Whispering Rain

by Jessica Lynn Sorensen

THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE!

"What kind of twisted shit is this? The contradictions, the back-and-forth lies—it’s beyond anything I expected to deal with today. And, frankly, I don’t get paid enough to wade through this level of dysfunction." - CALEB REED

Detective Caleb Reed's latest case seems straightforward at missing four-year-old girl, Bailey Moore. But things take a wicked turn when the parents give two very different stories. The mother insists her daughter disappeared last night, while the father claims she tragically died months ago in a car accident.

As Caleb digs deeper, he finds himself caught between two conflicting realities, unsure who—or what—to believe. This case might not be his most high-profile or challenging on the surface, but it’s shaping up to be one of his most bizarre ones.

Someone has to be lying. But who—and how far are they willing to go to keep the truth hidden?

TRIGGER - Slight child abuse in a couple of parts. Not in the current day, but during past reflections. Not overly graphic.

FIRST-PERSON POV
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
MILD PROFANITY
NO SPICE
MIDDLE-AGED MAIN CHARACTERS

SECOND BOOK IN THE DETECTIVE CALEB REED SERIES.

Genres: Ebooks, Mystery, Thriller

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with twists and turns and I enjoyed the humor of Adams.
Jessica did a fantastic job with making you FEEL what her characters felt in this story!
That’s one thing I search for in a book, I want to feel like I’m part of the story.

Hats off to Jessica! This was great!!

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book.This story revolves around a detective looking for a missing child. While investigating the missing child there is all kinds of twists and turns on the journey to find the child. There is some light humor with his partner while on this journey but this was a great book. I can't wait to read more with this detective in it.

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute BEST thing you can do for authors is to shout about their books! This was My first ARC. I told Jessica I wast very good at reviews. I loved this book just as much as the first one. Looking forward to reading more of your books.

[PagePilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already eager to read another by this author.
Detective Caleb Reed’s latest case initially appears straightforward: a missing four-year-old girl, Bailey Moore. However, the investigation takes a chilling twist when the parents offer two conflicting accounts. The mother insists her daughter vanished just last night, while the father claims she tragically died months ago in a car accident…

Stories written in the first person always resonate with me, and this one is no exception. You’re taken along for the ride with the cops, trying to piece together what on earth is happening. The confusion isn’t frustrating; it’s intriguing, drawing you deeper into the plot. As the story unfolds, layers of complexity are revealed, making it impossible to put the book down.
That said, I did feel the cops picked up on clues a bit too quickly. I would have loved something meatier—a little more time spent unraveling the mystery—though maybe that’s just me being selfish because I didn’t want the book to end.
This book comes highly recommended for fans of the crime genre!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam Watmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this book and although I worked out part of the plot I did not work out the reason. A young girl goes missing from her bedroom on a rainy night from her bedroom. The Police recalled and get conflicting answers to their enquiries but as they investigate a different scenario appears and it is interesting to see the different reactions between the Mother and Father to the missing girl, their emotions and reactions. The ending is not as expected and it kept me interested over two evenings and I would certainly read this author again.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Lynn Sorensen delivers a gripping psychological thriller with Whispering Rain, a novel that keeps readers questioning reality until the very last page.

With its perfectly paced plot, unsettling revelations, and an ending that lingers long after the final page, Whispering Rain is a must-read for fans of dark, intricately woven thrillers. Sorensen crafts a mind-bending mystery that will keep readers up all night, desperately piecing together the truth.

[Felicia Tousey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Rain Jessica Lynn Sorenson Review

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 

A mother says their daughter is missing, the father says their daughter died in a car accident months ago, what could possibly go wrong?

“There’s a truth buried in the rain, a soft whisper that holds all the secrets. You just have to listen."

Read if You Want:
Edge of your Seat Thriller
Twist after twist
Fast paced
Broken Family
Crime 
Multiple POV

This book knew how to throw punches and hits. So many twists and turns makes this for an edge of your seat fast pace thriller. I could truly connect with each of the characters and their emotions. I think Lauren was a bit loopy, but understandably so. I disliked Shane incredibly much while reading and even more by the end. Loved the crazy banter between Caleb and his partner Adams. Overall, the story tied together really nice and I enjoyed reading it.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from 4.5 stars

This book has so many surprises! At first I thought it was going to be the typical scenario where the mother is being gaslighted and possibly mentally unstable. This is not the case and so much else is going on! Someone must be delusional or lying. But are they?

The ongoing backstory in this series is the disappearance of Caleb's little brother. Has he finally found him? I can't wait for the next book!

[Galen OConnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, like what the heck!? I was so back and forth on the characters. It wasn't until the twist that I realized that they were both really screwed up. Definitely had a hard time putting this one down. Look forward to more Detective Caleb Reed stories.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, The Whispering Rain pulls you in with an eerie, unsettling mystery that only gets more tangled the deeper you go. Detective Caleb Reed’s latest case—a missing four-year-old girl—should be straightforward. But when her parents give two completely different accounts of what happened to her, the investigation spirals into something far more twisted than Caleb ever expected.

Jessica Lynn Sorensen’s writing style is smooth, crisp, and immersive, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages. The tension builds with each chapter, and just when you think you have a handle on the truth, another curveball comes flying in. The atmosphere is thick with unease, almost cinematic in the way it unfolds—dark rain-soaked streets, hushed conversations, and a creeping sense that something isn’t quite right.

What really makes this book stand out is the sheer number of twists. Every time I thought I had things figured out, Sorensen expertly pulled the rug out from under me. It’s one of those thrillers where the truth is just out of reach, keeping you second-guessing everything until the final, jaw-dropping reveal.

If you love fast-paced mysteries packed with psychological depth and unexpected turns, The Whispering Rain is a must-read. It’s gripping, atmospheric, and deliciously twisty in all the best ways.

[Mike C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Rain begins with the disappearance of young Bailey Moore who was gone when her mother Lauren returned with a glass of water. Obviously distraught, she calls the police. Due to an argument with her husband Shane prior in the night he was not answering her calls and she had to give to story to the police all alone. The detectives are some of the best on missing child cases so things seem like they are in good hands. Until Shane informs Detective Reed that his wife is mistaken and that their daughter died months before in a car accident. The craziness that Detective Reed and his partner Detective Adams uncover will give you whiplash at the least.

The pacing in the story was perfect. It had me hooked from page one u til the last. The twists and lies and things the Detectives uncovered nearly every single chapter had me gasp out loud at points.

Very well done. I have absolutely enjoyed others story’s by Jessica Lynn Sorensen and this was did not disappoint either. Thanks for the great story.

I received this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jackie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Jessica Lynn Sorensen, but I can tell you it won't be my last.
Although this book may be the second in the Detective Caleb Reed series, it also works as a stand-alone book. At no point in the book did I feel lost, having not read the first in the series.

Detective Caleb Reed is investigating the disappearance of a four year old girl as reported by the child's mother when the father reports that the daughter is in fact not missing but died 11 months previously the investigation takes an unexpected turn.

This book had me at the edge of my seat and wanting to read more from the first chapter. It will have you asking where does one lie end and the next begin?

[Keeley Webb Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Whispering Rain' is the second book in Jessica's Detective Caleb Reed series, but it can be read as a standalone.

What at first seems like a straightforward kidnapping in the case of the missing four-year-old Bailey Moore is anything but, as her parents provide completely conflicting stories. Her mother insists she's disappeared or been taken from her bedroom window on a wet and stormy night, while her father maintains she died in a tragic accident eleven months ago.

As Caleb digs deeper into the case, more bizarre revelations emerge. Who is lying, and how far will they go to protect the truth?

I really enjoyed the first-person POV, multi-perspective, short chapters. This is a quick and enjoyable read with well-developed characters.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a jaw dropping, whiplash giving thriller. Everything about this novel was entertaining. The story takes place around a missing child and the investigation into finding her. Jessica takes you on a ride in solving the case along with Detective Reed and his partner Adams. This story will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what's going to happen next and will they solve the case of the missing child? Looking forward to the next Detective Reed story and more of Jessica's work.

I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your thrillers fast-paced and twisty, “Whispering Rain” is the book for you! Sorensen’s writing style instantly drew me in and I loved the characters, especially Detective Caleb Reed. He’s very well-written and I adored his relationship with Cassidy. Detective Adams was also very likable, she made me laugh more than once. “Whispering Rain” can be read as a stand-alone novel, but after reading it I definitely want to check out the other books in this series. The story had a nice blend of psychological tension, mystery and humor that kept me quickly turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from Jessica!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. Young Bailey(4) goes missing one rainy night. Her mother claims she's been abducted. Her father has a very different story. He says his daughter died in a car accident several months earlier. Enter Detective Caleb Reed.
Exciting, disturbing and ending on a note that ensures wanting to read the sequel, a thoroughly enjoyable read all round. 4 and a half stars.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... this book was amazing!!! I read this in 24 hours because I couldn't put it down much at all!! I thought I had parts figured out, but I was wrong every time. The twists and turns and the things that happened... It's just really good. The characters were likable, and the ending left it open for a sequel without leaving anything hanging or the ending feeling undone. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this one. You'll love it!!! ❤️

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. I loved how the author gave a shout out to the Facebook groups she’s in. As a new mom, I could totally related to the first few pages of the book. The first twist hit 20% into the book and it was an unexpected one for sure. I didn’t know who to believe. The mother or father. Love the short chapters. Hated the flirty detective. I loved how this book wasn’t drug out and kept my attention, making me want to keep reading to see what happens next. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Courtney Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The author did an amazing job writing and allowing you to feel the emotions of every character. I felt like you were able to not only see each persons side of the story, but deep down feel what the characters are feeling and why they made the choices they made. This was the second book in her Detective Caleb Reed series. I am crossing my finger she writes a book 3 because this series is on fire!!! Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read.

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

More action

I jumped right into Detective Caleb Reed series book 2, after reading book one and so glad I did. I enjoyed it so much more. Very interesting story, good twist, and that ending...I can't wait to see what's in store for the next continuation.

[Jolene Gelderblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. I was in reading slump but this got me out of it. I read this in one sitting lots of twists short gripping chapters. Keeps you hooked . I don’t like series normally but this is a series that I will definitely go back read the first book and the third book. Loved it

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, the first book read by this author, and what a book!
Found it was well written, has multiple points of view, keeps you engaged. Deffo is worth a read!

[Kim Parham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book threw me for loop after loop with all the twists. I loved the story, about a missing child who's parents have two different stories. It's told from dual first-person POVs, one is the mom and one is a detective on the case. Everytime I thought I had it all figured out, the author twisted me up again. I absolutely can't wait to read more by this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Yeckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I was quite invested in the search for the little girl. The story kept twisting and kept me guessing where she was and if she was okay. The Detective has great instincts and I’m glad he followed them. I now want to read the first book to learn more about the detective.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am a slow reader and felt like I was able to read it quickly as it was exciting to me.

[Lori Albertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing quick read. The characters were interesting and kept the story rolling with plenty of twists along the way.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and boy am I glad I did!! I couldn’t put this book down once I started it I feel like things were almost *too* neatly wrapped in a bow at the end and would have liked to see the detectives figure everything out a little more gradually, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this and will be looking for more by this author

[Amy Reads Along (Amanda Harris) · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you want something that pulls you RIGHT in, and you HAVE to continue on reading as quickly as possible to see what happens, than this is the one for you! it works as a standalone but its also part of a small series, following Detective Caleb; reading the others before this isn't necessary to understand everything as this is a seperate story, with a new case; however the others are quick reads and provide deeper insight and info on some characters so reading them first would certainly benefit! this is my favorite of Jessica's work thus far and i recommend checking it out!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aleksandra_m · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get picked to review this book as a part of ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Surprisingly this book was a very fast read. Maybe a little too fast for me, I wish it would have taken longer to uncover the main mystery.
Apart from that I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to the next part 😊

[Elisa Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Whispering Rain’ by Jessica Lynn Sorensen

One thing I know from reading Jessica Lynn Sorensen is that her books are addictive, and ‘Whispering Rain’ is no different. ‘A Stranger Within’, with both Caleb’s and Cassidy’s stories, introduced me to Sorensen’s amazing world-building, characters, and mysteries; however, ‘Whispering Rain’ is even better. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and perfect for a TV series!

First off, let me talk about the outright brilliance of the characters in this installment. Although all of the characters were amazing, Adams was undoubtedly my favorite and may be the star for me. Whenever Adams is on the page, I find myself grinning or histerically laughing—yes, literally out loud! Her humor, sass, and unique viewpoint add so much life to the story, creating a striking contrast to the intense, darker scenes.

The pacing of ‘Whispering Rain’ is perfect. From page one, I was glued to the twists, surprises, and deeply emotional moments sprinkled throughout. Jessica Lynn Sorensen has this magical ability to make readers FEEL everything her characters experience—whether it’s joy, heartbreak, fear, or love. It’s not often I find myself staying up way past my bedtime mostly because I am old these days, but this one had me completely immersed. I couldn’t stop reading!

Honestly, my biggest gripe with ‘Whispering Rain’ is that it ended. I felt like I needed more time in this world with these characters—especially after becoming so invested in all their relationships and struggles. It’s one of those stories that lingers with you long after turning the final page, and I can only hope Sorensen has plans to give us MORE (because I’m impatiently waiting)!

If you haven’t begun this series, then what’s stopping you? You should read it immediately because of its intricate plot, complex characters, and thrilling suspense. And to any producers or streaming platforms out there: this series needs to become a TV show! It’s absolutely that good. Its strong characters and complex storylines would translate beautifully to the screen. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions you won’t want to stop.

Final thoughts: ‘Whispering Rain’ is a masterpiece because it masterfully blends gripping storytelling with relatable emotions. Jessica Lynn Sorensen has outdone herself yet again. I can’t recommend this series enough, and trust me—you won’t regret diving into this unforgettable world. Five stars are simply not enough!

[Shreela Sen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

The story is clear, coherent & flows well. The central premise is really dark. The suspense build-up is okay. The end is good enough, but not really a satisfying closure. It is a good police procedural. The clues & leads are satisfying, the work of the detectives is enjoyable to read, however, the thriller is not taut. The narration is rotated among a lot of characters, & it was fun to read, not affecting the flow.

The characters : the perps & the detectives, & the family of the detective Caleb Reed, are well developed. The story sometimes veers towards the romantic & family life of Detective Reed, & while the storyline stays intact & we understand the references to the earlier mystery, it seems to me to take up a little too much space in the story.

The backstories of the antagonists are provided, with care & delicacy, but the central crime is so heinous, it is difficult to feel any sympathy with them. Detective Adams is the fun character, & all the characters, protagonists & antagonists are very credibly written, & relatable.

The settings are realistic & the details are adequate to be engaging, the incidents as described have real-life feel to them.

The book is short & engaging, & will probably compel you to read it in one sitting. The basic premise – child kidnappings – is sobering as well as enticing,

& I will read the other books in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.