Liar's Creek

Clay Hawkins #1

by Matt Goldman

From New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winner Matt Goldman comes Liar's Creek, which asks how far we'll go to protect the people we love.

The small town of Riverwood, Minnesota is true to its name, brimming with beautiful scenes of nature. Its rural landscape is threaded with scenic trout streams, which carve their way through limestone bluffs. But beneath its picturesque facade, danger runs rampant.

Clay Hawkins isn’t a stranger to the secrets of his hometown. After twenty years away, Clay has recently returned home from abroad with his twelve-year-old son Braedon, and his relationship with his father Judd, the recently replaced sheriff, is as strained as ever.

Trouble immediately brews for Clay when his beloved uncle, Teddy, disappears. Together, the three generations of Hawkinses must overturn every stone in Riverwood and confront deep familial wounds to find the one person who brings them together. As danger looms, Clay worries that it might be too late to save Teddy—and that the rest of the family might be next.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Adult Fiction, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Leslie Colombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Liar's Creek through a goodreads giveaway. It was my first Matt Goldman book and I appreciated the author's adept handling of a small-town narrative infused with family trauma and mystery. I enjoyed the author's writing style and was kept captivated by the plot twists and turns.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Summary:
Clay Hawkins isn’t a stranger to the secrets of his hometown. After twenty years away, Clay has recently returned home from abroad with his twelve-year-old son Braedon, and his relationship with his father Judd, the recently replaced sheriff, is as strained as ever.

Trouble immediately brews for Clay when his beloved uncle, Teddy, disappears. Together, the three generations of Hawkinses must overturn every stone in Riverwood and confront deep familial wounds to find the one person who brings them together. As danger looms, Clay worries that it might be too late to save Teddy—and that the rest of the family might be next.

Review:
This was really good, better than I expected actually. Within the first few pages I was drawn in and invested in Clay and Braedons life, as well as the interesting dynamic with Clay and his father. Now I'm a thriller girl and this definitely does not play out as a thriller, its more mystery than anything.

Since I'm also originally from a small town, the play by play of everyone knowing everyone's business really hits home. It also made it difficult to believe no one knew anything about what happened to Teddy. If I'm really being honest, there is a least one outcome I wished had come out differently, but its really the only outcome that could have made sense I guess.

Its very normal for books to show a story from the aspect of a single mother trying to raise a child without the father involved. This story gives you an entirely different perspective, three generations of a family, with two of them being raised by a single father. Both men approached that job differently and the result was resounding. Braedon grew up knowing his father loved him, while his father grew up with the assumption that his father didn't love him and if anything was highly disappointed in him. Even though all the storylines were mostly wrapped up at the end, I wouldn't mind seeing this one become a series so that we can follow these characters and watch their relationships continue to evolve.

*I did receive a advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Hawkins returns to Riverwood, a small town tucked away in southeast Minnesota, after spending years playing professional soccer overseas. His homecoming is complicated. Not only is he bringing his young son Braedon, who has never met his mother, but he’s stepping back into a community that hasn't change much in twenty years while he has been away.

One of the strongest elements of the story is Clay’s complicated relationship with his father, Judd. Their connection has frayed over time, and Judd’s recent replacement as sheriff by order of the city council only adds another layer of tension. The arrival of the new sheriff creates an interesting triangle, pushing Clay and Judd to navigate both personal history and shifting power dynamics.

The plot kicks into motion when Clay’s uncle Teddy, well‑known around town as someone who attracts trouble, goes missing. This disappearance forces Clay and Judd to work together despite their unresolved issues. Their partnership, combined with their shared concern for Teddy, makes for a compelling emotional core. Watching three generations of Hawkins men, each shaped by different choices and regrets, attempt to reconnect is one of the book’s most engaging throughlines.

What really stood out was how many relationships felt layered and authentic, from Clay and his father to the wider web of characters who make up the town. The small‑town setting is well‑used, giving the story a strong sense of place without overshadowing the characters. Several plot threads weave through the narrative, offering mystery, family drama, and interpersonal tension in a way that keeps the pages turning.

Overall, this was an excellent, character‑driven story with plenty of heart and just the right amount of grit. It balances mystery with family dynamics in a way that feels both grounded and emotionally satisfying. And with several storylines still open by the end, I fully expect, and hope, there will be a follow‑up. There’s definitely more to explore in Riverwood and within the Hawkins family. Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Goldman, and St. Martens Press for a free advance copy for an honest review.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur books and NetGalley for my ARC.

After reading Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman, I couldn’t wait to explore this book. I loved the idea of a smalltown setting, especially given the main character, Clay, returns after many years abroad. Add three generations of men in the Hawkins family, a strained father/son relationship and a missing person, and I knew I was in for a complex read.

Goldman knows how to delve into his characters, exploring their quirks, motivations, and fears, and he uses a full roster of diverse personalities in this novel. The first quarter is a bit slow, as each character is introduced and the reader learns about the disappearance of Clay’s uncle, Teddy. After that, the plot takes off with surprising twists and turns, making it near-impossible to put the book down.

Going off the grid every now and then isn’t unusual for Teddy, but this time his disappearance proves troubling with inexplicable signs left behind. What starts as a simple mystery, spreads deeper, pulling more and more citizens of Riverwood into its net as the chapters progress. I changed my opinion multiple times about what was going on, who was at fault, and what the outcome would be. When all was said and done, I never would have guessed how things played out.

While the mystery of Teddy’s disappearance is key, character relationships are at the heart of the book. Even secondary characters are given intriguing story arcs, and the connections between Clay, his father, Judd, and his son, Braeden, are riveting to watch unfold. I might have knocked off half a star for the slow start, but this book is so beautifully written, and wonderfully told, it easily earns 5 stars from me.

Finally, although the story wraps up neatly at the end, something is introduced in the last few pages that makes me think there could be a sequel. I have my fingers crossed that’s true. I would love to visit Riverwood with its engaging characters again.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet but masculine slow-burn domestic thriller focusing on the complexities of father-son relationships.

Single-father Clay retires from playing professional soccer in Europe and moves with his 12-year-old son, Braedon, back to his hometown in Minnesota. While Braedon hits it off with Clay's retired-cop father, Judd, Clay and Judd's relationship suffers from a lifetime of strain. As Clay and Braedon begin to adjust to life in smalltown America, Judd's loveable, but unreliable twin brother, Teddy, goes missing. As the three generations search for Teddy, their relationships to each other begin to change in ways none of them saw coming.

I haven't read many domestic thrillers targeted at men, but I think that is the easiest way to describe this book. It is not an action packed, testosterone-fueled, face-paced thriller. Rather, it is quiet, understated, and focuses more on the relationships between the characters than on the mystery itself. It does however, go into tons of detail about flyfishing, how to load a BB gun, and the social signals sent by which model of pickup truck you own. It is centered on men and their relationships to other men - fathers, sons, brothers, community. There are strong women in the book (especially the new Chief of Police), but the book centers on men. This is not a bad thing in the book, but it is unusual for the genre. Furthermore, I would classify this as a domestic thriller, but not as a psychological thriller. Again, not a drawback, but something to be aware of going into it.

Overall, this book wasn't my usual cup of tea, but I did find it highly enjoyable once I was able to see past the masculine sign posting and focus in on a strong story about the the shifting bonds between family members.

Thank you NetGalley for advance access in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader’s copy of Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman, which I won through a giveaway.

Liar’s Creek is a thoughtful, slow-burning mystery that delves into the tangled roots of family, memory, and forgiveness. When Clay returns to his small hometown after more than twenty years away, bringing his son Braedon along, he’s forced to confront the ghosts of his past—and his family’s secrets—when his uncle Teddy suddenly disappears. What follows is a layered story of long-buried resentments, personal reckonings, and the complicated ways families fracture and attempt to heal.

Goldman’s writing shines most in his character work. Clay, his father Judd, and sassy new Police Chief Zoey, are well-developed, each carrying believable histories and emotional weight. However, while individual characters feel distinct and real, many of the relationships between them lack the same depth. Some connections—especially those that could have added more emotional impact—feel underexplored or somewhat shallow.

The pacing is steady, and the sense of place is vivid, but there are a few loose ends and minor storylines that don’t fully come together by the end. Still, the resolution is satisfying, with Clay and Judd ultimately finding some peace and reconciliation as they uncover the truth about Teddy.

Overall, Liar’s Creek is an engaging and introspective mystery, more about family and forgiveness than crime itself. While not every thread ties neatly, it’s a compelling read with heart and atmosphere that fans of character-driven mysteries will appreciate.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to Matt Goldman last year with The Murder Show, and Liar’s Creek sealed it for me. Clay Hawkins returns to his Minnesota hometown at forty-two with his son, Braedon, carrying a life that unfolds in fascinating layers as the story progresses. A West Point graduate, a violinist, a former professional soccer player in England, Clay’s past is revealed patiently and with purpose. Goldman excels at letting character drive the momentum, peeling back who Clay is and why he became that way. The result is a deeply human portrait of a man shaped by loss, responsibility, and a fierce devotion to his child.

At its core, this is a novel about fatherhood, grief, and the inescapable pull of home. Clay’s rough upbringing, marked by the loss of his mother to cancer and a strained relationship with a hard-edged father, resurfaces when his uncle Teddy disappears and long-buried small-town secrets begin to surface. The tension is quiet but constant, built on emotional stakes rather than spectacle. I found myself hoping this is just the beginning of a series, because it feels like we’re only scratching the surface of Clay Hawkins. This reads like a prestige television drama you want to return to week after week, anchored by layered characters and a slow-burn mystery that trusts the reader. A strong recommendation for fans of character-driven crime fiction with a deep focus on family dynamics and place

[Jenny K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this slow-paced family drama / thriller.

Plot summary: Clay has recently come back to Minnesota after playing pro soccer in Europe for years with his son Braedon. Soon, his uncle Teddy disappears, and he joins the police, and his father, Teddy's twin brother, in figuring out where Teddy is.

Pros: This has slow but steady pacing, keeping me interested as the reader discovers who the characters are and how they interconnect. I liked the characters, who were well-developed and had distinct personalities. I loved new police chief Zoey, quirky but capable, and a potential love interest for Clay, and Braedon, who is 12, definitely stole the show. I liked the side story of Braedon dealing with his mother abandoning him as a baby.

Cons: The only thing I really didn't like was the denouement. It was underwhelming, to say the least. When everything is figured out, it makes the rest of the plot feel contrived and simplistic. This took it down from a 4 to a 3.5, but I'll still round it up to 4 stars. One other small complaint is that it switches viewpoints between characters at certain points, which was a little confusing at times.

The end was a setup for a series, and I would look forward to finding out what happens next.

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I loved the atmospheric cover and the description, and while there were elements of this novel that worked for me, I really felt the slow pacing and experienced other challenges along the way.

This is a slow burn: a s-l-o-w burn. I felt increasingly aware of this pacing because there is so much talking and not so much doing. What totally fascinated me was how attuned I was to these characters processing and thinking and simultaneously experiencing a major problem in their central relationships: poor communication. Such are the connundrums we face, I suppose.

For me, this was more interesting as a coming of age tale than as a mystery, which is really why I queued this. Folks expecting something exciting to happen on that creek from the title and the cover? Well, I hope you have the patience of one who fishes. I learned I didn't this time.

The writing is solid, the characters are nicely developed, but readers will do best when they expect a slower, more thoughtful and less action oriented experience.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover and summary are what made me request this ARC, and I was genuinely curious to see how the story would unfold. Clay returning to his hometown with his son after years in Europe to search for his missing brother, Teddy, felt like a strong and intriguing setup.

The beginning did a good job building tension and hinting that there might be real danger involved, which kept me reading at first. However, as the story went on, I found myself struggling to stay fully engaged. The pacing felt uneven to me, and there were moments that felt a bit drawn out. I kept going because I wanted to see how Teddy’s disappearance would be resolved.

Unfortunately, the resolution didn’t quite have the payoff I was hoping for, and I didn’t feel a strong connection to the characters, which made it harder for me to stay invested overall. That said, the author clearly has talent, and the premise itself is compelling, it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally.

This may work better for readers who enjoy slower-paced, character-driven mysteries with a strong focus on family dynamics rather than high-stakes suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Hope Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liar’s Creek has an interesting premise and a solid mystery at its core, but it didn’t fully land for me. While the plot had momentum and kept me reading, I struggled to connect with both the characters and the town itself, which made it hard to feel fully invested in what was happening.

The biggest issue for me was the main character. He came across as emotionally distant, and his habit of mentally evaluating nearly every woman he encountered based on whether he would date her was distracting and unnecessary. Instead of adding depth, it pulled me out of the story and made the character feel one-dimensional.

The setting also didn’t quite come alive. A small town mystery usually thrives on atmosphere and a strong sense of place, but the town felt underdeveloped, more like a backdrop than a living, breathing community.

Overall, Liar’s Creek is readable and has some strong moments, but the character work and perspective choices held it back for me. Worth a try if you enjoy straightforward mysteries, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of *Liars Creek*, and I absolutely loved it. Matt Goldman delivers a compelling, tightly written mystery with characters that feel instantly real and easy to root for. The story hooked me from the first chapter and kept me turning pages straight through to the end.

What I enjoyed most were the characters—layered, flawed, and wonderfully human. By the time I finished, I felt genuinely invested in their lives. The plot is engaging without ever feeling rushed, and the twists land exactly where they should.

I’m especially excited that *Liars Creek* is the first book in a new series. The ending leaves just the right amount of open space, perfectly setting the stage for what's to come without feeling like a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to follow these characters into the next installment.

Highly recommended for fans of smart, character-driven mysteries!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liar’s Creek is set in a small town that appears perfect and beautiful but then someone disappears. We have generational tension, family legacies and deep secrets that surround a a mystery filled with emotional and psychological realism.I myself prefer tightly‑plotted thrillers that are fast paced and unpredictable. This was not in that realm. This was more about family dynamics with a mystery thrown in. What the novel does well is atmosphere. The author does a wonderful job engaging all the sense especially when it comes to the setting or world building. Goldman also seems to be a true writer of emotion. His writing of emotion is impactful and relatable, creating an authentic emotional experience for the reader.

Overall this was well written but leaned a bit heavy of the mystery small town tropes and emotional family drama which made parts of the story a bit predictable. Still a decent read and with a good story.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an advance copy through the Goodreads Giveaway.

I was intrigue by the overall premise -- missing uncle, son returns home to small town, strained realtionship with his father. I did not feel that the story lived up to "As danger looms, Clay worries that it might be too late to save his uncle- and that the rest of the family might be next."

Spoiler alert....



There was no real danger. The only real action was at the hands of 3 teenagers ( who get let off with probabtion and community service). Anyone who was involved all got let off. Just felt too kumbiya for me. I felt like there were some plot points that revealed in a rushed way in order to tie everything up in a neat bow. I think some of it could have waited for another book -- Clay's real job announcement for example. And the fact that he told his 12 year old son and how this might put him in harm's way-- unrealistic.

It wasn't a bad book to read. It just wasn't for me.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and advanced reader’s edition that I won with Goodreads. I have read all Matt Goldman’s book and have enjoyed all of them. I really had no idea where this book was going at the beginning. I liked the characters immediately and was into the story, but wasn’t sure where it was headed. Definately some plot twists I didn’t see coming that were very good. About 3/4 way through it slowed down a bit for me and I kept at it and the ending picked back up and I enjoyed the end. I hope this is a first on a series? I loved the connection of community, family and friends. Also as a fellow MN of course it’s always fun to read a book set on your home state. I would recommend this book and add it to your TBR when it comes out in April! Thanks Goodreads for the advanced copy!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is set in the small town of Riverwood, Minnesota. Clay has returned home after years in Europe where he was a professional soccer player. He brings with him, his 12 year old son Braedon.

Clay has had a troubled past with his father which is why he left to begin with and the two of them need to figure out a way to open the door. His uncle Teddy has disappeared and this becomes one way in which they need to work together. Everyone is helping them try to find out where he went.

There are several storylines all going at once and at times, it seems like maybe too many to really give each one the time they deserve. The characters are quirky and likeable and I could see this becoming a series.

I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

[KDRBCK]

Liar's Creek by new to me author Matt Goldman published by St. Martin's Press is a full length, stand alone mystery/ thriller.
I read the blurb and was intrigued, so why not give it a try?
LC is the first book in the Clay Hawkins Series and it's the perfect introduction to small three generations men of Hawkins.
Clay is back home after many years away, bringing his 12 year old son Braedon. His relationship with his father Judd, a former sheriff isn't the best. But when his uncle Teddy vanished the three Hawkins men are looking for him in a race against time.
An intriguing, literally unputdownable read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Can't wait for the next book and am reading the back catalog in the mean time.

[Sheri Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, I started this book this morning and I just finished it!!! Matt Goldman you have a hit on your hands in my opinion!! I'm not even sure where to start... a father and son that love each other, a father and son who have struggled their whole lives, a grandfather who dearly loves the grandson and wishes he had that bond with the son...did I mention that there are all kinds of twists and turns and you saying What!!!! in this story, yeah there's that..I just have to say you really need to read the book, keep up with what's going on and just read this book!!! I really thoroughly enjoyed it!!!!

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is atmospheric and cozy, even as the main character is working to discover what happened to his missing uncle. The picturesque, remote Minnesota town is a perfect setting for solving a mystery. I was pulled into Clay’s journey as he works to recover his relationship with his father, who he’s never felt close to, and raise a son who’s lived in Europe for most of his life. The clues kept on coming in a satisfying way, and I was truly guessing at the outcome of this missing-person search and who might have been behind it.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this thoughtful mystery.

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars rounded up to four. Clay Hawkins has returned to Riverwood, Minnesota, with his twelve year old son, Braedon, after living in Europe for twenty years. His relationship with his father, Judd, is strained at best. But Judd's twin brother, Teddy, is missing, so differences need to be set aside, while they try to find him.
I really enjoyed this book, until the very end. I felt the way the story wrapped up was both anticlimactic and disappointing. I believe this is the beginning of a series, and I would read the next one, to see if I liked it better.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Caitlin Smale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Matt Goldman and his publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this early, in exchange for an honest review.

Clay Hawkins has recently moved back to Minnesota after leaving as soon as he was able to. Upon returning, he had to begin navigating the difficulties that his relation with his father entailed. To make things more difficult, his uncle, Teddy, went missing. Will Clay and his father be able to find uncle Teddy before it's too late? Will they be able to mend their relationship and move forward?

I am excited to know that this is only the first of the series. I can't wait to find out what happens with some of the characters' stories.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay and his son Braedon have moved back to the small Minnesota town where Clay grew up. The moving away was not amicable, as Clay's father, the sherif, did not approve of Clay's life style. Clay had gone to West Point, but immediately after serving the required time, he left the army to be a soccer star in Europe. Soon after Clay's return his father's brother disappeared. This is an easy read that probes the problems that come with families, and shows that redemption is possible. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

[Erinn Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Readers’ Edition: I was able to read this after winning a copy through a GR contest. This was a very quick read for me. Although I was able to figure out who was involved about halfway through the book, I couldn’t figure out why. Character relationships were well-developed, seemed to miss a little bit of the emotion surrounding the events in the book though.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early on I was not sure if I was going to like “Liar’s Creek” but in the end it was a decent story. The main characters are enjoyable. There is plenty of small-town drama. Clay and Zoe both have backstories that set up well for future books if the author chooses to go that route. However, enough is resolved in the story that it feels complete without a sequel.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Goldman writes books that are character driven and full of heart. This story is no exception. His latest book, Liar’s Creek, has a mystery at its core, but is ultimately about familial relationships. There is also a hint at the end of the book that may maybe we could see more from some these characters.

[Christina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

New book genre for me. Usually rom-com books and mostly audiobooks. Won Liar’s Creek in a Goodread’s giveaway. So glad I did! Kept me wanting more and engaged. Easy read and the story flowed well. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Didn’t expect the ending at all. Looking forward to more books from this author!

[Emily Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an advanced copy of the book from Goodreads. Was my first from the author and overall enjoyed it. Was a quick read with a slow build.

[Tim Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel. I enjoyed it. More of a story than an adventure. Not a ton of action. 3.5 stars would be my true rating.

[Anya Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay returns from abroad with his son Braedon, but any hope of a quiet homecoming disappears when his uncle Teddy suddenly goes missing. A single earring and a chilling ransom note emerge, pulling Clay and his father Judd, the town’s retired police chief, into a high-stakes investigation.

[Karen McKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the advance copy.
I was not familiar with this author.
This may be a nice light read for some people, but it was not for me.