Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Liar's Creek by Matt Goldman Narrator: Fred Berman
Series: Clay Hawkins #1
Published by MacMillan Audio on May 5, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 8 hours, 39 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
I have read other books by Matt Goldman and a series. Initially, I was drawn to the Minnesota settings. Liar’s Creek has a Minnesota setting but for me, it’s more about the character developments than the plot.
We have the father, Judd who was the sheriff in their smaller town, while his son Clay was growing up. After his wife died, his grief was huge and he wasn’t the best father. Clay made his own way with his skills in soccer and music, attending a private school and then West Point based on his scholarship. He became a soccer star in college and after leaving West Point.
Clay is now home with his son Braedon, to coach at his alma mater private high school. His father, has been replaced as sheriff. His uncle Teddy, Judd’s twin is missing. They both work on trying to find him. Judd using his contacts on the force. Clay though talks to the new sheriff.
Clay is adjusting to being back in his home town for the first time since high school and after years living and working in Europe. It’s Braedon’s first US experience. But Clay wanted him to have family. The story is just full of these relationships and their various personal developments.
I loved the mystery and the police procedural aspects of the investigation. I loved the various romantic connections of each of the three generations of men.  I am beyond thrilled this is the first in the Clay Hawkins series. I look forward to more in this small town of Riverwood, MN which tries to take care of its own.
Narration:
I have listened to Fred Berman in another series but don’t recall anything specific. The voices for the different characters were distinct and well performed. It was easy to recognize who was speaking. Both male and female voices, as well as a few accents felt appropriate.  I listened at my newer 1.75x speed
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Matt Goldman
MATT GOLDMAN is a playwright and Emmy Award-winning television writer for Seinfeld, Ellen, and other shows. He brings his signature storytelling abilities and light touch to his debut novel Gone to Dust. He began his career as a stand-up comedian while attending the University of Minnesota before moving to Los Angeles to write full-time.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
Minnesota!!! Refreshing local
I loved it.
Great review, Anne💜 I debated long about this one and should have gotten it.
I’d say you should it’s excellent.