LIAR: A Psychological Thriller

by Ryan Reid

Liar

By Ryan Reid



A detective chasing monsters.

A husband haunted by guilt.

Detective Ryan Holloway is unraveling fast. Four women are dead, their bodies staged in ways that speak to something darker, something personal. As he digs deeper into the case, Ryan begins to see echoes of his own past.

But what begins as a hunt for a killer becomes a descent into madness, as Ryan finds himself circling the truth he's spent years burying. And the closer he gets to the truth, the more he begins to suspect…

He's not the hunter.

He's the prey.

A psychological thriller as gripping as it is devastating, Liar takes readers into the mind of a man at war with himself, and the secrets too monstrous to forget.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

***The only book I have Published is LIAR. The rest are not mine***

Ryan Reid is a seasoned investigator turned author, whose work in law enforcement informs the dark, psychological depth of his fiction. Drawing from years of experience unraveling human motives and hidden truths, Reid crafts chilling thrillers that explore the fractured psyche, moral ambiguity, and the weight of buried secrets. When he's not writing, he can be found drinking black coffee and plotting his next twist.

Reviews

[Weena Bernabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am a monster”

Dark, raw, and utterly gripping, Liar pulls you into Detective Ryan Holloway’s fractured mind as he hunts a killer while battling his own demons. It’s a haunting exploration of guilt, truth, and the monsters we hide within ourselves. Unflinching and unforgettable, this book will crawl under your skin and stay there for a while. This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time.

[Kyreadsthrillers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ryan Reid and wow, it left a mark. Liar is raw, emotional, and one of those stories that will stick with me forever.

It tackles some really heavy topics and that is what made it so powerful. The writing pulled me in and the emotions hit hard. Dark, twisted, and impossible to look away from. The suspense kept me hooked but it was the depth of the story that made it unforgettable.

An incredible psychological thriller that I will be thinking about for a long time.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsettling, dark, and deliciously creepy—this book had me on edge the entire time, even sparking a little anxiety along the way.

If you’re ready for an intense, emotional ride, then you’re ready for this story. It’s not just a thriller—it’s an experience. The writing is so sharp and immersive that you forget you’re reading a book, sinking instead into a world that feels all too real.

Packed with tension, raw emotion, and unpredictable twists, this is a true rollercoaster read. I flew through the pages, completely absorbed in this masterfully crafted story.

A must-read for all thriller lovers—don’t miss this one.

Huge thanks to Ryan Reid for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[M. Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly haunting, tragic, and intense read! Reviewing Liar isn't merely an act of critique; it's an acknowledgment of a profound experience of a book that doesn't just ask to be read but demands to be experienced. It thrusts the reader into the shadow realms of the human psyche, unflinchingly illuminating the insidious darkness that can reside just beneath the surface. With chilling precision, the novel reveals how life's events can meticulously strip away a person's very essence, leaving them utterly exposed. The author's command over this unsettling narrative is nothing short of masterful, capturing the universal susceptibility to despair and the creeping darkness that can take root in any heart. This isn't just a read; it's a tragic immersion that commands reflection; compelling you to sit with its heavy truths long after the final page is turned. The entire book stands as a testament to exceptional storytelling; captivating, meticulously crafted, and utterly unforgettable.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am a monster.” The opening lines to Liar hook you but I found the story really picked up in Act II. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs (including the killer), giving you different perspectives that add an extra layer of tragedy. Dark. Gritty. This book gives crime noir vibes. I think a merit of a good ending is that it feels inevitable and this ending was just that - inevitable. Recommend for lovers of dark, unsettling thrillers.

[Jovana M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to sit on this one for a while because I enjoyed it, but the main character infuriated me. I love a character driven book and this character was literally the worst 😂

I guessed who the killer was about 10% into the book, because really it was only going to be either the MC or his wife. Now I was confused about whether Delilah was dead or alive for half the book as there was obviously a lot of time jumping and some hallucinations and I think that was done quite well to confuse the reader.

Detective Ryan Holloway, however, in both his povs was extremely narcissistic, self-righteous, and just plain aggravating. The whole book was basically a series of “oh look, it’s the consequences of my own actions,” but then he also pulled a number of innocent women down with him before finally ending it.

The reason this book is getting 4 stars is actually because of how angry Ryan Holloway made me, because the story did a spectacular job of making me hate the character! It’s very well written and really shows the devastating effects that poor mental health and persistent neglect can have on a family. Lily is the only completely innocent one in the story, so my heart broke for her. With the rest of the characters, it shows how fickle the human mind can be, the mistakes we can make, and the devastating effects that grief can have on a person.

[Michelle Exploringwithchapters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first psychological thriller. I do read spice, and a fair amount of dark romance, but that in no way prepared me for reading this book. Ryan Reid is a seasoned investigator turned author and it shows in his writing. The book's detail and authentic narrative gave the story such a striking verisimilitude that I often forgot I was reading fiction. Which in fact made this a bit harder for me to read, as each scene cut deeper. Knowing this could have been real, and may resemble other stories in true crime brought real tears when reading several of the chapters. I kept trying to guess the ending, and talk myself out of the ending as the reality of what was unfolding continued to ring true. Check your triggers, and know you are walking into something dark with this read. I was really on the fence about what star rating to give, as this book did everything a work of art should. It 100% touched every part of my soul. It will be a book I never forget that I read. I just wasn't expecting the journey it took me on.

[Michele Dam · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Finished Another ARC! ✨

LIAR by Ryan Reid completely blew me away. Going in, I thought I was getting another murder mystery told from an investigator’s POV. And don’t get me wrong, that alone had me hooked. But this was so much more than that.

This book is dark, raw, powerful, tragic, intense, and painfully real. You can tell the author’s background in law enforcement gave it a level of authenticity that so many mystery books lack. The case, the investigation, the grief. It all felt so believable.

And that ending? And the twist? Absolutely wild. At the same time, I can’t imagine it ending any other way. It was devastating, yet perfect for the story.

If there’s one message I walked away with, it’s this: never let the people you love go unseen. Say “I love you” while you can, because sometimes tomorrow never comes.

This was a story full of secrets, twists, and heartbreak that digs under your skin and lingers long after the last page. I’ll 100% be following Ryan Reid to see what comes next.

[Alexandria Devaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty. Raw. Real. Unsettling.
The imagery created from written word. The emotions portrayed through letters. The amount of detail and inner thoughts- you feel yourself becoming the characters. Like you’re this little parasite in their brain living in their world and screaming from the void to just get away. It definitely gave me anxiety while reading it. It’s a thriller with no reprieve or breathing room. Which honestly is a smart take because if you’re constantly trying to get the bad guy before he kills again- who has time to catch their breath?

What to expect? That’s a loaded question. But themes I noticed:
Multiple POV (my favorite)
Stream of consciousness style writing for inner monologues
Descriptive scenes of torture (real world style. It’s not pretty out there people)
Emotional manipulation
Wounded psyche
All that makes us human unraveling on every page.

I gave it 4 stars (I wish I could do 4.5) only because I was able to guess the main twist BUT I did not guess the smaller sub-twists that caused the main.

Caveat: I consume an ungodly amount of crime material and heavy into psychological themes so typically I can guess the twists to some degree.

Absolutely a must read! Vibe read it and you’ll be in for a wild ride.

[Sheena M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book, and boy I had no idea what I was in for! Being a fan of thrillers drew me in but once I started reading, I was hooked. The multiple POV made it feel like I was watching a tv show, experiencing everyone’s thoughts, from the victims to the killer and I loved it.

This book is an experience. It’s dark, raw, intense and powerful. Reid’s background definitely helped to shape this story into something more than just a mystery book. The twists and turns truly had me genuinely surprised.

This book leaves you thinking and wondering even after the last page. Definitely a must read!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC copy.
This was a psychological thriller…one of those you CAN’T put down. I was up all night reading and fully on the edge of my seat!!! Pick this up for a ride full of twists and turns, not your average cop procedural.

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what psychological thrillers are made from, the story gripped you and took you on a journey with twist and had you second guessing everything you thought you knew. Bravo I'll definitely be sticking around for you Mr. Reid. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC. reader.

[Chelsi Warder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. My first ARC did not disappoint. The twist was done very well (albiet a bit obvious if you know what to look for). I normally don't like multiple POVs with time jumps, but Ryan Reid did it very well. The destruction of the main character was gut wrenching to witness. I will definitely be thinking about this story for a minute.

[Erin Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a comfortable read. It is haunting, gut-wrenching, and at times, deeply painful. But it is also profoundly thrilling. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that doesn't just play with your mind, but also pierces your heart, this is the one. The raw dialogue and character vulnerability make for an incredible read, and if you love a good twist-you NEED to read this book.🤯

[Esther Savoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Reid’s LIAR is not a book you “enjoy” in the traditional sense, it’s one you survive, wrestle with, and come away from changed. It’s a crime thriller that dares to go to the darkest corners of human cruelty, while also asking whether hunting monsters can turn you into one.

At the center of the novel is Detective Ryan Holloway, a man whose entire life has been consumed by his work in Major Crimes. The cases he takes on are the ones most of us couldn’t stomach reading about in a headline, predators, abusers, and killers. Through his eyes, we see the psychological cost of confronting evil day after day, and the thin, dangerous line between justice and destruction. Holloway is compelling because he isn’t presented as a shiny hero or a neat archetype. He’s broken, conflicted, and at times disturbingly effective at mirroring the predators he interrogates.

The book’s real strength is its honesty. Reid doesn’t sensationalize the violence, he exposes it. The prose is unflinching, visceral, and cinematic, but it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it forces the reader to sit with the weight of what violence leaves behind, broken families, haunted children, and investigators hollowed out by the truths they’ve had to uncover. The writing captures both the grit of New Orleans streets and the intimacy of small human moments, a husband trying to be present for his wife, a father figure trying to comfort a child, even as his own humanity is slipping.

LIAR also alternates perspectives, giving readers a chilling window into the mind of a killer. These passages are some of the most disturbing, but also the most effective. They aren’t there for shock value. They are there to hold a mirror to the idea of truth and deception, to force us to ask whether we really understand what lies beneath the masks people wear.

What struck me most was how thematically layered the novel is. It’s about truth versus lies, justice versus vengeance, and the masks we wear to survive. But it’s also about marriage, fatherhood, trauma, and the quiet ways love tries to hold its ground against overwhelming darkness.

If you enjoy the works of Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, or Don Winslow, you’ll find Ryan Reid’s LIAR just as dark, gripping, and unforgettable.

This is not a light read. It’s heavy, raw, and at times emotionally exhausting, but it’s also one of the most authentic crime thrillers I’ve read in a long time. It feels less like fiction and more like stepping into the unfiltered reality of detectives who live in the shadows of the worst humanity has to offer.

If you want a story that challenges you, unsettles you, and lingers long after the last page, LIAR delivers. It’s brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable.

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

At its core, Liar is a story about self-awareness and the masks people wear to hide what's behind it. This theme runs throughout the novel, woven into the plot and reflected in the characters’ choices, secrets, and flaws.

The book opens with a couple of chapters that feel almost like a monologue from the main character. This introduction serves as strong character exposition, offering insight into his voice and perspective, while also setting the stage for what’s to come.

The story then shifts into motion as the protagonist wraps up one case, only to be pulled into another, this time, a chilling serial murder investigation. From there, the narrative unfolds across multiple perspectives and timelines: Ryan, the detective at the center of the case; the killer; the victims; and even Ryan’s family members, Delilah and Lily. These layered viewpoints create a dynamic storytelling style that constantly shifts the reader’s lens and deepens the suspense.

For much of the book, I found myself waiting for “the moment”, the revelation that would pull everything together. That payoff arrives in the third act, where not one but two major twists surface as the story escalates and unravels.

As a psychological thriller, Liar delivers what the genre promises: tension, suspense, and a web of secrets to unravel. It kept me engaged and hooked, eager to see what would happen next. While there are some familiar tropes of the genre that stand out, I found they still contributed to the readability and entertainment of the story.

The characters are one of the book’s strongest elements. Each is deeply flawed, which makes them feel realistic and convincing, though sometimes difficult to read. At times, certain traits seemed to function more as plot devices than natural extensions of character, but they still maintained the novel’s consistent tone. In fact, those flaws and the way they were used gave the story a distinct edge and helped reinforce its darker themes.

Overall, Liar was an engaging and satisfying read. It balances familiar genre elements with its own twists, delivers a layered psychological exploration, and keeps the reader turning pages until the very end.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been really struggling to rate books lately ! I’m thinking 3.75-4 stars. I’ll go with the first, but I JUST finished. After I ruminate I bet it bumps up.

This book primarily takes place from two POV’s, the detective and the killer. Occasionally we get the view of the victims as well. We the readers, are just following along as detective Holloway tries to crack the case of several crimes that he thinks may be linked. All of this, while he also has to deal with his home life and just being a human.

It’s very much a slow burn psychological thriller but I will say it didn’t feel like it was dragging either. Was a quick read (I think I did it in 3 days). The author was very descriptive with each scene to really try to pull you in. Overall, I think he accomplished his goal since every time I opened the book I sunk in to a dark place in my mind. Not dark as in send help. Dark like …cinematic. Think British crime tv shows lol. That said, the book does have some dark “send help” moments.

(Side note : this book, in audio format, With a nice deep crisp and smooth male voice would be GOLD!!)

This book was actually a book club pick and an indie author. Not one I would ever pick up on my own (and this is why I join book clubs!). The first 3 chapters made me feel like this would NOT be for me. Let’s be honest, it was a little heavy with the “I’m a monster” thing and it was a very slow start. On the plus side, the chapters were short and after the first 3, all of that seemed to die down.

If you liked That’s not my name which seems to be taking off. I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this one. It’s grittier yes but I think it’s for sure worth taking a chance on if that book was your speed. I’m sure I’ll be recommending it to friends when the opportunity arises.


Okay yea. Ima just change it to 4 stars. See, I already convinced myself after writing the review . Doesn’t have things that could have been done better? Sure, but don’t they all ? Over all it really was pretty well done.

Until next time folks !

[Josh Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Relentless, and Uncomfortably Real

Liar is not the kind of book you “enjoy.” It is the kind that sits in your gut, gnaws at you, and makes you question how much darkness a person can wade through before it starts to stain them. I mean that as a compliment.

The story follows a seasoned investigator who makes a career out of coaxing the ugliest truths from the worst people imaginable: child predators, murderers, abusers. He is good at it. Too good. Because somewhere along the way, the line between wearing the mask of a monster and actually becoming one starts to blur.

What hooked me was not just the procedural detail (though the interrogations are so sharply written you can almost hear the stale air in the room). It was also the raw, unflinching honesty in the narrator’s voice. This is not a clean-cut “good guy catches bad guy” story. It is a slow burn about moral compromise, the corrosive nature of violence, and the cost of doing the job too well.

It is heavy. It is uncomfortable. It is absolutely worth reading if you are ready to sit with that discomfort.

Why not five stars? For me, it is because Liar is relentless in tone. The darkness rarely lets up, and that intensity might keep some readers at arm’s length. A little breathing room here and there could have made the emotional gut-punches land even harder.

Even so, Liar is powerful, brutally honest, and masterfully told. If you have the stomach for it, it is a ride you will not forget, though you might wish you could.

[Dalila Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤Arc review.🖤
I’d like to add a little note. I’m late to the party, and I read this novel a while back, but I literally could not, would not stop thinking about this story, it lingered in my mind, my soul for so long and still to this day. Though, I’d love to thank Ryan for giving me the opportunity to read and share my review and give praise to this book.🖤

Please keep in mind that this story is not for people who are looking for a “fun” read or a “light read with a happy ending.” know that this book may be unsettling for some readers and it may be uncomfortable, haunting.

Where do I even begin? This story has changed my perspective and mindset so much. And honestly I wanted to try something new, and I wanted to dive deeper into a new genre, and this book did not disappoint me at all. It was like a whole mystery. Eerie, dark, unsettling, unexpected raw plot twists, and it consumed me so much that I couldn’t even put this book down. The way this whole plot connected to the character was just amazing, the plot twists, it was emotional, deep and absolutely gut wrenching. Everything about this was so dark and it made me space out and process everything once I read the last page of the book. I still think about it every single day.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, everything about it was so chilling it literally keeps sending chills down my spine every time I think about it. I’d recommend reading this novel if you’re into dark, heavy thrillers.🖤 Thank you so much Ryan for this dark, beautiful story. I can’t wait for what you have next.🖤🖤

[Jess Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for an honest review.

Detective Ryan Holloway is in the midst of a huge case. As of present day, four different women have been killed in extremely violent ways, and worst of all, they were set up as displays, even with messages. While on the surface, nothing connects these four women… detective Holloway has other ideas, and they all lead directly back to him.

This was definitely a ride. It’s quite gory in description, but not to a point where it’s the main focus. I enjoyed seeing this story play out from all the characters involved, including the victims, the killer, our detective, and his family. It gives a good balance, and the fact that we can get to know the victims feels so important. So many times the killer and the gory details make it front and center, and we forget that victims were real people with real lives.

I did have to go back and forth a bit because I wanted to make sure I was following along, date wise. It’s not linear, so there’s some jumping around. Once I got my timeline nailed down, it all made more sense. And it did kind of get me guessing on who the killer was. It was twisty as hell though.

I also want to mention how layered some of the characters can be. Good people can do bad things, and bad people can do good things. But ultimately, what makes you good or bad to begin with? Highly recommend this to both thriller and horror fans, just remember to check your triggers.

[Danielle adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liar is a multi-point-of-view novel that has time jumps where you follow Detective Ryan Holloway as he tracks down a serial killer. With POVs of Ryan, the victims, and the killer you get sides of a story you didn't realize you'd need. Attention to detail is important if you want to crack the case.
My thoughts: While I did predict where a couple twists were it never took away from how well written the author's debut novel was written. The story focuses on Justice, personal truth, grief, and sanity. Every time I felt as though I was rooting for a character they did something that made me take pause, which is obviously a point as humans we make mistakes and there are consequences for those mistakes.
Following Detective Ryan Holloway through the depths of his career and seeing what darkness truly is, inviting, inevitable, and necessary all in the name of truth.
I truly recommend this book from @reidthefacelessdet as the author has detective experience so it's not a cliche novel where the author is just assuming how the field works. The attention to detail is beautifully written and crafted with details l'Il remember for a long time even after finishing. The author was kind enough to give me an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a review and the book is currently out. I highly recommend getting your copy especially since I've seen the author is

[Nina Trays · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 ARC Review: LIAR by Ryan Reid

From page one, LIAR pulled me under — not with flashy twists, but with unrelenting emotional gravity. This isn’t your average crime thriller. It’s a psychological reckoning.

Detective Ryan Holloway is one of the most haunting narrators I’ve read in recent memory. His voice is raw, damaged, and deeply human. As he navigates brutal crimes and darker personal truths, you feel the weight of every choice. Every silence. Every lie told to survive the job.

Set in a vividly rendered New Orleans, the novel blends atmosphere with psychological insight. Scenes are felt, from the interrogation room’s sterile menace to the quiet dread of a home slipping out of reach.

There are difficult topics here: child abuse, trauma, addiction, grief. But none of it is used for shock value. Everything serves the central question: How far can a man fall in pursuit of justice before he becomes what he hunts?

This book doesn’t offer easy answers — and that’s what makes it linger. Bleak, honest, and unforgettable.

Perfect for:
Fans of True Detective, The Force by Don Winslow, or The Life We Bury.
Readers who crave emotional depth and slow-burn character-driven crime fiction.

[Kim Tozzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read and what a treat it was! Looking forward to more books! Thank you for the opportunity!

What sets Liar apart is its raw authenticity, likely influenced by Reid’s real-world background in law enforcement. It doesn’t sensationalize crime; instead, it digs into the human cost of lies, betrayal, and obsession, making it both a page-turner and a heavy emotional experience.

From the very first page, Liar pulls you in and refuses to let go. Ryan Reid has crafted a dark, gritty, and unflinching psychological thriller that will leave you unsettled, emotional, and completely hooked.
At its center is Detective Ryan Holloway, a man as flawed as the world he’s trying to clean up. When women begin turning up murdered, their bodies marked with the chilling word LIAR, Holloway is drawn into a case that is as much about his own haunted past as it is about catching a killer. The deeper he digs, the more the line blurs between truth and deception, hunter and hunted.

If you enjoy authors like Karin Slaughter, Tana French, or Chris Carter, Liar will feel right at home on your shelf. It’s unflinching, authentic, and absolutely unpredictable. Reid balances the suspense with deeply layered characters, ensuring that every reveal feels earned.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Book Review – Liar by Ryan Reid

This was such a unique and chilling read. Being a detective isn’t just about solving crimes, it’s about facing the darkest corners of the human mind. This book shows how constantly meeting twisted, broken, and manipulative people can put a heavy toll not just on the detective, but also on their family. The line between justice and darkness becomes blurred, and sometimes, it’s hard to tell who’s really in control.

I can’t say much without spoiling the story, but Ryan Reid kept me completely engaged from start to finish. The writing is sharp, the pacing steady, and the atmosphere perfectly unsettling. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story shifted in a way that kept me on edge.

⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
📅 Releases: Monday, September 1st
🙏 Thank you @ryanreid for the ARC copy!

✨ Who would enjoy this book?
• Fans of dark psychological thrillers
• Readers who love exploring the mental toll of crime-solving
• Anyone who enjoys plot twists that keep you second-guessing
• Perfect for those who like their thrillers layered with emotional depth and darkness

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that isn’t afraid to dive into the shadows of the mind, Liar is one you’ll want to add to your TBR.

[Nikki LeLand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw. Haunting. Gripping. I had no clue what to expect going into this one but it did NOT disappoint. This was a haunting story of love, loss, and career presented to you in an expertly wrapped box. Throughout this book, the author lets you see the protagonist’s journey through almost every character’s eyes, and while multiple POVs is no one’s favorite, the author honestly does a great job at keeping it easy-to-follow and entertaining. The book brings to light some very real and very had topics that may be hard for some readers, but that’s what sold it for me. The protagonist’s morally gray life is what keeps you hooked: never knowing if you want to root for his success or his downfall right down to the bitter end. I found myself enthralled with the story, completely taken with the characters, and unable to look away. The emotional journey I was sent on during this one really gave me a run for my money! If you can handle a story following you around and sticking out in your mind like a sore thumb for a few days, I definitely recommend this one! I would have given it 5 stars but I felt the end to be a bit short and quick to a generic resolution.

[Julia Ghoulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The self-proclaimed “monster” of a detective, dutifully married to the job and divorced from everything else. A serial killer carving out messages, one murder at a time. And a family left waiting for a husband and father who might already be a ghost.

Detective Ryan Holloway treats his family like an after-school activity he never signed up for. His real commitment? Saved for his job; Sleeping at the office, chasing departed souls through every case file and overly obsessing until he can find just one connection in a case file.

But when the murders start piling up like love letters written in blood and body parts, all signs eventually point to him being the targeted audience.

Each victim feels less like another case and more like a cruel reflection of his actions, or lack thereof. This killer isn’t just brutal. They’re intimate. They’re personal. And boooy do they have a bone (or a severed finger) to pick with Holloway.

The closer he gets, the more the line between bogeyman and mirror blurs. The detective who swore to keep boogeyman under the bed realizes he might be staring one down the barrel. Holloway is forced to face the ugliest question of all: when you’re married to the job, how long will it take before it kills everything else?

LIAR by Ryan Reid is a hauntingly beautiful and dark depiction of the tortures a soul can endure…and the atrocities it can and will commit. Reid’s work as a former investigator shines through each page.

With eloquent prose and bread crumbs leading you down a twisty and page turning thrill…LIAR is assuredly set to be your top read of Fall. My fair warning is to tread lightly knowing you will not be the same and once done as it will stick with you far past the turning of the last page.

[Keri Anderson (Gilson) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does an incredible job of pulling you into this story and making you feel every shadowed corner. Some of the scenes are described so vividly, the moment with the pinky finger was etched in my mind as if I were there, and I rarely see images while I read.

This book broke my heart. It also unearthed emotions I didn’t expect because I was Delilah once. I was married to a deputy, raising two small kids, and I felt the same mix of love, fear, and desperation that she carries. We’re divorced now, but reading her journey felt like walking through old memories.

I loved how the chapters weave between past and present. That kind of structure can sometimes get messy, but Ryan Reid handles it with clarity, making the timeline enrich the story rather than confuse it.

Liar is raw, real, and dark a story that reads almost like a painful truth. People can break. They can get swallowed by darkness and not know how to crawl back out. This book lingers because it speaks to that fragile place in all of us.

“I am a monster.”

[Alejandra Campos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading “Liar” by Ryan Reid, and wow, what a ride! This psychological thriller is a masterclass in emotional depth—it's raw and heavy, delving into the intricacies of trust and betrayal in a way that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

Reid crafts characters that feel achingly real, each flaw and fear laid bare, making their journeys profoundly relatable. I found myself completely immersed in their struggles, feeling the weight of their sadness as they navigated a web of lies.

Even though I sniffed out the plot twist three chapters in, it didn’t diminish the thrill one bit. The suspense is masterfully built, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I raced through the pages, eager to see how it all unfolded. Reid’s ability to blend emotional resonance with gripping tension is truly impressive.

If you’re looking for a thriller that’s not just about the twists but also about the raw human experience, “Liar” is a must-read! You’ll be hooked from start to finish. #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #RyanReid #MustRead

[Egg Head · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC read. I am more than happy with the turnout. I found this book by accident and I thought “why not give it a shot?” I have not read much of the mystery/thriller genre but this beat all of my expectations. This is a story that is dark and heavy and covers some very traumatic and intense themes. This is definitely not a read for the casual reader but one that truly sticks with you. It shows some of the best and worst of humanity and how the impact of experience can really change someone. This book had some unique perspectives and utilizes the timeline switches effectively. If you like a dark, whodunnit thriller this is the book for you. Are there things this book could have fleshed out? Sure, but like the humans no book is perfect but this was still a quick and impactful read. I would definitely check the triggers before reading this book.

[mina_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a arc read and i am so glad that i got to read this.
Just finished LIAR by Ryan Reid and honestly… I don’t even know where to start. 🖤
This book hit me hard. It’s dark, raw, and absolutely gripping from the very first page. The writing pulls you in so deep that you don’t just read it—you feel it. Every chapter carried this heavy mix of tension, emotion, and truth that stayed with me even when I put the book down.

What I loved most is that it’s not just a thriller—it’s an experience. It makes you think, it makes you uncomfortable, and it makes you question things long after you’ve closed the book. It’s powerful, haunting, and beautifully written in a way that lingers.

If you’re looking for a story that will keep you up at night and stay with you long after the last page, this one is for you.