What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 19:33:25
10 copies available
U.S. only
In Case I Go Missing
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 19:33:25
10 copies available
U.S. only
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Fargo in this fast-paced YA mystery about a teen detective gone missing and her best friend who must finish her investigation.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has been Sarah Vincenty's sidekick for as long as she can remember, ever since the two of them solved the mystery of the stolen library books back in elementary school. Over the years, Sarah has ruffled a few feathers in their small town, building a reputation as both an amateur detective and a vigilante who has dispensed her own form of justice.
Now Sarah is missing. The police have written her off as yet another teen runaway, but Fenny is convinced that something more sinister has happened. When she discovers a binder Sarah left behind entitled In Case I Go Missing, Fenny learns that at the time of her disappearance, Sarah was investigating her biggest case yet.
Fenny knows that it's up to her to finish what Sarah had begun. As she and her friend Sam piece together the clues that Sarah left for them, they find themselves up against a decades-old mystery—one that links to the town's dark history. But is this binder a guide to finding Sarah—or are Fenny and Sam already too late?
The more the pair uncover, the clearer it becomes that those involved will go to great lengths to keep their secrets—even as far as murder.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has been Sarah Vincenty's sidekick for as long as she can remember, ever since the two of them solved the mystery of the stolen library books back in elementary school. Over the years, Sarah has ruffled a few feathers in their small town, building a reputation as both an amateur detective and a vigilante who has dispensed her own form of justice.
Now Sarah is missing. The police have written her off as yet another teen runaway, but Fenny is convinced that something more sinister has happened. When she discovers a binder Sarah left behind entitled In Case I Go Missing, Fenny learns that at the time of her disappearance, Sarah was investigating her biggest case yet.
Fenny knows that it's up to her to finish what Sarah had begun. As she and her friend Sam piece together the clues that Sarah left for them, they find themselves up against a decades-old mystery—one that links to the town's dark history. But is this binder a guide to finding Sarah—or are Fenny and Sam already too late?
The more the pair uncover, the clearer it becomes that those involved will go to great lengths to keep their secrets—even as far as murder.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Want to Read
April 12, 2026YA mystery thriller and I have the arc, so sign me up....teen detective reminds me of Pip for sure, but it also reminds me of Nancy Drew because I spent my entire childhood reading those books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was in this YA debut. It's certainly been awhile that had me this engrossed, where even my sister asked me what I was reading so very intently. 😲 Strong storytelling, relatable and flawed characters, and a well-crafted mystery that progressed at a fast yet believable pace, where the tensions and hints unfolded in a gripping, tense fashion that had me turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.
A propulsive thriller that follows Fenris Jane Allen, or Fenny, and her best friend, Sam as they search in determined desperation for the whereabouts of Sarah, the leader and mastermind of their three-person vigilante crusade, who went missing while trying to solve a decades-old unsolved mystery of Richmand, South Dakota. 😥
“I didn't know what made me more upset: that she left at all or that she left without me.”
It's more than just a suspenseful murder mystery full of secrets and crimes but an honest, complex, and ultimately, tragic, portrayal of the inseparable bond they shared, of how the little clues and hints left behind by Sarah in her binder defined how well she knew them, trusting they would rely on their memories of her to follow her footsteps in a more pragmatic way but also capturing how deep-rooted their friendship was. 😢
Fenny was such a capable and relatable protagonist; even when swayed by emotions, she used her head. I loved that the author did not attempt to create a forced romance between her and Sam but depicted a real feel to their dynamic. 🥺 One of trust and support and love, burying their own personal struggles in their desperate torment and turmoil of trying to find their best friend, finding strength in each other to keep their broken hearts steady and afloat, differently, awkwardly, with missing pieces and jagged edges, but together. ❤️🩹
Although, considering how big a part Sam's own family history played, I think it would have been nice to have his own POV to give weight to his emotions, too, as he, too, was bearing the brunt of parents who don't pay attention, with a complete lack of communication. Typical in YA, but what can you do? 🤷🏻♀️
“There was a story there. something important. i just couldn't see it yet.”
I was happy not knowing for sure who the culprit was; the unpredictable nature in not knowing how the clues would align kept the stakes elevated, and the tension escalated as Fenny and Sam drew nearer to how the past and the present connected - a clear pattern of disappearances was becoming visible. 😟The twists are challenging and harrowing, but it is the truth that is ultimately heartbreaking. One split decision can change the course of history; one ill-fated choice to save a friendship can cost a lifetime. It is loyalty over justice that tests our sense of righteousness.
The writing was also very accessible, a certain realness to it that easily drew me in. The tone felt authentic to the small-town vibes with its YA feel that just made it all the more engaging. It was not over-the-top, despite certain cliché inclusions, and it had a lot of heart to it, one that allowed me to feel the fears and the tears openly and expressively. 👍 It's a strong inclusion for the YA mystery-thriller market, and I actually look forward to more of the author's works. ✨
“A picture was appearing, piece by bloody piece, even if I didn't fully understand it yet. But i didn't feel ready, or adequate, or smart enough. How was I supposed to do this without her?”
I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was in this YA debut. It's certainly been awhile that had me this engrossed, where even my sister asked me what I was reading so very intently. 😲 Strong storytelling, relatable and flawed characters, and a well-crafted mystery that progressed at a fast yet believable pace, where the tensions and hints unfolded in a gripping, tense fashion that had me turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.
A propulsive thriller that follows Fenris Jane Allen, or Fenny, and her best friend, Sam as they search in determined desperation for the whereabouts of Sarah, the leader and mastermind of their three-person vigilante crusade, who went missing while trying to solve a decades-old unsolved mystery of Richmand, South Dakota. 😥
“I didn't know what made me more upset: that she left at all or that she left without me.”
It's more than just a suspenseful murder mystery full of secrets and crimes but an honest, complex, and ultimately, tragic, portrayal of the inseparable bond they shared, of how the little clues and hints left behind by Sarah in her binder defined how well she knew them, trusting they would rely on their memories of her to follow her footsteps in a more pragmatic way but also capturing how deep-rooted their friendship was. 😢
Fenny was such a capable and relatable protagonist; even when swayed by emotions, she used her head. I loved that the author did not attempt to create a forced romance between her and Sam but depicted a real feel to their dynamic. 🥺 One of trust and support and love, burying their own personal struggles in their desperate torment and turmoil of trying to find their best friend, finding strength in each other to keep their broken hearts steady and afloat, differently, awkwardly, with missing pieces and jagged edges, but together. ❤️🩹
Although, considering how big a part Sam's own family history played, I think it would have been nice to have his own POV to give weight to his emotions, too, as he, too, was bearing the brunt of parents who don't pay attention, with a complete lack of communication. Typical in YA, but what can you do? 🤷🏻♀️
“There was a story there. something important. i just couldn't see it yet.”
I was happy not knowing for sure who the culprit was; the unpredictable nature in not knowing how the clues would align kept the stakes elevated, and the tension escalated as Fenny and Sam drew nearer to how the past and the present connected - a clear pattern of disappearances was becoming visible. 😟The twists are challenging and harrowing, but it is the truth that is ultimately heartbreaking. One split decision can change the course of history; one ill-fated choice to save a friendship can cost a lifetime. It is loyalty over justice that tests our sense of righteousness.
The writing was also very accessible, a certain realness to it that easily drew me in. The tone felt authentic to the small-town vibes with its YA feel that just made it all the more engaging. It was not over-the-top, despite certain cliché inclusions, and it had a lot of heart to it, one that allowed me to feel the fears and the tears openly and expressively. 👍 It's a strong inclusion for the YA mystery-thriller market, and I actually look forward to more of the author's works. ✨
February 9, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read and review an ARC of In Case I Go Missing by R. N. Swann. This is the first book that I have read by R.N. Swann.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers.
It took me a few pages to get into the novel. At first, I did not enjoy the writing style. My opinion changed as I got invested in the fate of the characters. Fenny, Sam and Sarah have been best friends since they were young. They are now seventeen. Sarah is the one who talks them into troublesome situations trying to solve different wrongs that have been going on in the town. Sam is the misunderstood kid from a rich family and Fenny is the sidekick. But, when Sarah goes missing and everyone in the town believes that the troublemaker just ran away, Fenny and Sam start to investigate. They don’t believe that Sarah ran away especially when they begin to investigate the mystery that she was investigating. There are many suspects and many town secrets are revealed. It is important to remember that the narrator tells you right away that the story will not have a happy ending.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises in the novel. I plan to purchase this for my library collection and recommend it to my mystery-lover patrons.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers.
It took me a few pages to get into the novel. At first, I did not enjoy the writing style. My opinion changed as I got invested in the fate of the characters. Fenny, Sam and Sarah have been best friends since they were young. They are now seventeen. Sarah is the one who talks them into troublesome situations trying to solve different wrongs that have been going on in the town. Sam is the misunderstood kid from a rich family and Fenny is the sidekick. But, when Sarah goes missing and everyone in the town believes that the troublemaker just ran away, Fenny and Sam start to investigate. They don’t believe that Sarah ran away especially when they begin to investigate the mystery that she was investigating. There are many suspects and many town secrets are revealed. It is important to remember that the narrator tells you right away that the story will not have a happy ending.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises in the novel. I plan to purchase this for my library collection and recommend it to my mystery-lover patrons.
March 3, 2026
This was such a satisfying YA mystery.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always lived in the shadow of her bold, brilliant best friend, Sarah Vincenty — the town’s self-appointed amateur detective and vigilante. But when Sarah suddenly disappears and the police dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny refuses to believe it. And when she finds a binder titled In Case I Go Missing, she realizes Sarah anticipated this all along.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
What I loved most was following the breadcrumb trail Sarah intentionally left behind. The binder was such a clever narrative device — each clue unfolding like a puzzle piece in a larger, darker picture. It made the reading experience feel interactive, like you were solving the mystery alongside Fenny and Sam.
The decades-old town mystery layered into the present-day disappearance added depth and stakes. The small-town setting was done so well — that eerie feeling that everyone knows each other… and everyone has something to hide. As Fenny steps out of her sidekick role and into her own strength, her character growth felt authentic and empowering.
Read if you love:
• Small-town secrets
• Clever clue trails
• Strong female friendships
• Twisty YA mysteries with heart
This one absolutely delivers. I devoured it and loved every second of following Sarah’s carefully constructed trail.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always lived in the shadow of her bold, brilliant best friend, Sarah Vincenty — the town’s self-appointed amateur detective and vigilante. But when Sarah suddenly disappears and the police dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny refuses to believe it. And when she finds a binder titled In Case I Go Missing, she realizes Sarah anticipated this all along.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
What I loved most was following the breadcrumb trail Sarah intentionally left behind. The binder was such a clever narrative device — each clue unfolding like a puzzle piece in a larger, darker picture. It made the reading experience feel interactive, like you were solving the mystery alongside Fenny and Sam.
The decades-old town mystery layered into the present-day disappearance added depth and stakes. The small-town setting was done so well — that eerie feeling that everyone knows each other… and everyone has something to hide. As Fenny steps out of her sidekick role and into her own strength, her character growth felt authentic and empowering.
Read if you love:
• Small-town secrets
• Clever clue trails
• Strong female friendships
• Twisty YA mysteries with heart
This one absolutely delivers. I devoured it and loved every second of following Sarah’s carefully constructed trail.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2026
Reviewing an uncorrected proof/advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley.*
This is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.
What makes it exceptional is the sheer number of layers woven into the story. The narrative moves across generations - from a present-day group of teenagers to those who once stood exactly where they are, and even further back. Watching the current generation dig into the past, uncovering secrets of people who were once their age, and realizing how history loops and reshapes itself… it was brilliantly executed.
The plot is phenomenal. Even though we’re given clues and subtle reveals throughout, I genuinely couldn’t figure out who the killer was until the very end. That’s how masterfully the mystery was constructed. The pacing, the twists, the carefully placed breadcrumbs - everything felt intentional and gripping.
What truly elevated this book, though, was the emotional depth. These teenagers felt real. They aren’t perfect. They mess up. They mistrust each other. They fracture friendships. They blame adults. They fall apart and slowly mend. And just as powerfully, the adults are growing too.
Characters like Roberta, Fenny’s mother, and the school principal, Alex Prescott, aren’t static authority figures. They evolve alongside the teenagers. As the 17-year-olds try to rebuild trust after the disappearance of their close friend fractures their relationships, the adults are also forced to confront their past mistakes. The generational healing and the shifting dynamics between adults and teenagers add such a rich emotional undercurrent to an already brilliant thriller.
For a debut author, this feels astonishingly seasoned. The storytelling confidence, the layered plotting, the emotional realism - it reads like the work of someone who has been writing thrillers for decades.
Mystery. Generational trauma. Teenage friendships. Adult regret. Growth. Consequences. Redemption.
It was epic.
An easy five stars. This is absolutely going onto my favorites shelf, and I cannot wait to buy a physical copy when it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For a 400 page book, this was a really fast read. So easy to binge. There was a lot going on in the book, but all of it kept me interested and trying to predict what happened. There were several times I thought the story was wrapping up only to realize there was still a lot more book left. Sometimes that can be frustrating, but it didn't bother me with this one because the different pieces and players were just so perfectly sprinkled throughout the book that it kept me reading and guessing.
Perfect for fans of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Truly Devious, and The Agathas. This YA mystery/thriller is going to be a big hit.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Perfect for fans of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Truly Devious, and The Agathas. This YA mystery/thriller is going to be a big hit.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
April 4, 2026
Wow. Woooooow. This book is so good. I admit that it started off a bit slow for me, but once I got into it, it was everything. I had no idea where the mystery was going (Farming? Really?), and it kept me on the edge of my seat. And it’s all so heartbreaking. Just… ugh. Please read this book. Thanks to Viking Books for the arc.
Did Not Finish
March 30, 2026Sigh. I’m just BORED. I don’t even care why Sarah is missing. Fenny is a stupid ass name and I did not give one single shit about the town’s history. This was the least suspenseful thriller ever.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Guys, we have a big winner here, and I’m proudly announcing a brilliant new YA mystery author: R. N. Swann! In my opinion, this writer is ready to compete for the throne alongside powerhouse YA mystery authors like Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson, and Maureen Johnson.
This complex and gripping crime thriller delivers a mystery within another mystery, packed with suspects, secrets, and motives that keep you constantly guessing whodunit until the very last moment. The pacing is incredibly engaging, the kind that keeps you glued to the pages and sitting at the edge of your seat because you just need to know what happens next.
The structure of the story is particularly clever. Everything begins with the mysterious disappearance of Sarah Vincenty, which slowly unravels a massive town secret. But that’s only the beginning. As the investigation deepens, another missing-person case from twenty years ago emerges, and the possibility that the two incidents might be connected opens the door to even more shocking revelations. The author carefully layers the twists, building tension step by step until the final moments deliver some truly powerful surprises.
When it comes to characters, Fenny Allen completely stole my heart. She became my favorite almost immediately. Fenny isn’t loud, flashy, or the kind of person who dreams of being a genius detective solving headline-making cases. Instead, she’s quiet, thoughtful, and incredibly intelligent in her own understated way. What truly defines her is her determination and her enormous heart.
Her life is far from easy. She’s been abandoned by her father, lives with a neglectful mother who struggles with alcoholism, and now she’s facing the devastating disappearance of one of her closest friends. Inside, she’s falling apart—but she refuses to give up. Fenny is stubborn in the best possible way. No matter how painful the truth might be, she’s determined to find it.
For years, Fenny was the loyal sidekick to Sarah and their friend Sam. Together they spent their time exposing small-town secrets, correcting injustices, and running their own amateur investigations. But everything changes when Sarah suddenly decides to distance herself from them and work alone. Then, without warning, she disappears.
Now seventeen-year-old Fenny refuses to remain in the background. She steps out of Sarah’s shadow and takes the lead, determined to solve the mystery herself—even though it might be the most difficult and dangerous challenge she has ever faced.
The plot itself is absolutely fascinating. Sarah Vincenty, a fearless amateur detective and self-appointed seeker of justice, vanishes at seventeen—but not before leaving a series of notes and clues behind for her best friends Fenny and Sam, just in case something happens to her.
Sam, meanwhile, comes from the wealthiest family in town—a family that may have secrets of its own hidden behind closed doors.
Neither Fenny nor Sam believes Sarah is dead. Instead, they decide to follow the trail she left behind and continue investigating the case she had been working on before her disappearance. But what starts as a search for answers quickly turns into something much bigger: a mystery that could expose powerful people and shake the entire town to its core.
Sarah had already compiled a long list of suspects, and the deeper Fenny and Sam dig, the more they realize that almost no one can be trusted.
The tension escalates as threats begin to surface. Sarah had tried to keep her friends out of the investigation to protect them—but now it’s too late. The people responsible for Sarah’s disappearance may be watching, and Fenny and Sam could be their next targets.
Overall, this book absolutely worked for me. The characters feel authentic and emotionally layered, the mystery unfolds in a smart and satisfying way, and the writing kept my eyes glued to the pages from beginning to end.
I’ve officially added this author to my auto-read list, and I can’t wait to see what they write next.
If you’re addicted to mysteries like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or the twisty YA thrillers of Karen M. McManus, then this book will absolutely be your next obsession. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the best YA mysteries of the year, and it truly earned my five-star rating.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and the Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers for sharing this addictive YA thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
This complex and gripping crime thriller delivers a mystery within another mystery, packed with suspects, secrets, and motives that keep you constantly guessing whodunit until the very last moment. The pacing is incredibly engaging, the kind that keeps you glued to the pages and sitting at the edge of your seat because you just need to know what happens next.
The structure of the story is particularly clever. Everything begins with the mysterious disappearance of Sarah Vincenty, which slowly unravels a massive town secret. But that’s only the beginning. As the investigation deepens, another missing-person case from twenty years ago emerges, and the possibility that the two incidents might be connected opens the door to even more shocking revelations. The author carefully layers the twists, building tension step by step until the final moments deliver some truly powerful surprises.
When it comes to characters, Fenny Allen completely stole my heart. She became my favorite almost immediately. Fenny isn’t loud, flashy, or the kind of person who dreams of being a genius detective solving headline-making cases. Instead, she’s quiet, thoughtful, and incredibly intelligent in her own understated way. What truly defines her is her determination and her enormous heart.
Her life is far from easy. She’s been abandoned by her father, lives with a neglectful mother who struggles with alcoholism, and now she’s facing the devastating disappearance of one of her closest friends. Inside, she’s falling apart—but she refuses to give up. Fenny is stubborn in the best possible way. No matter how painful the truth might be, she’s determined to find it.
For years, Fenny was the loyal sidekick to Sarah and their friend Sam. Together they spent their time exposing small-town secrets, correcting injustices, and running their own amateur investigations. But everything changes when Sarah suddenly decides to distance herself from them and work alone. Then, without warning, she disappears.
Now seventeen-year-old Fenny refuses to remain in the background. She steps out of Sarah’s shadow and takes the lead, determined to solve the mystery herself—even though it might be the most difficult and dangerous challenge she has ever faced.
The plot itself is absolutely fascinating. Sarah Vincenty, a fearless amateur detective and self-appointed seeker of justice, vanishes at seventeen—but not before leaving a series of notes and clues behind for her best friends Fenny and Sam, just in case something happens to her.
Sam, meanwhile, comes from the wealthiest family in town—a family that may have secrets of its own hidden behind closed doors.
Neither Fenny nor Sam believes Sarah is dead. Instead, they decide to follow the trail she left behind and continue investigating the case she had been working on before her disappearance. But what starts as a search for answers quickly turns into something much bigger: a mystery that could expose powerful people and shake the entire town to its core.
Sarah had already compiled a long list of suspects, and the deeper Fenny and Sam dig, the more they realize that almost no one can be trusted.
The tension escalates as threats begin to surface. Sarah had tried to keep her friends out of the investigation to protect them—but now it’s too late. The people responsible for Sarah’s disappearance may be watching, and Fenny and Sam could be their next targets.
Overall, this book absolutely worked for me. The characters feel authentic and emotionally layered, the mystery unfolds in a smart and satisfying way, and the writing kept my eyes glued to the pages from beginning to end.
I’ve officially added this author to my auto-read list, and I can’t wait to see what they write next.
If you’re addicted to mysteries like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder or the twisty YA thrillers of Karen M. McManus, then this book will absolutely be your next obsession. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the best YA mysteries of the year, and it truly earned my five-star rating.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and the Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers for sharing this addictive YA thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“In Case I Go Missing” by R.N. Swann is a layered, fast-moving YA mystery that combines small-town secrets, long-buried history, and the emotional fallout of losing someone you thought would always be there. With a clever hook and steadily escalating tension, Swann delivers a suspenseful story that rewards patient readers who enjoy complex, twist-heavy mysteries.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always been the sidekick to Sarah Vincenty who is the town’s self-appointed teen detective who exposes secrets, solves petty crimes, and isn’t afraid to take justice into her own hands. So when Sarah disappears just before graduation, the police are quick to label her a runaway. Fenny knows better. Her certainty deepens when she finds a binder Sarah left behind titled In Case I Go Missing, filled with notes, clues, and ominously torn-out pages.
Alongside Sam, her other best friend, Fenny picks up Sarah’s final investigation. What begins as a search for a missing girl quickly spirals into something far larger: a century-old mystery involving missing gold, a forgotten abandoned church, a man who vanished ten years earlier, and a cover-up that reaches into the highest levels of their small town. As suspects multiply, many of them powerful and protected, it becomes clear that Sarah’s disappearance is tied directly to secrets some people would kill to keep buried.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is its characters. Fenny and Sam feel like real teenagers, balancing gallows humor, fear, and loyalty in a way that keeps the story grounded. Their friendship is the emotional heart of the book, especially as both are dealing with difficult home lives. Sam’s in particular is shaped by years of abuse from his older brother. Sarah herself is a more complicated presence: smart and driven, but also deeply flawed, willing to exploit others’ secrets in pursuit of the truth. No one here is idealized, which makes the stakes feel more authentic.
The mystery is dense, with multiple timelines and plot threads weaving together, sometimes almost overwhelmingly so. Younger readers may find it a bit complicated, but Swann ultimately brings everything together in a way that feels intentional and satisfying. The pacing steadily tightens, layering twist upon twist until the central question--whether Sarah is alive or dead—can no longer be avoided.
By the end, the story delivers solid closure without pretending that trauma and loss vanish neatly. The characters grow, the truth comes to light, and there’s a sense of hard-won resolution rather than easy answers.
Overall, “In Case I Go Missing” is a smart, suspenseful YA thriller packed with secrets, history, and moral gray areas. With its strong friendships, flawed characters, and intricately connected mystery, it’s a rewarding read for older YA fans who enjoy complicated puzzles and small-town darkness lurking just beneath the surface.
“In Case I Go Missing” by R.N. Swann is a layered, fast-moving YA mystery that combines small-town secrets, long-buried history, and the emotional fallout of losing someone you thought would always be there. With a clever hook and steadily escalating tension, Swann delivers a suspenseful story that rewards patient readers who enjoy complex, twist-heavy mysteries.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always been the sidekick to Sarah Vincenty who is the town’s self-appointed teen detective who exposes secrets, solves petty crimes, and isn’t afraid to take justice into her own hands. So when Sarah disappears just before graduation, the police are quick to label her a runaway. Fenny knows better. Her certainty deepens when she finds a binder Sarah left behind titled In Case I Go Missing, filled with notes, clues, and ominously torn-out pages.
Alongside Sam, her other best friend, Fenny picks up Sarah’s final investigation. What begins as a search for a missing girl quickly spirals into something far larger: a century-old mystery involving missing gold, a forgotten abandoned church, a man who vanished ten years earlier, and a cover-up that reaches into the highest levels of their small town. As suspects multiply, many of them powerful and protected, it becomes clear that Sarah’s disappearance is tied directly to secrets some people would kill to keep buried.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is its characters. Fenny and Sam feel like real teenagers, balancing gallows humor, fear, and loyalty in a way that keeps the story grounded. Their friendship is the emotional heart of the book, especially as both are dealing with difficult home lives. Sam’s in particular is shaped by years of abuse from his older brother. Sarah herself is a more complicated presence: smart and driven, but also deeply flawed, willing to exploit others’ secrets in pursuit of the truth. No one here is idealized, which makes the stakes feel more authentic.
The mystery is dense, with multiple timelines and plot threads weaving together, sometimes almost overwhelmingly so. Younger readers may find it a bit complicated, but Swann ultimately brings everything together in a way that feels intentional and satisfying. The pacing steadily tightens, layering twist upon twist until the central question--whether Sarah is alive or dead—can no longer be avoided.
By the end, the story delivers solid closure without pretending that trauma and loss vanish neatly. The characters grow, the truth comes to light, and there’s a sense of hard-won resolution rather than easy answers.
Overall, “In Case I Go Missing” is a smart, suspenseful YA thriller packed with secrets, history, and moral gray areas. With its strong friendships, flawed characters, and intricately connected mystery, it’s a rewarding read for older YA fans who enjoy complicated puzzles and small-town darkness lurking just beneath the surface.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann is, somewhat irritatingly, very good. The kind of good where you keep expecting it to fumble something and it just…doesn’t. Five stars, even if I resent how easily it earns them.
The premise sounds like something you’ve seen before. Missing girl. Small town. A binder full of clues because apparently some teenagers are far more organized than the rest of us will ever be. Her best friend picks up where she left off. You think you know the shape of this story. You do not. Or at least, not for long.
The book has been described as “tightly plotted” and “twist-filled,” which usually translates to “we tried our best.” Here, it actually means it. The plot is structured with an almost suspicious level of competence. Twists don’t feel random or desperate. They feel earned, which is frankly a little rude because it leaves you with fewer things to complain about.
The binder could have been a gimmick. It is not. It is, annoyingly, the best part. It turns the whole story into a kind of collaborative investigation where you’re constantly flipping back, rethinking, and realizing you’ve been confidently wrong for several chapters. It gives the book momentum and just enough interactivity to make you feel involved, right up until it outpaces you again.
The town is exactly what you want from a small-town mystery, meaning deeply unsettling beneath a thin layer of “we all know each other here.” Yes, you do. That’s the problem. Everyone knows everyone, everyone knows something, and no one is particularly interested in being helpful about it. The deeper the story goes, the clearer it becomes that secrets here aren’t just kept, they’re maintained. With effort.
Fenny makes for a solid lead mostly because she doesn’t feel like she’s been designed to be likable at all times. She’s determined, increasingly overwhelmed, and makes choices that feel realistic rather than heroic. Her relationships, especially with Sarah and Sam, add emotional weight without turning the book into a therapy session. The story has places to be, and it knows it.
Also, this is not a cozy mystery wearing a leather jacket. The tone has some bite. The Fargo comparisons are deserved, not because it’s quirky, but because it has that same underlying belief that people, given the opportunity, will make impressively bad decisions and then double down on them.
If there’s anything to flag, it’s that the book does not go out of its way to make you comfortable. It doesn’t handhold, it doesn’t over-explain, and it definitely doesn’t wrap everything up in a neat, reassuring bow. You’re expected to keep up. It assumes you can, which is generous.
In the end, this is a debut that is far more put-together than it has any right to be. Smart, fast, and just self-aware enough to avoid its own tropes, In Case I Go Missing is one of those books that quietly outperforms most of its competition while pretending it’s just another mystery. It isn’t. And yes, fine, it deserves the five stars.
The premise sounds like something you’ve seen before. Missing girl. Small town. A binder full of clues because apparently some teenagers are far more organized than the rest of us will ever be. Her best friend picks up where she left off. You think you know the shape of this story. You do not. Or at least, not for long.
The book has been described as “tightly plotted” and “twist-filled,” which usually translates to “we tried our best.” Here, it actually means it. The plot is structured with an almost suspicious level of competence. Twists don’t feel random or desperate. They feel earned, which is frankly a little rude because it leaves you with fewer things to complain about.
The binder could have been a gimmick. It is not. It is, annoyingly, the best part. It turns the whole story into a kind of collaborative investigation where you’re constantly flipping back, rethinking, and realizing you’ve been confidently wrong for several chapters. It gives the book momentum and just enough interactivity to make you feel involved, right up until it outpaces you again.
The town is exactly what you want from a small-town mystery, meaning deeply unsettling beneath a thin layer of “we all know each other here.” Yes, you do. That’s the problem. Everyone knows everyone, everyone knows something, and no one is particularly interested in being helpful about it. The deeper the story goes, the clearer it becomes that secrets here aren’t just kept, they’re maintained. With effort.
Fenny makes for a solid lead mostly because she doesn’t feel like she’s been designed to be likable at all times. She’s determined, increasingly overwhelmed, and makes choices that feel realistic rather than heroic. Her relationships, especially with Sarah and Sam, add emotional weight without turning the book into a therapy session. The story has places to be, and it knows it.
Also, this is not a cozy mystery wearing a leather jacket. The tone has some bite. The Fargo comparisons are deserved, not because it’s quirky, but because it has that same underlying belief that people, given the opportunity, will make impressively bad decisions and then double down on them.
If there’s anything to flag, it’s that the book does not go out of its way to make you comfortable. It doesn’t handhold, it doesn’t over-explain, and it definitely doesn’t wrap everything up in a neat, reassuring bow. You’re expected to keep up. It assumes you can, which is generous.
In the end, this is a debut that is far more put-together than it has any right to be. Smart, fast, and just self-aware enough to avoid its own tropes, In Case I Go Missing is one of those books that quietly outperforms most of its competition while pretending it’s just another mystery. It isn’t. And yes, fine, it deserves the five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, thank you Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Second, this is easily one of the best young adult mysteries I’ve read in a long time.
It’s difficult to do this book justice in a review, especially without giving too much away, but here goes. At its core, In Case I Go Missing is a story about friendship and loyalty. It follows Fenny and Sam, best friends who become entangled in a complicated mystery when Sarah (the third member of their group) goes missing. The three friends have been solving the local town’s mysteries (such as, who is behind the school’s stolen library books) together for years, with Sarah as their ringleader. However, this time Fenny and Sam discover Sarah has been working on a much bigger case on her own– a case involving the town’s history that has dangerous and potentially deadly consequences. When Fenny and Sam realize that Sarah has left behind clues for them, they begin investigating in hopes of solving the case and finding their friend. What follows is a complex mystery full of twists as everyone Fenny and Sam encounter becomes a suspect.
The best aspects of this book, in my opinion, are:
The mystery is complex, similar to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. I was trying to guess the conclusion the entire time I was reading, and I was still surprised by the ending.
The portrayal of life in a small town is very accurate. This is a place where people know their neighbors, and the entire community is deeply affected by Sarah’s disappearance.
The main characters, Fenny and Sam, are well-developed and likeable. Even the supporting characters have distinct voices, which is hard to pull off in a story with so many moving pieces.
The writing style comes across as unbiased. In this book, people make good choices and they make bad choices. All the characters are unique and they don’t feel like stereotypes, which I found refreshing.
The flashbacks to a younger Sarah reminded me of Harriet the Spy.
I would recommend this book for older teens, fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus, and anyone who enjoys mysteries and/or true crime stories. This is definitely an author to watch, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
It’s difficult to do this book justice in a review, especially without giving too much away, but here goes. At its core, In Case I Go Missing is a story about friendship and loyalty. It follows Fenny and Sam, best friends who become entangled in a complicated mystery when Sarah (the third member of their group) goes missing. The three friends have been solving the local town’s mysteries (such as, who is behind the school’s stolen library books) together for years, with Sarah as their ringleader. However, this time Fenny and Sam discover Sarah has been working on a much bigger case on her own– a case involving the town’s history that has dangerous and potentially deadly consequences. When Fenny and Sam realize that Sarah has left behind clues for them, they begin investigating in hopes of solving the case and finding their friend. What follows is a complex mystery full of twists as everyone Fenny and Sam encounter becomes a suspect.
The best aspects of this book, in my opinion, are:
The mystery is complex, similar to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. I was trying to guess the conclusion the entire time I was reading, and I was still surprised by the ending.
The portrayal of life in a small town is very accurate. This is a place where people know their neighbors, and the entire community is deeply affected by Sarah’s disappearance.
The main characters, Fenny and Sam, are well-developed and likeable. Even the supporting characters have distinct voices, which is hard to pull off in a story with so many moving pieces.
The writing style comes across as unbiased. In this book, people make good choices and they make bad choices. All the characters are unique and they don’t feel like stereotypes, which I found refreshing.
The flashbacks to a younger Sarah reminded me of Harriet the Spy.
I would recommend this book for older teens, fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus, and anyone who enjoys mysteries and/or true crime stories. This is definitely an author to watch, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The story follows Fenny Allen, who has always been the loyal sidekick to teen detective Sarah Vincenty. When Sarah disappears, most people in town assume she just ran away, but Fenny, her best friend, is sure there’s more to it.
Fenny is a character driven by raw emotion. Her life is already fractured due to her father's leaving her and her mother for a younger woman. Her mother copes with the fallout through alcohol and unhealthy relationships. With no real support system, Sarah’s disappearance pushes Fenny into a storm of anger and grief. When she discovers the binder Sarah abandoned behind, it becomes both a roadmap and an obsession, a lifeline to Sarah. Finishing Sarah’s investigation becomes Fenny’s way of reclaiming some sense of control in a life that feels completely shattered.
Sam, their other close friend, is the only steady presence Fenny has left. He gives her some stability, even when she pulls him into risky situations. Their friendship is at the heart of the story. Fenny’s loyalty to Sarah and Sam’s loyalty to Fenny create a bond that feels real, especially for teens who often depend on friends more than adults.
The emotional themes become even more fraught in the absence of caring adults. None of the adults in this story creates a safe place for Feeny and Sam, leaving them to navigate grief, fear, and danger on their own. As a result, the two of them become scrappy and fiercely protective of one another. Their determination to discover the truth isn’t simplyabout solving a mystery; it’s about holding onto the people who matter most to them.
Fenny often goes too far, and her anger sometimes puts her in danger and leads to risky mistakes. But this also makes her feel real and relatable. Her actions stem from the pain of abandonment. The mystery unravels through clues connected to the town’s history, and the tension rises as it becomes clear that someone in town will stop at nothing, not even murder, to hide the truth. This story is about friendship, grief, and the kind of loyalty that can make people act recklessly out of love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.
Fenny is a character driven by raw emotion. Her life is already fractured due to her father's leaving her and her mother for a younger woman. Her mother copes with the fallout through alcohol and unhealthy relationships. With no real support system, Sarah’s disappearance pushes Fenny into a storm of anger and grief. When she discovers the binder Sarah abandoned behind, it becomes both a roadmap and an obsession, a lifeline to Sarah. Finishing Sarah’s investigation becomes Fenny’s way of reclaiming some sense of control in a life that feels completely shattered.
Sam, their other close friend, is the only steady presence Fenny has left. He gives her some stability, even when she pulls him into risky situations. Their friendship is at the heart of the story. Fenny’s loyalty to Sarah and Sam’s loyalty to Fenny create a bond that feels real, especially for teens who often depend on friends more than adults.
The emotional themes become even more fraught in the absence of caring adults. None of the adults in this story creates a safe place for Feeny and Sam, leaving them to navigate grief, fear, and danger on their own. As a result, the two of them become scrappy and fiercely protective of one another. Their determination to discover the truth isn’t simplyabout solving a mystery; it’s about holding onto the people who matter most to them.
Fenny often goes too far, and her anger sometimes puts her in danger and leads to risky mistakes. But this also makes her feel real and relatable. Her actions stem from the pain of abandonment. The mystery unravels through clues connected to the town’s history, and the tension rises as it becomes clear that someone in town will stop at nothing, not even murder, to hide the truth. This story is about friendship, grief, and the kind of loyalty that can make people act recklessly out of love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In primary school, while researching a history project in the library, I stumbled across the thriller section and into worlds filled with lies, deceit, and murder. Years later, R.N. Swann’s In Case I Go Missing has dragged me right back in.
In Case I Go Missing follows Fenny Allen and her best friend Sam Kelly as they investigate the disappearance of their friend, Sarah Vincenty. While local law enforcement and the town’s gossip mill dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny and Sam aren’t convinced. In a town built on conspiracies and dark secrets, the pair begin piecing together the puzzle Sarah left behind.
I’ve not read a thriller in years, let alone a good one and let me tell In Case I Go Missing was the best choice I’ve made regarding diving back into the genre. This book provoked tears, gave me goosebumps and threw me way off course before it set me back on the right track.
What I truly loved about this book is the group dynamic, it felt nostalgic and there’s a scene between Fenny and Sam that reminds me of the sacrifice scene in the live action Scooby Doo where Shaggy and Scooby Doo have a heart to heart. It hit me right in the feels, it showed how much Fenny and Sam truly love each other and the lengths they’ll go to protect each other.
R.N. Swann done a beautiful job in setting the scene, describing the characters and their lives which gave me that chance to connect with the characters and events of the book.
The mystery in the book was well written, but I do feel like at times it was hard to keep track of who the bad guy was but was pleasantly surprised and shocked with the final reveal. I also liked the element that it was an elaborate scavenger hunt with deadly consequences and how all the clues linked so smoothly together.
I feel as though the book despite being serval hundred pages long was such a fast and easy read.
Overall In Case I Go Missing was an emotional and fast-paced thriller that I’d recommend every single time if I could. If you are like me and just getting back into the genre please give In Case I Go Missing a bash, you won’t regret it.
In primary school, while researching a history project in the library, I stumbled across the thriller section and into worlds filled with lies, deceit, and murder. Years later, R.N. Swann’s In Case I Go Missing has dragged me right back in.
In Case I Go Missing follows Fenny Allen and her best friend Sam Kelly as they investigate the disappearance of their friend, Sarah Vincenty. While local law enforcement and the town’s gossip mill dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny and Sam aren’t convinced. In a town built on conspiracies and dark secrets, the pair begin piecing together the puzzle Sarah left behind.
I’ve not read a thriller in years, let alone a good one and let me tell In Case I Go Missing was the best choice I’ve made regarding diving back into the genre. This book provoked tears, gave me goosebumps and threw me way off course before it set me back on the right track.
What I truly loved about this book is the group dynamic, it felt nostalgic and there’s a scene between Fenny and Sam that reminds me of the sacrifice scene in the live action Scooby Doo where Shaggy and Scooby Doo have a heart to heart. It hit me right in the feels, it showed how much Fenny and Sam truly love each other and the lengths they’ll go to protect each other.
R.N. Swann done a beautiful job in setting the scene, describing the characters and their lives which gave me that chance to connect with the characters and events of the book.
The mystery in the book was well written, but I do feel like at times it was hard to keep track of who the bad guy was but was pleasantly surprised and shocked with the final reveal. I also liked the element that it was an elaborate scavenger hunt with deadly consequences and how all the clues linked so smoothly together.
I feel as though the book despite being serval hundred pages long was such a fast and easy read.
Overall In Case I Go Missing was an emotional and fast-paced thriller that I’d recommend every single time if I could. If you are like me and just getting back into the genre please give In Case I Go Missing a bash, you won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy.
It is interesting that we have such a fascination with teen detectives. From Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys, and more recent books like the Truly Devious series, we are often thrust into the shoes of a detective, often a girl, who despite her young age sees things that the adults don't, and makes connections that save the day. What drew me to In Case I Go Missing is that this is a teen detective story where the detective is dead, and her sidekicks, the Watson types, have to pick up the pieces and solve her murder.
Sarah is missing, and her two best friends, Fenny and Sam, are confused, sad, and angry. The three of them did everything together, and now they are just finding out that Sarah was working on a major case, one who's answer someone is desperate to protect. As Fenny begins finding pages from Sarah's binder, entitled "In Case I Go Missing," they are thrust into a conspiracy that involves gold, murders, corn, and a slew of suspects with something to hide.
This is a fun story, and if you are in the mood for a mystery, it will scratch that itch nicely. But I think it worked for me both on the merit of being a page turning who-dun-it, but also for how it made me think about the teen detective. We are often willing to go along with what the detective is doing because the story is being told from their point of view-- even if they are doing unkind or mildly illegal things, they are there to justify and placate the audience, explaining why they are doing something and assuring us that it is okay, much like Sarah is doing to Fenny and Sam in the few flashbacks we get. But when the story is from a different point of view, that of the often neglected and 'there for the ride, will do what they're told' sidekick, we are given a different picture of who the detective is. That maybe they were not a good friend, and maybe not even a good person. Though this book tries very hard to assure us that Sarah wasn't a bad friend or bad person, this thought rang in my head the whole time. And if there was something that I wish the book did, it would have been to explore this more.
It is interesting that we have such a fascination with teen detectives. From Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys, and more recent books like the Truly Devious series, we are often thrust into the shoes of a detective, often a girl, who despite her young age sees things that the adults don't, and makes connections that save the day. What drew me to In Case I Go Missing is that this is a teen detective story where the detective is dead, and her sidekicks, the Watson types, have to pick up the pieces and solve her murder.
Sarah is missing, and her two best friends, Fenny and Sam, are confused, sad, and angry. The three of them did everything together, and now they are just finding out that Sarah was working on a major case, one who's answer someone is desperate to protect. As Fenny begins finding pages from Sarah's binder, entitled "In Case I Go Missing," they are thrust into a conspiracy that involves gold, murders, corn, and a slew of suspects with something to hide.
This is a fun story, and if you are in the mood for a mystery, it will scratch that itch nicely. But I think it worked for me both on the merit of being a page turning who-dun-it, but also for how it made me think about the teen detective. We are often willing to go along with what the detective is doing because the story is being told from their point of view-- even if they are doing unkind or mildly illegal things, they are there to justify and placate the audience, explaining why they are doing something and assuring us that it is okay, much like Sarah is doing to Fenny and Sam in the few flashbacks we get. But when the story is from a different point of view, that of the often neglected and 'there for the ride, will do what they're told' sidekick, we are given a different picture of who the detective is. That maybe they were not a good friend, and maybe not even a good person. Though this book tries very hard to assure us that Sarah wasn't a bad friend or bad person, this thought rang in my head the whole time. And if there was something that I wish the book did, it would have been to explore this more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book hit me with serious A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and Not Quite Dead Yet energy. Perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson!
POV: First person
Spice: 1/5 (light kissing + a brief intimacy scene between adult side characters)
Language: Some mild cussing
Mentions of Christianity w/ a few Bible verses (which I loved but not the main focus)
A couple side characters are gay (not main focus, everyone isn't)
The story is about the Richmand Three: Sarah (the mastermind), Sam (the brain), and Fenny (the loyal support). When Sarah goes missing, decades-old secrets, betrayals, and hidden vengeance start falling apart in ways that keep you guessing.
I honestly didn't expect to fall this hard for a debut, but R.N. Swann absolutely crushed it. The plotting is thorough and every detail connects, every twist feels earned, and nothing is wasted.
The characters are so distinct. I especially loved the character development: Sam's dysfunctional family background, Fenny stepping up to care for her alcoholic mother after her dad abandoned them, and Sarah's seemingly perfect family life that crumbles when she vanishes. These backstories add real emotional weight without ever feeling forced.
The mystery builds tension beautifully, weaving in friendship dynamics, old grudges, and shocking revelations. I pieced together the big twist right near the end, but it still caught me off guard. By the final page, I was so attached to these characters that I genuinely miss them. I'm already planning to grab a physical copy so I can reread and annotate all the clues I missed the first time.
This is an incredible debut: smart, twisty, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down. Highly recommend for anyone who loves YA mysteries with heart and sharp plotting.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the ARC! All opinions are my own*
This book hit me with serious A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and Not Quite Dead Yet energy. Perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson!
POV: First person
Spice: 1/5 (light kissing + a brief intimacy scene between adult side characters)
Language: Some mild cussing
Mentions of Christianity w/ a few Bible verses (which I loved but not the main focus)
A couple side characters are gay (not main focus, everyone isn't)
The story is about the Richmand Three: Sarah (the mastermind), Sam (the brain), and Fenny (the loyal support). When Sarah goes missing, decades-old secrets, betrayals, and hidden vengeance start falling apart in ways that keep you guessing.
I honestly didn't expect to fall this hard for a debut, but R.N. Swann absolutely crushed it. The plotting is thorough and every detail connects, every twist feels earned, and nothing is wasted.
The characters are so distinct. I especially loved the character development: Sam's dysfunctional family background, Fenny stepping up to care for her alcoholic mother after her dad abandoned them, and Sarah's seemingly perfect family life that crumbles when she vanishes. These backstories add real emotional weight without ever feeling forced.
The mystery builds tension beautifully, weaving in friendship dynamics, old grudges, and shocking revelations. I pieced together the big twist right near the end, but it still caught me off guard. By the final page, I was so attached to these characters that I genuinely miss them. I'm already planning to grab a physical copy so I can reread and annotate all the clues I missed the first time.
This is an incredible debut: smart, twisty, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down. Highly recommend for anyone who loves YA mysteries with heart and sharp plotting.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the ARC! All opinions are my own*
April 12, 2026
I have yet to be let down by a YA thriller, and this is no exception. I was throughly impressed especially as this is a debut novel. From the synopsis, I anticipated a well thought out murder mystery/missing persons case. What I didn't anticipate, however, was the level of emotional depth the author was able to reach in a 4oo page thriller.
First off, there are some heavy themes here, so as always , check your triggers. I thought these themes were handled expertly, and were delivered in a way that made me feel real emotions even though I had not had very much time to get attached to these characters. My heart strings were throughly pulled.
The story follows 17 year old Fenny and her best friend, Sam, as they attempt to navigate the disappearance and potential murder of their other best friend, Sarah. This was such a complex story that continued to expand as you read on. No one is innocent, everyone has a motive, who can you trust? I was not able to predict anything here and I pride myself on my ability to predict plot twists. There were several and they were all executed fantastically.
On top of that, the relationships were depicted in an authentic and realistic way with all the characters. While there is no romance here, the friendship between Sam and Fenny was almost as good as if there was one. You could feel how much they cared for each other. They really would go to the ends of the earth for each other. Fenny and her mom had a complicated bond, but seeing that grow and be nurtured was heart warming.
Absolutely recommend this to anyone that loves YA thrillers as much as me!!
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for the e-ARC!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First off, there are some heavy themes here, so as always , check your triggers. I thought these themes were handled expertly, and were delivered in a way that made me feel real emotions even though I had not had very much time to get attached to these characters. My heart strings were throughly pulled.
The story follows 17 year old Fenny and her best friend, Sam, as they attempt to navigate the disappearance and potential murder of their other best friend, Sarah. This was such a complex story that continued to expand as you read on. No one is innocent, everyone has a motive, who can you trust? I was not able to predict anything here and I pride myself on my ability to predict plot twists. There were several and they were all executed fantastically.
On top of that, the relationships were depicted in an authentic and realistic way with all the characters. While there is no romance here, the friendship between Sam and Fenny was almost as good as if there was one. You could feel how much they cared for each other. They really would go to the ends of the earth for each other. Fenny and her mom had a complicated bond, but seeing that grow and be nurtured was heart warming.
Absolutely recommend this to anyone that loves YA thrillers as much as me!!
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for the e-ARC!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you PenguinTeen and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A suspenseful read! When she was younger Fenny Allen helped Sarah Vincent’s solve her first case. Then it was just who kept stealing library books but as the years went on the cases got harder. But eventually solving cases took up more of Sarah’s time and it caused some difficulties in there friendships. The latest being her not showing up to their friend Sam’s brother’s engagement party. A brother who had tormented Sam and Sarah knew how horrible he was to Sam. Fenny was done with Sarah this was one step two far. Only she soon finds out that Sarah herself is missing. The police think she ran away but Fenny knows she never would, something is wrong. And then she discovers a binder that Sarah left entitled In Case I Go Missing. Sarah was working on something big, something she knew could put her in danger. Now it’s up to Fenny and Sam to play detective and find Sarah. But can Fenny step out of the sidekick role? Can they piece together the clues in time to save Sarah? And when the clues point to decades old mystery and dark secrets held within their town they just may be in for more danger than either of them are prepared for. And someone is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure those secrets stay hidden even if it means removing Fenny and Sam. R.N. Swann packs a lot into their debut novel from mystery to generational trauma to teenage friendships and angst to growth. Lots of twists and turns with plenty of red herrings in this one! Plenty of thrills that kept me hooked and turning the pages!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Once I started reading it, I could NOT put it down. At one point, I had even woken up in the middle of the night and was having trouble going back to sleep so I thought "I'll just read a little bit of this" and I ended up reading it for the next two hours, even though I had to go to work in the morning and knew I would be exhausted because of it. I actually wanted to keep reading so I could finish the book, but knew I was already going to face the consequences as it was, so decided to wait until the next day to finish it.
This book truly had me guessing until the very end. I kept thinking I knew who the killer was but I really could not figure it out. There were so many twists and turns and the ending was SO unexpected. I loved how everything came together and it was so well done.
The characters were amazing and I loved following Fenny and Sam as they tried to figure out what was going on. Their friendship was everything and I was rooting for them from the very start. I loved how fleshed out everyone was and the intricate backstories everyone was given. It really made the story that much realer.
The mystery was so fun to watch unravel and I loved seeing how all the pieces came together in the end. I felt like it would've been fun to see photos of Sarah's "If I go missing" book to add a little extra flair for the reader, but it was still cool to see how she utilized it and how Sam and Fenny tried to put all the scraps together to solve her disappearance and why.
Overall, this book was AMAZING and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fantastic mystery that leaves you guessing until the last page.
This book truly had me guessing until the very end. I kept thinking I knew who the killer was but I really could not figure it out. There were so many twists and turns and the ending was SO unexpected. I loved how everything came together and it was so well done.
The characters were amazing and I loved following Fenny and Sam as they tried to figure out what was going on. Their friendship was everything and I was rooting for them from the very start. I loved how fleshed out everyone was and the intricate backstories everyone was given. It really made the story that much realer.
The mystery was so fun to watch unravel and I loved seeing how all the pieces came together in the end. I felt like it would've been fun to see photos of Sarah's "If I go missing" book to add a little extra flair for the reader, but it was still cool to see how she utilized it and how Sam and Fenny tried to put all the scraps together to solve her disappearance and why.
Overall, this book was AMAZING and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fantastic mystery that leaves you guessing until the last page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
IN CASE I GO MISSING by RN Swann (May 26, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the eArc
When Sarah Vincenty goes missing, her best friends Fenny and Sam launch an investigation to uncover what happened and find Sarah. As they get closer to unearthing not only what happened to Sarah but the decades-old mystery of the town, the more dangerous thinga become. There are secrets to hide, and those involved will stop at nothing to keep them hidden.
IN CASE I GO MISSING is a YA mystery that blends family history, small town secrets, and found family in the form of friends who'd do anything for one another. When I finally had time to sit down and read this (instead of a few pages here and there) I was hooked. There was so much going on with Fenny, Sam, Sarah, and the town---the past. It was a lot, and I, honestly, didn't know if Sarah was missing-missing, in danger and hiding, or d*ad. When one over the other seemed more plausible, I was in it for another chapter.
IN CASE I GO MISSING throws around a lot of potential suspects. Over the course of this book, I never really locked on one or the other. Until...part way through part three. There was a character who just crawled under my skin, and once I really started to think about it, there was no doubt in my mind that they were responsible. I was...wrong.
This is a interesting book. I quite enjoyed it, and there was never a dull moment. There were so many twists, but none of them topped that last one. That one came out of nowhere, and I love how I never would have seen it coming. IN CASE I GO MISSING is for the mystery lovers.
IN CASE I GO MISSING by RN Swann (May 26, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the eArc
When Sarah Vincenty goes missing, her best friends Fenny and Sam launch an investigation to uncover what happened and find Sarah. As they get closer to unearthing not only what happened to Sarah but the decades-old mystery of the town, the more dangerous thinga become. There are secrets to hide, and those involved will stop at nothing to keep them hidden.
IN CASE I GO MISSING is a YA mystery that blends family history, small town secrets, and found family in the form of friends who'd do anything for one another. When I finally had time to sit down and read this (instead of a few pages here and there) I was hooked. There was so much going on with Fenny, Sam, Sarah, and the town---the past. It was a lot, and I, honestly, didn't know if Sarah was missing-missing, in danger and hiding, or d*ad. When one over the other seemed more plausible, I was in it for another chapter.
IN CASE I GO MISSING throws around a lot of potential suspects. Over the course of this book, I never really locked on one or the other. Until...part way through part three. There was a character who just crawled under my skin, and once I really started to think about it, there was no doubt in my mind that they were responsible. I was...wrong.
This is a interesting book. I quite enjoyed it, and there was never a dull moment. There were so many twists, but none of them topped that last one. That one came out of nowhere, and I love how I never would have seen it coming. IN CASE I GO MISSING is for the mystery lovers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It had been a long time since I read a mystery that truly pulled me in, so I was so glad to stumble across In Case I Go Missing because it absolutely did not disappoint. From the very first chapter, this book had that kind of suspense that quietly grips you and refuses to let go until the very end. It is one of those stories where you keep telling yourself, “just one more chapter,” and before you know it, you are completely invested in finding out what really happened.
The story centers around Fenny, Sarah, and Sam, three friends who have spent years solving every little mystery they come across. Sarah is the mastermind with Fenny and Sam have always been the ones beside her, supporting her no matter what. But when Sarah suddenly disappears, everything changes, and Fenny is left trying to solve the biggest mystery of all on her own.
The pacing sits at a perfect medium and never once feels slow. There is always something happening, whether it is a new clue, a hidden secret, or an emotional moment that deepens the story even more. What I really loved was the character growth, especially with Fenny and Sam. Watching them navigate Sarah’s disappearance while leaning on each other made the story feel even more emotional, and their bond added so much heart to the mystery itself.
And the final part of this book? Absolutely wild. Once the story hits the last section, the twists start dropping one after another, and I genuinely did not see some of them coming. One reveal in particular completely caught me off guard because I was convinced it was someone else. That kind of surprise is exactly what I want in a mystery, and this book delivered it perfectly.
The story centers around Fenny, Sarah, and Sam, three friends who have spent years solving every little mystery they come across. Sarah is the mastermind with Fenny and Sam have always been the ones beside her, supporting her no matter what. But when Sarah suddenly disappears, everything changes, and Fenny is left trying to solve the biggest mystery of all on her own.
The pacing sits at a perfect medium and never once feels slow. There is always something happening, whether it is a new clue, a hidden secret, or an emotional moment that deepens the story even more. What I really loved was the character growth, especially with Fenny and Sam. Watching them navigate Sarah’s disappearance while leaning on each other made the story feel even more emotional, and their bond added so much heart to the mystery itself.
And the final part of this book? Absolutely wild. Once the story hits the last section, the twists start dropping one after another, and I genuinely did not see some of them coming. One reveal in particular completely caught me off guard because I was convinced it was someone else. That kind of surprise is exactly what I want in a mystery, and this book delivered it perfectly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm glad I picked up this book. It's a very good YA story. I liked how the "puzzle" pieces unfolded and the clues Sarah left behind. I also liked how new friendships were created at the end. I did kind of have a feeling about one of the characters, but there were some surprises also that kept me guessing.
The story is about friendship, mystery, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The main character is Fenny Allen, a seventeen-year-old who is thrust into the role of amateur detective alongside her best friend, Sam, after their fearless friend Sarah goes missing. The dynamic between Fenny and Sam adds depth to the narrative, highlighting their growth, resilience, and sometimes conflicts as they tackle the complexities of their small town’s dark past. The binder left behind, intriguingly named In Case I Go Missing, serves as a powerful symbol of the risks involved in seeking the truth. As Fenny and Sam dig deeper into the investigation, they unearth secrets that threaten their lives. The vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters make the setting come alive, and I liked the "history" of the gold mines and the founding of the town. There were some scenes that seemed a bit implausible, but overall, In Case I Go Missing is a very good read that combines mystery and character development. It's a good read for fans of young adult thrillers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story filled with suspense and emotional depth. I would recommend this book.
#InCaseIGoMissing #NetGalley @PenguinTeen
The story is about friendship, mystery, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The main character is Fenny Allen, a seventeen-year-old who is thrust into the role of amateur detective alongside her best friend, Sam, after their fearless friend Sarah goes missing. The dynamic between Fenny and Sam adds depth to the narrative, highlighting their growth, resilience, and sometimes conflicts as they tackle the complexities of their small town’s dark past. The binder left behind, intriguingly named In Case I Go Missing, serves as a powerful symbol of the risks involved in seeking the truth. As Fenny and Sam dig deeper into the investigation, they unearth secrets that threaten their lives. The vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters make the setting come alive, and I liked the "history" of the gold mines and the founding of the town. There were some scenes that seemed a bit implausible, but overall, In Case I Go Missing is a very good read that combines mystery and character development. It's a good read for fans of young adult thrillers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story filled with suspense and emotional depth. I would recommend this book.
#InCaseIGoMissing #NetGalley @PenguinTeen
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Case I Go Missing follows Fenny after her best friend, amateur detective Sarah, goes missing. The police believe it’s another teen runaway, but Fenny knows there’s foul play. She works together with their other best friend, Sam, and uncover a decades-old mystery that turns deadly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It was such a gripping mystery that hooked me very easily. I loved all the twists and turns and how the twists are not super obvious. The final one did get me—I really wasn’t sure who was doing everything. There’s a lot going on in this one but the author did a great job keeping everything intriguing. I loved all the history about the town and how it tied to present day. It was a super fascinating mystery and I’m really interested to read more from this author!
I really enjoyed the characters. They felt very authentic and realistic and had a lot of emotional layers that felt believable. Fenny was really great could be chaotic and reckless, but it made for a fun time. Her friendship with Sam was really nice. I loved their dynamic. I also really loved her strained relationship with her mom and the development and growth through the novel. It was also so refreshing for there to be no romantic subplot. It was strictly focused on the mystery and friend and familial and town people relationships.
If you love AGGGTM, definitely check this one out!
🔎 Teen detectives
❓ Missing persons
🪢 Twists
🌲Small-town secrets
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It was such a gripping mystery that hooked me very easily. I loved all the twists and turns and how the twists are not super obvious. The final one did get me—I really wasn’t sure who was doing everything. There’s a lot going on in this one but the author did a great job keeping everything intriguing. I loved all the history about the town and how it tied to present day. It was a super fascinating mystery and I’m really interested to read more from this author!
I really enjoyed the characters. They felt very authentic and realistic and had a lot of emotional layers that felt believable. Fenny was really great could be chaotic and reckless, but it made for a fun time. Her friendship with Sam was really nice. I loved their dynamic. I also really loved her strained relationship with her mom and the development and growth through the novel. It was also so refreshing for there to be no romantic subplot. It was strictly focused on the mystery and friend and familial and town people relationships.
If you love AGGGTM, definitely check this one out!
🔎 Teen detectives
❓ Missing persons
🪢 Twists
🌲Small-town secrets
Thank you to Penguin Teen CA and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC from Netgalley
In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann
This one had me hooked from the moment the binder showed up 👀
When Fenny’s best friend Sarah disappears and is brushed off as just another runaway, Fenny refuses to accept it. Then she finds the binder titled In Case I Go Missing… and realizes Sarah planned for this. What unfolds is a layered, small town mystery where every clue feels intentional, every secret runs deep, and danger is closer than anyone wants to admit.
What makes this book stand out is how interactive it feels. The binder concept was SO well done. It turns the story into a puzzle you’re actively solving alongside Fenny and Sam. My favorite part was watching Fenny step out of the “sidekick” role and fully come into her own. That growth mixed with the eerie small town vibes? So good.
🕵️♀️ Tropes & Vibes
📁 missing person mystery
🧩 clue based investigation
🌲 small town secrets
👯♀️ strong female friendship
🖤 amateur detective energy
🔍 dual timeline mystery elements
⚡ high stakes uncovering the truth
💔 everyone is hiding something
📚 Read this if you like…
🕵️♀️ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes
📁 stories told through clues and documents
🌲 eerie small town atmospheres
🖤 mysteries with emotional depth
⚡ fast paced YA thrillers that keep you guessing
#YAMystery #ThrillerReads #BookstagramMystery #Whodunit #MustReadBooks @Penguin
In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann
This one had me hooked from the moment the binder showed up 👀
When Fenny’s best friend Sarah disappears and is brushed off as just another runaway, Fenny refuses to accept it. Then she finds the binder titled In Case I Go Missing… and realizes Sarah planned for this. What unfolds is a layered, small town mystery where every clue feels intentional, every secret runs deep, and danger is closer than anyone wants to admit.
What makes this book stand out is how interactive it feels. The binder concept was SO well done. It turns the story into a puzzle you’re actively solving alongside Fenny and Sam. My favorite part was watching Fenny step out of the “sidekick” role and fully come into her own. That growth mixed with the eerie small town vibes? So good.
🕵️♀️ Tropes & Vibes
📁 missing person mystery
🧩 clue based investigation
🌲 small town secrets
👯♀️ strong female friendship
🖤 amateur detective energy
🔍 dual timeline mystery elements
⚡ high stakes uncovering the truth
💔 everyone is hiding something
📚 Read this if you like…
🕵️♀️ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes
📁 stories told through clues and documents
🌲 eerie small town atmospheres
🖤 mysteries with emotional depth
⚡ fast paced YA thrillers that keep you guessing
#YAMystery #ThrillerReads #BookstagramMystery #Whodunit #MustReadBooks @Penguin
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's been a minute since I've read a YA murder mystery, but IN CASE I GO MISSING caught my eye. Maybe it's because of the cover's nod to A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER (a book I loved) or perhaps I was just in the mood for this genre. Whatever made me download the e-ARC, I'm glad I did it because I quite enjoyed this novel. The mixture of small-town secrets, family history mysteries, and a treasure hunt into an otherwise generic story appealed to me, elevating this book above other YA mystery/thriller books that mostly center on high school drama (not that this one doesn't have that as well). Plus, Swann writes well. Her prose is propulsive without being melodramatic or overwritten. The novel's plot is well-crafted, with plenty of tension, conflict, and twists to keep it engrossing. Swann's characters are sympathetic and well-drawn. I cared about the kids at the center of the tale and wanted them to find the answers they sought. All of these things kept me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, which made me happy. Overall, then, IN CASE I GO MISSING was a solid read for me. I'll 100% be keeping an eye out to see what Swann does next.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder invectives), violence, blood/gore, and depictions of underage drinking
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder invectives), violence, blood/gore, and depictions of underage drinking
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First things first, thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This book is a strong contender for the best one I've read so far this year--and it's only March.
It's been a while since I've been properly mystified by a thriller. Nine times out of ten, the plot creeps along at a snail's pace, the writing is dry as a bone, and I usually figure out the "mystery" within the first ten percent or so. But not with this one. Every time I thought I knew what was going on and who the killer was, the book said "nope" and threw a massive curveball. I found out what was happening at the exact time of its revelation--and I was thrilled about that.
This is an uncorrected proof, so I won't touch on the grammatical errors (and honestly, there weren't that many, anyway). I would instead like to point out a couple of lines that evoked emotions in me.
Poor Poots the Donkey was run over in a beer barrel accident before Prohibition. I don't know WHY, but that had me ROLLING. Maybe because the donkey's name was Poots. They named the donkey POOTS.
But I felt as carved out as a cored apple. EXCELLENT imagery there. I loved it.
There were points where I was unsure of whether or not the story would have a proper resolution, or end on a cliffhanger, but I am very pleased with the ending.
Stellar character development as well.
This book is a strong contender for the best one I've read so far this year--and it's only March.
It's been a while since I've been properly mystified by a thriller. Nine times out of ten, the plot creeps along at a snail's pace, the writing is dry as a bone, and I usually figure out the "mystery" within the first ten percent or so. But not with this one. Every time I thought I knew what was going on and who the killer was, the book said "nope" and threw a massive curveball. I found out what was happening at the exact time of its revelation--and I was thrilled about that.
This is an uncorrected proof, so I won't touch on the grammatical errors (and honestly, there weren't that many, anyway). I would instead like to point out a couple of lines that evoked emotions in me.
Poor Poots the Donkey was run over in a beer barrel accident before Prohibition. I don't know WHY, but that had me ROLLING. Maybe because the donkey's name was Poots. They named the donkey POOTS.
But I felt as carved out as a cored apple. EXCELLENT imagery there. I loved it.
There were points where I was unsure of whether or not the story would have a proper resolution, or end on a cliffhanger, but I am very pleased with the ending.
Stellar character development as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a murder mystery with twists and turns aplenty. Sarah, Sam, and Fenny have been friends, and menaces to the town, since they were younger. They have made it a point to solve "mysteries" - getting justice for lost pets, exposing affairs, and generally creating chaos in their small town. Sam, as a member of the Kelly family, has ties to the former mining ancestor of the town, so his family is well renowned, but his brother has been banned from the town after the three blackmailed him with a video of him breaking Sam's leg after attacking Fenny. As a joke, Fenny had given Sarah an "In Case I Go Missing" binder, and, when Sarah really does go missing, Fenny and Sam try and use the binder to track down Sarah's clues. They run into numerous other mysteries - why was Sarah hanging out with a boy they can't stand? Did Sam's brother's, Brian's, and his fiancée's, Carolyne's, return to town have anything to do with Sarah's disappearance? Is there really gold under the town, and is the town cursed? The danger seems to be mounting, as the dynamic duo are warned away from investigating with threatening notes. Carolyne, the new counselor at Fenny's school, is pushing her to talk about trauma. And Sam is persona not grata at his house for informing against his brother. Will Fenny and Sam be able to solve the case, before they end up becoming victims themselves?
April 16, 2026
What a jolt! In Case I Go Missing is a twisting, fast-paced mystery that will appeal strongly to YA crime fans. It follows Fenny, Sam, and Sarah—longtime friends who have built a reputation as amateur sleuths around the town and school. This is until Sarah’s sudden disappearance disrupts the group. While others dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny is convinced there’s more to uncover.
From the beginning, the narrative lays out an interesting trail of breadcrumbs—documents, conversations, and discoveries—that steadily build intrigue. The eerie messages scattered throughout add an unsettling edge, while familiar genre elements—suspicious locals, hidden connections, and buried evidence—are handled with care. Swann reveals key details with precision, maintaining momentum and tension.
A particular strength is the link to an earlier case, weaving in a decades-old mystery and the idea of inherited secrets. This adds depth, though sections focused on family histories and local lineage occasionally disrupt the pacing. Greater emphasis on Sarah herself might have strengthened the emotional pull of the present-day investigation.
Beyond the central puzzle, Fenny’s personal growth stands out. Her evolving sense of identity, alongside shifting dynamics with Sam and her mother, gives the story added resonance. An engaging and satisfying read overall.
From the beginning, the narrative lays out an interesting trail of breadcrumbs—documents, conversations, and discoveries—that steadily build intrigue. The eerie messages scattered throughout add an unsettling edge, while familiar genre elements—suspicious locals, hidden connections, and buried evidence—are handled with care. Swann reveals key details with precision, maintaining momentum and tension.
A particular strength is the link to an earlier case, weaving in a decades-old mystery and the idea of inherited secrets. This adds depth, though sections focused on family histories and local lineage occasionally disrupt the pacing. Greater emphasis on Sarah herself might have strengthened the emotional pull of the present-day investigation.
Beyond the central puzzle, Fenny’s personal growth stands out. Her evolving sense of identity, alongside shifting dynamics with Sam and her mother, gives the story added resonance. An engaging and satisfying read overall.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
holy crap this book was crazy and I loved it! I feel like I did not expect the ending; like, if I read it back, it would probably make sense, but it definitely caught me by complete surprise. I did like the two main sleuths, Fenny and Sam; I feel like they had a very realistic teenage friendship, but were so ride or die for each other and for Sarah. And the whole town mystery and uncovering the secrets was incredible! I was so locked in and just wanted to know everything possible. I was also just so shocked at how that mystery plot ended and it was honestly so interesting to see how that affected the town even centuries later. This book was so amazing and I wish I could read it for the first time again it was just that good.
Thank you NetGalley and the Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!!
Thank you NetGalley and the Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews