Title: Carolina Moonset
Author: Matt Goldman
Publisher: Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Carolina Moonset" by Matt Goldman

My Assessments:

A well-written story of what happens when Joey Green comes back home to Beaufort, SC, to help his mom and take care of his father, who is suffering from Lewy body dementia. We find Marshall-Green, who is suffering from dementia, has no short-term memory, but surprisingly he can remember things from years ago...a murder that took place over fifty years ago in this small town. The author did an excellent job describing the ups and downs of dementia. To Joey's surprise, his father started telling him stories that he hadn't heard of, his hallucinations and changing moods, often talking with people from his childhood. While this is going on, Joey also meets the daughter, Leela, of the neighbor next door when there is a murder that takes place a few blocks from where they live. Now, who had killed this Thomas Hammond, a prominent member of society whom his father Marshall had hated for so long. So why did the police now focus on Marshall-Green? There will be some interesting characters in this read that add an exciting flow.

I enjoyed how Joey's mom and the neighbors played matchmakers in getting Joey and Leela together. However, the teaming-up process showed that things were not as they seemed, as Joey had to prove his father's innocence and uncover his secrets. So how will this all turn out? To get the answers to these questions and more, you will have to pick up "Carolina Moonset' and see how it all comes out to the reader.

Be ready for many twists and turns before all this mystery, suspense, and the love story is worked out. The author does an excellent job at giving the reader a beautiful South Carolina setting with 'sways with palms and waves, boats, and beauty, the integument of love between races, unrequited love, a new love, and an old love' that comes together giving the reader quite a beautiful, and heartbreaking good read till the end. The 'Carolina Moonset' picture was also so beautiful; it explained how it was given to Marshall-Green and who had painted it.

I have a confession to make: I have a huge reservoir of affection for books involving the low country and barrier islands off the coast of the Carolinas and Georgia. It started way back in the day when I first read Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of Tides” and has continued ever since. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see them before global climate change and several other factors destroy them (I’m a born and bred California girl who’s only been next to the Atlantic Ocean when she was in New York City one time, so I think that hardly counts), but it’s been on my bucket list for as long as Greece has (which would be high school). So one of the main reasons I wanted to read this book was the setting: location location location!

The second reason was the same reason I’ve chosen to read a lot of the books I’ve picked to read in the last 9-plus months: memory. I’ve said before in a few reviews that books involving issues surrounding memory or sleep intrigue and interest me because I’ve had chronic insomnia for years now and my memory is very compromised by both my panic disorder and temporal lobe epilepsy. It doesn’t help that both lack of sleep and stress and/or overwhelming anxiety both aggravate the epilepsy and cause more memory loss issues. With every week that slips by, the memory loss gets worse, it seems, and I’m not even 45 yet.

“Carolina Moonset” explores both. It’s a wonderful suspense mystery and family drama that may be set in the present but reaches far into the past to find most of its answers. The stunning and yet always ineffable salt marshes, lagoons, and tides of the barrier islands and their tricky dichotomy of working class stilt houses and plantation mansions provides a perfect backdrop for a tricky tale of whodunit, all while Joey (our main character) tries to keep the police from putting his father (who has a rare and lethal form of dementia) in jail for the murder by solving the case with the help of the adult daughter of the couple who live next door to his parents.

I’m usually so let down by suspense mysteries these days. Either the pacing isn’t right, or I guess the turn(s) early on in the book, or the book is too long, or there are too many characters.. I could keep going. That wasn’t the case here: this book was kind-of the Goldilocks of suspense mysteries in so many ways. Great pacing, I was surprised more than once by clever (but not pretentious or outrageous) misdirects, a great length, a surprisingly perfect number of characters, and a diverse cast. The book also has a big heart with a great but gentle sense of humor. You can’t help but fall in love with both Joey and his father. Unlike “The Prince of Tides”, it’s one of the best and least toxic father-son relationships I’ve ever read in a book. It was truly touching.

My sole complaint is that there were a few obvious points where the main character should’ve known better or had shown more logic before and then all of sudden lacked that same level of logic. It was annoying enough for me to get frustrated, but not annoying enough to stop reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of southern mysteries and who loves positive family dynamics. It’s a great read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and Forge Books for early access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2022/05/31/carolina-moonset-by-matt-goldman/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

4.5 hearts

I've enjoyed this author in the past with the mystery series set in Minnesota.  I lived there many years and now live in North Carolina.  Carolina Moonset is in South Carolina though.  The world feels much more deep south than here but it's probably the historical scenes and memories which make it so, not that there is a big difference.

Joey is a successful businessman who goes to his parent's home, which was his grandparent's home first, in the small town where his dad grew up and now has retired.  He lives in Chicago, where his father attended medical school, met his wife and practiced medicine.  His father is now having health issues and he is spending his vacation there to help his mother.

Joey is divorced with teen children who are vacationing with his ex-wife.  His parent's neighbors have a divorced daughter,  who is similarly visiting from Boston while her teens are with the ex.  The parents set them up and it works out better than expected.  Their dialogue is hilarious.  While they are getting to know each other,  there is a murder in the middle of a thunderstorm.

The investigation of the murder, the emotions of dealing with a parent in failing health,  and the new romance fill the pages and the heart.  I found this an emotional story with very well developed characters.  It was stunning and provoking.

I love reading stories that take place in the Carolinas; now throw in some suspense, a little history, and secrets from the past and I’m sold!

Carolina Moonset takes places in Beaufort, South Carolina, where Joey Green has returned to help look after his ailing father who is suffering from dementia. But Marshall Green’s long-term memory is stronger than ever. Visions from his childhood continue to flood back to him, but his hallucinations become a concern for Joey as some of his father’s secrets allude to deadly secrets and scandals. When a man from Marshall’s past is suddenly murdered in the present day, Joey is worried his father might be connected. But with no short-term memory, Joey relies on his father’s memories to crack the case.

I really enjoyed reading this story, and while I don’t normally like segues to romantic interests mixed in with the suspense and mystery, it actually worked really well in this instance. The connection and witty banter between Joey and Leela was a refreshing reprieve from the sad reality of his father’s declining condition, and her family’s close relationship with his allowed for a smooth transition to her involvement in the story.

I have to admit I was somewhat surprised by how the story ended, not so much by who the murderer was, but the manner in which this individual was discovered to be the culprit. I definitely didn’t see that little detail coming. Really clever!

Highly recommend this book!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4741737635

What's it about (in a nutshell):
Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman is a rich and complex mystery that spans decades in a small southern coastal community.

Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
I love the cover. It feels like southern coastal South Carolina with the waterways obscured by tall grasses and the large old home in the midst of it all. The light on in the upstairs window intrigues me. The blurb also intrigues me with talk of old family secrets. By chance, I am reading this book while I'm in the area it is set in, and I imagine that will even add to the story in unexpected ways.

Actual Reading Experience:
Carolina Moonset was everything I expected, told so beautifully and so atmospherically that I felt like I was there sitting in the Green's kitchen.

The mystery is complex and encompasses so many layers of hate, racism, and wrongdoings that it fits the setting historically and socially to perfection. I could see lots of it coming, but I didn't care that I wouldn't be shocked or surprised. I was happy to be immersed in the tale of all that had transpired so many decades ago. And I felt utterly rewarded for my mindset.

The setting and how the author immerses you in that setting were sublime. I happened to be in the area when I read the book and can attest to the authenticity of the descriptions. I think the location lends itself to sitting for a spell and listening to family stories until late into the night. Or at least that's the effect on me, and I have heard many family stories, especially my own.

The family themes and portrayal of dementia are heartwarming, heartbreaking, relatable, and authentic. I loved the way neighbors pulled together to lend a hand and how everyone treated Marshall Green (the main character's father) with the utmost respect. There was so much love and care in that community, and it came through the page unmistakably.

Characters:
The characters are so well-developed that I knew them like I knew my own family and neighbors. Joey Green is the main character and narrator. He tells the story in first-person narration giving the story that personal perspective that rings genuine. Joey is likable and upstanding, as is the rest of his family. I loved the romance that blooms between him and his parent's neighbor's daughter, who is of a similar age and also divorced

To Read or Not to Read:
Suppose you love family history, a large dose of southern ambiance, and a compelling mystery that spans generations. In that case, Carolina Moonset is just the cup of sweet tea you've been waiting for.

This is a wonderful summer mystery. Just the right mix of setting, the low country of Beaufort, SC; the right amount of characters and a great story. Joey Green goes home to Beaufort, SC to help his parents as his Dad is developing dementia. While this is a serious condition, it works well with this story and characters. I first wondered where the mystery was in this book, keep with it as it does develop as does the romance between Joey and the girl next door which the mothers are trying to get together. The plot thickens and it all falls into place and tied up nicely at the end. Easy to read and one which I'd recommend for a light mystery read.

This was the first book I have read by Matt Goldman and I will certainly be putting more of his books on my reading list. When reading this book I felt like I was right there in South Carolina with Joey Green and his parents.

Joey Green travels from his home in Chicago to Beaufort, SC to help his parents out for a while. His father, Marshall, is a retired doctor who is suffering with Lewy Body Dementia and his mother has been his primary care giver. Joey talks his mother into taking a much needed break and attend a pickle ball tournament in Florida for a few days. While spending time with his father, who has no short term memory but vivid memories of years past of growing up in South Carolina, Joey uncovers long ago secrets and unsolved murders. While Joey is caring for Marshall , a man from a family that Marshall did not like is murdered and the police start looking at Marshall as a suspect. Joey takes it upon himself to help clear his father’s name by finding out what really happened years ago to cause all the unsolved scandal and secrets and to make it right for all involved.

This book was well written and flowed very nicely. Thank you to Net Galley and Forge Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Most books set in the Low Country of SC are beach romances, so I was glad to see Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman - crime fiction set in Beaufort, SC.

"Joey Green has returned to Beaufort to help care for his father, who suffers from dementia. His father's short-term memory is gone, but he still remembers all of his old stories. Joey becomes worried when his father, Marshall, starts hallucinating and talking to people that aren't there. And then a prominent developer is murdered and several things point to Marshall being the killer."

Goldman keeps the reader guessing. You're never quite sure who the killer is until the end. The story has great flow and pace. Lots of secrets. A couple of stereotypical southern characters, but not too much.

Interesting dating experiment between Leela and Joey - What if on your very first date you told each other your worst faults? Get the bad things out of the way. Some interesting conversations between those two.

Good story from Goldman.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge Books for this Advanced Review Copy.

A moving and engrossing read.

I haven't read this author before, but after seeing positive reviews around the blogosphere, I requested a review copy via NetGalley, and was thrilled to have the chance to read and review Carolina Moonset, which did not disappoint.

"When I saw my first palm tree, I almost died of disappointment." ... this opening line had me hooked. I loved the set-up and wanted to know more. The writer takes the reader immediately into a journey of reminiscence, love, loss, and letting go. I fell in love with the characters, who all felt visceral and real, and I connected with the predicament deeply.

I love a good mystery, especially one that happened decades ago and needs to be resolved in the here and now, as well as an in-the-present crisis to go along with it. This book certainly delivers that.

Joey's dad has Lewy Body Demtentia, which leaves him with zero short-term recall and no idea what happened even a few seconds prior. He lives in the past, which he recalls vividly. Added to that, he also begins to hallucinate and hold conversations with people who are not there. When a prominent local businessman is shot dead, and the murder weapon is linked to Joey's dad, things get a whole lot more serious.

I loved the style of writing, the characterisation, world building, and humour that runs throughout the narrative. Here are some lines I loved ...

"I took a deep breath and inhaled forty years of pleasant memories from this place I loved."

And ...

"Running a company and parenting two teenagers was easier than parenting my parents."

And ...

"When it comes to matchmaking, my wife treats this town like one of her quilts. No tolerance for loose threads dangling all alone."

The plot, pacing, and writing were excellently done, and I enjoyed this read immensely. The ending was well-rounded and satisfying. I shall be reading more of Matt Goldman for sure. Carolina Moonset gets a resounding five stars from me.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

Loved this mystery set in the low country! Joey Green has returned home for a visit with his parents while his kids vacation with their mother, his ex-wife. It's bittersweet as Joey's father is in advanced dementia which doesn't affect his long term memory. He's able to relate stories from decades ago, but can't recall a conversation that happened five minutes ago. One stormy evening, a murder occurs in the neighborhood, dad's gun is missing and so is any recollection of whether he ventured out that night. Joey unravels long buried secrets with the help of an attractive neighbor. The story has it all mystery, suspense, family, nostalgia and romance. I really enjoyed it and will be recommending it as a great beach read especially if you happen to be near the book's setting in South Carolina.

Divorced dad, Joey Green, returns home to the small town of Beaufort, South Carolina, to help his mother look after his father for a while. Marshall Green is suffering from Lewy Body dementia*. His short-term memory has almost disappeared, but his long-term memory is strong.

Marshall is not violent, except when it comes to the Hammond family. He has unexpected outbursts when the name is mentioned. Marshall has some old unresolved issues that come out when he talks with his old friend, Trip Patterson, who died decades ago, who appears in a hallucination.

As Marshall’s long-term memories rise, so does the memory of his first love, Delphi, who was murdered because back then, in South Carolina, mixed-race couples were not tolerated. But even those memories are not exactly correct as readers discover. There is another murder and a probable murder after Delphi’s that sets the town on edge.

In current time, Roy’s brother is murdered, down the street from the Green home. At first, the police are interested in Marshall as he cannot account for his whereabouts that evening.

Joey, interested in clearing his father, wants to learn what happened to Trip, Delphi and Roy. At the same time, Joey’s mother, Carol, and the next-door neighbors are trying to set Joey up with their also-divorced daughter, Leela. Sparks flair, Joey and Leela turn investigators together.

This book got off to a slow start for me, but I am glad I hung in there. It turned out to be a true page-turner. Once the new murder happens, the plotline sets off on a can't-put-down thrill ride full of secrets, scandals, lies, memories, romance and racism. “Carolina Moonset” received 4 stars in Julie’s world.



*Lewy Body Dementia is “a progressive dementia that results from protein deposits in nerve cells of brain. It affects movement, thinking skills, mood, memory, and behavior” with frequent bouts of hallucinations.

This was a very good book with a focus mainly on family with some historical suspense, that morphs into current day suspense thrown in. Joey is visiting his father in South Carolina, his father has Lewy body dementia, a slow moving disease that will eventually kill him, but for now he can remember details from years ago, but can't remember something that happened minutes ago. His parents set Joey up with the daughter of the next door neighbors who happens to be his age and is also divorced and they hit it off. One night while with the daughter, Joey had left his father home alone, locked in the house, when he returns he finds his father eating a freshly picked orange, presumably from the tree in the back yard. Joey also finds out there has been a well known citizen murdered, Tom Hammond, who has featured heavily in his father's long term memory recollections. Soon the police are interviewing all the people and focus on his father, who has a gun that has gone missing and appears to have been outside at the time of the murder. Joey is a devoted son and will do anything he can to prevent his father from being charged with the murder. This book was well written and nicely paced, I was engaged fully in the story. I would recommend. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Forge Books for the ARC.

This is the first book by the author I've read and I really enjoyed this one. I will be searching out for others now.

It's part mystery, part romance, part dual time line - but told through flashbacks. It's the first book in a male perspective that I've read in a long time, I wasn't sure if I'd relate to the main character, Joey Green, but it was well written and the characters are awesome. There is a lot going on in this book, but it all wraps up neatly in the end and doesn't feel rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I almost always enjoy stories when there is an unsolved mystery from the past, so I was drawn to this one. Carolina Moonset did not disappoint.

Joey Green returns to Beaufort, South Carolina to visit his aging parents. He immediately recognizes something is wrong with his father. Marshall Green has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. His short-term memory is practically non-existent, but he can remember things from long ago in vivid detail. Marshall is also starting to hallucinate, another symptom of the disease.

The stress of caring for her husband has taken its toll on Carol Green. When she has an opportunity to accompany a friend to Florida for a Pickleball tournament, Joey encourages her to go, saying he’ll care for his father.

But when a prominent citizen of Beaufort is murdered, police suspect Marshall Green may be responsible. He hadn’t tried to hide his dislike of the man and his entire family. What’s worse is that an antique gun belonging to Marshall turns up missing and police determine it’s the same type of gun used in the murder.

Carolina Moonset is not only a murder mystery, but there is also romance, family dynamics, and enduring friendships. Both the major and minor characters are well-developed. The mystery of the past probably intrigued me the most, but I also was eager to learn the identity of the present-day killer.

The book has a comfortable pace—not exactly a page-turner, but neither a slow burn. I found it just right for the genre and recommend it to anyone who enjoys not only a good mystery but also for the enduring family dynamics.

Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for an advanced reader copy.

Have you ever read a book that makes you wish you could unread it, forget everything, and read it again for the first time? My book hangover from this one is going to kill me. I'm so sad it's over. I loved it SO much.
Reading Joey's story had me feeling this way, it was beyond captivating.
Matt Goldman knows how to pack a punch when it comes to keeping his readers engaged.
This book hit me hard and took me down memory lane. Having to endure the heartache of watching someone you love battle this awful disease.... Alzheimer's! I could totally relate to the Green family's own heartache in this novel.
The way he describes so vividly the scenery and growing up and living in Beaufort, South Carolina was very well executed. And beautifully done.
The story providing secrets from past, A bit of mystery and phenomenal characters who will stay with me for some time. Comes a breathtaking tale as these characters work to solve a murder and dig up some old secrets along the way!
An absolute atmospheric, satisfying, beautiful and intriguing read, that had me hanging onto every word and page of Carolina Moonset.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Forge Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman
Rating: Starred Review

Summary: Joey is visiting his older mother and father in Beaufort SC. His father has a rare from of memory loss. As Joey comes to grips with his fathers condition he meets a wonderful women and they strike quite the relationship. When a rich man in town is killed Joey must defend his father to the highest degree of possibly dishonesty.

Comments: Goldman takes a break from Nils Shapiro series and write maybe his best book yet. Highly recommended and maybe a tear from a wet eye will develop. Outstanding!

The story of Joey Green is one that will stay with me for a very long time. It is a story of family, small town secrets, the choices we make and how they affect those we love.

Joey returns to his small hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, to help his mom take care of his ailing dad. While his dad’s short-term memory is rapidly failing, his long-term memories seem to be coming alive. But understanding these memories, some of which are new to Joey, leads him down a path of mystery and possible murder.

The entire dementia and memory loss storyline is so well written. As someone who has lived this portion of the story, I can relate to all the ups and downs; the joys of remembering, and the frustration of forgetting. The themes of forgiveness and hope in despair are powerful.

The writing was well paced and atmospheric; the mystery part of the novel was suspenseful. I’m now excited to visit South Carolina! I will definitely be reading this author again.

Thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this wonderful novel in exchange for an honest review.

Carolina Moonset was everything I thought it was going to be; a page-turner, suspenseful, mysterious, at times romantic and dramatic. I read this book in one day and could not put it down until I was down. The story follows Joey Green as he returns to Beaufort, South Carolina - a place where he used to vacation in the summer, where his parents now live, and where his father grew up. His father is suffering from Lewy Body Syndrome, and Joey is planning to spend time with his Dad while his mother goes away for a couple of days.

All is going as expected until his Dad starts hallucinating people from his past, a murder happens, and then all hell breaks loose, and long-buried family secrets bubble to the surface.

Highly recommend this beautiful read.

4.5/5 stars
Thank you to Macmillian, Tor/Forge, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Joey Green goes home to South Carolina to take care of his father. Things start going well until his father starts talking about deadly secretes from the past. One night while watching his father, Joey leaves and forgets to lock the door and during that time someone is shot, and it is well known that his father never liked the man.
I picked this book because I am from South Carolina and that is the setting of this story. The characters were relatable although the romance in the book was rushed, and I did not enjoy it. The twist and turns in the book were great and kept the story interesting. Other than the rushed romance the only other complaint I have with the book is the main characters jumping to conclusions. I like a good story with clues not a story where the characters are just making guesses. Overall, the book was fast paced and kept my interest.

4.5 stars! I really liked this book! The writing style was comfortable, the characters were (mostly) likeable, the storyline a little on the sad side, but handled so well that tears were not a worry.
Joey, 46 years old, returns to visit with his parents in light of the dementia (Lewy Body Dementia) getting worse for his dad which is wearing down his mom. She and the neighbors conspire to have Joey meet the daughter next door and they really hit it off.
Joey's dad cannot be left alone as he will wander and has no short term memory. He loves to fish so he and Joey and Bubba, captain of the local charter, spend time out on the water, reminiscing about the good old days of his dad. Stories that come out tie in to incidents that are happening now and Joey has the same concern as the police that his dad may be involved.
The rest of the story brings all the aspects together in a way that keeps you guessing until the end. Great story. Want to read more by this author.