Liar's Creek

Clay Hawkins #1

by Matt Goldman

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

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

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

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

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

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Jenny Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Sheri Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Erinn Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Emily Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Tim Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Anya Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Karen McKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Amanda Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Goldman has done it again! Liar’s Creek is an exceptional novel. I loved the small-town feel, it was truly atmospheric. Goldman writes his characters with so much depth that it feels like you know them.

This was a slow burn, but I definitely found myself engrossed in the story and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was shocked when everything came to light and am hoping that there will be a return to Riverwoods in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.