The Liar of Red Valley

Lead title for Fall 2021 - a fresh, rich, American Gothic "yarn" with a highly relatable female lead.Don’t trust the Liar.Do not cross the King.Never, ever go in the River.In Red Valley, California, you follow the rules if you want to stay alive. But they won’t be enough to protect Sadie now that she’s become the Liar, the keeper of the town’s many secrets. Friendships are hard-won here, and it isn’t safe to make enemies.And though the Liar has power — power to remake the world, with just a little blood—what Sadie really needs is answers: Why is the town’s sheriff after her? What does the King want from her? And what is the real purpose of the Liar of Red Valley?

Publishers Weekly

“Suspenseful and deeply disquieting, this meaty thriller will keep readers on the edges of their seats.” -- Publishers Weekly

Library Journal

“Hits all the right notes… will remind readers of Jim Butcher or Lev Grossman.” -- Library Journal

Publishers Weekly

"Chilling monsters, excellent interiority, and shocking twists" -- Publishers Weekly

Aurealis

"Gothic atmosphere and moments of lyrical introspection"

FanFiAddict

"An American gothic tale with a strong and mystical hook that makes this book a serious page burner."

Starburst Magazine

"If you like stories of ordinary (and, okay, a little bit extraordinary) people up against supernatural forces, then The Liar of Red Valley comes heartily recommended."

Waterstones

"A blistering slice of purest American Gothic"

SciFiNow

"Goodwater has created a fun, mysterious adventure full of colourful characters, a beguiling little town and a book you won’t be able to put down until you’ve devoured every word."

Apple Books

"Thoroughly engrossing and with relentless pace, The Liar of Red Valley takes the reader through unexpected plot twists and false turns towards a surprising and dramatic endgame." -- Apple Books

SFX

"A ferocious page-turner that elicits genuine chills" -- SFX Magazine

The Times

"Goodwater is one of [the genre's] finest modern exponents" -- Simon Ings, The Times -- Simon Ings

a little town hiding secrets, an exciting story and creepy creatures galore." -- Lavie Tidhar, The Washington Post

"The Liar of Red Valley has everything

About the Author

Walter Goodwater is a writer, fencer, software developer, book-lover, and dad. His work has appeared on Tor.com, Crime Reads, and Barnes & Noble. He is the author of the Cold War Magic series, the latest book of which was nominated for a Dragon Award. His newest book, The Liar of Red Valley, is a story of magic, monsters, and secrets in a small rural California town, much like the one he grew up in. Today he lives on the coast with his family, cats, and overflowing bookshelves.

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