The Murder Show by Matt Goldman is a smart and engaging mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot is full of twists and turns, with sharp writing and compelling characters that bring the story to life. The pacing is excellent, and the mix of suspense and humor adds a unique touch. While some aspects of the mystery felt familiar, the execution was so well done that it didn’t detract from the overall experience.

I really wanted to like this one, all the reviews said it was great but it was a bit of a let down for me. I found it rather boring and it didn't captivate me. I was expecting a bit more action or something. I would still recommend this to someone looking for something lighter but it was just not my cup of tea

Goldman delivers another entertaining mystery with new characters and a past favorite. The Murder Show is a quick read and I liked the ending and turn of events. I enjoy Goldman’s writing style and the humor he blends into his story telling.
This was an ARC, so there may be editing before the pub date, but the one drawback was the need of a subtle shift in focus bridging the scenes where there was a transition to the thoughts of the characters.

Overall, I’d recommend mystery fans and most definitely Matt Goldman fans to add this book to your 2025 TBR.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #TheMurderShow

I am a big fan of Matt Goldman. Certainly, part of my attraction to his novels (The Murder Show is his eighth book) is that they are almost all set in the Minneapolis area where I live. It is fun to recognize the streets his characters drive down or the restaurants, the lakes, the neighborhoods. But also, Goldman writes like I want my mystery authors to write – with well-drawn out characters, complex plots and a dash of humor. The older I get the less I like the dark, evil-spewing mysteries, especially those which feature serial killers and books told from the point of view of a psychotic.

The Murder Show is Goldman’s latest stand-alone after three others and four in the Nils Shapiro (a Jewish, Minneapolis PI) series. All grab you on page one and keep you happy until the novel ends. Goldman is from Minnesota so his settings shine. A trifecta of setting, plot and characterization.

The Murder Show tells the tale of a showrunner (Ethan Harris) of a hit television crime series who is on a writer’s strike and comes back to Minneapolis to visit his parents and come up with ideas for the series next season. Ethan rediscovers his high school friend, Ro, now a Minneapolis police detective. The two of them decide to look into an old case where their mutual friend was tragically killed in a hit-and-run shortly after graduation. But of course, someone does not want Ethan and Ro to open the old wound or discover old secrets. Not only are the duo followed and threatened but new murders bring the case to the attention of the MPD. Fans of the Nils Shapiro series will enjoy the fact that Nils shows up in a minor role!

Matt Goldman is himself a playwright and writer for shows such as Seinfeld and Ellen who left the Twin Cities for Los Angeles to write full-time after attending the University of MN. He won the 2018 Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel with Gone to Dust and then again in 2020 for Best PI Novel for The Shallows. Both in the Nils Shapiro series.

I recommend my Minnesota friends rush out and get this fun romp through local neighborhoods. But for those of you outside the area, you need to discover Goldman’s action-packed, fun reads, if you have not already done so, for the excellent mysteries they are. Read the Nils Shapiro series in order but the four stand-alones are all unique. Happy Reading!

My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. The Murder Show will be published on April 15, 2025.

The cover of this book is what caught my eye initially but the author's skillful storytelling kept me turning pages and I ended up binging this entire book in one session. Sometimes I need answers far more than I need sleep and this was one of those occasions!

This was a new to me author so I wasn't sure to expect but I found his writing style to be really intriguing and engaging. The storyline had a nice flow and I was invested in trying to solve the Mystery.

I'll definitely be recommending this one and I'm interested in checking out what other books I can read from this author.

Thank you Matt Goldman , Net Galley and Tor Publishing Group- Forge Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Another roller coaster, heart pounding, edge of the seat of your pants thriller by Matt Goldman! I’m a fan of all of Goodman’s books and he doesn’t disappoint with his newest book! Thanks for the advanced read!

The Murder Show by Matt Goldman is a compelling addition to the crime thriller genre, seamlessly blending humor, suspense, and a tight plot that keeps you guessing. Goldman’s protagonist, private investigator Nils Shapiro, is gritty and likable with a knack for snarky commentary that makes him feel relatable, even amidst the dark scenarios he navigates.

The story takes us through the eerie world of true-crime podcasts, murder mysteries, and complex relationships, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of a chilly, moody Midwest. As Nils unearths secrets in a small, seemingly innocent town, Goldman crafts a mystery that not only unravels the murder but also explores deeper themes of trust, loyalty, and redemption.

Goldman's writing is sharp, filled with quick wit and dialogue that feels natural, making it easy to get engrossed in the characters' lives. He balances humor and intensity well, and the twists in the plot are surprising yet believable. Fans of detective novels will appreciate the strong pacing and the morally complex characters, while the true-crime podcast angle offers a modern, fresh twist that feels relevant and adds a layer of intrigue.

Overall, The Murder Show was an engaging read with a lot of heart, perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of humor, suspense, and well-crafted mystery. I will definitely be recommending it!

This was a strong concept in the genre and was invested in what was going on in this story. I loved the idea of a tv show being used for murder. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and was engaged with the plot and what happened to them. Matt Goldman has a great writing style and glad I got to read this.