Matt Goldman has proven himself adept at writing both series and standalone mystery novels. His latest—The Murder Show—is likely a standalone, however, it could easily serve as the launch for a new series should Goldman want to go in that direction.
Ethan Harris is the showrunner and creator of the hit crime television series The Murder Show. While Hollywood is on strike, Ethan struggles to pinpoint an appropriate storyline for the upcoming fourth season of the show. The idea has to appeal to both Ethan and the network executives because if this one doesn’t grab the audience’s attention, the show will surely be cancelled.
Using the downtime from the Hollywood hustle and bustle, Ethan returns to his hometown to celebrate the Jewish High Holidays with his family, while also hoping the distraction will allow him to concentrate on crafting the show’s new plotline. But before he can even get started, he discovers that his high school crush has also returned to her family home right next door.
Fortunately for Ethan, Ro Greeman is now an officer on the local police force and she has an idea. Why doesn’t Ethan base the next season on the suspicious hit-and-run death of their mutual friend Ricky, who died when they were all still in high school. A tragedy both Ethan and Ro were just a bit too close to for comfort.
This simple setup gets The Murder Show off and running for a fast-paced narrative that explores the lingering ramifications of trauma and the idea that the truth can heal all wounds.
Both Ethan and Ro are compelling characters—complex, but relatable. Readers will find themselves cheering for them to get the answers they need. This plot unspools like most police procedurals, except that rather than the detective leading the charge, our television showrunner is holding the cards—or is he? With side characters—aka suspects—from both the past and the present, Matt Goldman does an excellent job of not unnecessarily complicating things for the reader, while also keeping the full truth buried until it’s revelation has the maximum impact.
As with all of Matt Goldman’s work, the Minnesota setting is brought evocatively to life. Long time fans will even delight in knowing that Goldman’s series character—Nils Shapiro—makes a few minor appearances in this new novel.
In the end, The Murder Show makes for a quick and satisfying read that manages to wrap up all the pertinent storylines while also leaving a loose end or two for a sequel. This is the perfect book for those new to Matt Goldman’s oeuvre because it is sure to produce fans, ready to go back and explore the beginnings of this talented author’s career.
BUY LINKS: The Murder Show by Matt Goldman
Disclaimer: A print galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
