In Matt Goldman’s new novel, ‘Dark Humor,’ sensitive sleuth Nils Shapiro seeks sweet revenge

Private investigator Nils Shapiro is on a new case, this time pursuing revenge for his murdered wife. Along the way, he relies on his wits, his friends, an occasional AI assist and his trademark sensitivity.

I don’t think I’ve ever encountered such a vulnerable detective character as Nils Shapiro, the creation of Minneapolis-based author Matt Goldman. In Goldman’s newest novel, “Dark Humor,” a dark premise grows even more grim as the story progresses, but somehow Nils’ plucky openness makes for an accessible entry point to his vigilante justice. 

Originally from Minnesota, Goldman began his career as a comedian in Minneapolis’ thriving stand-up scene of the 1980s. He made his way to Los Angeles, where he wrote for sitcoms like “Seinfeld” and “Ellen” and picked up an Emmy for his work on the Selena Gomez vehicle, “Wizards of Waverly Place.” 

In 2017, by then resettled in Minnesota, Goldman published his first novel, “Gone to Dust,” featuring his clever and affable detective. “Dark Humor” is Goldman’s fifth Nils Shapiro tale.

The story begins in Minneapolis, including a scene from the Minneapolis Club. But our hero doesn’t stay there long. Soon he’s lounging at the Delta Club at MSP, ready to fly to Florida before sneaking away to Amsterdam. 

Nils does quite a bit of sneaking throughout the book, wearing an assortment of disguises and orchestrating elaborate plans to evade detection and pursue his enemies. Readers may need to suspend some disbelief: It’s not clear to me how a semi-notorious detective and widower of a former police chief would manage to slip through the cracks in an era of ubiquitous surveillance, even with his wigs and costumes. 

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Nils himself uses an assortment of AI tools in his pursuit, though not consistently. At one point, he asks a random European student to help him transcribe a recorded conversation. Later, he uses technology to help him translate in real time. His use of old-school detectivery adds color to the story, like a mission involving a trip to a hardware store, a gourmet cooking shop and a sporting goods outlet.

Throughout his pursuit, Nils shows far more sensitivity than the average noir hero. He talks about his emotions both to the reader and to his numerous friends, who all seem to care about him a great deal. “Love you, dude,” his friend Ernesto says to him on the phone early in the book. A reader would hardly expect the same from Sam Spade. 

The cast of Nils’ social circle charmed me. We meet not only his colleagues, his daughter, his ex-wife and close friends, but new acquaintances Brigitte and Sophie, members of the so-called Widows Murder Club. And there’s a potential love interest who, as is typical to the genre, may be friend or foe.

Goldman paints each of his characters vividly and distinctly, and it’s apparent his years writing for television aided him in crafting dialogue that’s both sharp and emotionally revelatory.

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I only wish Nils had taken his friends’ advice. Perhaps if he had gotten himself a good therapist, he would’ve been better off. Though then there’d be no story. 

Revenge plots have been popular for as long as humans have been telling stories. As in so many of them, I wondered if Nils’ pursuit would bring him the peace he craved. Certainly, the gangster he pursues is an evil man, but is vigilante justice the answer? 

In the end, the close of one mission opens perhaps another when Nils learns that things are not as neat as they once appeared, and villainy sometimes lurks in the good guys’ shadows. 

Goldman will do a reading and book signing at the official launch of “Dark Humor” on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Comma, 4250 Upton Ave. S, Minneapolis (RSVP requested). 

“Dark Humor” releases to the world on Dec. 2. Find it at your local bookstore or library.

Additional book signing events: 

Open Book at MSP: multi-author book signing, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (this event takes place inside of airport security), 300 Glumack Dr., St Paul

After Hours with Matt Goldman, Valley Booksellers, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,  217 Main St. N, Stillwater

Barnes & Noble – Edina, Dec. 13, noon to 2 p.m., 3230 Galleria, Edina

Once Upon a Crime, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., 604 W 26th St., Minneapolis

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