Tod Goldberg
Tod Goldberg is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen books, including THE LOW DESERT: GANGSTER STORIES, a Southwest Book of the Year, GANGSTERLAND, a finalist for the Hammett Prize, THE HOUSE OF SECRETS, which he co-authored with Brad Meltzer, and LIVING DEAD GIRL, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His short fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies, including PALM SPRINGS NOIR, LAS VEGAS NOIR, THE USUAL SANTAS, and BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY & SUSPENSE. His nonfiction appears regularly in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and ALTA and has been anthologized widely, including in BEST AMERICAN ESSAYS. He is the co-host of the popular podcast Literary Disco and is a professor of creative writing at UC Riverside, where he founded and directs the Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing & Writing for the Performing Arts. His next book GANGSTERS DON'T DIE will be released in fall 2023.
“Sam took another sip of the pruno. It went down smoother this time, possibly because he no longer had feeling in his extremities.”
“The room fell silent. I frankly didn't know what I was going to do to help Eduardo, but I had the sense that he was right- no one else could help him, and without help, all that he'd done would crumble.Plus, I like being called his only hope. I felt like Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
“What's your name, son?' Sam said. The man looked to be about Sam's age, but Sam always thought calling people 'son' immediately gave the air of imperial authority and opened the door for spanking if need be.”
“There was a sweetness in my voice I found nauseating. I made a note to myself never to have children. Or at least not helpless children.”