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Clay Hawkins #1
Liar's Creek
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26From 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.
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.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 23, 2026
2 stars
Not for me!
A man returns to his childhood hometown with his preteen son after being away for twenty years. He has a difficult relationship with his father who is the retired Chief of police in their small town. Upon his arrival, the man’s uncle goes missing and he finds himself wrapped up in the missing persons investigation.
The premise of this story held high appeal to me, especially with the vivid nature setting descriptions, but the execution failed to draw me in. I enjoyed the small town vibe, where everyone knows everyone. There are some nature focused scenes that I liked, but I had hoped for more palpable atmosphere. I wanted to feel the setting more vividly.
One of my issues causing my lack of investment was the characters. I didn’t connect with any of them. Some were cliches, others were simply uninteresting. There is a love triangle in the story that was cringey and cheesy. I had zero investment in any of the relationships. I also found the pace quite slow.
The storyline itself was nothing new. Small town citizens investigating a crime alongside local police. After the first quarter, I became bored and indifferent. The plot had several implausible elements and many character interactions had me rolling my eyes.
Bottom line, I am not the right reader for this book. Please check out the other reviews that show more favourable opinions before deciding on this one.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The narrator did a great job and kept me listening. Although I wasn’t engrossed in the story, I did enjoy the way the audio narrator presented it. He uses an Irish accent for some of the characters that worked well for me. The audio narrator is what kept me from DNF’ing this one.
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced listening copy!
Not for me!
A man returns to his childhood hometown with his preteen son after being away for twenty years. He has a difficult relationship with his father who is the retired Chief of police in their small town. Upon his arrival, the man’s uncle goes missing and he finds himself wrapped up in the missing persons investigation.
The premise of this story held high appeal to me, especially with the vivid nature setting descriptions, but the execution failed to draw me in. I enjoyed the small town vibe, where everyone knows everyone. There are some nature focused scenes that I liked, but I had hoped for more palpable atmosphere. I wanted to feel the setting more vividly.
One of my issues causing my lack of investment was the characters. I didn’t connect with any of them. Some were cliches, others were simply uninteresting. There is a love triangle in the story that was cringey and cheesy. I had zero investment in any of the relationships. I also found the pace quite slow.
The storyline itself was nothing new. Small town citizens investigating a crime alongside local police. After the first quarter, I became bored and indifferent. The plot had several implausible elements and many character interactions had me rolling my eyes.
Bottom line, I am not the right reader for this book. Please check out the other reviews that show more favourable opinions before deciding on this one.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The narrator did a great job and kept me listening. Although I wasn’t engrossed in the story, I did enjoy the way the audio narrator presented it. He uses an Irish accent for some of the characters that worked well for me. The audio narrator is what kept me from DNF’ing this one.
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced listening copy!
March 9, 2026
I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed the narration by Fred Berman. I loved Matt Goldmans last book so was keen to read this one. It wasn’t as fast paced as ai expected, and was more of a character story than anything but with a mystery at the centre.
I did like the characters of Clay Hawkins, a former soccer superstar in Ireland, and his young son Braedon . Both trying to find their feet on a different continent. Clays uncle has gone missing and he is trying to find out what happened. His father is the former sheriff and they have a strained relationship.
I feel there is more to come for these characters with the way this one ended, I look forward to reading it.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for my early copy to listen to on NetGalley. Out on April 21st.
I did like the characters of Clay Hawkins, a former soccer superstar in Ireland, and his young son Braedon . Both trying to find their feet on a different continent. Clays uncle has gone missing and he is trying to find out what happened. His father is the former sheriff and they have a strained relationship.
I feel there is more to come for these characters with the way this one ended, I look forward to reading it.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for my early copy to listen to on NetGalley. Out on April 21st.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a disgraced sheriff, a violinist ex-soccer-pro single dad, and a mysteriously vanishing uncle walk into a small Minnesotan town, you’d think we were gearing up for something juicy. And to be fair, Liar’s Creek absolutely flirts with the potential for juicy. It just never quite commits. This book is like a simmering pot of family secrets and trout streams that someone forgot to turn all the way up to boil.
Clay Hawkins returns to Riverwood after two decades abroad with his emotionally advanced twelve-year-old son Braedon (who I would die for, btw), only to immediately be pulled into a missing-persons case when his uncle Teddy ghosts harder than my last Hinge match. Also, Clay’s dad Judd just got ousted as sheriff, and their dynamic is a Hallmark card that someone set on fire. So. That’s the tension. You’ve got generational trauma, a town full of suspiciously closed mouths, and an ex-soldier turned reluctant investigator with a secret stash of dad guilt. Let’s go!
Now, I love a slow burn as much as the next emotionally unstable reader, but this is less slow burn and more slow simmer while your tea goes cold and you forget what you’re waiting for. The emotional arcs? Solid. The mystery? There. The pacing? Like being stuck behind a tractor on a two-lane road in February. The good news is, Goldman’s writing has a warm, lived-in quality that really nails the small-town atmosphere. You believe this place exists, even if you’re screaming into the void because every man in this town talks like he was raised by an REI catalog and a roll of duct tape.
Clay, for better or worse, is a very male protagonist. He’s quiet, angsty, deeply repressed, and casually checking out every woman he meets like he’s been starved of estrogen for twenty years. It doesn’t ruin the book, but it does make you go, “Sir… I beg you to journal.” His relationship with Braedon is the standout here. Genuinely sweet and layered, especially as Braedon starts asking questions about his absent mother and starts developing opinions about his grandfather’s entire deal (spoiler: Judd’s vibe is “emotionally constipated military dad,” and I say that with affection).
Uncle Teddy’s disappearance drives the plot, but it’s really just an excuse to trap these emotionally illiterate men in a metaphorical (and sometimes literal) cabin together until they start processing feelings like adults. And by “like adults,” I mean through poorly timed confessions, light violence, and aggressive fishing metaphors. Throw in a suspicious ransom note, some low-key corruption, and the hint of a romantic subplot with the new sheriff Zoey (love her, she deserves a better man and at least one nap), and you’ve got all the ingredients for a very moody, very Midwestern stew.
Unfortunately, the big reveal lands with more of a soft shrug than a gasp. It’s not bad, but it’s giving “we had to wrap this up before Braedon aged out of his precocious phase.” There are too many red herrings and not enough actual payoff, which left me feeling like I’d just opened a can of LaCroix expecting champagne.
All that said, I would read the sequel. Not because I’m dying for more mystery, but because I need to know if Clay ever learns how to emote without brooding in the woods. Also, if Zoey doesn’t get a bigger arc where she takes down some institutional corruption and maybe adopts a dog, I will riot.
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars for strong vibes, complicated dad energy, and a town full of secrets that almost slaps. It's like prestige TV that skipped one too many therapy sessions.
Whodunity Award: For Most Emotionally Repressed Men in a Canoe
Big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. You really said, “Here, have a small town full of daddy issues and suppressed emotions,” and I devoured it like emotionally stunted literary comfort food.
Clay Hawkins returns to Riverwood after two decades abroad with his emotionally advanced twelve-year-old son Braedon (who I would die for, btw), only to immediately be pulled into a missing-persons case when his uncle Teddy ghosts harder than my last Hinge match. Also, Clay’s dad Judd just got ousted as sheriff, and their dynamic is a Hallmark card that someone set on fire. So. That’s the tension. You’ve got generational trauma, a town full of suspiciously closed mouths, and an ex-soldier turned reluctant investigator with a secret stash of dad guilt. Let’s go!
Now, I love a slow burn as much as the next emotionally unstable reader, but this is less slow burn and more slow simmer while your tea goes cold and you forget what you’re waiting for. The emotional arcs? Solid. The mystery? There. The pacing? Like being stuck behind a tractor on a two-lane road in February. The good news is, Goldman’s writing has a warm, lived-in quality that really nails the small-town atmosphere. You believe this place exists, even if you’re screaming into the void because every man in this town talks like he was raised by an REI catalog and a roll of duct tape.
Clay, for better or worse, is a very male protagonist. He’s quiet, angsty, deeply repressed, and casually checking out every woman he meets like he’s been starved of estrogen for twenty years. It doesn’t ruin the book, but it does make you go, “Sir… I beg you to journal.” His relationship with Braedon is the standout here. Genuinely sweet and layered, especially as Braedon starts asking questions about his absent mother and starts developing opinions about his grandfather’s entire deal (spoiler: Judd’s vibe is “emotionally constipated military dad,” and I say that with affection).
Uncle Teddy’s disappearance drives the plot, but it’s really just an excuse to trap these emotionally illiterate men in a metaphorical (and sometimes literal) cabin together until they start processing feelings like adults. And by “like adults,” I mean through poorly timed confessions, light violence, and aggressive fishing metaphors. Throw in a suspicious ransom note, some low-key corruption, and the hint of a romantic subplot with the new sheriff Zoey (love her, she deserves a better man and at least one nap), and you’ve got all the ingredients for a very moody, very Midwestern stew.
Unfortunately, the big reveal lands with more of a soft shrug than a gasp. It’s not bad, but it’s giving “we had to wrap this up before Braedon aged out of his precocious phase.” There are too many red herrings and not enough actual payoff, which left me feeling like I’d just opened a can of LaCroix expecting champagne.
All that said, I would read the sequel. Not because I’m dying for more mystery, but because I need to know if Clay ever learns how to emote without brooding in the woods. Also, if Zoey doesn’t get a bigger arc where she takes down some institutional corruption and maybe adopts a dog, I will riot.
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars for strong vibes, complicated dad energy, and a town full of secrets that almost slaps. It's like prestige TV that skipped one too many therapy sessions.
Whodunity Award: For Most Emotionally Repressed Men in a Canoe
Big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. You really said, “Here, have a small town full of daddy issues and suppressed emotions,” and I devoured it like emotionally stunted literary comfort food.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: April 21, 2026
After twenty years playing soccer professionally overseas, Clay Hawkins has returned to his hometown of Riverwood, Minnesota, with his twelve-year-old son in tow. Soon after his arrival, Clay’s beloved uncle, Teddy, disappears and Clay, along with his estranged father, Judd, are willing to pull out all the stops to find him. With the help of the new police chief and a few of Clay’s childhood friends, Clay and Judd set out to locate Teddy, rebuilding their bond along the way.
“Liar's Creek” is the first novel in a series by author Matt Goldman. Clay is the protagonist, a former professional footballer and single father who returns to his hometown where he reconnects with his estranged father, the former police chief. Of course, there is more to Clay than meets the eye and his secrets are revealed to a select few as he investigates the disappearance of his uncle.
The story is primarily narrated by Clay, although there are several others who readers will hear from, including Clay’s son, Braeden and Clay’s father, Judd, which provide unique perspectives on not only Clay himself, but on the family dynamic as a whole. Braeden is particularly likable, for a twelve-year-old, as a motherless child who has had his whole life uprooted to move to another country, and Clay does an admirable job parenting him, considering his own upbringing. There is a strong emotional component that hides under the surface in Goldman’s novel, which only increased my enjoyment.
“Creek” was engaging and, although there were plenty of characters, each one was unique and easily recognizable, making the story easy to follow. I was immediately invested in what happened to Teddy, and I loved meeting Clay’s family and friends, both old and new, as they were all eccentric and fun. There are a few side plots as well that Goldman connected smoothly, and everything converged into an unexpected and satisfying ending.
Clay is a unique protagonist, as normally novels like this feature police officers, rangers or some other form of law enforcement, so a former footballer investigating a disappearance is a clever turn. Add to that the single father angle and you have a relatable, likable main character who only adds to the novel’s page-turning story line and picturesque setting.
“Liar's Creek” is an entertaining first installment, and I’m looking forward to seeing more from Clay.
Expected publication date: April 21, 2026
After twenty years playing soccer professionally overseas, Clay Hawkins has returned to his hometown of Riverwood, Minnesota, with his twelve-year-old son in tow. Soon after his arrival, Clay’s beloved uncle, Teddy, disappears and Clay, along with his estranged father, Judd, are willing to pull out all the stops to find him. With the help of the new police chief and a few of Clay’s childhood friends, Clay and Judd set out to locate Teddy, rebuilding their bond along the way.
“Liar's Creek” is the first novel in a series by author Matt Goldman. Clay is the protagonist, a former professional footballer and single father who returns to his hometown where he reconnects with his estranged father, the former police chief. Of course, there is more to Clay than meets the eye and his secrets are revealed to a select few as he investigates the disappearance of his uncle.
The story is primarily narrated by Clay, although there are several others who readers will hear from, including Clay’s son, Braeden and Clay’s father, Judd, which provide unique perspectives on not only Clay himself, but on the family dynamic as a whole. Braeden is particularly likable, for a twelve-year-old, as a motherless child who has had his whole life uprooted to move to another country, and Clay does an admirable job parenting him, considering his own upbringing. There is a strong emotional component that hides under the surface in Goldman’s novel, which only increased my enjoyment.
“Creek” was engaging and, although there were plenty of characters, each one was unique and easily recognizable, making the story easy to follow. I was immediately invested in what happened to Teddy, and I loved meeting Clay’s family and friends, both old and new, as they were all eccentric and fun. There are a few side plots as well that Goldman connected smoothly, and everything converged into an unexpected and satisfying ending.
Clay is a unique protagonist, as normally novels like this feature police officers, rangers or some other form of law enforcement, so a former footballer investigating a disappearance is a clever turn. Add to that the single father angle and you have a relatable, likable main character who only adds to the novel’s page-turning story line and picturesque setting.
“Liar's Creek” is an entertaining first installment, and I’m looking forward to seeing more from Clay.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love small town crime thrillers and mysteries. I always have, even though I was born and raised and lived most of my life in Los Angeles. Having finally relocated to a small, rural town in NoCA two years ago, most days I am truly living with some story of small-town life and its small-town crimes as it were where. Anyway, this story sounded like my kind of story.
The book summary basically just introduces one of the storylines of Clay coming home after 24yrs to the small town of Riverwood, MN after ending his 20yr soccer career, abroad for an Irish team, to a coaching position at his former high school. Clay, now a single father to 12yr old son, Braden, after Braden’s mother (a one-night stand Clay had the year before) abandoned Braden with Clay when Braden was just months old. Clay and his father, Judd, are as estranged as they ever would, since the death of Clay’s mother when he was just a kid. His mother was diagnosed with cancer that was discovered right after she gave birth to Clay, and that Judd always blamed Clay for.
There is the secondary storyline of Clay’s uncle Teddy and Judd’s twin brother suddenly going missing. Teddy is the beloved one of the family, the one that everyone loves and adores and kind of the glue of the family, the one denominator that brings everyone together, even Braden came to adore Uncle Teddy. However, Teddy has always had a bit of a rebel streak in him and it’s not long before Judd and Clay start to wonder what he’s gotten himself into now.
It’s right around the halfway point that a major reveal about why Clay came home adds a bit of intrigue to the story that I’m not going to spoil. The second half begins to reveal a lot more about what’s been going on in Riverwood and all the secrets under the surface. LOVE ZOEY!!! The new, female, Sheriff in Riverwood, who replaced Judd when the city council fired him. Omg, she is hilarious! She adds so much entertainment value to every scene she is in. What a great character!
The character development was well done, especially for characters like Clay, Zoey, and Braden and a few others. The pacing was pretty steady in the first half and picked up a bit in the second half. The storyline was interesting, with its small-town crime thriller and a bit of intrigue. The writing was well done too; I liked a lot of the world building that Goldman provided to make the town of Riverwood and its residents come to life, even the kookie ones. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #LiarsCreek
The book summary basically just introduces one of the storylines of Clay coming home after 24yrs to the small town of Riverwood, MN after ending his 20yr soccer career, abroad for an Irish team, to a coaching position at his former high school. Clay, now a single father to 12yr old son, Braden, after Braden’s mother (a one-night stand Clay had the year before) abandoned Braden with Clay when Braden was just months old. Clay and his father, Judd, are as estranged as they ever would, since the death of Clay’s mother when he was just a kid. His mother was diagnosed with cancer that was discovered right after she gave birth to Clay, and that Judd always blamed Clay for.
There is the secondary storyline of Clay’s uncle Teddy and Judd’s twin brother suddenly going missing. Teddy is the beloved one of the family, the one that everyone loves and adores and kind of the glue of the family, the one denominator that brings everyone together, even Braden came to adore Uncle Teddy. However, Teddy has always had a bit of a rebel streak in him and it’s not long before Judd and Clay start to wonder what he’s gotten himself into now.
It’s right around the halfway point that a major reveal about why Clay came home adds a bit of intrigue to the story that I’m not going to spoil. The second half begins to reveal a lot more about what’s been going on in Riverwood and all the secrets under the surface. LOVE ZOEY!!! The new, female, Sheriff in Riverwood, who replaced Judd when the city council fired him. Omg, she is hilarious! She adds so much entertainment value to every scene she is in. What a great character!
The character development was well done, especially for characters like Clay, Zoey, and Braden and a few others. The pacing was pretty steady in the first half and picked up a bit in the second half. The storyline was interesting, with its small-town crime thriller and a bit of intrigue. The writing was well done too; I liked a lot of the world building that Goldman provided to make the town of Riverwood and its residents come to life, even the kookie ones. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #LiarsCreek
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Liar's Creek by Matt Goldman is a highly recommended character-driven mystery. This is the first book in the Clay Hawkins' Series, set in the small town of Riverwood, Minnesota.
Clay Hawkins, a professional footballer in England for twenty years, has return to his small hometown of Riverwood, MN, with his twelve-year-old son, Braedon. His relationship with his father and former sheriff, Judd, is as strained as ever, but Judd and Braedon have quickly formed a tight bond. Clay's beloved uncle Teddy has disappeared and Clay, Judd, and now the new sheriff are investigating, but as the days pass they all fear the worst may have happened.
This is a well-written, character-driven investigative mystery that has a strong sense of place, which is essential to the plot. It is a small town where everyone knows everyone else, but where they can all have secrets. Teddy is a well known figure around town as someone who is likable but frequently skirts the law and seemingly courts trouble. Even with their tense relationship, Clay and Judd are both looking for Teddy. While Judd turns to his contacts within the sheriff's office, Clay defies his father and talks directly to the new sheriff, Zoey Jensen. The father and son do set aside their grievances and work together.
While the main concern is the search for Teddy, there are several other narrative threads also developing, which serve to add tension and drama. The pace is even as various characters are introduced and brought to life. There is also another story line involving Braedon, his new friend, and some older teens in town (which, as it's a small town, everyone should have known who the teens were while privately keeping an eye on them, looking for trouble.) There is a lot of talk about fishing too.
The character development is excellent as they are all portrayed as complicated, fully realized individuals. Even Braedon is brought to life, along with the minor characters around town. Their interpersonal relationships are realistic and believable. It is revealed along the way that there is more to Clay than meets the eye.
Liar's Creek is a good choice for those who enjoy character-driven investigative mysteries and want to get in at the start of a new series. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Clay Hawkins, a professional footballer in England for twenty years, has return to his small hometown of Riverwood, MN, with his twelve-year-old son, Braedon. His relationship with his father and former sheriff, Judd, is as strained as ever, but Judd and Braedon have quickly formed a tight bond. Clay's beloved uncle Teddy has disappeared and Clay, Judd, and now the new sheriff are investigating, but as the days pass they all fear the worst may have happened.
This is a well-written, character-driven investigative mystery that has a strong sense of place, which is essential to the plot. It is a small town where everyone knows everyone else, but where they can all have secrets. Teddy is a well known figure around town as someone who is likable but frequently skirts the law and seemingly courts trouble. Even with their tense relationship, Clay and Judd are both looking for Teddy. While Judd turns to his contacts within the sheriff's office, Clay defies his father and talks directly to the new sheriff, Zoey Jensen. The father and son do set aside their grievances and work together.
While the main concern is the search for Teddy, there are several other narrative threads also developing, which serve to add tension and drama. The pace is even as various characters are introduced and brought to life. There is also another story line involving Braedon, his new friend, and some older teens in town (which, as it's a small town, everyone should have known who the teens were while privately keeping an eye on them, looking for trouble.) There is a lot of talk about fishing too.
The character development is excellent as they are all portrayed as complicated, fully realized individuals. Even Braedon is brought to life, along with the minor characters around town. Their interpersonal relationships are realistic and believable. It is revealed along the way that there is more to Clay than meets the eye.
Liar's Creek is a good choice for those who enjoy character-driven investigative mysteries and want to get in at the start of a new series. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Clay Hawkins has come back to his hometown of Riverwood, Minnesota, along with his 12-year-old son Braedon. He left right after high school, attended West Point, served in the military and then had a successful career playing professional soccer.
He is slated to begin a new job as soccer coach for his alma mater, a local private school. He is trying to rebuild his relationship with his father who has recently left his job as the Chief of Police. The two have had a difficult relationship all of Clay's life. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Clay was born and battled it until her death when Clay was about 10. Clay feels that his father blames him for the loss of the love of his life. And Clay and his father Judd have little in common. Clay doesn't hunt, he didn't play sports his father could understand, he preferred reading to outdoor activities. Clay is a fly fisherman while his father prefers other fishing. The one thing they have in common is their love for Braedon who is enthused about hunting and fishing with his grandfather.
The Hawkins men all have to come together when Clay's Uncle Teddy disappears. Judd's fraternal twin has been a screw-up all of his life and Judd has spent a lot of his life picking up after him. Now he's missing and Judd doesn't want to go to the new Chief of Police to ask for help. He's depending on his own investigations and that of two of the police force who are his loyalists.
Clay is willing to go to Zooey Jensen who is the new Chief. She's an interesting woman who is half-Dakota and who has recently moved to Riverwood from a similar job in Northern Minnesota. Clay is interested in her as a woman and as an investigative partner. She's quirky and she's smart and she has a history that she isn't eager to share.
Clay has an interesting past of his own. He was an employee of American Intelligence while he was playing soccer in Europe and had his cover blown which is why he decided to come home now.
As the investigation continues. lots of secrets are revealed. This was an engaging story. I loved the Minnesota setting since the story takes place near where I lived and worked for twenty years. I also like Clay's character and especially his relationship with his son Braedon. I liked Braedon's part of the story and his role in its resolution. I also like Judd's part of the story as he works toward a better relationship with his son.
He is slated to begin a new job as soccer coach for his alma mater, a local private school. He is trying to rebuild his relationship with his father who has recently left his job as the Chief of Police. The two have had a difficult relationship all of Clay's life. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Clay was born and battled it until her death when Clay was about 10. Clay feels that his father blames him for the loss of the love of his life. And Clay and his father Judd have little in common. Clay doesn't hunt, he didn't play sports his father could understand, he preferred reading to outdoor activities. Clay is a fly fisherman while his father prefers other fishing. The one thing they have in common is their love for Braedon who is enthused about hunting and fishing with his grandfather.
The Hawkins men all have to come together when Clay's Uncle Teddy disappears. Judd's fraternal twin has been a screw-up all of his life and Judd has spent a lot of his life picking up after him. Now he's missing and Judd doesn't want to go to the new Chief of Police to ask for help. He's depending on his own investigations and that of two of the police force who are his loyalists.
Clay is willing to go to Zooey Jensen who is the new Chief. She's an interesting woman who is half-Dakota and who has recently moved to Riverwood from a similar job in Northern Minnesota. Clay is interested in her as a woman and as an investigative partner. She's quirky and she's smart and she has a history that she isn't eager to share.
Clay has an interesting past of his own. He was an employee of American Intelligence while he was playing soccer in Europe and had his cover blown which is why he decided to come home now.
As the investigation continues. lots of secrets are revealed. This was an engaging story. I loved the Minnesota setting since the story takes place near where I lived and worked for twenty years. I also like Clay's character and especially his relationship with his son Braedon. I liked Braedon's part of the story and his role in its resolution. I also like Judd's part of the story as he works toward a better relationship with his son.
November 21, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read Liar's Creek, by Matt Goldman. It's the second novel I've read by this author.
More than a thriller or a mystery, I'd consider it a character-driven story, dealing with the strained relationships among three generations of Hawkins men in the small town of Riverwood, Minnesota.
It's told in third-person omniscient, but the main protagonist is 42-year-old Clay Hawkins. After a successful career as a soccer player in Europe, he has returned to Riverwood to accept a coaching job at a private school. Accompanying Clay is his 12-year-old son, Braedon. Clay had a one-night stand with Braedon's mother, and nine months later, she dropped the child on Clay's doorstep, so Clay has raised his son as a single father, along with a few nannies.
Clay's relationship with his own father, Judd, has always been adversarial. Clay's mother contracted cancer during her pregnancy and died when Clay was still a child; Clay believes Judd holds him responsible for her death. Also, Judd, Riverwood's tough chief of police for many years, disapproves of Clay's career choices.
When Clay comes home, Judd has been forced into retirement, replaced by Zoey Jensen, a young woman from northern Minnesota. He's licking his wounds, but he has time now to spend with his grandson; the relationship between Judd and Braedon is much better than Judd's with Clay.
Shortly after Clay and Braedon arrive in town, Judd's twin brother, Teddy, goes missing, and this is the overarching mystery throughout the book. Teddy and Judd are complete opposites; while Judd was always a responsible, law-and-order guy, fun-loving Teddy could barely hold a job and often found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Clay and Judd team up with Zoey to investigate Teddy's disappearance, and it turns out that half of the townspeople are hiding something.
Readers looking for a fast-paced thriller might be disappointed, but the suspense is always there. The writing is excellent and the characters well-developed. There were a few surprises toward the end that brought together seemingly unconnected plot points. Highly recommended.
More than a thriller or a mystery, I'd consider it a character-driven story, dealing with the strained relationships among three generations of Hawkins men in the small town of Riverwood, Minnesota.
It's told in third-person omniscient, but the main protagonist is 42-year-old Clay Hawkins. After a successful career as a soccer player in Europe, he has returned to Riverwood to accept a coaching job at a private school. Accompanying Clay is his 12-year-old son, Braedon. Clay had a one-night stand with Braedon's mother, and nine months later, she dropped the child on Clay's doorstep, so Clay has raised his son as a single father, along with a few nannies.
Clay's relationship with his own father, Judd, has always been adversarial. Clay's mother contracted cancer during her pregnancy and died when Clay was still a child; Clay believes Judd holds him responsible for her death. Also, Judd, Riverwood's tough chief of police for many years, disapproves of Clay's career choices.
When Clay comes home, Judd has been forced into retirement, replaced by Zoey Jensen, a young woman from northern Minnesota. He's licking his wounds, but he has time now to spend with his grandson; the relationship between Judd and Braedon is much better than Judd's with Clay.
Shortly after Clay and Braedon arrive in town, Judd's twin brother, Teddy, goes missing, and this is the overarching mystery throughout the book. Teddy and Judd are complete opposites; while Judd was always a responsible, law-and-order guy, fun-loving Teddy could barely hold a job and often found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Clay and Judd team up with Zoey to investigate Teddy's disappearance, and it turns out that half of the townspeople are hiding something.
Readers looking for a fast-paced thriller might be disappointed, but the suspense is always there. The writing is excellent and the characters well-developed. There were a few surprises toward the end that brought together seemingly unconnected plot points. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Matt Goldman has started a crime thriller series featuring Clay Hawkins, a former professional football (soccer) player who lived in Ireland for several years. The book,
Liar’s Creek,
starts soon after Clay and his twelve-year-old son Braedon move back to Clay’s hometown of Riverwood, Minnesota, about south of Rochester in Fillmore County.
Clay’s relationship with his father Judd, the recently replaced police chief, is still strained, but Judd and Braedon have made a good connection. However, Judd’s twin brother Teddy disappears. The three generations of Hawkins, along with new police chief Zoey Jensen, work to find him.
Clay has secrets that are revealed as the story progresses. He is self-reliant, capable, doesn’t take unnecessary chances, loves athletics, and has great observation and deduction skills. He also loves to fish for trout and makes his own fishing flies.
The author does a great job of bringing the characters and the setting to life. It highlights the tight-knit community and trout fishing culture that is part of rural southeastern Minnesota. The setting of limestone bluffs and narrow roads is vivid. The book establishes the relationships of the main characters in addition to the having a mystery that needs to be solved. The story moved at a moderate pace and had a couple of twists. I did feel that part of the big reveal at the end was not a surprise while other parts were surprising. However, the novel displays dramatic depths effectively.
Overall, this is an intriguing, engaging, and suspenseful crime thriller with memorable characters and family drama, as well as a good mystery. There’s a hint of a couple of threads for the next book in the series. I’m looking forward to reading it.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Matt Goldman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 05, 2026.
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My 4.27 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Clay’s relationship with his father Judd, the recently replaced police chief, is still strained, but Judd and Braedon have made a good connection. However, Judd’s twin brother Teddy disappears. The three generations of Hawkins, along with new police chief Zoey Jensen, work to find him.
Clay has secrets that are revealed as the story progresses. He is self-reliant, capable, doesn’t take unnecessary chances, loves athletics, and has great observation and deduction skills. He also loves to fish for trout and makes his own fishing flies.
The author does a great job of bringing the characters and the setting to life. It highlights the tight-knit community and trout fishing culture that is part of rural southeastern Minnesota. The setting of limestone bluffs and narrow roads is vivid. The book establishes the relationships of the main characters in addition to the having a mystery that needs to be solved. The story moved at a moderate pace and had a couple of twists. I did feel that part of the big reveal at the end was not a surprise while other parts were surprising. However, the novel displays dramatic depths effectively.
Overall, this is an intriguing, engaging, and suspenseful crime thriller with memorable characters and family drama, as well as a good mystery. There’s a hint of a couple of threads for the next book in the series. I’m looking forward to reading it.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Matt Goldman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 05, 2026.
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My 4.27 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 21, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 4, 2026
I just finished listening to the audiobook of Liars Creek by Matt Goldman. This book is billed as a thriller, but I would say it’s more a story about relationships. Clay Hawkins has recently returned to Riverview, Minnesota after years of playing professional soccer in Ireland. He returns to his small town with his 12-year-old son in tow. Shortly, after returning to town, his Uncle Teddy goes missing. His father Judd is the former police chief in town and Teddy‘s twin brother. The story centers around the search for Teddy and the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
Although the book is touted as a mystery, it’s really focuses more on the relationships of the main characters. I definitely found this book to be a slow burn. It starts off with a bang regarding the disappearance of Teddy, but then lulls as we receive more background information about Clay, his family and the people of Riverwood, Minnesota. The book picks up again at the end as the mystery reveals itself. Overall, I would say this is a solid read. The writing is well done and I do feel the relationships went beyond the superficial. However, if you’re looking for a fast paced or suspenseful mystery this is probably not the one for you.
I did find listening to the story on audiobook was ideal. I found the reading by Fred Berman was excellent. I really enjoyed his portrayal of the characters and I felt like it made the story come alive. I’m not sure I would’ve enjoyed this book as much if I had just read it. Goldman does leave the story open to a sequel, but he does not end on a cliff hanger. The mystery is tied up nicely so if there was not another book to follow, you wouldn’t feel like you were left hanging. Thank you to Net Galley, Saint Martin’s Press and Minotaur books for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the free e-arc. Opinions are my own.
3.5 rounded up
Two men and a boy are central in what appears will become a series. Clay, a retired professional Soccer player, his 12-year-old son Braeden, and his released from duty Sheriff father, Judd, work out all sorts of paternal issues while solving a crime. These issues were a bonus and I hope continue to develop in next installations. Overall, Liar's Creek is a character-driven mystery.
The crime at hand is a missing man. Teddy is Judd's hapless brother, the one always in the middle of the fallout of a bad decision. When it is determined that Teddy hasn't just gone on a walkabout, the men, and without their knowledge, Braeden investigate the disappearance and what Teddy had been up to prior to going missing.
It's an interesting case full of red herrings and shady characters. There is a new Sheriff in town, Zoey, who also is involved with the search. There is a lot to enjoy about this book but I will start with what bothered me. Zoey. With her introduction, I had to reread it a couple of times as it seemed so out there. Her early conversations with Clay came across as inappropriate and/or immature for her age and position along with just meeting someone for the first time and the seriousness of what was transpiring. It was quite a bit into the book before she wasn't a distraction for me.
I love Clay (long hair!) and how intentional his conversations are with his son. His interactions with the women in his life from his youth are respectful and full of love. I hope to see more of that, too.
Though there were bumps along the way, I'm looking forward to seeing this series grow.
3.5 rounded up
Two men and a boy are central in what appears will become a series. Clay, a retired professional Soccer player, his 12-year-old son Braeden, and his released from duty Sheriff father, Judd, work out all sorts of paternal issues while solving a crime. These issues were a bonus and I hope continue to develop in next installations. Overall, Liar's Creek is a character-driven mystery.
The crime at hand is a missing man. Teddy is Judd's hapless brother, the one always in the middle of the fallout of a bad decision. When it is determined that Teddy hasn't just gone on a walkabout, the men, and without their knowledge, Braeden investigate the disappearance and what Teddy had been up to prior to going missing.
It's an interesting case full of red herrings and shady characters. There is a new Sheriff in town, Zoey, who also is involved with the search. There is a lot to enjoy about this book but I will start with what bothered me. Zoey. With her introduction, I had to reread it a couple of times as it seemed so out there. Her early conversations with Clay came across as inappropriate and/or immature for her age and position along with just meeting someone for the first time and the seriousness of what was transpiring. It was quite a bit into the book before she wasn't a distraction for me.
I love Clay (long hair!) and how intentional his conversations are with his son. His interactions with the women in his life from his youth are respectful and full of love. I hope to see more of that, too.
Though there were bumps along the way, I'm looking forward to seeing this series grow.
November 12, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liar’s Creek
3⭐️
Riverwood, Minnesota is a quaint little town set in a beautiful landscape and gives the everyone-knows-everyone vibe. However, it doesn’t mean that this small town isn’t hiding some secrets. Clay Hawkins and his twelve year old son, Braedon, just recently moved here. It was a place that Clay once called home, but never anticipated to again. Especially when the Clay’s relationship with his ex-sheriff dad, Judd, are rocky at best. But, recently, Clay’s uncle Teddy has gone missing, and now they will all have to put their feelings aside to figure out what happened.
This was a decent mystery book and an easy read. I felt like the imagery used in this was well done. I could easily imagine the landscape of this town and the area of where each event happened. I really did hope for more out of the story, though. There’s a love triangle aspect that fell short for me and was basically non consequential to the story. The mystery had high appeal and I was really waiting for that mind blowing moment when the resolution came. Although I don’t necessarily anticipate the “who done it” portion, the reveal left me feeling a bit “blah” about it. I think my favorite part of this whole story was less about the mystery, and more of the coming of age story and evolvement of relationships between three generations of fathers and sons. That was what really kept my interest.
Thank you St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a free copy of this eARC as well as MacMillian Audio for a copy of this ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Liar's Creek is a family drama as well as a missing person's investigation with a little romance thrown in. Riverwood is a small town that is adjusting to political upheaval when the prodigal Clay returns home. Clay is a disappointment to his former-sheriff father, but an exciting addition to the small town population. The family dynamics are compelling even without the added tension of Uncle Teddy's disappearance. Each generation of the Hawkins family is working through life-changing issues while also learning to live together as a family. Add in Judd's resentment toward the police force that removed him from his position, this leaves the search for Teddy up to individuals instead of trusting the law. The new sheriff is a delight - her quirky character and banter make her one of the only sources of fun and sunshine. I was quickly drawn into the story because there are so many facets to the tale to keep my interest. All of the characters are relatable. I actually liked the ending since it was not fantastical or outlandish. My only issues were Judd's ineptitude following his dismissal (really underscored the need for the town's change) and the repercussions for the criminals in the story (making it seem like the crimes were not serious when they actually were). Thank you to LN of St. Martin's Press for the DRC of this drama/mystery that delivers so much more than expected!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story is set in Riverwood, Minnesota, a scenic small town hiding far more danger than it first appears. When Clay Hawkins’s uncle disappears, Clay and his family are drawn into a search that uncovers painful family history, long-held secrets, and a mystery that becomes much more layered than it first seems.
I thought this book was great. It was very well written, and the characters were developed nicely in a way that made me care about what happened to them. I absolutely loved the quirky sheriff, who brought a lot of personality to the story and was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also really appreciated how the backstory was handled. Instead of giving a huge information dump in the first few chapters, the author gave background details as they were needed, which kept the story moving and made the characters feel more natural. At first, I thought some of the extra storylines were just side stories, but I liked how they all tied in nicely with the rest of the plot. Overall, this was a strong character-driven mystery that I really enjoyed, and I’m definitely excited to read the next installment in the series.
The audiobook narration by Fred Berman was enjoyable, easy to follow, and made it easy to distinguish between the different characters. He really helped make the great story come to life.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
I thought this book was great. It was very well written, and the characters were developed nicely in a way that made me care about what happened to them. I absolutely loved the quirky sheriff, who brought a lot of personality to the story and was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also really appreciated how the backstory was handled. Instead of giving a huge information dump in the first few chapters, the author gave background details as they were needed, which kept the story moving and made the characters feel more natural. At first, I thought some of the extra storylines were just side stories, but I liked how they all tied in nicely with the rest of the plot. Overall, this was a strong character-driven mystery that I really enjoyed, and I’m definitely excited to read the next installment in the series.
The audiobook narration by Fred Berman was enjoyable, easy to follow, and made it easy to distinguish between the different characters. He really helped make the great story come to life.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy!
Liar’s Creek follows a man returning to his hometown, where he has some unresolved family tension, only to collide with a mystery that forces him to confront his past. The story blends working with old wounds and small-town intrigue well. However, it was just alright overall. There was nothing groundbreaking about it, but it was still engaging enough to get through. I ended up plowing through it in about a day and a half, which I feel like speaks to how readable it is.
One of the strong aspects of the novel is the relationships between the main character, his son, and his father. The growth and relationship between the three of them feels natural and believable. The emotional beats land in a way where it feels earned and not forced.
However, some of the dialogue and internal monologue, comes across a bit cringy and in some parts, unnecessary. There were at least two moments when the main character was cycling through some internal thoughts, only for those exact thoughts to immediately reappear in dialogue with another character. It felt like padding for the book length, because if you were to leave the internal monologue of explaining out, the reader would still be able to read between the lines and come to the same conclusions.
Overall, Liar’s Creek is a quick and easy read with some solid character work. 3 stars!
Liar’s Creek follows a man returning to his hometown, where he has some unresolved family tension, only to collide with a mystery that forces him to confront his past. The story blends working with old wounds and small-town intrigue well. However, it was just alright overall. There was nothing groundbreaking about it, but it was still engaging enough to get through. I ended up plowing through it in about a day and a half, which I feel like speaks to how readable it is.
One of the strong aspects of the novel is the relationships between the main character, his son, and his father. The growth and relationship between the three of them feels natural and believable. The emotional beats land in a way where it feels earned and not forced.
However, some of the dialogue and internal monologue, comes across a bit cringy and in some parts, unnecessary. There were at least two moments when the main character was cycling through some internal thoughts, only for those exact thoughts to immediately reappear in dialogue with another character. It felt like padding for the book length, because if you were to leave the internal monologue of explaining out, the reader would still be able to read between the lines and come to the same conclusions.
Overall, Liar’s Creek is a quick and easy read with some solid character work. 3 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman is the first book in a new series called Clay Hawkins. The setting is current day Minnesota. The main character is Clay Hawkins, but the book is populated by his son, dad, and the local police force. Zoey, the police chief, might be my favorite secondary character.
Clay Hawkins returns to his hometown after many years to become the soccer coach for a nearby private school. With his son, they plan to settle down and stay for a while. This is a new world for both of them as up until recently Clay was a professional soccer player in Europe. Clay’s son and father get along beautifully, unlike Clay’s relationship with his father.
Clay’s uncle, Uncle Teddy, is missing. The man has been known to disappear for a couple of days. He is also known to find trouble and often needs extricating by his family. However, this time seems to be more concerning as there is a ransom note. On top of that Clay is running into a number of people from the past who all seem to have information. Braedon, Clay’s son, is even drawn into the controversy.
Liar’s Creek is a mystery with various twists and turns. The introduction to so many people and parts of the town draws you in as if you too are a member of the community. I enjoyed the reveals, the unexpected twists and the ending. I hope to read other books in this series. Liar’s Creek with Matt Goldman is a good read.
Clay Hawkins returns to his hometown after many years to become the soccer coach for a nearby private school. With his son, they plan to settle down and stay for a while. This is a new world for both of them as up until recently Clay was a professional soccer player in Europe. Clay’s son and father get along beautifully, unlike Clay’s relationship with his father.
Clay’s uncle, Uncle Teddy, is missing. The man has been known to disappear for a couple of days. He is also known to find trouble and often needs extricating by his family. However, this time seems to be more concerning as there is a ransom note. On top of that Clay is running into a number of people from the past who all seem to have information. Braedon, Clay’s son, is even drawn into the controversy.
Liar’s Creek is a mystery with various twists and turns. The introduction to so many people and parts of the town draws you in as if you too are a member of the community. I enjoyed the reveals, the unexpected twists and the ending. I hope to read other books in this series. Liar’s Creek with Matt Goldman is a good read.
March 23, 2026
This is my first Matt Goldman book and I came away very impressed by his realistic small town story filled with well developed characters with a good mystery included. I was able to read along as I listened to excellent narration by Fred Bergman.
This is a character driven novel exploring father-son relationships, small town prejudices and how far will one go to protect their family and their secrets.
Clay Hawkins has returned to his home town, Riverwood, Minnesota, after playing professional soccer in Europe. He returns with his son, Braedon who is adored by his grandfather, Judd, although Judd’s not so keen on his own son. Judd’s twin brother, Teddy, has disappeared, and while Judd refuses to go to the new sheriff (Judd used to be the sheriff), Clay does continuing his father’s disappointment. But things get serious as a random note appears and Clay worries something isn’t right. While the story doesn’t have a lot of twists, the investigation reveals a simple plot with a bad ending for some.
I liked the characters Goldman developed. Clay was a straight shooter, a great father to Braedon, and a man of integrity. I loved the new sheriff, Zoe. She was a hoot and there was such great dialogue between Zoe and Clay. While I was not a fan of Judd, he grew on me as he opened up. Braedon was a sweet 12 year old, loyal to his friends, and a good son.
The writing is crisp, the pacing precise and the outcome is just an all around good read. And I can hardly wait for #2 in the Clay Hawkins series.
I’d like than NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and listen to this ARC.
This is a character driven novel exploring father-son relationships, small town prejudices and how far will one go to protect their family and their secrets.
Clay Hawkins has returned to his home town, Riverwood, Minnesota, after playing professional soccer in Europe. He returns with his son, Braedon who is adored by his grandfather, Judd, although Judd’s not so keen on his own son. Judd’s twin brother, Teddy, has disappeared, and while Judd refuses to go to the new sheriff (Judd used to be the sheriff), Clay does continuing his father’s disappointment. But things get serious as a random note appears and Clay worries something isn’t right. While the story doesn’t have a lot of twists, the investigation reveals a simple plot with a bad ending for some.
I liked the characters Goldman developed. Clay was a straight shooter, a great father to Braedon, and a man of integrity. I loved the new sheriff, Zoe. She was a hoot and there was such great dialogue between Zoe and Clay. While I was not a fan of Judd, he grew on me as he opened up. Braedon was a sweet 12 year old, loyal to his friends, and a good son.
The writing is crisp, the pacing precise and the outcome is just an all around good read. And I can hardly wait for #2 in the Clay Hawkins series.
I’d like than NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and listen to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 1, 2026
The main character goes back to his hometown in search of answers of what has happened to his beloved uncle. He’s returning to his father and their unbalanced relationship, along with a son who has been abandoned by the biological mother. Goldman uses the vehicle of going back home along with the themes of father-son relationships and small town drama to expose truths that have been hidden over time.
Goldman is to be commended for highlighting fathers in this book and the beauty of a single father raising a child. Often times we see books about mothers raising children alone but this is a different vibe for the three generations of the male kind. All the men have had to deal with abandonment issues and the trauma and healing from those issues. This is a very slow burn as ugly it was going to be more mystery thriller and not mystery literary fiction.
The narrator does a fair job in the presentation as they also had to speak in a foreign accent, which is very difficult. I recommend this book to those drawn to slow burn character development with very little suspense.
#LiarsCreek #netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and #macmillan #macmillanaudio for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 stars
Goldman is to be commended for highlighting fathers in this book and the beauty of a single father raising a child. Often times we see books about mothers raising children alone but this is a different vibe for the three generations of the male kind. All the men have had to deal with abandonment issues and the trauma and healing from those issues. This is a very slow burn as ugly it was going to be more mystery thriller and not mystery literary fiction.
The narrator does a fair job in the presentation as they also had to speak in a foreign accent, which is very difficult. I recommend this book to those drawn to slow burn character development with very little suspense.
#LiarsCreek #netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and #macmillan #macmillanaudio for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 stars
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman
Publishing on April 21st by Minotaur // St. Martin’s Press
⭐️⭐️✨
I will begin by saying I believe there is a market for this book, and I don’t believe I am in the targeted market. This was too written by a man about men for men for me. I didn’t like the way the women were written and found much of it a bit cheesy (especially the romances). However, I think a dad who is looking for a bit of a dad fluff beach read on vacation might really enjoy this book. It seems to be the first book kicking off a series, which I was actually happy to realize because I feel like there was so much unresolved and a few things that stayed too surface level. On the other hand, a few things were tidied up a bit too neatly and in some cases, a bit too leniently - often against character. This was a quick read and somewhat entertaining, but I wouldn’t recommend it outside of light beach dad reading.
🎧 Fred Berman did an okay job with the narration and did some accents ok (while others like the Irish brogue and female imitations were not great). I think this one might be best enjoyed with eyeballs.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing on April 21st by Minotaur // St. Martin’s Press
⭐️⭐️✨
I will begin by saying I believe there is a market for this book, and I don’t believe I am in the targeted market. This was too written by a man about men for men for me. I didn’t like the way the women were written and found much of it a bit cheesy (especially the romances). However, I think a dad who is looking for a bit of a dad fluff beach read on vacation might really enjoy this book. It seems to be the first book kicking off a series, which I was actually happy to realize because I feel like there was so much unresolved and a few things that stayed too surface level. On the other hand, a few things were tidied up a bit too neatly and in some cases, a bit too leniently - often against character. This was a quick read and somewhat entertaining, but I wouldn’t recommend it outside of light beach dad reading.
🎧 Fred Berman did an okay job with the narration and did some accents ok (while others like the Irish brogue and female imitations were not great). I think this one might be best enjoyed with eyeballs.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clay is a former professional soccer player who returns to his hometown with his twelve year old son supposedly for a coaching job. He has never gotten along with his father, Judd, who is the retired police chief but the two have to work together to find Judd’s missing twin brother, Teddy. Over the course of solving the mystery, Clay develops a romantic relationship and potential future crime solving relationship with the new chief of police.
This is definitely the first book of a crime fighting action thriller series. I’m not a fan of action thrillers and probably won’t continue with the series but there were some bright spots with this one. I liked the development of the family relationships, especially between Clay and his son and father. The romance was a bit out of place but the female chef of police was certainly an interesting character. There were some twists but nothing over the top and the actual crime was not what I expected. The book was entertaining overall.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was good - the accents were well done and the voices easy to distinguish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
This is definitely the first book of a crime fighting action thriller series. I’m not a fan of action thrillers and probably won’t continue with the series but there were some bright spots with this one. I liked the development of the family relationships, especially between Clay and his son and father. The romance was a bit out of place but the female chef of police was certainly an interesting character. There were some twists but nothing over the top and the actual crime was not what I expected. The book was entertaining overall.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was good - the accents were well done and the voices easy to distinguish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
January 22, 2026
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.
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.
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