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Nils Shapiro #3
The Shallows
In the words of Lee Child on Gone to Dust, “I want more of Nils Shapiro.” New York Times and Emmy Award-winning author Matt Goldman happily obliges by bringing the Minneapolis private detective back for another thrilling, stand alone adventure in The Shallows.
Business is booming for private investigator Nils Shapiro and his partners.
Lawyer Todd Rabinowitz is found tied to the dock outside his Minnesota home with a fishing stinger through his jaw. His widow, Robin Rabinowitz, calls Nils to the crime scene and asks him to investigate her husband’s savage murder. She’s not the only one. Soon, Nils has more job offers then he can handle. Robin’s boyfriend. Todd’s partner at his law firm. One of Todd’s clients, a polarizing Congressional candidate. The local police, in over their heads. The FBI.
Their motives are complicated at best, and as Nils unravels the convoluted case, the bodies pile up. Someone doesn’t want him to discover what happened to Todd, and won’t stop until they silence Nils as well.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2019
346 people are currently reading
2609 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
February 25, 2025
“The Shallows” by Matt Goldman is book three in the “Nils Shapiro” Series, but new readers will immediately be drawn into the story, and any background information needed is included seamlessly as a natural part of the action. The story unfolds in a first person narrative by Nils Shapiro. He is a private investigator and shares his philosophy,
When Robin Rabinowitz finds the body of her husband in Minnesota’s Christmas Lake tied up like a fish, hook and all, she becomes the prime suspect in his murder, and Shapiro get the call. He conducts business his way, and gets right to the point.
He is worth the money, and a few seconds later his phone confirms that Stone Arch Investigations has received the five thousand dollar payment. He also proposes an unusual investigative strategy,
Readers follow along as Shapiro uncovers layer upon layer of deception. No one has secrets that remain hidden for long, not with the internet. He shares what he thinks and talks directly to readers. ”I forgive them certain transgressions.” The story is about the characters, the people, the good ones, the bad ones, and those who are questionable. Unfortunately, Rabinowitz is not the only murder victim, and things quickly get a lot more complicated. However, no matter what happens to whom, Shapiro keeps billing hours, “Well, they’re not hiding their checkbook,”
Goldman creates a vivid sense of place, the serene:
And in contrast, the antiseptic:
“The Shallows” is a story with layers of conspiracy, deception, political intrigue, and personal complications. I was given a review copy of “The Shallows” by Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishers. It is an absorbing story for regular fans, and a compelling introduction to Nils Shapiro for new readers.
“I never trust someone with a clean and neat desk.”
When Robin Rabinowitz finds the body of her husband in Minnesota’s Christmas Lake tied up like a fish, hook and all, she becomes the prime suspect in his murder, and Shapiro get the call. He conducts business his way, and gets right to the point.
“Why didn’t you untie the stringer from the dock, then pull your husband up on shore? Oh, and, Mrs. Rabinowitz, I’m going to need a five-thousand-dollar retainer if you want me to work for you.”
He is worth the money, and a few seconds later his phone confirms that Stone Arch Investigations has received the five thousand dollar payment. He also proposes an unusual investigative strategy,
“You have two choices. I cannot work for you or work for you and tell people I’m not. Your decision. And you need to make it right now.”
Readers follow along as Shapiro uncovers layer upon layer of deception. No one has secrets that remain hidden for long, not with the internet. He shares what he thinks and talks directly to readers. ”I forgive them certain transgressions.” The story is about the characters, the people, the good ones, the bad ones, and those who are questionable. Unfortunately, Rabinowitz is not the only murder victim, and things quickly get a lot more complicated. However, no matter what happens to whom, Shapiro keeps billing hours, “Well, they’re not hiding their checkbook,”
Goldman creates a vivid sense of place, the serene:
“I followed him up from the lake and toward the house on a path of crushed limestone. The white-blue LED floods revealed a lawn of deep green. Hydrangeas and lilies grew in carved-out planting beds topped with mulched cedar. It smelled fresh and good. The frogs and crickets couldn’t stop singing about it.”
And in contrast, the antiseptic:
“We gathered around a big table in a small room at FBI headquarters in Brooklyn Center. The table was so big in comparison to the room you could barely get around it without walking sideways, as if you were traversing a narrow ledge, your back to the wall.”
“The Shallows” is a story with layers of conspiracy, deception, political intrigue, and personal complications. I was given a review copy of “The Shallows” by Matt Goldman, Forge Books, and Macmillan Publishers. It is an absorbing story for regular fans, and a compelling introduction to Nils Shapiro for new readers.
August 3, 2019
Shallow
"Tell me something, Nils
Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?"
Nils is not sure how to fill the void in his personal life. He needs to go deep and move away from the shallow area in his relationships with the women in his life. He has better luck catching killers.
Matt Goldman's third Nils Shapiro book. We ride along with Nils as he searches for the killer(s) of a high powered lawyer. At the same time he's trying to deal with his dysfunctional personal life, his feelings for the dead lawyers widow, bomb threats, kidnapping, and oh by the way his ex wife is pregnant. Well isn't that special. Read books one and two too fully understand Nils Shapiro.
"Tell me something, Nils
Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?"
Nils is not sure how to fill the void in his personal life. He needs to go deep and move away from the shallow area in his relationships with the women in his life. He has better luck catching killers.
Matt Goldman's third Nils Shapiro book. We ride along with Nils as he searches for the killer(s) of a high powered lawyer. At the same time he's trying to deal with his dysfunctional personal life, his feelings for the dead lawyers widow, bomb threats, kidnapping, and oh by the way his ex wife is pregnant. Well isn't that special. Read books one and two too fully understand Nils Shapiro.
July 30, 2019
Lawyer Todd Rabinowitz died in the lake at the back of his house in the middle of the night. Oh, but it was not a simple death by drowning. He was tied to the dock by a fish stringer run through his jaw. Nasty. Private investigator Nils Shapiro is hired by the widow to figure out who killed him. There are several suspects: 1) the widow Robin, who says they were close to divorcing, 2) the artist boyfriend who creates metal sculpture, 3) Todd's law firm partners because Robin suspects her husband discovered something bad going on, or 4) someone unknown to Robin. Deaths will continue. Nils and his partners in the PI firm come up with all kinds of schemes to track down the killer.
There's a heat wave in Minnesota which I wouldn't have ever thought about because I equate Minnesota with brrrr cold. Texas thinking. Matt Goldman continues with his style of creating bizarre murder scenes. Although this book is third in a series, it's not necessary to read the first two to understand what's happening. We see more of Nils' personal life and interactions with his partners. I like his sarcastic wit and unique ways of solving a crime. I believe this is the best of the three novels so far.
There's a heat wave in Minnesota which I wouldn't have ever thought about because I equate Minnesota with brrrr cold. Texas thinking. Matt Goldman continues with his style of creating bizarre murder scenes. Although this book is third in a series, it's not necessary to read the first two to understand what's happening. We see more of Nils' personal life and interactions with his partners. I like his sarcastic wit and unique ways of solving a crime. I believe this is the best of the three novels so far.
October 5, 2024
Excellent audio and this installment moves Nils personal story a huge bump forward.
The case is twisty turny, and things fi a little too well reflecting current events. Though I appreciate the sentiment it's an all a bit too pat for my taste.
In any case I had a good time listening.
The case is twisty turny, and things fi a little too well reflecting current events. Though I appreciate the sentiment it's an all a bit too pat for my taste.
In any case I had a good time listening.
July 27, 2020
Another great read from Matt Goldman following Minneapolis PI Nils Shapiro. I liked every word of it. This one includes both personal and professional trials and victories when many clients compete to hire Nils and his firm. All members of his firm play roles in solving a web of crimes and murders. There is a law firm at the center of much of the action, a right-wing candidate hoping to gain office, troubled marriages and clever maneuvers by our man Nils that finally lead to solving a complex set of criminal schemes with many players.
Another bonus for me included grand descriptions of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka and many other landmarks I am intimately familiar with having grown up there.
Library Loan
Another bonus for me included grand descriptions of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka and many other landmarks I am intimately familiar with having grown up there.
Library Loan
November 10, 2020
There are a lot of people in this story which usually is a turn off for me…but in this case it is fairly easy to keep track of them. The story consists of murders… bomb scares…and kidnapping…however it's all in a day's work for Minneapolis PI Nils Shapiro. While he juggles multiple clients he also has to deal with his personal life like his ongoing relationship… or lack of…with his ex-wife. That situation becomes much more complicated throughout the story. The Shallows along with Nils Shapiro is a somewhat complicated read at times. While I like the way Goleman portrays Shapiro as an intelligent PI who doesn't fall for stupid tricks and actually knows and carries out a few of his own…I became a little annoyed with some of his antics and a couple people he works with. I did find most of his comments and his view of the world...entertaining and sometimes comical. Readers that like Robert Parker’s Spencer series will more than likely like this series.
June 19, 2019
Kind of disappointed in this one after the second in this series was so good. But I probably will continue this series if there are more to come.
February 9, 2020
I am thoroughly enjoying reading about the Jewish Private Investigator, Nils Shapiro, and the cases he gets involved with in Minnesota. This one is centered around a murder at LAKE Minnetonka and has politicians and conspiracy theories.
October 4, 2019
** I received a free copy in a giveaway **
I've not read the other PI Nils Shapiro books but was able to step into the series without feeling like I was lost and couldn't catch up. The read was enjoyable and the mystery compelling.
I've not read the other PI Nils Shapiro books but was able to step into the series without feeling like I was lost and couldn't catch up. The read was enjoyable and the mystery compelling.
September 18, 2019
Another winner! I like the detective Nils Shapiro and it's fun to read a book set in the place you live.
June 8, 2019
Excellent book and definitely a new favorite author. Especially love reading the book with it being set in Minneapolis and all the references to places all of us in the Twin Cities love. Goldman’s books are quick to get into and love how the main character Nils is developing and enjoy his sassy attitude too. Hoping the next book will be out soon!
June 9, 2019
Nils Shapiro just keeps getting better! Appreciated his social/political commentary immensely in this one. Keep them coming, Matt!
December 3, 2019
The Shallows by Matt Goldman is book three in the Nils Shapiro and I have been a big fan of this new series. This one drifts in the political arena and may be uncomfortable for some readers but I think Goldman has navigated those waters very well with his characters.
"...I am nice. But I'm a private detective, not your lawyer. If I were your lawyer I would have told you the police will look hard at you and not to lie about anything because you've left a trail whether you realize it or not. Lawyers give good advice like that, so if you have one, you may want to give him or her a call. You know, after you settle down and aren't crying so hard about your dead husband..."
Nils Shapiro is finally in demand. Everyone wants to hire him, only he isn't sure if he wants the job. A prominent lawyer is found dead, tied to his dock as his wife, who seems to not be grieving very much sits inside their home. The there is the law firm he works for, they want Nils to investigate the murder as well. There is also the police department, short staffed who want Nils to work as a consultant and then there is the Congressional candidate who wants to hire Nils to make sure that the murder cannot hurt her campaign.
The landscape changes as the lawyer's offices are blown up and two more people are found dead. Now the murder of one lawyer is being linked to terrorism and to a possible cover-up. Nils knows that he has a limited amount of time to tie all the loose ends back together, add to it is his own personal life which is about to go through major changes.
Nils also knows that his own political views are shadowing his perception of the case and he may have to re-evaluate the situation in its entirety. To view this correctly, he needs to see people as individuals and not as conservatives or liberals. To solve this case he needs to be objective and he needs to do it fast, because the body count is beginning to rise.
I will admit, as a reader, I have become tired of authors using novels as a way of promoting their own political views and bashing others in a very black and white fashion. To the detriment of their characters and their stories. I can go on twitter and read your ranting and raving about Trump or Pelosi for free. Why would I pay good money and buy a book just to have to endure more?
But Goldman touches on this subject and instead of writing a polarizing story, he attempts to show the humanity that exists beneath the politics of our time. He does it in a manner that builds and is central to his mystery and is not a lecture on the evils of any one set of political views. In short, he has written another good story of murder and greed and the temperature of our times.
A really good read.
"...I am nice. But I'm a private detective, not your lawyer. If I were your lawyer I would have told you the police will look hard at you and not to lie about anything because you've left a trail whether you realize it or not. Lawyers give good advice like that, so if you have one, you may want to give him or her a call. You know, after you settle down and aren't crying so hard about your dead husband..."
Nils Shapiro is finally in demand. Everyone wants to hire him, only he isn't sure if he wants the job. A prominent lawyer is found dead, tied to his dock as his wife, who seems to not be grieving very much sits inside their home. The there is the law firm he works for, they want Nils to investigate the murder as well. There is also the police department, short staffed who want Nils to work as a consultant and then there is the Congressional candidate who wants to hire Nils to make sure that the murder cannot hurt her campaign.
The landscape changes as the lawyer's offices are blown up and two more people are found dead. Now the murder of one lawyer is being linked to terrorism and to a possible cover-up. Nils knows that he has a limited amount of time to tie all the loose ends back together, add to it is his own personal life which is about to go through major changes.
Nils also knows that his own political views are shadowing his perception of the case and he may have to re-evaluate the situation in its entirety. To view this correctly, he needs to see people as individuals and not as conservatives or liberals. To solve this case he needs to be objective and he needs to do it fast, because the body count is beginning to rise.
I will admit, as a reader, I have become tired of authors using novels as a way of promoting their own political views and bashing others in a very black and white fashion. To the detriment of their characters and their stories. I can go on twitter and read your ranting and raving about Trump or Pelosi for free. Why would I pay good money and buy a book just to have to endure more?
But Goldman touches on this subject and instead of writing a polarizing story, he attempts to show the humanity that exists beneath the politics of our time. He does it in a manner that builds and is central to his mystery and is not a lecture on the evils of any one set of political views. In short, he has written another good story of murder and greed and the temperature of our times.
A really good read.
October 5, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I listened to Gone to Dust after seeing it as an audible daily deal and have continued with the Nils Shapiro series . I really enjoyed the Minnesota setting since so much is familiar, having lived there for many years. I can see the streets, the restaurants, everything. This one starts on Christmas Lake and I lived just a block from it 5 years ago. I also lived on St. Alban's Bay for about 15 years and used to take the boat to Maynards to eat. Lee's Liquor Lounge is now closed so it was fun to remember it here.
Nils and his team at Stone Arch investigations are busy, busy in the third book, The Shallows. Everyone wants to hire him. I enjoyed the mystery and the twists in the investigation. There are many well drawn characters with some aspects timely to current events.
Nils personal life is updated as we go along, but more in the background. I'm fine with this approach. He is one heck of a smart guy but his personal life is rather bizarre. He does read people well and tries to get the right results even if he stretches the envelope at times. I'm loving this series and will continue.
Narration:
Andrews has narrated all these books and I am comfortable with his voice for Nils. He handled all the voices of different characters bringing forth realistic emotions. I have moved to a normal of 1.5x speed since the last one and it worked well here.
Listen to a clip: https://soundcloud.com/audiolibrary-a...
I listened to Gone to Dust after seeing it as an audible daily deal and have continued with the Nils Shapiro series . I really enjoyed the Minnesota setting since so much is familiar, having lived there for many years. I can see the streets, the restaurants, everything. This one starts on Christmas Lake and I lived just a block from it 5 years ago. I also lived on St. Alban's Bay for about 15 years and used to take the boat to Maynards to eat. Lee's Liquor Lounge is now closed so it was fun to remember it here.
Nils and his team at Stone Arch investigations are busy, busy in the third book, The Shallows. Everyone wants to hire him. I enjoyed the mystery and the twists in the investigation. There are many well drawn characters with some aspects timely to current events.
Nils personal life is updated as we go along, but more in the background. I'm fine with this approach. He is one heck of a smart guy but his personal life is rather bizarre. He does read people well and tries to get the right results even if he stretches the envelope at times. I'm loving this series and will continue.
Narration:
Andrews has narrated all these books and I am comfortable with his voice for Nils. He handled all the voices of different characters bringing forth realistic emotions. I have moved to a normal of 1.5x speed since the last one and it worked well here.
Listen to a clip: https://soundcloud.com/audiolibrary-a...
April 28, 2019
This is the third in a great series of mysteries set in Minneapolis featuring the appealing private investigator, Nils "Shap" Shapiro. For some reason, it took me about 50 pages to get into it but then I couldn't stop reading and the well-constructed and intricate solution was very satisfying. It's also interesting to catch up on Nils' private life and he has a new love interest (not a spoiler, there are hints throughout the book) which adds to the appeal. Try this series (GONE TO DUST is the first) if you are a fan of Sue Grafton and J. A. Jance's Beaumont series.
Thanks to the publisher (Macmillan) for the advance reading copy. To be published in early June 2019.
Thanks to the publisher (Macmillan) for the advance reading copy. To be published in early June 2019.
June 9, 2019
Mr. Goldman became a go to author for me after reading the first book in this wonderful series, and I haven’t been disappointed yet. As a matter of fact, I started this book this morning and could not stop reading until I had finished it.
I adore Nils Shapiro, and this book elevated him to another level in my appreciation of the character, his crime solving acumen and his personal musings on life and people. I actually highlighted a passage in this book, and I have never done that before. It just summed up a sentiment I have and have never been able to explain in such a meaningful and concise manner.
This book can be read as a stand alone if you have not read his other books, but if you start here, be prepared to go back and read the first two in the series. Well worth it.
I look forward to more books in this series. If you prefer audio books, I am familiar with the narrator. He is very good, so go for it.
Sent from my iPhone
I adore Nils Shapiro, and this book elevated him to another level in my appreciation of the character, his crime solving acumen and his personal musings on life and people. I actually highlighted a passage in this book, and I have never done that before. It just summed up a sentiment I have and have never been able to explain in such a meaningful and concise manner.
This book can be read as a stand alone if you have not read his other books, but if you start here, be prepared to go back and read the first two in the series. Well worth it.
I look forward to more books in this series. If you prefer audio books, I am familiar with the narrator. He is very good, so go for it.
Sent from my iPhone
July 30, 2019
I really like Goldman’s style of writing. It’s smart, wry humored, and fast. His characters, for the most part, are always in motion. As in his first book, I noticed he still tends to tell me how to drive around Minneapolis. It’s all part of his detectives-on-the-go now though. I don’t mind it anymore. I didn’t realize at first that this is book three in the Shapiro series. I need to track down book 2. This is a series I will stick with. I was 99 percent bamboozled by the mystery this time. There was such a wide group of suspects. I had no idea whodunnit until Nils told me. Loved that.
One side note: was that shade I saw Goldman throwing at Galbraith? LOL
One side note: was that shade I saw Goldman throwing at Galbraith? LOL
September 21, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up for Nils' wit. I'm pretty sure these are done for me. Now after 3 books it is resembling TV sit com conversation and situation way too closely. I'm allergic.
This one has a plot that was trendy and also panders for sales as such, of course, by playing politics. And the murders became gratuitous extreme. Ugh!
Glad he is now "free" but he isn't. He just doesn't realize a jot about fatherhood.
This one has a plot that was trendy and also panders for sales as such, of course, by playing politics. And the murders became gratuitous extreme. Ugh!
Glad he is now "free" but he isn't. He just doesn't realize a jot about fatherhood.
July 30, 2019
Another great novel starring Nils Shapiro, private investigator with true human flaws and perfections. I love this author's voice and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 24, 2023
This was fast paced, Nils is maturing and with some dramatic changes in his personal life, experiences both freedom and the opportunity for growth. He is hired by the widow of a wealthy lawyer to investigate her husbands death. His death is tied to his law firm which is supporting a far right candidate. If you’re into politics, and intend on getting mad, this book won’t be for you, if you wish to just enjoy the book, it’s a sold third in the series. It was fun seeing the character growth in Nils, and catching up on the others in the detective agency! I’m glad the drama with Michella is finally over even if their connection Carrie’s on.
December 16, 2020
3.45 stars. Relatively good, it was a nice change of pace to only have 1 POV ☺️👍🏻
May 24, 2021
While the plot is appropriate to our era of partisan politics, it's the voice of Nils Shapiro and Matt Goldman's characterizations that elevate this novel. Nils actually does some detection and thinks pretty well on his feet. I'll read more Nils any day.
April 27, 2023
This was my favorite Nils Shapiro book so far. Interesting plot, intriguing characters, and impressive narration. I like how Nils Shapiro operates as a PI. The story had some gotcha twists that I was not expecting. The fourth book is a different narrator so need to decide read or listen.
February 28, 2020
Took me a little while to get started on reading this year, and this was my first book.
I really enjoyed it. Nils is believable, a bit of a dick and funny. His wit, insight and observations are pretty interesting and it was fun to follow him through this case.
I really enjoyed it. Nils is believable, a bit of a dick and funny. His wit, insight and observations are pretty interesting and it was fun to follow him through this case.
February 26, 2020
My hometown hero, Nils Shapiro. I love Nils' sharp, sarcastic wit. He's a terrific character and I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
February 3, 2020
My first Matt Goldman novel, and it won't be my last!
Witty, clever, charismatic
A real solid whodunit.
Witty, clever, charismatic
A real solid whodunit.
October 3, 2019
3 STARS
Serviceable mystery.
The detective though, at the not-old age of 38, loves to drop all kinds of seemingly deep but not really bits of personal wisdom all over himself and the people he interact with. I found him low-key arrogant, and not as smart as he was intended to be. In fact, his smarts came at the expense of other people being stupid: the police being dumbfounded with the knowledge that is Sherlock Holmes level of detection and Lestrade level of idiocy.
It's all a bit silly, but worth a shot.
Serviceable mystery.
The detective though, at the not-old age of 38, loves to drop all kinds of seemingly deep but not really bits of personal wisdom all over himself and the people he interact with. I found him low-key arrogant, and not as smart as he was intended to be. In fact, his smarts came at the expense of other people being stupid: the police being dumbfounded with the knowledge that is Sherlock Holmes level of detection and Lestrade level of idiocy.
It's all a bit silly, but worth a shot.
June 25, 2019
Hey, I like Shap. I even liked what there was of the mystery, and it was quite hilarious to see Shap suddenly very popular with all sorts of people for maybe the wrong reasons. But I wanted resolution, and I didn't want it to all to go through to another book. It's possible that the whole thing ends without the killer actually in custody, that they will be at large forever, and I wouldn't mind that. I might retroactively up this book's rating if the mystery in the next has nothing to do with the non-resolution of this one. But I won't know that until the next book is released. It's the not knowing that irritates me.
I also have no clue how Shap's relationships work. I only know that I don't care for the drama. I hope that whole thing with Micaela is finally resolved, because get on with it already.
I also have no clue how Shap's relationships work. I only know that I don't care for the drama. I hope that whole thing with Micaela is finally resolved, because get on with it already.
June 17, 2019
You could pretty much draw a straight line from Philip Marlowe through Spenser to Nils Shapiro. Author Matt Goldman has fused Marlowe’s world-weary demeanor with Spenser’s razor-sharp wit and created Nils, who is somewhat of an ethnic fish out of water in the Scandinavian gene pool of Minneapolis. With great wisdom, Goldman has gradually evolved his private investigator over the course of two novels --- GONE TO DUST and BROKEN ICE --- and continues to do so with THE SHALLOWS, the newly published third (and perhaps best) book in the series thus far.
The body of a prominent attorney named Todd Rabinowitz is discovered by his wife in a somewhat grisly tableau, which is obviously intended to send a message. But what exactly is the message, and who is sending it? His widow retains Shapiro to investigate the murder, but she is merely the first in a long line of those requesting his services with respect to the crime.
The local police department, which can’t possibly be as hapless as it seems, would like to bring Shapiro in as a consultant. The widow’s boyfriend (not all was well between the deceased and his bride), who is a highly regarded metal sculptor in the Twin Cities, wants Shapiro to find the killer for his own reasons. Rabinowitz’s high-powered law firm wishes to hire him as well. When an anonymous party sends a bomb to their offices --- one that goes off and causes significant damage --- there is no lack of suspects.
That aside, the conflicts of interest for Shapiro weave a tangled web, and he isn’t at all above yanking the strings and chains of each and all, even as he dances on the line of ethical violations. Sometimes it seems as if he is giving this or that client unusual, if not outright bad, advice, but it’s generally in pursuit of the truth. However, when two more people are found in what appears to be a murder-suicide, the police want to close the case. Shapiro is more or less on his own, though the law firm is still backing his horse, at least to some extent. The evidentiary trail leads him into the world of politics, at which point the twists and turns of the plot take us into some head-spinning directions. You may ferret out some of the places that Goldman will take you, but it is doubtful you will guess all of them correctly. That is part of the fun of THE SHALLOWS.
Goldman uses Shapiro as a vehicle for a fine tour through Minneapolis, from its skywalks and restaurants to its shopping malls and baseball team. His personal life gets a bit of an upgrade as well, though it may not seem like that at first. The results provide a number of plot threads that may play themselves out over the course of the next few volumes of this enjoyable series, which demonstrates that the private-eye subgenre remains strong, viable and readable, just like Shapiro and THE SHALLOWS.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
The body of a prominent attorney named Todd Rabinowitz is discovered by his wife in a somewhat grisly tableau, which is obviously intended to send a message. But what exactly is the message, and who is sending it? His widow retains Shapiro to investigate the murder, but she is merely the first in a long line of those requesting his services with respect to the crime.
The local police department, which can’t possibly be as hapless as it seems, would like to bring Shapiro in as a consultant. The widow’s boyfriend (not all was well between the deceased and his bride), who is a highly regarded metal sculptor in the Twin Cities, wants Shapiro to find the killer for his own reasons. Rabinowitz’s high-powered law firm wishes to hire him as well. When an anonymous party sends a bomb to their offices --- one that goes off and causes significant damage --- there is no lack of suspects.
That aside, the conflicts of interest for Shapiro weave a tangled web, and he isn’t at all above yanking the strings and chains of each and all, even as he dances on the line of ethical violations. Sometimes it seems as if he is giving this or that client unusual, if not outright bad, advice, but it’s generally in pursuit of the truth. However, when two more people are found in what appears to be a murder-suicide, the police want to close the case. Shapiro is more or less on his own, though the law firm is still backing his horse, at least to some extent. The evidentiary trail leads him into the world of politics, at which point the twists and turns of the plot take us into some head-spinning directions. You may ferret out some of the places that Goldman will take you, but it is doubtful you will guess all of them correctly. That is part of the fun of THE SHALLOWS.
Goldman uses Shapiro as a vehicle for a fine tour through Minneapolis, from its skywalks and restaurants to its shopping malls and baseball team. His personal life gets a bit of an upgrade as well, though it may not seem like that at first. The results provide a number of plot threads that may play themselves out over the course of the next few volumes of this enjoyable series, which demonstrates that the private-eye subgenre remains strong, viable and readable, just like Shapiro and THE SHALLOWS.
Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
July 31, 2019
The Shallows by Matt Goldman- I love reading books by MN Authors! It’s fun to read about places they go in the book and be able to visualize being at those places! I liked this book and it definitely kept me guessing! Lots of people in the book, but it’s pretty easy to keep track of who people are. I think this is a book my husband would love, so I’ve only shared small bits of info with him. If you’re going on a trip, pick this one up for your guy! He will love it!-Janell at Green Gables Book Reviews
This book has an intense first chapter! A brutal middle of the night murder leads Nils Shapiro to the home of Todd and Robin Rabinowitz. Todd, a very prominent lawyer has been found by his wife, Robin. Todd’s death leads to many different people wanting to hire Shapiro and many different hidden pieces to the puzzle of solving the murder. Nils soon finds himself in a dangerous game with even more dangerous people who seem to be willing to go to any lengths necessary to keep their involvements hidden.
We meet a famous local metal sculpture artist, who is having an affair with a key person connected to Todd. The partners at Todd’s law firm, a local person running for US Congress, FBI agents and local Police Officers. And, my favorite people in the book, the people closest to Nils, his best friend and business partner, Anders and Annika, who often works with them on cases. Through great detective work, at times risking person safety, Nils is able to find clues to solve Todd’s murder, and other crimes that have happened during the course of the investigation.
Well written, great character descriptions and great story line.
This book has an intense first chapter! A brutal middle of the night murder leads Nils Shapiro to the home of Todd and Robin Rabinowitz. Todd, a very prominent lawyer has been found by his wife, Robin. Todd’s death leads to many different people wanting to hire Shapiro and many different hidden pieces to the puzzle of solving the murder. Nils soon finds himself in a dangerous game with even more dangerous people who seem to be willing to go to any lengths necessary to keep their involvements hidden.
We meet a famous local metal sculpture artist, who is having an affair with a key person connected to Todd. The partners at Todd’s law firm, a local person running for US Congress, FBI agents and local Police Officers. And, my favorite people in the book, the people closest to Nils, his best friend and business partner, Anders and Annika, who often works with them on cases. Through great detective work, at times risking person safety, Nils is able to find clues to solve Todd’s murder, and other crimes that have happened during the course of the investigation.
Well written, great character descriptions and great story line.
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