Matt Goldman

Matt Goldman [born 1969, Rochester, MN] - is a New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning television writer (notably for Seinfeld and Ellen). He is the creator of the Nils Shapiro mystery series (5 volumes so far), which features a private investigator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nils Shapiro is explicitly identified as a Jewish private investigator, though his “Jewishness” is often more about identity and cultural wit than religious practice. He was named “Nils” after a man who saved his father’s life. It also serves to locate him in the Minnesota setting, which had historically large Scandinavian immigrant roots.

Identity vs. Practice: While he is clearly Jewish—a fact reinforced by his sardonic, “wise-cracking” humor reminiscent of author Matt Goldman’s background writing for Seinfeld—the books often lack heavy religious content in their plots.

Cultural Contrast: His Jewish heritage serves as a notable contrast to his Scandinavian first name and the series’ primary setting in the upper Midwest (Minneapolis/Edina), where he is described as “not the norm”.

Plot Integration: In the first novel, Gone to Dust, his religious affiliation plays a minor role in the investigation as it provides a connection to one of the suspects.

In summary, Nils Shapiro is “culturally Jewish”—defined by his background, voice, and perspective—even when the mysteries themselves are secular. [Google/AI]

Goldman, Matt, (Gone to Dust [Nils Shapiro # 1]) [hc, Forge Books, 2017] 978-0765391285 [pb, Forge Trade, 2023] 978-1250907677 [Minneapolis private eye]

Goldman, Matt, (Broken Ice [Nils Shapiro # 2]) [hc, Forge Books, 2018] 978-0765391315 [pb, Forge Trade, 2024] 978-1250323675

Goldman, Matt, (The Shallows [Nils Shapiro # 3]) [hc, Forge Books, 2019] 978-1250191311 [pb, Forge Books, 2024] 978-1250323682

Goldman, Matt, (Dead West [Nils Shapiro # 4]) [hc, Forge Books, 2020] 978-1250191342 [pb, Forge Books, 2024] 978-1250323699

Goldman, Matt, (Dark Humor [Nils Shapiro # 5]) [hc, Severn House, 2025] 978-0765391315