when he starts talking to old friends that aren't there, secrets from his youth come to light. Even though his hallucinations are from years earlier, the truth could cause damage to many people in town. Joey starts investigating when an enemy of his father gets shot and his father's gun is missing. As Joey talks to long-term residents of Beaufort, the mystery slowly unravels but it needs to be better understood so that the wrong people don't get blamed for what happened.
This story really touched my heart and, yes, caused a few tears. From what Joey said, his father used to be a strong dedicated doctor who took care of the poor. To see what was happening to him due to his disease was difficult and I felt the love that Joey had for him and the despair that he was feeling about his disease. Joey believed that he was not an empathetic person but he was wrong, The empathy that he showed his parents at this dark time in their lives was wonderful.
Matt Goldman is a new author for me and this book impressed me so much that I plan to read his earlier books soon.
Thanks to Bookish Firsts for a copy of this book to read and review.
September 5, 2022
A changing present and an unreconciled past
“Carolina Moonset” is a story of a pearl-handled gun, the consequences of choices made, and the cost of justice delayed. The title of the book, “Carolina Moonset” is also the title of a painting of the marsh. While the marsh is beautiful during the day, this painting of the marsh at night is frightening. It shows the creek’s muddy bottom, an expanse of reeds, and the dark shadow of an immense home. In the painting and in life, many secrets are hidden in the marsh. Those complex secrets have substantial consequences in the present.
The story unfolds in Joey Green’s first person narrative, what he thinks, what he says to people, and what they say to him. He talks directly to the reader, sharing and remembering. Readers learn about his life, (both past and present) his insecurities about the future, and his loyalty to his family in Beaufort, South Carolina. Gradually, readers meet all the residents of the town, those from the past as well as those living there currently. Green is returning to Beaumont to assist his parents; his dad has Lewy Body Dementia. There is no hope of stopping memory loss; it just keeps eating away until there’s nothing left. While his dad’s short term memory is deteriorating, his long-term memory has improved; he shares previously forgotten past events that reveal questions that now require answers.
Goldman creates a compelling narrative filled with characters who are complicated and at the same time familiar. The story balances the changing present with the unreconciled past. I received a review copy of “Carolina Moonset” from Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishing.
“Carolina Moonset” is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries, and anywhere you get your books.
For those readers who just MUST know, Chocolate Gators and Goo Goo Clusters can be purchased from several online candy stores.
#BookReview #CarolinaMoonset #MattGoldman
“Carolina Moonset” is a story of a pearl-handled gun, the consequences of choices made, and the cost of justice delayed. The title of the book, “Carolina Moonset” is also the title of a painting of the marsh. While the marsh is beautiful during the day, this painting of the marsh at night is frightening. It shows the creek’s muddy bottom, an expanse of reeds, and the dark shadow of an immense home. In the painting and in life, many secrets are hidden in the marsh. Those complex secrets have substantial consequences in the present.
The story unfolds in Joey Green’s first person narrative, what he thinks, what he says to people, and what they say to him. He talks directly to the reader, sharing and remembering. Readers learn about his life, (both past and present) his insecurities about the future, and his loyalty to his family in Beaufort, South Carolina. Gradually, readers meet all the residents of the town, those from the past as well as those living there currently. Green is returning to Beaumont to assist his parents; his dad has Lewy Body Dementia. There is no hope of stopping memory loss; it just keeps eating away until there’s nothing left. While his dad’s short term memory is deteriorating, his long-term memory has improved; he shares previously forgotten past events that reveal questions that now require answers.
Goldman creates a compelling narrative filled with characters who are complicated and at the same time familiar. The story balances the changing present with the unreconciled past. I received a review copy of “Carolina Moonset” from Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishing.
“Carolina Moonset” is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries, and anywhere you get your books.
For those readers who just MUST know, Chocolate Gators and Goo Goo Clusters can be purchased from several online candy stores.
#BookReview #CarolinaMoonset #MattGoldman
November 18, 2025
CAROLINA MOONSET
By Matt Goldman
Narrated by Bradford Hastings
(3.5 stars)
Joey Green returns home to Beaufort, South Carolina, to help his mother care for his father, Marshall, whose dementia is rapidly worsening. As Marshall’s short-term memory fades and long-buried memories rise to the surface, long-kept secrets begin to spill out—secrets that could shatter lives and change Joey’s future forever.
This is my first time reading (or listening to) Matt Goldman, and I found this mystery blended with heartfelt family drama to be well written and engaging. The pacing is slower and more character-driven, which worked for me. Joey is very relatable—divorced, a father, and uncertain about the next chapter of his life. Marshall, meanwhile, is unforgettable and truly the emotional heart of the novel.
Bradford Hastings’ narration was clear, compelling, and dynamic. His tone, pacing, and character voices kept me fully engaged throughout the audiobook.
By Matt Goldman
Narrated by Bradford Hastings
(3.5 stars)
Joey Green returns home to Beaufort, South Carolina, to help his mother care for his father, Marshall, whose dementia is rapidly worsening. As Marshall’s short-term memory fades and long-buried memories rise to the surface, long-kept secrets begin to spill out—secrets that could shatter lives and change Joey’s future forever.
This is my first time reading (or listening to) Matt Goldman, and I found this mystery blended with heartfelt family drama to be well written and engaging. The pacing is slower and more character-driven, which worked for me. Joey is very relatable—divorced, a father, and uncertain about the next chapter of his life. Marshall, meanwhile, is unforgettable and truly the emotional heart of the novel.
Bradford Hastings’ narration was clear, compelling, and dynamic. His tone, pacing, and character voices kept me fully engaged throughout the audiobook.
April 23, 2023
Never have I started a book loving it and then by the end really disliking it. Disappointing! The first few chapters were beautiful. Beaufort is a perfect setting, I loved the initial dynamic between Joey and his parents and how the book really dives right in. So realistic, the interactions with his parents. Heartbreaking what they’re going through.
But then once Leela came into the picture I feel like it started to crumble. Her constant psychoanalyzing was annoying and pushy. I actually liked how their relationship got started, with the experiment, it was cute and flirty and I liked their banter. But then it was much too much. I doubt she would be so eager to stick around when all the S started hitting the fan, ha ha.
The whole storyline became hard to believe, and melodramatic. We get it, Joey, your dad is a saint. We get it, you’re head over heels for Leela even though you just met her.
The dialogue and characters petered out too. Bubba started out as a real country guy, and then he started making these brilliant observations with no country vernacular at all. Another example is Ruby “talked country” but her husband Lawrence didn’t at all. Of course possible but unlikely? I just think this could have continued to be a great book with a really good editor. AND proofreader, because there’s even a place in the book where an entire action sentence is repeated later on in the paragraph, when they’re at Uncle David’s house. Or the inconsistencies like “dad was in bed by ten” and then Joey had a phone conversation with his kids, then went to Leela’s, but the next day he said he was at Leela’s at around 9:30pm. Easy things to catch.
Some of the topics that were thrown in like racism, climate change, asexuality? That one was out of left field. Felt forced and glib to me. Maybe just the way they were handled…not always a seamless part of the story but they stuck out like an obvious addition from the author.
Again, this could be a GREAT book.
But then once Leela came into the picture I feel like it started to crumble. Her constant psychoanalyzing was annoying and pushy. I actually liked how their relationship got started, with the experiment, it was cute and flirty and I liked their banter. But then it was much too much. I doubt she would be so eager to stick around when all the S started hitting the fan, ha ha.
The whole storyline became hard to believe, and melodramatic. We get it, Joey, your dad is a saint. We get it, you’re head over heels for Leela even though you just met her.
The dialogue and characters petered out too. Bubba started out as a real country guy, and then he started making these brilliant observations with no country vernacular at all. Another example is Ruby “talked country” but her husband Lawrence didn’t at all. Of course possible but unlikely? I just think this could have continued to be a great book with a really good editor. AND proofreader, because there’s even a place in the book where an entire action sentence is repeated later on in the paragraph, when they’re at Uncle David’s house. Or the inconsistencies like “dad was in bed by ten” and then Joey had a phone conversation with his kids, then went to Leela’s, but the next day he said he was at Leela’s at around 9:30pm. Easy things to catch.
Some of the topics that were thrown in like racism, climate change, asexuality? That one was out of left field. Felt forced and glib to me. Maybe just the way they were handled…not always a seamless part of the story but they stuck out like an obvious addition from the author.
Again, this could be a GREAT book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2022
Loved it--especially the dynamic between the adult son & his aging father. Some very touching scenes even sparked a few tears. The mystery was interesting & unpredictable with just the right touch of romance. Sympathetic, fleshed out characters made it easy to spend time in this story world. So glad I stumbled upon this excellent read through Publisher's Weekly. I'll be sure to check out other books by this author!
February 25, 2022
It's an enjoyable read! A variety of themes are covered: family relationships, secrets from years ago, murder, romance, caregiving for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia, and racial biases are all covered in this book. It's easy to understand and the chapters are short, making it easy to put the book down whenever you need a good stopping place. The story has a male protagonist who narrates the story. The author is also male, and I sensed his male point of view very quickly in my reading. The story becomes more and more entertaining as it progresses. I did not discover the identity of the murderer on my own! The story is set in Beaufort, South Carolina, which I have heard is a beautiful setting. The author made some references to its beauty, but I would have liked more of that.
June 21, 2024
Got about 1/3 of the way through, and just couldn’t anymore. Started off with an interesting premise, but littered with politics - subtly and not so much. Hate when that happens. He should write for NPR or Garrison Keeler (probably does). Hidden agendas.
July 2, 2022
Mysterious and evocative, Matt Goldman's latest mystery captivates with its Southern Gothic mood but reels us in with its themes of long ago secrets and the deadly loss of memories. Upon return to Beaufort, South Carolina to visit with his dementia diagnosed father and help his mother in his care, he's drawn into his father's hallucinations and memories when a murder draws him into protecting his father. Highly recommended!
September 22, 2022
Carolina Moonset spoke to me right from the start, and in a very personal way. One of the key characters, Marshall Green, is suffering from Lewy Body Dementia, which, in ways, is like Alzheimer’s disease but with two key differences: long-term memories stay mostly intact, and hallucinations become more frequent. It is the same disease that my mother valiantly fought, and ultimately succumbed to, four years ago. For adult children, it is heartbreaking.
Add in that Marshall Green and family – including the first-person narrator, Joey, his only son – lived in Chicago (where I happily lived for a few decades) and now reside in the Carolinas (where my husband and I moved two years ago), and it’s easy to see how this book was an irresistible choice.
Briefly, the set-up goes like this: Joey is visiting his deteriorating father and pickleball tournament-bound mother when a prominent Beaufort citizen is murdered. A number of signs point to Marshall, who has justifiably hated that family for many years. But without a short- term memory, it’s impossible to get to the truth. Joey, along with his new romantic interest Leela, a clinical psychologist, aim to get to the bottom of it while nurturing their budding relationship.
The author, Matt Goldman is a playwright and an Emmy Award-winning TV writer for shows such as Seinfeld. That’s good and sometimes not-so-good. The dialogue is sharp, witty and sexy particularly between Joey and Leela, and the story in general is propulsive and compelling. The main characters are authentic and very likeable, and the sprinkling of psychological insights is apt.
As the book proceeds, more of the plotting becomes cinematic. I can absolutely see this book cast as a Netflix series, movie, or local play. Secondary characters didn’t have quite as much depth and the some of the twists become cinema-worthy. All in all, the book kept me turning pages and I surrendered to where the author was taking me. I’m rounding this one up to 4 stars.
Add in that Marshall Green and family – including the first-person narrator, Joey, his only son – lived in Chicago (where I happily lived for a few decades) and now reside in the Carolinas (where my husband and I moved two years ago), and it’s easy to see how this book was an irresistible choice.
Briefly, the set-up goes like this: Joey is visiting his deteriorating father and pickleball tournament-bound mother when a prominent Beaufort citizen is murdered. A number of signs point to Marshall, who has justifiably hated that family for many years. But without a short- term memory, it’s impossible to get to the truth. Joey, along with his new romantic interest Leela, a clinical psychologist, aim to get to the bottom of it while nurturing their budding relationship.
The author, Matt Goldman is a playwright and an Emmy Award-winning TV writer for shows such as Seinfeld. That’s good and sometimes not-so-good. The dialogue is sharp, witty and sexy particularly between Joey and Leela, and the story in general is propulsive and compelling. The main characters are authentic and very likeable, and the sprinkling of psychological insights is apt.
As the book proceeds, more of the plotting becomes cinematic. I can absolutely see this book cast as a Netflix series, movie, or local play. Secondary characters didn’t have quite as much depth and the some of the twists become cinema-worthy. All in all, the book kept me turning pages and I surrendered to where the author was taking me. I’m rounding this one up to 4 stars.
November 24, 2024
How well do we know our parents? We think we know them well, their highs and lows, what makes them tick, what irritates them, what really gets under their skin. But do we really know them? The youthful, fun-loving characters that they were. This is the question that continuously popped into my mind as I read this exquisite slow burn. As Joey Green is confronted with a father whose mind is slowly being eaten away by Lewy Body Dementia. His short-term memory is shot, but his youth and Marshall's masterful storytelling is a gift of its own. A gift that Joey will treasure for years to come. When Marshall's stories begin to become a bit darker and he begins to imagine people from his past, Joey and his mother become more concerned. It makes Joey want to delve deep into his father's history and find out what really happened in the early 1950s. Deeply buried secrets have a way of becoming known. And other secrets should always be kept as secrets.
The characters are masterfully written. They slowly draw you into their world making you feel the pain of slowly watching a parent disappear before your eyes. The emotion and turmoil are written in such a way that your heart will never be the same. There is laughter and a new love that shines throughout the book, which offers an amazing balance. The descriptions of Beaufort, South Carolina make you want to pack your bags and catch the first flight out. The ever-changing marsh, which brings new beauty with each passing day. The astonishing architecture and the history make you crave this very town. You will find yourself completely immersed in this world of southern hospitality and the mystery that has been buried by Marshall Green since he was a young man. You know I am a sucker for a good secret. Thank you to Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Storygram Tours for sending me this gorgeously written book.
The characters are masterfully written. They slowly draw you into their world making you feel the pain of slowly watching a parent disappear before your eyes. The emotion and turmoil are written in such a way that your heart will never be the same. There is laughter and a new love that shines throughout the book, which offers an amazing balance. The descriptions of Beaufort, South Carolina make you want to pack your bags and catch the first flight out. The ever-changing marsh, which brings new beauty with each passing day. The astonishing architecture and the history make you crave this very town. You will find yourself completely immersed in this world of southern hospitality and the mystery that has been buried by Marshall Green since he was a young man. You know I am a sucker for a good secret. Thank you to Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Storygram Tours for sending me this gorgeously written book.
June 1, 2022
Joey Green, mid forties and divorced, travels to small town South Carolina to spend time with his parents, and more specifially his dad, Marshall, who is struggling with demetia and having a hard time. Joey convinces his mom to go with friends to a pickleball tournament in Florida, and promises to keep a close eye on his dad while she is away.
Marshall's short term memory is horrible, but he can remember the past clear as day. He beings talking a lot about the past, to the point of holding conversations with people who aren’t there but were in his life as a young man. The family attributes this to his dementia.
When one of the town's influential men is murdered, questions are asked and suspicion falls on Marshall. He cannot remember anything about the night of the murder due to his short term memory issues. Secrets start being revealed and the past and present start to become one. Joey is fighting to prove his father's innocence which dredges upon an old tragedy and other unresolved matters.
Both the past and present mysteries were captivating, and I was taken off guard when we found out the present day killer!
The scenery description was amazing and I could easily envision the Carolina marshes and landscape. The characers were all well developed, right down to the small parts, and this book was just an amazing read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Marshall's short term memory is horrible, but he can remember the past clear as day. He beings talking a lot about the past, to the point of holding conversations with people who aren’t there but were in his life as a young man. The family attributes this to his dementia.
When one of the town's influential men is murdered, questions are asked and suspicion falls on Marshall. He cannot remember anything about the night of the murder due to his short term memory issues. Secrets start being revealed and the past and present start to become one. Joey is fighting to prove his father's innocence which dredges upon an old tragedy and other unresolved matters.
Both the past and present mysteries were captivating, and I was taken off guard when we found out the present day killer!
The scenery description was amazing and I could easily envision the Carolina marshes and landscape. The characers were all well developed, right down to the small parts, and this book was just an amazing read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 21, 2022
Very sweet story set in Beaufort, SC. The descriptions of Beaufort brought back wonderful memories of visiting relatives there in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The first half of the book is taken up with descriptions of the locale, of the family and of Lewy Body Dementia so the plot takes a while to develop. By the second half, the plot is beginning to get interesting and mostly wraps up satisfactorily at the end.
This is an excellent read for when you want something light.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Forge Books, in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book is taken up with descriptions of the locale, of the family and of Lewy Body Dementia so the plot takes a while to develop. By the second half, the plot is beginning to get interesting and mostly wraps up satisfactorily at the end.
This is an excellent read for when you want something light.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Forge Books, in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2022
I got all the way through this relatively short novel before realizing I really didn't like it all that much. I might have liked it more if the whole "romance" plot line was left out. I didn't feel as though it added anything and detracted much from the mystery at the heart of the story. It did really evoke a sense of place, so I'm giving it three stars instead of two. Meh.
January 13, 2024
Loved it. I have read Matt's other books week Nils Shapiro and I liked this one better.
May 24, 2022
I loved the 2nd half of this book. The twists and turns kept me very interested, and I really enjoyed the storyline. Joey peels the onion to learn the truth about Delphi, Trip, and several members of the Hammond Family.
In the first half of the book, I felt like several of Joey’s questions about people from his dad’s past were forced. They didn’t seem to fit well. I wish that Jory’s curiosity regarding people from his dad’s past melded into the story a bit more seamlessly.
In the first half of the book, I felt like several of Joey’s questions about people from his dad’s past were forced. They didn’t seem to fit well. I wish that Jory’s curiosity regarding people from his dad’s past melded into the story a bit more seamlessly.
February 27, 2023
All I can say is “what a beautiful story!” I so enjoyed this book and felt like I was in Beaufort myself. The writing was so well done and kept me turning the pages quickly. I won’t retell the story but I was sad to leave Beaufort along with Joey and Leela.
November 23, 2022
4 ish more or less
August 2, 2024
This was an unexpected read for me! I did not have high expectations for some reason....because I have actually enjoyed the previous novels by Goldman. I saw a reader describe this book as one of those you would hear someone tell you on your front porch one night, and I cannot think of a more accurate way to describe this book. This is the case because we are following Joey who returns home to the low country to visit his father who is slowly declining due to Louis Body Syndrome (A form of dementia basically only his long term memory is in tact) Because of the once prominent "hero"'s condition Joey focuses his conversations with his Dad on the past, during which he reveals something that happened in the past, which causes Joey to question who his dad really is. When a local man involved in the past is found dead and Joey's dad is unaccounted for at the time of the murder as is his gun.....Joey digs deep and tries to prove his father's innocence.
To add to the plot of the story Joey is set up with "the girl nextdoor" who is different than any other female character I have encountered before, despite her feminist take on life, I thought she was perfect for Joey. I enjoyed how they approached their budding relationship by telling each other their flaws on the first day. What a great idea!
The book clearly has Goldman's opinions on display and some of the plot lines were a tad ridiculous, but like it was said. I felt like I was sittin on my porch listening to an older man telling me a story with a big glass of sweet tea!
Very clever for sure! I really liked how the ending tied up everything as well.
To add to the plot of the story Joey is set up with "the girl nextdoor" who is different than any other female character I have encountered before, despite her feminist take on life, I thought she was perfect for Joey. I enjoyed how they approached their budding relationship by telling each other their flaws on the first day. What a great idea!
The book clearly has Goldman's opinions on display and some of the plot lines were a tad ridiculous, but like it was said. I felt like I was sittin on my porch listening to an older man telling me a story with a big glass of sweet tea!
Very clever for sure! I really liked how the ending tied up everything as well.
January 3, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This is a kindle e-book novel from kindle unlimited
He has come to Beaufont, SC to visit his ailing father. His mother and father had retired back to the family home there. Then dad is arrested when a man 🚹 is found murdered. Dad is released. The son meets a divorcee and a romantic relationship develops. Then the truth comes out about the murder and an arrest in made.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 😅😤👒😡🏡
This is a kindle e-book novel from kindle unlimited
He has come to Beaufont, SC to visit his ailing father. His mother and father had retired back to the family home there. Then dad is arrested when a man 🚹 is found murdered. Dad is released. The son meets a divorcee and a romantic relationship develops. Then the truth comes out about the murder and an arrest in made.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 😅😤👒😡🏡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 694 reviews