What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Creek
The bestselling author of Just Stay Away and Pike Island returns with the pulse-pounding story of a prodigal son sorting friend from enemy in a small town trembling with secrets.
Jim McCann was a high school basketball star destined for the NBA. Then an injury shattered his knee and his dreams. Disillusioned, he cut ties with his stifling hometown.
Years later, he returns for his father’s funeral. Finding that his mother has dementia, he reluctantly takes over the family propane business. But there’s a silver reconnecting with Kyle, his childhood best friend, and meeting Kelli, the only one who understands his struggle to fill his own big shoes.
There’s a dark cloud too. Colton Reid, a troubled former classmate, still holds an old basketball grudge. And after Kyle convinces Jim to fire him, the disturbing incidents begin. Nothing too serious at first—until the stalking hits Jim where he lives, unleashing a cascade of grave revelations.
Now there’s no denying things have gone too far. As the stakes spike, Jim learns what he’ll do to protect himself, his loved ones, and the home that won’t let him go.
Jim McCann was a high school basketball star destined for the NBA. Then an injury shattered his knee and his dreams. Disillusioned, he cut ties with his stifling hometown.
Years later, he returns for his father’s funeral. Finding that his mother has dementia, he reluctantly takes over the family propane business. But there’s a silver reconnecting with Kyle, his childhood best friend, and meeting Kelli, the only one who understands his struggle to fill his own big shoes.
There’s a dark cloud too. Colton Reid, a troubled former classmate, still holds an old basketball grudge. And after Kyle convinces Jim to fire him, the disturbing incidents begin. Nothing too serious at first—until the stalking hits Jim where he lives, unleashing a cascade of grave revelations.
Now there’s no denying things have gone too far. As the stakes spike, Jim learns what he’ll do to protect himself, his loved ones, and the home that won’t let him go.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
147 people are currently reading
4257 people want to read
About the author
Tony Wirt
5 books237 followersTony was born in Lake Mills, IA, and got his first taste of publication in first grade, when his essay on Airplane II: The Sequel appeared in the Lake Mills Elementary School’s Creative Courier.
He's a graduate of the University of Iowa and spent nine years doing media relations in the Hawkeye Athletic Department. He's also been a sportswriter, movie ticket taker and Dairy Queen ice cream slinger who can still do the little curly thing on top of a soft serve cone.
He currently lives in Rochester, MN, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fly fishing or telling you what music you should be listening to, he’s working on his next novel.
He's a graduate of the University of Iowa and spent nine years doing media relations in the Hawkeye Athletic Department. He's also been a sportswriter, movie ticket taker and Dairy Queen ice cream slinger who can still do the little curly thing on top of a soft serve cone.
He currently lives in Rochester, MN, with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not fly fishing or telling you what music you should be listening to, he’s working on his next novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 24, 2025
"Well that's too bad, because you don't always gotta go looking for trouble, Jimmy. Sometimes trouble finds you."
A compelling story of small town life and the weight of family responsibilities, my interest was held throughout and I couldn't help but be invested. When his father dies, Jim, a former high school basketball star returns to his hometown to take over the family business and care for his mother who has dementia. Jim is a likeable guy who is doing his best to recalibrate his life in a place he thought he'd left behind. He reconnects with his best friend, meets a new love interest and tries to figure out the best way to care for his mother. When he becomes the victim of harassment after firing an employee who used to be a teammate, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
The pacing is slow and steady which is perfect for a cozy drama. Jim struggles with his new life being back in a place where everyone only sees the high school basketball star he used to be. He's unsure how to handle the situation with his mother but is desperate to do right by her. Tony Wirt realistically, and with utmost care, depicts the difficulties and challenges that arise when caring for a loved with dementia due to the devastating nature of the disease. Even the light romance with Jim and Kelli, the new coach for the girls basketball team, was sweet and had me rooting for him. Despite knowing exactly what was going on from the beginning, Jim is somewhat gullible and makes poor choices, which created a suspenseful edge as things ramped up to an exciting conclusion!
SILENT CREEK is a moving family drama that accurately portrays small town life where sports are an integral part of the culture. If you enjoy interpersonal dynamics, uncovering secrets and lies, and bursts of tense moments, this one is for you!
A compelling story of small town life and the weight of family responsibilities, my interest was held throughout and I couldn't help but be invested. When his father dies, Jim, a former high school basketball star returns to his hometown to take over the family business and care for his mother who has dementia. Jim is a likeable guy who is doing his best to recalibrate his life in a place he thought he'd left behind. He reconnects with his best friend, meets a new love interest and tries to figure out the best way to care for his mother. When he becomes the victim of harassment after firing an employee who used to be a teammate, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
The pacing is slow and steady which is perfect for a cozy drama. Jim struggles with his new life being back in a place where everyone only sees the high school basketball star he used to be. He's unsure how to handle the situation with his mother but is desperate to do right by her. Tony Wirt realistically, and with utmost care, depicts the difficulties and challenges that arise when caring for a loved with dementia due to the devastating nature of the disease. Even the light romance with Jim and Kelli, the new coach for the girls basketball team, was sweet and had me rooting for him. Despite knowing exactly what was going on from the beginning, Jim is somewhat gullible and makes poor choices, which created a suspenseful edge as things ramped up to an exciting conclusion!
SILENT CREEK is a moving family drama that accurately portrays small town life where sports are an integral part of the culture. If you enjoy interpersonal dynamics, uncovering secrets and lies, and bursts of tense moments, this one is for you!
October 24, 2025
Small town secrets certainly come to light in this one! This slow burn read builds suspense & that suspense keeps you intrigued and want to keep going. Jim’s experience when he returns to his hometown, makes him second guess those that he has known his entire life. Taking over his father’s business, his error was trusting those whom he thought had his and the companie’s best interest at heart instead of doing his own research. The narrator did a great job bringing life to these characters & definitely added to the eerie suspenseful vibe. Overall a decent thriller that fans of slow burn suspense may enjoy. Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for a reader copy & Brilliance Audio for a listening copy!
November 2, 2025
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
3.5 stars!!
Predictable and wasn’t a fan at first but it was pretty good!
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴀʏ, ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ, ɪ ᴅᴏ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴋᴀʀᴍᴀ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ, ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ?”
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
3.5 stars!!
Predictable and wasn’t a fan at first but it was pretty good!
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴀʏ, ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ, ɪ ᴅᴏ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪɴ ᴋᴀʀᴍᴀ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ, ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ?”
October 7, 2025
Silent Creek 4⭐️
Silent Creek is a show burn suspense with small town drama.
This is my second time reading a Tony Wirt book. Just like the first one I read, I flew through this book connecting with his writing style.
When Jim returns home after his father’s death and takes over the family business, he’s told one of his first tasks is to fire an employee, Colton Reid. On top of acclimating to his childhood hometown, coming to terms with his mother’s cognitive decline, and sparking a new relationship, Jim becomes increasingly paranoid about Colton. Every suspicious thing that happens links back to him.
I did guess the eventual twist fairly early on and found some narration repetitive, but otherwise enjoyed my reading experience as a whole. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Oct 7 2025
Silent Creek is a show burn suspense with small town drama.
This is my second time reading a Tony Wirt book. Just like the first one I read, I flew through this book connecting with his writing style.
When Jim returns home after his father’s death and takes over the family business, he’s told one of his first tasks is to fire an employee, Colton Reid. On top of acclimating to his childhood hometown, coming to terms with his mother’s cognitive decline, and sparking a new relationship, Jim becomes increasingly paranoid about Colton. Every suspicious thing that happens links back to him.
I did guess the eventual twist fairly early on and found some narration repetitive, but otherwise enjoyed my reading experience as a whole. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Oct 7 2025
September 27, 2025
This is my first book by Tony Wirt and although it is a slow burn, I ended up liking it. Jim McCann left his hometown after an injury that ended his dreams of becoming a basketball player. He comes back after his father's passing and his mother's dementia diagnosis to run his father's propane business. He reconnects with his old best friend Kyle and another former classmate, Colton. They both work at the McCann's propane business. Colton still holds grudges against Jim, and when Jim fires Colton after consulting with Kyle, mysterious and unsettling things start happening. I didn't know where this one was going and there's a good twist that totally caught me off guard. I loved the atmospheric small town, wintery setting too. I'd say this is a good popcorn thriller. I'm happy to have found a new to me author and look forward to more of his books in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2025
I’m new to this author, and I found the book to be a slow-paced read, but I finished it in one sitting because there were enough twists to keep me engaged.
Jim McCann, a former basketball star, returns to his hometown for his father's funeral and takes over the family propane business after discovering his mother has dementia. He reconnects with childhood friend Kyle and meets Kelli, who understands his struggles. However, tensions rise when former classmate Colton Reid, still bitter about the past, begins stalking Jim after being fired. As threats escalate, Jim must protect his loved ones and confront his past.
The main character, Jim, returns to his small hometown, where, as fate would have it, the past has a way of catching up with you. He’s stepping into his dad’s shoes, and his childhood friend immediately throws him into the business. Doesn't that sound familiar? You start a new job, trust the people around you, and hope to make good decisions. But relying on hearsay can come back to haunt you on an unexpectedly snowy day.
Jim feels like he has some growing up to do while dealing with his old classmate, which made me keenly observe his actions, even though I didn't necessarily agree with them. The settings in the book are richly described, and I could almost feel the chill coming off the pages. Everything was so vivid that at one point, I held my breath, hoping Jim would realize he needed to confront Colton face-to-face rather than resorting to juvenile high school antics. It turns out that once Jim figured out the adult way to approach a problem, by talking things out, he was able to understand the root cause of Colton’s behavior.
You see, nothing is as it seems, and we often know very little about others' situations, which can sometimes lead to bad behavior. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, playing detective as you piece together clues, or unexpected endings that offer life lessons along the way, this is a great read. Just be patient with Jim, as he needs a moment to mature and stop being so childish in his decisions. Remember, the closer you are to an actual scheme, the less you may see, so take a step back and reevaluate the situation.
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jim McCann, a former basketball star, returns to his hometown for his father's funeral and takes over the family propane business after discovering his mother has dementia. He reconnects with childhood friend Kyle and meets Kelli, who understands his struggles. However, tensions rise when former classmate Colton Reid, still bitter about the past, begins stalking Jim after being fired. As threats escalate, Jim must protect his loved ones and confront his past.
The main character, Jim, returns to his small hometown, where, as fate would have it, the past has a way of catching up with you. He’s stepping into his dad’s shoes, and his childhood friend immediately throws him into the business. Doesn't that sound familiar? You start a new job, trust the people around you, and hope to make good decisions. But relying on hearsay can come back to haunt you on an unexpectedly snowy day.
Jim feels like he has some growing up to do while dealing with his old classmate, which made me keenly observe his actions, even though I didn't necessarily agree with them. The settings in the book are richly described, and I could almost feel the chill coming off the pages. Everything was so vivid that at one point, I held my breath, hoping Jim would realize he needed to confront Colton face-to-face rather than resorting to juvenile high school antics. It turns out that once Jim figured out the adult way to approach a problem, by talking things out, he was able to understand the root cause of Colton’s behavior.
You see, nothing is as it seems, and we often know very little about others' situations, which can sometimes lead to bad behavior. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, playing detective as you piece together clues, or unexpected endings that offer life lessons along the way, this is a great read. Just be patient with Jim, as he needs a moment to mature and stop being so childish in his decisions. Remember, the closer you are to an actual scheme, the less you may see, so take a step back and reevaluate the situation.
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2025
First-Rate Small-Town Thriller
No matter how much time goes by, people in small towns never forget who you were in high school — and what you did, or didn’t do, and grudges from those formative years cast forever shadows, even among those who claim friendship with you. That’s the simple but ingenious premise of Tony Wirt’s watertight thriller, and the pages fairly fly as a returning hometown basketball hero finds that in Silent Creek, Minnesota, old wounds never really heal — and the interest accrued on those perceived debts from the past can be repaid only in blood.
Tony Wirt is a thriller author to watch.
No matter how much time goes by, people in small towns never forget who you were in high school — and what you did, or didn’t do, and grudges from those formative years cast forever shadows, even among those who claim friendship with you. That’s the simple but ingenious premise of Tony Wirt’s watertight thriller, and the pages fairly fly as a returning hometown basketball hero finds that in Silent Creek, Minnesota, old wounds never really heal — and the interest accrued on those perceived debts from the past can be repaid only in blood.
Tony Wirt is a thriller author to watch.
October 24, 2025
#ad much love for my advance copy @wirter #partner
🆂🅸🅻🅴🅽🆃 🅲🆁🅴🅴🅺
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ 𝟩, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ᴠɪᴀ ᴋᴜ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʀᴇᴀᴅ & ʟɪꜱᴛᴇɴ ɴᴏᴡ
𝟤𝟦𝟤 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ | ᴅᴏᴍᴇꜱᴛɪᴄ | ꜱᴜꜱᴘᴇɴꜱᴇ | ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ
Jim’s dreams were shattered so he left town. But when his father dies it’s time for him to come back. But sometimes in small towns, things tend to never change - forever staying the same. And this couldn’t be more true for Silent Creek.
Oof! Another slam dunk from Tony Wirt - pun intended. This book hooked me from the start and kept me entertained throughout. With short chapters this is quick and entertaining read. I love how he captured the essence of Silent Creek. It seriously felt like I was reading about my hometown.
Reading this book felt like a spool of thread slowly unraveling, slowly picking up speed as the pile of thread gets heavier and the spool gets lighter. Just loved it. Relentless.
🆂🅸🅻🅴🅽🆃 🅲🆁🅴🅴🅺
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ 𝟩, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ᴠɪᴀ ᴋᴜ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ʀᴇᴀᴅ & ʟɪꜱᴛᴇɴ ɴᴏᴡ
𝟤𝟦𝟤 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ | ᴅᴏᴍᴇꜱᴛɪᴄ | ꜱᴜꜱᴘᴇɴꜱᴇ | ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ
Jim’s dreams were shattered so he left town. But when his father dies it’s time for him to come back. But sometimes in small towns, things tend to never change - forever staying the same. And this couldn’t be more true for Silent Creek.
Oof! Another slam dunk from Tony Wirt - pun intended. This book hooked me from the start and kept me entertained throughout. With short chapters this is quick and entertaining read. I love how he captured the essence of Silent Creek. It seriously felt like I was reading about my hometown.
Reading this book felt like a spool of thread slowly unraveling, slowly picking up speed as the pile of thread gets heavier and the spool gets lighter. Just loved it. Relentless.
August 31, 2025
Thank you to Tony Wirt for the ARC and swag - go Beavers!
Jim “Jimmy Buckets” McCann left his hometown behind after a once promising basketball career ended with an injury. Years later, at his father’s funeral, he sees how bad his mother’s dementia really is and decides he needs to move back home. There is one upside: his best friend, Kyle, still works for the McCann’s family propane business and Jim is happy to reconnect with him. He also reunites with Colton Reid, a former classmate who still holds a grudge, who also works for the family business. After Kyle convinces Jim to fire him, disturbing incidents begin to occur.
Immediately, I related to this story, as I am smack dab in the middle of sports life (as a mom, anyway - I’ve never played anything that required coordination). My heart went out to Jim as he faced the reality many of us face as our parents get older; it is heartbreaking to have to care for the person who once cared for you. Wirt’s writing style also had me picturing the old school gym that I remember from my school - he painted a very vivid picture. The snowy, wintery setting added to the atmosphere - and that was only the beginning. Once Colton came into the picture, tension was thick and I was practically holding my breath waiting to see what would happen next. I in no way predicted how this one was going to end and I loved every bit of it! If you enjoy twisty thrillers with an atmospheric setting, look no further!
“Silent Creek” releases October 7, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Jim “Jimmy Buckets” McCann left his hometown behind after a once promising basketball career ended with an injury. Years later, at his father’s funeral, he sees how bad his mother’s dementia really is and decides he needs to move back home. There is one upside: his best friend, Kyle, still works for the McCann’s family propane business and Jim is happy to reconnect with him. He also reunites with Colton Reid, a former classmate who still holds a grudge, who also works for the family business. After Kyle convinces Jim to fire him, disturbing incidents begin to occur.
Immediately, I related to this story, as I am smack dab in the middle of sports life (as a mom, anyway - I’ve never played anything that required coordination). My heart went out to Jim as he faced the reality many of us face as our parents get older; it is heartbreaking to have to care for the person who once cared for you. Wirt’s writing style also had me picturing the old school gym that I remember from my school - he painted a very vivid picture. The snowy, wintery setting added to the atmosphere - and that was only the beginning. Once Colton came into the picture, tension was thick and I was practically holding my breath waiting to see what would happen next. I in no way predicted how this one was going to end and I loved every bit of it! If you enjoy twisty thrillers with an atmospheric setting, look no further!
“Silent Creek” releases October 7, 2025. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
October 3, 2025
✨ARC | ALC ✨BOOK REVIEW✨
📖SILENT CREEK ✍️Tony Wirt
🗓️PUB date: OCT 7, 2025
👀🦻Immersive read
📖242 pages | 🎧6 hrs 52 mn
🗣️Luke Daniels
My rating 3.75🌟 (rounded up)
Basketball season – GO BEAVERS! 🦫 Small-town secrets. Old grudges that will not stay buried.
Jim’s back in town, Silent Creek isn’t as quiet as it looks on the map, and chaos has a way of finding him.
This one landed in my lap at the perfect time: anniversary of my mom’s passing, cooler weather moving in, me and my grandson playing Little Tikes basketball. It felt like home in a book.
This is how I imagine the characters:
🏀 Jim — the basketball star everybody knows. Adorable but doesn’t know it. Loves the game but hates being the center of attention.
🙃 Kyle — The lifelong butthead bestie who somehow always drags Jim into trouble. Jealous of Jim and always wanted to be him.
✨ Kelli — The tall pretty basketball girl who didn’t realize she was a catch until later. Sassy but has a kind heart.
Vibes ✌️
🍂 Cozy fall mystery
🏀 Basketball energy
💫 Nostalgic
🧡 Heartfelt dementia component
🌀 Suspenseful | Psychological
I could relate to Jim as the adult kid suddenly carrying the weight of caring for a parent with dementia. It is scary, messy, and full of second-guessing, but it is love that keeps you standing.
Big thanks to Tony Witt for sending me a signed advance reader’s copy of his new book. I also snagged the audiobook via the @brilliancepublishing on NetGalley, which made for the perfect immersive read.I love an immersive read and I will absolutely take the trophy for this one.
It’s a yes for me!
DeAnn | @deannsreadingriot
📖SILENT CREEK ✍️Tony Wirt
🗓️PUB date: OCT 7, 2025
👀🦻Immersive read
📖242 pages | 🎧6 hrs 52 mn
🗣️Luke Daniels
My rating 3.75🌟 (rounded up)
Basketball season – GO BEAVERS! 🦫 Small-town secrets. Old grudges that will not stay buried.
Jim’s back in town, Silent Creek isn’t as quiet as it looks on the map, and chaos has a way of finding him.
This one landed in my lap at the perfect time: anniversary of my mom’s passing, cooler weather moving in, me and my grandson playing Little Tikes basketball. It felt like home in a book.
This is how I imagine the characters:
🏀 Jim — the basketball star everybody knows. Adorable but doesn’t know it. Loves the game but hates being the center of attention.
🙃 Kyle — The lifelong butthead bestie who somehow always drags Jim into trouble. Jealous of Jim and always wanted to be him.
✨ Kelli — The tall pretty basketball girl who didn’t realize she was a catch until later. Sassy but has a kind heart.
Vibes ✌️
🍂 Cozy fall mystery
🏀 Basketball energy
💫 Nostalgic
🧡 Heartfelt dementia component
🌀 Suspenseful | Psychological
I could relate to Jim as the adult kid suddenly carrying the weight of caring for a parent with dementia. It is scary, messy, and full of second-guessing, but it is love that keeps you standing.
Big thanks to Tony Witt for sending me a signed advance reader’s copy of his new book. I also snagged the audiobook via the @brilliancepublishing on NetGalley, which made for the perfect immersive read.I love an immersive read and I will absolutely take the trophy for this one.
It’s a yes for me!
DeAnn | @deannsreadingriot
September 22, 2025
I didn't love this book as much as I hoped that I would. Regardless of my thoughts I do have a few other Tony Writ books on my tbr that I fully intend to still check out.
This thriller just wasn't thrilling for me. There were some suspenseful moments and a decent enough twist, but I was a little disconnected from the story. It's probably a personal thing since I'm not a big sports fan and basketball was a huge focal point in the storyline. I think the saving grace for me was the narrator. I enjoyed his voice and he told this story well.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This thriller just wasn't thrilling for me. There were some suspenseful moments and a decent enough twist, but I was a little disconnected from the story. It's probably a personal thing since I'm not a big sports fan and basketball was a huge focal point in the storyline. I think the saving grace for me was the narrator. I enjoyed his voice and he told this story well.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2025
This one is full of old grudges and drama in a small town!
Jim returns to his hometown after his dad passes away and when he takes over his dad’s company- he’s told he needs to fire an employee. This then unleashes a series of vengeful events.
It initially is more of a slow burn, but in a good way with lots of details and tension laid out that builds up the suspense leading to an action packed ending. The snowy setting added to the atmosphere as well. The author did a great job of creating characters with flaws making them feel authentic.
I did guess the main twist, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of seeing how it would be revealed and the drama it would entail.
Another solid read by this author!
Thank you to the author @wirter for this #gifted ARC!🫶🏼
Jim returns to his hometown after his dad passes away and when he takes over his dad’s company- he’s told he needs to fire an employee. This then unleashes a series of vengeful events.
It initially is more of a slow burn, but in a good way with lots of details and tension laid out that builds up the suspense leading to an action packed ending. The snowy setting added to the atmosphere as well. The author did a great job of creating characters with flaws making them feel authentic.
I did guess the main twist, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of seeing how it would be revealed and the drama it would entail.
Another solid read by this author!
Thank you to the author @wirter for this #gifted ARC!🫶🏼
September 28, 2025
An enjoyable read, despite it being obvious from the jump that Kyle was a big problem. I did enjoy that Jim became more than just his high school/college reputation in the end (though why you would call a character "Jim" then constantly send them to the gym is beyond me). I found the small town police being unwilling to actually do anything about the stalking/attacks very believable as I am also from a small town. I do wish we had a bit more about Jim's mother.
The ending was... unexpected. But in a great way. While I could see where the story was going I was shocked with the way it came to a head. Perhaps it was best for everyone?
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tony Wirt, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this book.
The ending was... unexpected. But in a great way. While I could see where the story was going I was shocked with the way it came to a head. Perhaps it was best for everyone?
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tony Wirt, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this book.
October 2, 2025
If you don't follow Tony on Instagram you are missing out. 10/10 marketing and promoting. I always love reading books set in my state and near where I live, it is just so fun to really "know" what they're talking about. I really like Wirt's writing style and have found both of the books I've read by him to be so easy to binge and fly through. This one is a bit of a slower burn small town drama laced with mystery and danger (and even a little bit of romance, ooo la la). Perfect read for a mystery lover, especially if you live in Minnesota.
Thank you to Netgalley for the early access!
Thank you to Netgalley for the early access!
October 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an advanced e-reader copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I have been eagerly awaiting Silent Creek by Tony Wirt after reading Pike Island as I was not disappointed! Wirt’s writing style is so captivating that it’s easy to read across different age groups and stay entertained throughout. As a Minnesota resident, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book set within the state. The small town gossip and vibes depicted in the book are incredibly accurate. The main character, Jim, has such a valid paranoia that honestly made me feel paranoid at several points in the book. I loved the suspenseful plot!
August 3, 2025
𝐉𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐧'𝐭.
Jim McCann was a high school basketball star destined for the NBA until an injury shattered his knee and his dreams. He left his hometown and managed to stay away for several years until his father's death and his mother's dementia diagnosis. It was never part of his dream, but he takes over his father's propane business. The only good thing is reconnecting with his best friend Kyle and some other classmates.
But trouble is waiting for Jim. Colton Reid, a troubled former classmate, was hired on by Jim's father, but Kyle convinces Jim to fire him. Soon, a series of disturbing incidents begin. They start small but soon escalate until Jim isn't sure about the safety of anyone in his circle.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's my first by this author, and I like his writing style enough to go back and read his backlist, but there just wasn't much 'thrilling' about this one. There were some suspenseful moments, yes, but it seemed that basketball was the main focus of this one, and I'm not really interested in sports-themed books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the early copy. Look for this one on October 7, 2025.
Jim McCann was a high school basketball star destined for the NBA until an injury shattered his knee and his dreams. He left his hometown and managed to stay away for several years until his father's death and his mother's dementia diagnosis. It was never part of his dream, but he takes over his father's propane business. The only good thing is reconnecting with his best friend Kyle and some other classmates.
But trouble is waiting for Jim. Colton Reid, a troubled former classmate, was hired on by Jim's father, but Kyle convinces Jim to fire him. Soon, a series of disturbing incidents begin. They start small but soon escalate until Jim isn't sure about the safety of anyone in his circle.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's my first by this author, and I like his writing style enough to go back and read his backlist, but there just wasn't much 'thrilling' about this one. There were some suspenseful moments, yes, but it seemed that basketball was the main focus of this one, and I'm not really interested in sports-themed books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for the early copy. Look for this one on October 7, 2025.
November 21, 2025
Jim McCann moves back home to Silent Creek MN after his father’s funeral, he moves back in with his mother who has dementia. Growing up in a small town, Jim played basketball while in high school and becomes a star player until he hurts one of his knees. Jim meets a few of his high school friends who settle back in town after college while he was away working in Boston.
His close friend Kyle works at Jim’s father’s family business called McCann Propane and helps Jim take over the business.
The beginning of the book introduces the characters very well. Then the mystery/thriller becomes a slow burn between Kyle, Jim and another high school basketball player named Colton Reid.
Discrepancies start to show up in the family business and Jim thinks Colton is causing the problems outside the workplace because Kyle recommended releasing Colton from work because they didn’t need him.
I liked the ending of this read.
His close friend Kyle works at Jim’s father’s family business called McCann Propane and helps Jim take over the business.
The beginning of the book introduces the characters very well. Then the mystery/thriller becomes a slow burn between Kyle, Jim and another high school basketball player named Colton Reid.
Discrepancies start to show up in the family business and Jim thinks Colton is causing the problems outside the workplace because Kyle recommended releasing Colton from work because they didn’t need him.
I liked the ending of this read.
July 10, 2025
Jim Mc Cann returns to his home town in Minnesota after his father dies. The author does a fantastic job of describing small town life and how locals still hold to Jim’s high school basketball talent and fame. Jim now runs his family business while caring for his mother who has dementia. The descriptions of his mom’s dementia and her struggles to remember things was painful to read about and how her health declined.
He reconnects with Kyle his high school friend who works at the family business. He realizes something isn’t right at work but hopes Kyle will help him. He fires Colton Reid and he starts to realize that was a mistake. Colton will come after everything Jim holds dear.
The tensions mount making an epic scene at end. It was entertaining even though parts were predictable. I enjoyed the small town vibes and the characters.
He reconnects with Kyle his high school friend who works at the family business. He realizes something isn’t right at work but hopes Kyle will help him. He fires Colton Reid and he starts to realize that was a mistake. Colton will come after everything Jim holds dear.
The tensions mount making an epic scene at end. It was entertaining even though parts were predictable. I enjoyed the small town vibes and the characters.
October 8, 2025
Thank you to the author for my #giftedcopy
4✨
Jim comes back to his small Minnesota home town after his father dies, even though he said he never would! They always seem to pull you back don’t they! Suspenseful and full of drama Jim has to navigate being home and someone messing with him him. Causing trouble at every turn. While I was able to guess a part of the story, it didn’t take anything from my enjoyment of the book. It had me wondering how this could twist and turn and go from bad to even worse for the characters! The writing and the suspense of what was going to happen next really kept me wanting more! Bonus, if you’re a basketball lover, it’s always there in the background! It was a great mix of suspense, basketball
, old high school dramas, and revenge!
4✨
Jim comes back to his small Minnesota home town after his father dies, even though he said he never would! They always seem to pull you back don’t they! Suspenseful and full of drama Jim has to navigate being home and someone messing with him him. Causing trouble at every turn. While I was able to guess a part of the story, it didn’t take anything from my enjoyment of the book. It had me wondering how this could twist and turn and go from bad to even worse for the characters! The writing and the suspense of what was going to happen next really kept me wanting more! Bonus, if you’re a basketball lover, it’s always there in the background! It was a great mix of suspense, basketball
, old high school dramas, and revenge!
September 7, 2025
Way too much sports not enough mystery. The mystery really felt like a subplot, second to the nostalgia of high school sports, which was really unfortunate for me because I was intrigued by the premise. This was well written with well developed characters, but I got so bored reading about basketball and with nothing happening to forward the mystery plot for several chapters. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 27, 2025
I actually won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was like this NEVER happens but it did. I am from MN, so it was great to see all the MN references. I felt a little bad for Jim as he was being picked on by Colton in the beginning after he moved back home, but the twist at the end was a good one and had me in the edge of my seat for the last few chapters. A quick read, but I was entertained the whole time! I liked it!
October 27, 2025
I just finished reading Silent Creek by Tony Wirt, and wow — this book was definitely creepy, but in a really good way! From the first few chapters, it had this dark, unsettling vibe that totally pulled me in. The small-town setting felt so real that I could almost picture being there, which made the scary moments even more intense.
What I liked most was how the story kept building tension little by little. There weren’t a ton of jump scares, but that made it even creepier — the kind of story that makes you glance over your shoulder while you’re reading. The characters were interesting too, especially because you’re never quite sure who to trust.
Even though some parts honestly gave me goosebumps, I really enjoyed it. The mix of mystery, suspense, and those eerie details made it a perfect read for fall. If you like thrillers that get under your skin without being over-the-top gory, Silent Creek is definitely worth checking out.
What I liked most was how the story kept building tension little by little. There weren’t a ton of jump scares, but that made it even creepier — the kind of story that makes you glance over your shoulder while you’re reading. The characters were interesting too, especially because you’re never quite sure who to trust.
Even though some parts honestly gave me goosebumps, I really enjoyed it. The mix of mystery, suspense, and those eerie details made it a perfect read for fall. If you like thrillers that get under your skin without being over-the-top gory, Silent Creek is definitely worth checking out.
May 26, 2025
Book Review: Silent Creek by Tony Wirt
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek is a masterclass in psychological tension and emotional depth, blending small-town mystery with a haunting exploration of guilt, memory, and the inescapability of the past. The novel’s quiet yet relentless intensity lingers long after the final page, marking it as a standout in contemporary suspense fiction.
Thematic Depth and Narrative Craft
Wirt eschews explosive theatrics in favor of a slow-burning, claustrophobic atmosphere where every detail feels laden with unease. The protagonist, Jim McCann, is a refreshingly flawed figure—a former basketball prodigy grappling with disillusionment and unresolved trauma. His emotional unraveling is rendered with raw authenticity, making his journey not just a mystery to solve but a mirror to the reader’s own struggles with regret and self-doubt. The novel’s power lies in its restraint; Wirt trusts the reader to sit with ambiguity, amplifying the impact of each revelation.
How I would describe this book:
- A quiet storm of suspense—Silent Creek settles under your skin and stays there.
- Wirt transforms familiar settings into landscapes of dread, where the past is a character in itself.
- Less about solving a crime than surviving its echoes—a thriller for the soul.
- For fans of atmospheric slow burns like Pike Island and Just Stay Away, Wirt delivers another haunting triumph.
Gratitude
A sincere thank you to the publisher Thomas and Mercer for providing an advance review copy. Silent Creek is a testament to Wirt’s evolving craft, and this early access allowed for a deeper engagement with its layered narrative.
Final Assessment
This is not a book that shouts; it whispers—and those whispers are deafening. Silent Creek is a rare thriller that prioritizes emotional truth over cheap thrills, cementing Wirt’s place as a storyteller who understands the weight of what goes unsaid. Highly recommended for readers seeking substance alongside suspense.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) — A haunting, introspective mystery that resonates beyond its final twist.
Key Themes for Discussion:
The interplay of memory and guilt in shaping identity.
Small-town claustrophobia as a metaphor for unresolved trauma.
Wirt’s subversion of traditional thriller tropes to prioritize psychological depth.
The protagonist’s relatability as an “anti-hero” grappling with failure.
The novel’s lingering impact as a study of emotional aftermath.
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek is a masterclass in psychological tension and emotional depth, blending small-town mystery with a haunting exploration of guilt, memory, and the inescapability of the past. The novel’s quiet yet relentless intensity lingers long after the final page, marking it as a standout in contemporary suspense fiction.
Thematic Depth and Narrative Craft
Wirt eschews explosive theatrics in favor of a slow-burning, claustrophobic atmosphere where every detail feels laden with unease. The protagonist, Jim McCann, is a refreshingly flawed figure—a former basketball prodigy grappling with disillusionment and unresolved trauma. His emotional unraveling is rendered with raw authenticity, making his journey not just a mystery to solve but a mirror to the reader’s own struggles with regret and self-doubt. The novel’s power lies in its restraint; Wirt trusts the reader to sit with ambiguity, amplifying the impact of each revelation.
How I would describe this book:
- A quiet storm of suspense—Silent Creek settles under your skin and stays there.
- Wirt transforms familiar settings into landscapes of dread, where the past is a character in itself.
- Less about solving a crime than surviving its echoes—a thriller for the soul.
- For fans of atmospheric slow burns like Pike Island and Just Stay Away, Wirt delivers another haunting triumph.
Gratitude
A sincere thank you to the publisher Thomas and Mercer for providing an advance review copy. Silent Creek is a testament to Wirt’s evolving craft, and this early access allowed for a deeper engagement with its layered narrative.
Final Assessment
This is not a book that shouts; it whispers—and those whispers are deafening. Silent Creek is a rare thriller that prioritizes emotional truth over cheap thrills, cementing Wirt’s place as a storyteller who understands the weight of what goes unsaid. Highly recommended for readers seeking substance alongside suspense.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) — A haunting, introspective mystery that resonates beyond its final twist.
Key Themes for Discussion:
The interplay of memory and guilt in shaping identity.
Small-town claustrophobia as a metaphor for unresolved trauma.
Wirt’s subversion of traditional thriller tropes to prioritize psychological depth.
The protagonist’s relatability as an “anti-hero” grappling with failure.
The novel’s lingering impact as a study of emotional aftermath.
June 6, 2025
IRREPONSIBLE, DISHONEST & DUMB!!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by Tony Wirt and published by Thomas & Mercer, Seattle in 2025, this is a basketball-themed story set in Southern Minnesota: Silent Creek, Minnesota, to be exact. James McCann, who goes by “Jim,” was a local and state basketball star before he injured his knee. That ended his basketball career, but he went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and then served a successful stint with a medical equipment supplier based in Boston. Jim’s best friend, Kyle, used to play with him in high school, but then dropped out of UMM and entered the workforce. Colton Reid, was a hard-headed local from Silent Creek who played on the high school team for a short time before serving a term in prison before returning to his family farm in Silent Creek.
Jim’s father, James Sr., had established and operated a Liquid Propane (LP) gas plant outside of Silent Creek. It was successful until father passed away from a heart attack. When Jim returned to Silent Creek for his father’s funeral, he learned that his mother was suffering from dementia, a fact that his father had kept from him. Jim decided to return to Silent Creek to take care of his mother, Gail, and to run the family business. When he did, he found his old friend Kyle acting as the general manager of the business. The first thing Kyle did was to have Jim sign papers firing Colton Reid, who Kyle believes is not a good employee. Jim does as Kyle demands and makes a vicious enemy out of Reid.
Before the book ends, one of these three men will be dead, but that will be at the end of the book, which is not very fast-paced. In my view, there is too much small-town basketball and not enough suspense and story in this novel. On top of that, the protagonist, Jim, is irresponsible, dishonest and dumb. He certainly is not a hero, and I did not find him to be very likable. I did not like this story and will not recommend it to other readers. I award only two of the five available stars. Feel free to skip this one unless you are a serious basketball fan.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by Tony Wirt and published by Thomas & Mercer, Seattle in 2025, this is a basketball-themed story set in Southern Minnesota: Silent Creek, Minnesota, to be exact. James McCann, who goes by “Jim,” was a local and state basketball star before he injured his knee. That ended his basketball career, but he went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and then served a successful stint with a medical equipment supplier based in Boston. Jim’s best friend, Kyle, used to play with him in high school, but then dropped out of UMM and entered the workforce. Colton Reid, was a hard-headed local from Silent Creek who played on the high school team for a short time before serving a term in prison before returning to his family farm in Silent Creek.
Jim’s father, James Sr., had established and operated a Liquid Propane (LP) gas plant outside of Silent Creek. It was successful until father passed away from a heart attack. When Jim returned to Silent Creek for his father’s funeral, he learned that his mother was suffering from dementia, a fact that his father had kept from him. Jim decided to return to Silent Creek to take care of his mother, Gail, and to run the family business. When he did, he found his old friend Kyle acting as the general manager of the business. The first thing Kyle did was to have Jim sign papers firing Colton Reid, who Kyle believes is not a good employee. Jim does as Kyle demands and makes a vicious enemy out of Reid.
Before the book ends, one of these three men will be dead, but that will be at the end of the book, which is not very fast-paced. In my view, there is too much small-town basketball and not enough suspense and story in this novel. On top of that, the protagonist, Jim, is irresponsible, dishonest and dumb. He certainly is not a hero, and I did not find him to be very likable. I did not like this story and will not recommend it to other readers. I award only two of the five available stars. Feel free to skip this one unless you are a serious basketball fan.
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)
Jim McCann was once a high school basketball star with NBA dreams, but a devastating knee injury ended his future before it began. Disillusioned, he left his small Minnesota town behind. Years later, he returns for his father’s funeral only to discover his mother is struggling with dementia, forcing him to take over the family propane business. While reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Kyle, and finding comfort in Kelli, the one person who seems to understand him, Jim also runs headfirst into the old grudges of Colton Reid. When Colton is fired, unsettling incidents begin to unfold—escalating into something darker and far more dangerous than Jim could have imagined.
This was a well-written and reasonably well-plotted story, with a vivid sense of place. The Minnesota winter atmosphere really added to the suspense in the final stretch—there’s nothing like a storm to heighten tension. I also enjoyed the familiar trope of someone reluctantly returning to their hometown and being forced to confront the ghosts of their past. The settings are richly described—I could almost feel the cold seeping through the pages—and the characters, flaws and all, felt authentic.
That said, Jim was a frustrating character for me. His wilful ignorance was hard to overlook. I had figured out the central problem by about the third chapter, but he never even considered it. His stubbornness kept me rolling my eyes more often than not. While there were suspenseful moments, the book leaned heavily on basketball and small-town drama, giving it a bit of a One Tree Hill vibe (with Kyle as a very Dan Scott-like figure). I was hoping for a bit more mystery, but instead it felt more like a sports novel with suspense elements woven in.
The ending, though, was a real highlight—unexpected in the best way, with the climax taking a sharp and satisfying turn I didn’t quite see coming. Overall, this was a solid read with strong writing and atmosphere, but it lacked the thrill I was hoping for. I enjoyed Wirt’s style enough to want to check out his backlist, but this one just didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
Thank you to Tony Wirt, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Jim McCann was once a high school basketball star with NBA dreams, but a devastating knee injury ended his future before it began. Disillusioned, he left his small Minnesota town behind. Years later, he returns for his father’s funeral only to discover his mother is struggling with dementia, forcing him to take over the family propane business. While reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Kyle, and finding comfort in Kelli, the one person who seems to understand him, Jim also runs headfirst into the old grudges of Colton Reid. When Colton is fired, unsettling incidents begin to unfold—escalating into something darker and far more dangerous than Jim could have imagined.
This was a well-written and reasonably well-plotted story, with a vivid sense of place. The Minnesota winter atmosphere really added to the suspense in the final stretch—there’s nothing like a storm to heighten tension. I also enjoyed the familiar trope of someone reluctantly returning to their hometown and being forced to confront the ghosts of their past. The settings are richly described—I could almost feel the cold seeping through the pages—and the characters, flaws and all, felt authentic.
That said, Jim was a frustrating character for me. His wilful ignorance was hard to overlook. I had figured out the central problem by about the third chapter, but he never even considered it. His stubbornness kept me rolling my eyes more often than not. While there were suspenseful moments, the book leaned heavily on basketball and small-town drama, giving it a bit of a One Tree Hill vibe (with Kyle as a very Dan Scott-like figure). I was hoping for a bit more mystery, but instead it felt more like a sports novel with suspense elements woven in.
The ending, though, was a real highlight—unexpected in the best way, with the climax taking a sharp and satisfying turn I didn’t quite see coming. Overall, this was a solid read with strong writing and atmosphere, but it lacked the thrill I was hoping for. I enjoyed Wirt’s style enough to want to check out his backlist, but this one just didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
Thank you to Tony Wirt, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 7, 2025
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek kicks off with a classic setup: Jim McCann, once a high school basketball star with NBA dreams, comes back to his small hometown after his dad’s death. Years ago, an injury crushed his shot at greatness, and he left town bitter and determined not to look back. Now, he's stuck dealing with his mom’s dementia and running the family propane business—definitely not the life he imagined.
But it’s not all bad. He reconnects with Kyle, his childhood best friend, and meets Kelli, who gets what it’s like to live under the weight of old expectations. Just as Jim starts to settle in, trouble brews in the form of Colton Reid, an old classmate with a chip on his shoulder. After Colton gets fired, creepy things start happening—nothing major at first, but enough to rattle Jim. Then things take a darker, more personal turn.
At first, Colton seems like the obvious suspect. He’s angry, unstable, and definitely capable of causing trouble. But as the story unfolds, it becomes pretty clear that someone else is pulling the strings. Without giving too much away, Kyle’s “nice guy” act starts to wear thin, and the real tension kicks in when Jim realizes just how deep things really go.
Wirt does a great job building a small-town vibe—the kind where everyone knows your past and you can never quite outrun it. The pacing is solid, the characters feel real, and the unease grows steadily. That said, if you’ve read Pike Island, this one might not hit quite as hard. The twists are solid, but a bit more predictable this time around, and the final reveal doesn’t pack the same emotional punch.
Still, Silent Creek is a tense, enjoyable read with some great character moments and a satisfying, if familiar, payoff. It’s about regret, loyalty, and figuring out how far you're willing to go to protect the people (and the past) you can’t quite leave behind.
Rating: 3.5/5
Worth a read, especially if you like slow-burn thrillers with a strong sense of place. Just don’t expect it to stick with you like Pike Island did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
But it’s not all bad. He reconnects with Kyle, his childhood best friend, and meets Kelli, who gets what it’s like to live under the weight of old expectations. Just as Jim starts to settle in, trouble brews in the form of Colton Reid, an old classmate with a chip on his shoulder. After Colton gets fired, creepy things start happening—nothing major at first, but enough to rattle Jim. Then things take a darker, more personal turn.
At first, Colton seems like the obvious suspect. He’s angry, unstable, and definitely capable of causing trouble. But as the story unfolds, it becomes pretty clear that someone else is pulling the strings. Without giving too much away, Kyle’s “nice guy” act starts to wear thin, and the real tension kicks in when Jim realizes just how deep things really go.
Wirt does a great job building a small-town vibe—the kind where everyone knows your past and you can never quite outrun it. The pacing is solid, the characters feel real, and the unease grows steadily. That said, if you’ve read Pike Island, this one might not hit quite as hard. The twists are solid, but a bit more predictable this time around, and the final reveal doesn’t pack the same emotional punch.
Still, Silent Creek is a tense, enjoyable read with some great character moments and a satisfying, if familiar, payoff. It’s about regret, loyalty, and figuring out how far you're willing to go to protect the people (and the past) you can’t quite leave behind.
Rating: 3.5/5
Worth a read, especially if you like slow-burn thrillers with a strong sense of place. Just don’t expect it to stick with you like Pike Island did.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 21, 2025
This one didn’t hit for me right from the start, largely because of the audiobook narration. Luke Daniels has a strong following, but for me, his performance here didn’t work. He spoke at a slow pace that dragged the story down, and the voices he chose for the characters felt off—distracting more than immersive. It made it really difficult to stay engaged.
The story itself was heavily peppered with basketball, which just isn’t my thing. I can see how readers who are passionate about the sport—or at a certain stage of life—might connect more strongly with it. Under different circumstances, I might have too. But in this case, I struggled, especially since I didn’t find the MMC particularly likable. His decision-making left me frustrated more often than not.
By the end, the plot felt predictable. That wouldn’t have been a dealbreaker if I had enjoyed the journey along the way, but since I didn’t, it left the experience feeling flat.
That said, this is absolutely a case of personal taste. I know there are readers—and listeners—who will get more out of this than I did. If you enjoy basketball stories and are more inclined to connect with the main character, you’ll probably appreciate this one a lot more than I did.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
The story itself was heavily peppered with basketball, which just isn’t my thing. I can see how readers who are passionate about the sport—or at a certain stage of life—might connect more strongly with it. Under different circumstances, I might have too. But in this case, I struggled, especially since I didn’t find the MMC particularly likable. His decision-making left me frustrated more often than not.
By the end, the plot felt predictable. That wouldn’t have been a dealbreaker if I had enjoyed the journey along the way, but since I didn’t, it left the experience feeling flat.
That said, this is absolutely a case of personal taste. I know there are readers—and listeners—who will get more out of this than I did. If you enjoy basketball stories and are more inclined to connect with the main character, you’ll probably appreciate this one a lot more than I did.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
June 24, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I will read anything this talented author writes - his books are NEVER disappointing!
On to my review...
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek is a taut, small-town thriller that simmers with unease and erupts with emotional resonance. It’s the kind of novel that lures you in with the promise of a homecoming and then locks the door behind you.
Jim McCann was once the pride of his Iowa hometown—a high school basketball phenom with NBA dreams. But after a career-ending injury and years of self-imposed exile, he returns for his father’s funeral only to find the town hasn’t forgotten him… or forgiven him. With his mother slipping into dementia and the family propane business thrust into his reluctant hands, Jim is forced to confront not just his past, but the people who never left it.
Wirt excels at weaponizing nostalgia. The friendships feel lived-in, the grudges calcified. When Jim reconnects with his childhood best friend Kyle and meets Kelli—a woman who sees through his defenses—there’s a flicker of redemption. But that flicker dims fast. Colton Reid, a former classmate with a long memory and a short fuse, becomes the catalyst for a series of increasingly sinister events. What begins as petty harassment escalates into full-blown psychological warfare, and Wirt masterfully tightens the screws with each chapter.
The prose is lean and unpretentious, but the emotional stakes are anything but. Wirt doesn’t just build suspense—he builds empathy. Jim’s unraveling isn’t just about fear; it’s about identity, guilt, and the cost of coming home to a place that no longer fits.
I will read anything this talented author writes - his books are NEVER disappointing!
On to my review...
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek is a taut, small-town thriller that simmers with unease and erupts with emotional resonance. It’s the kind of novel that lures you in with the promise of a homecoming and then locks the door behind you.
Jim McCann was once the pride of his Iowa hometown—a high school basketball phenom with NBA dreams. But after a career-ending injury and years of self-imposed exile, he returns for his father’s funeral only to find the town hasn’t forgotten him… or forgiven him. With his mother slipping into dementia and the family propane business thrust into his reluctant hands, Jim is forced to confront not just his past, but the people who never left it.
Wirt excels at weaponizing nostalgia. The friendships feel lived-in, the grudges calcified. When Jim reconnects with his childhood best friend Kyle and meets Kelli—a woman who sees through his defenses—there’s a flicker of redemption. But that flicker dims fast. Colton Reid, a former classmate with a long memory and a short fuse, becomes the catalyst for a series of increasingly sinister events. What begins as petty harassment escalates into full-blown psychological warfare, and Wirt masterfully tightens the screws with each chapter.
The prose is lean and unpretentious, but the emotional stakes are anything but. Wirt doesn’t just build suspense—he builds empathy. Jim’s unraveling isn’t just about fear; it’s about identity, guilt, and the cost of coming home to a place that no longer fits.
September 21, 2025
There’s a clear villain in this story, and it might not be Colton.
Jim has moved back home to take care of his mom, who has dementia (but he leaves her home more than he probably should), and to take over his dad’s business, a job he has no clue how to run.
After letting his former best friend talk him into firing Colton, things quickly spiral as Colton retaliates. But it soon becomes clear he isn’t the only villain here.
Jim is 6’9”, and height is brought up a lot in this book. There’s even a moment where he says about Carrie, “she’s tall — not as tall as me,” and then when he finds out she plays basketball he goes, “ohhh, that explains her height.” Wouldn’t her height explain why she’s good at basketball, not the other way around?
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator overall, though a few of the character voices sounded a little like Kermit the Frog.
There’s also a line about the dad saying some lettuce tasted weird before he died, and I really thought that was going to be an important clue, but it never came back around. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it felt like a loose end that should’ve meant something.
I was rooting for Jim, even if I was frustrated with a lot of his choices. I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was headed, but I correctly guessed the true villain, so the ending didn’t really surprise me.
Overall, I’d call this one just okay. It kept my attention and I wanted to see how Jim would get through everything, but it’s not a book that will stick with me for long. I’ll probably check out other books by this author though.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance listening copy.
Jim has moved back home to take care of his mom, who has dementia (but he leaves her home more than he probably should), and to take over his dad’s business, a job he has no clue how to run.
After letting his former best friend talk him into firing Colton, things quickly spiral as Colton retaliates. But it soon becomes clear he isn’t the only villain here.
Jim is 6’9”, and height is brought up a lot in this book. There’s even a moment where he says about Carrie, “she’s tall — not as tall as me,” and then when he finds out she plays basketball he goes, “ohhh, that explains her height.” Wouldn’t her height explain why she’s good at basketball, not the other way around?
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator overall, though a few of the character voices sounded a little like Kermit the Frog.
There’s also a line about the dad saying some lettuce tasted weird before he died, and I really thought that was going to be an important clue, but it never came back around. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it felt like a loose end that should’ve meant something.
I was rooting for Jim, even if I was frustrated with a lot of his choices. I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was headed, but I correctly guessed the true villain, so the ending didn’t really surprise me.
Overall, I’d call this one just okay. It kept my attention and I wanted to see how Jim would get through everything, but it’s not a book that will stick with me for long. I’ll probably check out other books by this author though.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance listening copy.
August 7, 2025
Tony Wirt’s Silent Creek is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that explores the shadows of small-town life with a deft hand and a sharp eye for character. At its core is Jim McCann, a former basketball prodigy whose return to his hometown—following his father’s death—sets off a chain of unsettling events that blur the line between past regrets and present danger.
Wirt masterfully builds tension through quiet unease rather than flashy spectacle. The town of Silent Creek feels both familiar and claustrophobic, a place where old grudges simmer and secrets refuse to stay buried. Jim’s reluctant assumption of the family business, his mother’s fading memory, and the reappearance of childhood friends and foes all converge into a narrative that’s as much about identity and redemption as it is about survival.
The novel’s strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Jim is a deeply relatable protagonist—flawed, introspective, and quietly heroic. His relationships, especially with Kyle and Kelli, are tender and complex, offering moments of warmth amid the creeping dread. And when the suspense hits, it hits hard, with a stalker’s escalating menace pushing Jim to confront not just external threats but the ghosts within.
Silent Creek is a compelling blend of psychological drama and thriller, perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a slow burn and a powerful payoff. Wirt’s writing is confident, atmospheric, and quietly gripping.
My thanks to Tony Wirt, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC,
Wirt masterfully builds tension through quiet unease rather than flashy spectacle. The town of Silent Creek feels both familiar and claustrophobic, a place where old grudges simmer and secrets refuse to stay buried. Jim’s reluctant assumption of the family business, his mother’s fading memory, and the reappearance of childhood friends and foes all converge into a narrative that’s as much about identity and redemption as it is about survival.
The novel’s strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Jim is a deeply relatable protagonist—flawed, introspective, and quietly heroic. His relationships, especially with Kyle and Kelli, are tender and complex, offering moments of warmth amid the creeping dread. And when the suspense hits, it hits hard, with a stalker’s escalating menace pushing Jim to confront not just external threats but the ghosts within.
Silent Creek is a compelling blend of psychological drama and thriller, perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a slow burn and a powerful payoff. Wirt’s writing is confident, atmospheric, and quietly gripping.
My thanks to Tony Wirt, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews