Happy Hump Day! For today’s book review, I must give a shout-out to Lady Tessa of Tessa Talks Books who first alerted me to this fantastic family drama and mystery. Carolina Moonset is definitely a winner!
CAROLINA MOONSET
by Matt Goldman
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing an ARC.
From the title, to the book cover, to the blurb, I couldn’t wait to disappear into the pages of this novel. I was so engrossed, I read 68% in one sitting, then finished it the next day, frustrated sleep had intervened.
Joey Green visits his parents in the small South Carolina town where his father grew up, focused on spending time with his dad, Marshall, a beloved local physician who is sinking into dementia. When Marshall starts talking about the past, holding conversations with people who aren’t there, Joey and his mother chalk his behavior up to a deteriorating mind. But it soon becomes apparent there are secrets hidden in his reminiscing, puzzle pieces that bind the past to the present. When one of the town’s most influential citizens is murdered, suspicions fall on Marshall, but Joey knows his father is innocent. Finding out who is responsible opens a door on an old tragedy and unresolved circumstances.
While I found the mystery from the past to be the more intriguing of the two, I was completely surprised by the identity of the killer in the present. Although this is more of a quiet story, it moves at a pace that makes it impossible to set the book down. The descriptions are phenomenal, the richly detailed setting easily transporting the reader to a place of salt marshes, shrimp boats, and antebellum homes.
Main and secondary characters are equally well-developed, and no one gets short shrift (I developed such a soft spot for Bubba). There is a subplot with a low-key romance, but it enhances rather than detracts from the overall tale. Beautifully written, this is a story that touches on relationships, sacrifice, heartache, and love. I thought the ending was perfect, and would recommend this to anyone who likes an intelligent and compelling mystery with memorable characters.
RELEASE DATE IS MAY 31, 2022
PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON OR YOUR FAVORITE BOOK VENDOR
Great review, Mae. Carolina Moonset sounds like a literary mystery novel that succeeds on a lot of different levels.
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It’s absolutely that, Priscilla. I couldn’t put it down!
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This sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. I love that there’s an intelligent mystery and beautiful prose. What a great mix. Thanks for sharing.
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Definitely a fantastic mix, Staci, and a memorable book. If you’re interested, it’s still available on NG, last time I checked.
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Great review. This sounds like a read I’d like. Thanks for sharing your, Mae 💕🙂
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It’s fabulous, Harmony. You can still probably snag it from Net Galley if you’re interested.
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Thanks, Mae. I’ve requested it now 🤞😁
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That’s great, Harmony. I’ve got my fingers crossed you get approved!
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OK, on the list.
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Woohoo! I always like adding to your TBR, Fraggle. 😁
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Don’t get excited I’ll be in a coffin by the time I’ve read everything before it!
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LOL! Well, I hope not, but I thoroughly get what you’re saying. It seems for every book I read, I buy 3-4 more! 🤣
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Sounds like a good story. I’m sure the dual mysteries appealed to you.
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They did, Craig. It didn’t have dual timelines, but I like the combination of an old unsolved mystery and a current one.
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This sounds really good, Mae. Thanks for your terrific review. I love the cover!
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The cover sucked me in, Jill, and the story really delivered!
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I can’t wait to read this one. I’m glad to hear it is as good as it sounded. Excellent review, Mae!
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I really loved it, Tessa. Can’t wait to see what you think of it. Thanks for pointing me toward it.
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Thanks for sharing your review and introducing the author, Mae. Added to my list! Have a happy Wednesday! 🙂
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Oh, that’s awesome, Natalie! Wishing you a happy Wednesday as well!
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Great review, MC. And since I am a Carolina girl (doesn’t matter, north or south), I will get this one.
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Noelle, if you’re a Carolina girl, I think you’ll really love. The descriptions of the settings are fantastic. I felt like I was there!
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I remember being drawn to this book on NetGalley just because of the cover. Now I regret not picking it up. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this story, Mae!
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You can probably still snag it, Jan. I know Joan requested it just a short while ago and was quickly approved.
It really was fabulous!
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The details sounds captivating, and the fact that you read 68% in one sitting speaks volumes. I’ll be adding it to my list, thanks for the info!
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It really sucks you in, Peachy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It’s an excellent book.
And BTW, it’s great to see you on Twitter. I followed you back! 🙂
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Thanks, Mae, I appreciate that, and you sharing my Musical Mondays post. 💜 I was intimidated by the platform, but decided to finally give it a go.
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I like Twitter a lot. You’ll have it down pat in no time! 🙂
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It’s not easy to put one over on you, so the surprise killer angle reels me in. Great review, Mae.
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LOL! I am usually pretty good at fingering the villain, but I was surprised by the outcome in this one. Glad you enjoyed the review, Jacquie. Def a good read! 🙂
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Okay, I’m hooked. I love the sound of the southern setting, and the overall plot line, and if the writing is as good as you say–and I know you wouldn’t make that up 😄–I think I need to head straight to Amazon! Great review, as usual, Mae! 😀 ❤
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Woohoo! It’s a multi-layered, compelling read, Marcia. I was sucked in (even though it has a quiet start) and couldn’t stop reading. The characters and setting were off the chart. I do love southern fiction. Toss in family dynamics and a great mystery and I was a happy camper! 🙂
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Sounding more and more like my kinda book. Just what I love to read and what I strive to write. Yep, already got this one coming! Thanks again for the great review. 😊😊😊
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Sounds like a good one, Mae. I love southern stories. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I’m like you, John. I love southern stories, which is a bit odd since I’m a northern bird, but I get sucked in every time. This one made a solid impression!
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😊
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I adore that cover and title. Having lived in SC over 18 years, this one really appeals to me. Thanks for the rec, Mae!
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Teri, with your background with SC, I suspect you would love this one. I’ve only been to NC, but I thoroughly loved the setting. I have a passion for southern fiction, especially when it’s well written, and this one really delivered.
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I saw your review on Goodreads and immediately requested an ARC. I’m reading it now! Thanks for the recommendation.
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Yay! I’m doing a happy dance, Joan. I can’t wait to see what your thoughts are. I really loved this book, and hope you find it equally engrossing.
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Great review, Mae 🙂 It sounds like a read I’d like.
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It held my interest from cover to cover, Denise. Definitely oneI’d recommend.
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I loved this book too. Both my mother and mother-in-law suffered from dementia, so I could really relate to the father’s character.
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It was a great story. So glad you enjoyed it too, Sharon. I thought Marshall’s condition was handled sensitively and well. My mother suffered from dementia too, but not the type addressed in the book. Even so, I was able to relate. His character really pulled my heartstrings. Thanks for adding your thoughts today!
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This sounds pretty good all around, Mae. Beautiful review. ❤️
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Thanks. I really enjoyed it. 🙂
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This sounds excellent. So many of us are touched by loved ones with dementia, I’ll drawn to stories about how people deal with it.
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The topic is handled really well, Jacqui. Both Marshall and Joey are wonderful characters and it displayed in their relationship.
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Terrific review, Mae! Adding this one to my wish list… Thanks for sharing.
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Fabulous! Thanks for visiting, Bette!
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😍
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This is a most interesting review, Mae. You have piqued my interest.
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Good to hear, Robbie. It was an excellent story!
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Sounds like a great read, Mae. I’m a fan of gorgeous writing, especially when combined with a plot that can’t be put down, even for sleep! Lol. Thanks for the recommendation and Happy Easter!
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It definitely fit the bill of gorgeous writing and intriguing plot, Diana. I was immersed in superb descriptions and story telling from beginning to end.
Thanks for the Easter wishes. We had a wonderful time with family. 🙂 ❤️
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I’m a sucker for gorgeous writing. I have to get those kinds of books in paperback so I can highlight them!
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😁💕
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This sounds like a perfect blend of characters, setting, and mystery. I love the Carolinas. Thanks for the review!
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It has that wonderful trifecta you mentioned, Judi. A particularly stellar read! 🙂
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Excellent review, Mae. As I have said, I trust your judgement. The only downside is that I’ll have to wait for a day off to read it, because I need my beauty sleep. 🙂
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LOL! I’m glad you trust my reviews, Mark, and I expect when you carve out time in your sleep routine, you’ll find this an enjoyable read! 🙂
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This sounds like a really good read, Mae, and I love any title with Moonset in it. I have one on the back burner with that word in the title. It reminds me of childhood tales and stories.
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I loved the title too, Flossie. It was one of the things that attracted me to the book. I’m so glad I grabbed it from Net Galley. It was a gem of a story!
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