A smiling man, Steve Matsumoto, with glasses and gray hair sitting at a table in a cafe with a coffee mug in front of him, outdoor patio setting with string lights overhead.

About Steve.

Steve Matsumoto is a former teacher turned real estate agent whose first novel, The Last Mixtape, draws on the raw aftermath of losing his younger sister to suicide in his twenties.

Born in Syracuse, New York, he grew up shoveling snow in May and wearing Halloween costumes that could fit over bulky winter coats. Today, he lives under sunnier skies in Vista, California, with his wife and two sons. His best days are spent drinking coffee, playing mediocre pickleball, and gently tormenting his family with philosophical debate.

Whole family remarkably gathered together in one place, specifically a fence in Encinitas.

Whole family remarkably gathered together in one place, specifically a fence in Encinitas.

Picture Day in the school library—fall 1995?

Picture Day in the school library—fall 1995?

End of 1994-1995 school year. I thought that L.L. Bean denim polo was the coolest.

End of 1994-1995 school year. I thought that L.L. Bean denim polo was the coolest.

Staff photo before the gray hair took root.

Staff photo before the gray hair took root.

San Diego Library | Local Author Expo

San Diego Library | Local Author Expo

Collaborating with my favorite editor. Or at least posing for a picture like we were.

Collaborating with my favorite editor. Or at least posing for a picture like we were.