Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of mobsters masquerading as rabbis, blending dark humor with gritty crime—meet Tod Goldberg! A New York Times bestselling author, Goldberg has carved a niche in contemporary fiction with his sharp wit and unforgettable characters, most notably in his acclaimed Gangsterland series. From his California roots to his role as a creative writing mentor, Goldberg’s journey is as compelling as his novels.
Born in Berkeley, California, on January 10, 1971, Goldberg’s storytelling prowess emerged despite early challenges with dyslexia, proving naysayers wrong with his prolific career. Now a professor and podcast host, he’s not just writing stories—he’s shaping the next generation of writers with a mischievous grin and a knack for noir.
The Making of Tod Goldberg
Growing up in Berkeley and later Palm Springs, Tod Goldberg faced a unique hurdle: at six, a doctor predicted he’d never read or write beyond a fourth-grade level due to profound dyslexia. Undeterred, he graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1989 and earned a BA in English from California State University, Northridge. His passion for storytelling led him to Bennington College, where he honed his craft with an MFA in Creative Writing. Early short fiction publications caught the eye of agents, launching his career with his debut novel, Fake Liar Cheat, in 2000. This tenacity and love for words set the stage for his distinctive voice in crime fiction.
Tod Goldberg’s Unforgettable Stories
Goldberg’s novels are a masterclass in blending crime, humor, and humanity. His Gangsterland quartet—Gangsterland (2014), Gangster Nation (2017), The Low Desert: Gangster Stories (2021), and Gangsters Don’t Die (2023)—follows Sal Cupertine, a Chicago hitman who transforms into Rabbi David Cohen in Las Vegas. With razor-sharp dialogue and noir sensibilities, these books explore identity, redemption, and the seedy underbelly of American life, earning accolades like Hammett Prize finalist status and Southwest Book of the Year awards.
Beyond the quartet, Living Dead Girl (2002) showcases his knack for psychological depth, earning a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist nod. His Burn Notice series, tied to the hit TV show, brings spy-thriller flair, while Eight Very Bad Nights (2024), a Hanukkah-themed noir anthology he edited, highlights his playful side. Goldberg’s style—gritty yet witty, with a nod to Elmore Leonard—makes every page crackle with energy.
His short stories and essays, featured in Best American Mystery & Suspense and Best American Essays, delve into California’s deserts and the human condition, often with a darkly comedic lens. Whether crafting novels or cultural criticism for the Los Angeles Times, Goldberg’s voice is unmistakably his own.
Why Tod Goldberg Matters
Tod Goldberg’s impact extends beyond the page. As a professor at UC Riverside, where he founded the Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing, he’s mentored countless writers, emphasizing the business of writing to ensure their success. Over 75% of his students publish or produce work within two years, a testament to his practical approach. His podcast, Literary Disco, co-hosted with Julia Pistell and Rider Strong, has charmed book lovers worldwide, earning praise from The Washington Post. By weaving noir with cultural commentary, Goldberg redefines crime fiction, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking.
- Birth Date: January 10, 1971
- Key Works: Gangsterland, Living Dead Girl, Eight Very Bad Nights
- Awards: Hammett Prize finalist, Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, Southwest Book of the Year
- Notable Role: Director, UC Riverside Low Residency MFA
Dive into the shadowy, hilarious world of Tod Goldberg! Snag Gangsterland and let his clever prose pull you into a crime-filled adventure you won’t forget!