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Whisper Creek
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Expected 23 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 05:17:23
50 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Allison Brennan delivers a pulse-pounding thriller about one family fighting for their land against both human enemies and Mother Nature.
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. She and her family hope to expand their operation, but times are tough and making ends meet is more expensive than she imagined, much less trying to grow. Many of their neighbors in Cooke County have thrown in the towel and agreed to sell their farms to a local businessman, but despite similar pressure, Ellen refuses to let her dreams die.
On top of the usual hardships, a series of recent storms has left the region partly flooded, and as the heavy rain begins again one morning, all the members of the McKenna family jump into action to protect their land and animals. Ellen’s oldest son discovers an injured dog—and the dog leads him to a man barely clinging to life, the apparent victim of a brutal home invasion. Then, Ellen’s younger kids go to check on a nearby neighbor and walk into a threat none of them saw coming.
Before anyone can figure out what’s really going on in their idyllic rural valley, the storm picks up again in intensity, and the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. To protect her farm--and her family—Ellen must face down all the forces trying to tear them apart.
Allison Brennan's talent for twisty, tense pacing combines with a deeply drawn family drama and the unforgiving power of nature in this compelling standalone thriller.
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. She and her family hope to expand their operation, but times are tough and making ends meet is more expensive than she imagined, much less trying to grow. Many of their neighbors in Cooke County have thrown in the towel and agreed to sell their farms to a local businessman, but despite similar pressure, Ellen refuses to let her dreams die.
On top of the usual hardships, a series of recent storms has left the region partly flooded, and as the heavy rain begins again one morning, all the members of the McKenna family jump into action to protect their land and animals. Ellen’s oldest son discovers an injured dog—and the dog leads him to a man barely clinging to life, the apparent victim of a brutal home invasion. Then, Ellen’s younger kids go to check on a nearby neighbor and walk into a threat none of them saw coming.
Before anyone can figure out what’s really going on in their idyllic rural valley, the storm picks up again in intensity, and the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. To protect her farm--and her family—Ellen must face down all the forces trying to tear them apart.
Allison Brennan's talent for twisty, tense pacing combines with a deeply drawn family drama and the unforgiving power of nature in this compelling standalone thriller.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 23, 2026
11 people are currently reading
3350 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
107 books5,376 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 2, 2026
This was so good! Loved that the weather played into the thriller aspect of this. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Want to read
February 8, 2026This would be a first from this author for me - but it sounds so good!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Want to read
January 8, 2026My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Atmospheric, chilling, and thrilling, Whisper Creek had me turning the pages and desperately wanting to know what happens next! One thing that I enjoyed about this book was how the author, Allison Brennan, had the weather mirroring several characters in this book - unrelenting and dangerous! She also did a great job of building tension, suspense, and danger!
Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to save her Texas farm up and working after her husband's death. She and her children are trying to grow their family farming business but things are hard and money is tight. A local business man is trying to buy up all the farms in the area and Ellen has been holding out while others have agreed to sell. Just as a storm is pounding down, a horrific discovery is made and the entire McKenna family find themselves in more than one form of danger.
I enjoyed the plot, the family relationships, the fight for survival, the tension, the mounting danger and the wrath of the storm. I enjoyed the pacing of this book. Nothing felt drawn out nor did the book move too fast. I enjoyed the twists and the reveals. I enjoyed the characters both likeable and unlikeable. I found them to be fully fleshed out and whether I liked them or not, I was invested in what would happen to them.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, thrilling, and brimming with atmosphere!
*A Wonderful Witches Reads buddy read with Dorie- Cats&Books :). Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Whisper Creek!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to save her Texas farm up and working after her husband's death. She and her children are trying to grow their family farming business but things are hard and money is tight. A local business man is trying to buy up all the farms in the area and Ellen has been holding out while others have agreed to sell. Just as a storm is pounding down, a horrific discovery is made and the entire McKenna family find themselves in more than one form of danger.
I enjoyed the plot, the family relationships, the fight for survival, the tension, the mounting danger and the wrath of the storm. I enjoyed the pacing of this book. Nothing felt drawn out nor did the book move too fast. I enjoyed the twists and the reveals. I enjoyed the characters both likeable and unlikeable. I found them to be fully fleshed out and whether I liked them or not, I was invested in what would happen to them.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, thrilling, and brimming with atmosphere!
*A Wonderful Witches Reads buddy read with Dorie- Cats&Books :). Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Whisper Creek!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
November 26, 2025
“...[She] had started thinking about life differently. She couldn’t explain it, and didn’t try to understand it. All she knew was that she wanted to live fully...She wanted to give one hundred percent of herself to everything she loved."
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this eARC!
Whisper Creek is set in a rural Texas community bracing for a massive storm. As the McKenna family rushes to secure their property against flooding and violent weather, chaos unfolds over the next 24 hours. Family members are separated, danger lurks around every corner, and a string of burglaries has already been terrorizing the community. Meanwhile, Ellen, a recently widowed mother refuses to let anything—or anyone—threaten her family or her town. Are these events merely coincidence, or is something bigger at play?
My heart was pounding the entire time as I waited to see what would happen next, but what surprised me most was how quickly I bonded with the McKennas. From Jake, the oldest sibling trying to step into his father’s shoes, to Grandma Penny, who greets readers with a shotgun in hand, to sweet ten-year-old Benny, who’s more worried about finding a missing barn cat named Cleo than the approaching storm, I loved every single one of them. The McKenna family, both by blood and by the community they’ve built, ended up being my favorite part of the book.
Most thrillers I read tend to focus more on plot than character, but Allison Brennan creates a community you instantly care about. She sets such a strong, atmospheric tone—one that honestly rivals a lot of the literary fiction I’ve read. I’m not afraid to say this has been my favorite thriller of the year, and I’m so glad I picked it up when I did.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this eARC!
Whisper Creek is set in a rural Texas community bracing for a massive storm. As the McKenna family rushes to secure their property against flooding and violent weather, chaos unfolds over the next 24 hours. Family members are separated, danger lurks around every corner, and a string of burglaries has already been terrorizing the community. Meanwhile, Ellen, a recently widowed mother refuses to let anything—or anyone—threaten her family or her town. Are these events merely coincidence, or is something bigger at play?
My heart was pounding the entire time as I waited to see what would happen next, but what surprised me most was how quickly I bonded with the McKennas. From Jake, the oldest sibling trying to step into his father’s shoes, to Grandma Penny, who greets readers with a shotgun in hand, to sweet ten-year-old Benny, who’s more worried about finding a missing barn cat named Cleo than the approaching storm, I loved every single one of them. The McKenna family, both by blood and by the community they’ve built, ended up being my favorite part of the book.
Most thrillers I read tend to focus more on plot than character, but Allison Brennan creates a community you instantly care about. She sets such a strong, atmospheric tone—one that honestly rivals a lot of the literary fiction I’ve read. I’m not afraid to say this has been my favorite thriller of the year, and I’m so glad I picked it up when I did.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I really enjoyed this tense and atmospheric novel. This is a great family drama with several mysteries to solve. There is always a lot going on, the pace is quick and mirrors what is happening as a terrible storm is raining down upon the town of Whisper Creek.
Ellen McKenna has been trying to keep herself and her family and farm together since the recent death of her husband. Her Texas farm is doing o.k, however there are lots of neighbors who are selling out and moving. There is a company that is buying up land and they want the McKenna farm - however they can get it!!
The pace starts quickly as Ellen’s son Jake finds an injured dog who leads him to his owner who has been shot - apparently the victim of a home invasion - however nothing of significance is missing? What were the burglars looking for?
Soon after the young McKenna children go to check on another neighbor and walk right into a scary and dangerous situation.
As the storm rages on, we are in the midst of a nail biter of a story. More and more events point to possible sabotage with destruction to their property, a woman in labor who must be brought to the McKenna’s house as Ellen is a nurse. Cell phones and landlines aren’t working and roads are impassable!
To say anything more about the plot would ruin the reader’s enjoyment. I loved the characters and the setting of Texas when mother nature delivers punch after punch to these farmers. If you love fast pacing with lots of action - be sure to pick up Ms. Brennan’s latest novel.
This was a buddy read with Debra, be sure to read her excellent review to get another perspective
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.
Ellen McKenna has been trying to keep herself and her family and farm together since the recent death of her husband. Her Texas farm is doing o.k, however there are lots of neighbors who are selling out and moving. There is a company that is buying up land and they want the McKenna farm - however they can get it!!
The pace starts quickly as Ellen’s son Jake finds an injured dog who leads him to his owner who has been shot - apparently the victim of a home invasion - however nothing of significance is missing? What were the burglars looking for?
Soon after the young McKenna children go to check on another neighbor and walk right into a scary and dangerous situation.
As the storm rages on, we are in the midst of a nail biter of a story. More and more events point to possible sabotage with destruction to their property, a woman in labor who must be brought to the McKenna’s house as Ellen is a nurse. Cell phones and landlines aren’t working and roads are impassable!
To say anything more about the plot would ruin the reader’s enjoyment. I loved the characters and the setting of Texas when mother nature delivers punch after punch to these farmers. If you love fast pacing with lots of action - be sure to pick up Ms. Brennan’s latest novel.
This was a buddy read with Debra, be sure to read her excellent review to get another perspective
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.
December 19, 2025
Tremors Meets Open Range. I truly think the best way to describe this book for an at least somewhat general audience - you still need to be familiar with these movies - really is the combination of the movies I use in the title of the review here.
In Tremors, you get an excellent use of a closed environment (in the case of the movie, a desert valley where the only road in or out has been blocked) to create a fun, intense survival type thriller where the good guys can only guess at what is going on. Brennan absolutely *nailed* that element here, using catastrophic flooding to great effect.
In Open Range, there are other issues going on between neighbors, with some neighbors being less than neighborly to their neighbors. Some might even say they were dirty, underhanded, cowardly snakes who were only looking out for themselves. Again, Brennan absolutely *nails* this element as well... while actually expanding on it in some rather interesting ways.
Ultimately, our central family truly is the heart of this tale, even as the events of the book keep them separated for so much of it. Brennan uses both environment and human quite well, and truly manages to give very nearly every character some level of weight to them such that you really want to see how this plays out for everyone... even the snakes. But especially the family cat who has run off in the storm...
Solid book that could get perhaps a touch too real for some when it is scheduled for release in the middle of the summer of 2026, this is absolutely a book fans of both family drama and survival tales are going to want to read, and it appears to be truly standalone to boot.
Very much recommended.
In Tremors, you get an excellent use of a closed environment (in the case of the movie, a desert valley where the only road in or out has been blocked) to create a fun, intense survival type thriller where the good guys can only guess at what is going on. Brennan absolutely *nailed* that element here, using catastrophic flooding to great effect.
In Open Range, there are other issues going on between neighbors, with some neighbors being less than neighborly to their neighbors. Some might even say they were dirty, underhanded, cowardly snakes who were only looking out for themselves. Again, Brennan absolutely *nails* this element as well... while actually expanding on it in some rather interesting ways.
Ultimately, our central family truly is the heart of this tale, even as the events of the book keep them separated for so much of it. Brennan uses both environment and human quite well, and truly manages to give very nearly every character some level of weight to them such that you really want to see how this plays out for everyone... even the snakes. But especially the family cat who has run off in the storm...
Solid book that could get perhaps a touch too real for some when it is scheduled for release in the middle of the summer of 2026, this is absolutely a book fans of both family drama and survival tales are going to want to read, and it appears to be truly standalone to boot.
Very much recommended.
November 24, 2025
Thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for this eARC.
Allison Brennan’s Whisper Creek is a taut, atmospheric thriller that blends psychological tension with procedural grit. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic small town, the novel quickly reveals that beneath the quiet surface lies a web of secrets, betrayals, and long-buried crimes.
- Compelling protagonist: Brennan crafts a lead character who is resilient and haunted, navigating personal scars while pursuing justice. The balance between vulnerability and determination makes her deeply relatable.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build through subtle clues and shifting perspectives. Each chapter pushes the reader closer to the truth while raising new questions.
Whisper Creek itself feels like a character—its isolation, whispers of history, and eerie calm amplify the unease. Brennan uses setting to heighten suspense in a way that feels organic rather than forced.
This novel explores how trauma shapes identity and how trust can be both weapon and salvation.
Consideration
- The darkness of the subject matter—particularly its exploration of violence and hidden crimes—demands emotional resilience from the reader.
Whisper Creek is a story about confronting the shadows of the past and the resilience required to face them. Brennan’s skill lies in weaving suspense with emotional authenticity, making this book a rewarding read for those who appreciate thrillers that linger long after the final page.
Allison Brennan’s Whisper Creek is a taut, atmospheric thriller that blends psychological tension with procedural grit. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic small town, the novel quickly reveals that beneath the quiet surface lies a web of secrets, betrayals, and long-buried crimes.
- Compelling protagonist: Brennan crafts a lead character who is resilient and haunted, navigating personal scars while pursuing justice. The balance between vulnerability and determination makes her deeply relatable.
The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build through subtle clues and shifting perspectives. Each chapter pushes the reader closer to the truth while raising new questions.
Whisper Creek itself feels like a character—its isolation, whispers of history, and eerie calm amplify the unease. Brennan uses setting to heighten suspense in a way that feels organic rather than forced.
This novel explores how trauma shapes identity and how trust can be both weapon and salvation.
Consideration
- The darkness of the subject matter—particularly its exploration of violence and hidden crimes—demands emotional resilience from the reader.
Whisper Creek is a story about confronting the shadows of the past and the resilience required to face them. Brennan’s skill lies in weaving suspense with emotional authenticity, making this book a rewarding read for those who appreciate thrillers that linger long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am familiar with Allison Brennan’s Reagan Merritt series and her Quinn and Costa series but have never read any of her standalone novels. “Whisper Creek” is completely different in writing style, but is still a home run.
“Whisper Creek” follows a family that has been devastated by the loss of a father and husband and the wife that is determined to keep the family farming business running. The novel is one of high stakes, corporate shenanigans, and of family survival.
The pacing is fast and furious as the family battles the elements and criminals that are willing to kill for what they want. Each member of the family has moments in the spotlight. Don’t think this is just a feel-good story. There is a lot going on and very real danger. All of which is handled in a clever way by the author. I anticipate this being a must read, not only for the summer, but for years to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
“Whisper Creek” follows a family that has been devastated by the loss of a father and husband and the wife that is determined to keep the family farming business running. The novel is one of high stakes, corporate shenanigans, and of family survival.
The pacing is fast and furious as the family battles the elements and criminals that are willing to kill for what they want. Each member of the family has moments in the spotlight. Don’t think this is just a feel-good story. There is a lot going on and very real danger. All of which is handled in a clever way by the author. I anticipate this being a must read, not only for the summer, but for years to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Whisper Creek” by Allison Brennan is a thriller that embraces family, community and a massive storm which kept my pulse racing till the very end.
The story takes place on a rural Texas farm where a woman is trying to make ends meet and keep her farm afloat after the sudden death of her husband. She and her children are trying to grow their family business but money is tight. While bracing for the storm, a string of suspicious burglaries happen in the farms surrounding them, and a local businessman is buying the neighboring properties. Suddenly the family is faced with a threat they never saw coming.
The plot, the fight for survival, and the tension around the violent storm made for a nail biting drama. Wonderfully written and brimming with atmosphere, I recommend to all who enjoy this genre.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel. Allison Brennan knocked this one out of the park and I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time. We are following the members of the McKenna family as they navigate preparing their Texas farm for a wild storm, but the storm isn't the only problem they will face. I was hooked from the start. This book is full of action and I thought the pacing was perfect for a story that is primarily centered around one day. There were several expertly place flashbacks to provide context but it wasn't overdone or feel like filler. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast paced thriller or an atmospheric rural escape.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an honest ARC review that I received through NetGalley:
Most of the thrillers I read are the "who done it" types, or the ones where you have to think two steps ahead to keep up with what is actually happening, so this was not my typical read. I loved the easy to follow points of view while the story continued to unfold in a way that connected you to the characters without loosing you in the words. While there was loss and tragedy, there was a deep desire for life and continued growth. The will to push through all the adversity and be reminded that you can change your future... it was a touching and heartwarming story more than a thriller to me. Either way, whatever it's labeled, I loved this read and look forward to getting lost in more adventures from this author!
Most of the thrillers I read are the "who done it" types, or the ones where you have to think two steps ahead to keep up with what is actually happening, so this was not my typical read. I loved the easy to follow points of view while the story continued to unfold in a way that connected you to the characters without loosing you in the words. While there was loss and tragedy, there was a deep desire for life and continued growth. The will to push through all the adversity and be reminded that you can change your future... it was a touching and heartwarming story more than a thriller to me. Either way, whatever it's labeled, I loved this read and look forward to getting lost in more adventures from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hate reviews who go on & on about the plot. So I’m not going to do that. I know it’s frowned upon but I would rather read an opinion on the book than read a synopsis as a review as an avid reader. So here it is: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve read several by this author and I think this one might be my favorite. Solid plot. Solid characters. 4.5 stars. The only “complaint” I would have is this author does seem to include irrelevant details in her writing that sometimes get tedious when reading. But overall I loved it. I almost want a whole series about this family and more of each character that’s how much I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Recieved as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to St Martin's Press for the approval to read this book.
While I was sold by the book's premise to put in a request to read this book but once I began to read, I found myself coming to see this story wasn't for me... the writing was too tedious that I felt no connection to the story; I kept reading with and open mind that perhaps I would fall into the story the more I read. Nothing changed how I felt about book at its end but that's okay, it was worth trying a story that I wouldn't have known existed without the publishers posting it on Netgalley.
Thank you to St Martin's Press for the approval to read this book.
While I was sold by the book's premise to put in a request to read this book but once I began to read, I found myself coming to see this story wasn't for me... the writing was too tedious that I felt no connection to the story; I kept reading with and open mind that perhaps I would fall into the story the more I read. Nothing changed how I felt about book at its end but that's okay, it was worth trying a story that I wouldn't have known existed without the publishers posting it on Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Good story of survival and triumph amidst personal loss, criminal attacks and nature's fury.
Ellen McKenna, recently widowed, is determined to keep her family's land business intact despite watching her neighbors succumb to outside pressures and sell their land holdings to a corporation seeking all ranch land in their area. She is refusing to sell and suffers some unexplained accidents and mishaps on her land that are not naturally caused. As a neighbor is apparently killed in what is made to look like a random home invasion, a storm approaches that threatens to devastate their lands with rains and flooding.
Twists that will keep you sharply attentive and characters that are definitely engaging, in both a likeable and, not so likeable, way.
Easy read.
Ellen McKenna, recently widowed, is determined to keep her family's land business intact despite watching her neighbors succumb to outside pressures and sell their land holdings to a corporation seeking all ranch land in their area. She is refusing to sell and suffers some unexplained accidents and mishaps on her land that are not naturally caused. As a neighbor is apparently killed in what is made to look like a random home invasion, a storm approaches that threatens to devastate their lands with rains and flooding.
Twists that will keep you sharply attentive and characters that are definitely engaging, in both a likeable and, not so likeable, way.
Easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Whisper Creek is an incredible and titillating read! Mrs. Brennan knows how to wield her storytelling power to captivate readers. This novel is one of the many examples of that.
I loved the book immensely! I quickly became invested in the characters the moment they were introduced. The intense storyline had me on the edge of my seat, yearning to know more about what happened next. From beginning to end, I was completely satisfied with the story’s climax and resolution. It was perfect!
I highly recommend that readers buy this book! Remarkable storytelling!
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, for the advance readers' copy in exchange for an unbiased book review.
I loved the book immensely! I quickly became invested in the characters the moment they were introduced. The intense storyline had me on the edge of my seat, yearning to know more about what happened next. From beginning to end, I was completely satisfied with the story’s climax and resolution. It was perfect!
I highly recommend that readers buy this book! Remarkable storytelling!
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, for the advance readers' copy in exchange for an unbiased book review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm not sure the blurb does this justice. This is not a pulse pounding thriller. Do parts of the book fit that description? Absolutely. But this gem of a novel is more of a slow-burn portrait of the life of a Texan family, the ties that bind, and the outside forces that try to sever the family unit. I found it fascinating and gripping and I read it in 24 hours. But be patient. Don't go expecting some Gone Girl-esque twisty caper. It's worth the ride, I fell in love with this family and as a native Texan, I could vividly picture every scene.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a thrill ride! You can feel that North Texas storm coming down and making chaos with this group of farmers and ranchers. Having lived in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) for twelve years, the people felt true and so did the “special attention” Mother Nature so often shows to this particular area of the country. Great characters, lots of action, edge of your seat. I don’t know what genre this falls into, and I don’t care. It was highly entertaining!
—Dianna Rostad USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of You Belong Here now
—Dianna Rostad USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of You Belong Here now
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My review is going to be a little biased since Allison Brennan is by far my favorite author. I absolutely loved it.
Whisper Creek kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Great characters! Great story overall. I do not think I will ever read a book of hers and not give it 5 stars. She hits the mark every single time!! Let me say again, I loved it. I even loved the "bad" guys. She just wrote the characters so well, it all just flows together.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.
Whisper Creek kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Great characters! Great story overall. I do not think I will ever read a book of hers and not give it 5 stars. She hits the mark every single time!! Let me say again, I loved it. I even loved the "bad" guys. She just wrote the characters so well, it all just flows together.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a new to me author. I was intrigued with the premise and in some ways this book delivered. There was nail biting drama as the main character, Ellen McKenna, fought both man and nature but I had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I did like the individual characters and even had some empathy for the “bad guys” but I somehow didn’t connect. I found it was a struggle to finish.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great novel that opens with protagonist, Ellen as she refuses to sell her Texas land after husband, John dies. Verdacorp wants to buy it but no one knows what their plan really is. When a huge rainstorm hits, things get even more complicated and many people are worried but can't travel anywhere or discover who knows. Lots of great characters, sabotage, and theft. Kept me on my toes all day!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 30, 2025
Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan is a suspenseful, gripping, fast paced and heartfelt family drama. The rains, flooding and violent weather are as much of a character as the McKenna family. Unputdownable, very good read.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press /Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press /Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Whisper Creek” had plenty of action and suspense, as the McKenna family had to face natural and man-made threats to protect their lives and property. The characters were engaging, and in the relatively short period that most of the story encompasses, multiple characters are put in situations that test them, requiring them to find their inner strength and to display grit and determination.
November 25, 2025
This rural thriller collides a desperate criminal crew with a widowed mother fighting to save her family farm. Tense, fast-moving, and surprisingly heartfelt, it explores survival, corporate greed, and the unbreakable instinct to protect what’s yours.
December 5, 2025
What a high octane read! This book is packed with intrigue, suspense and lots action. This book takes you on a high speed roller coaster ride. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This has such incredible writing. I’d give this book 10 stars if I could.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A suspenseful read that taught me a lot about farming and had me rooting for the McKenna family.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After her husband’s death, Ellen McKenna is trying to keep her family’s Texas ranch going, but a series of disasters seems to block her at every turn. Can she rally her family and neighbors to fight them?
Thanks to St. Martins and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to St. Martins and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-Arc.
A storm is coming to Whisper Creek.
In a small farming community in Texas it has been a difficult year for 41 year-old Ellen McKenna since the accident that took her husband’s life. His death left her a single mother to their four children and responsible for Penny, her husband’s 84 year-old grandmother, Travis, his ex-Army brother—disabled and alcoholic—and the 130 year-old McKenna farm.
Now her tenuous stability is being threatened by an unscrupulous agribusiness, Verdacorp. The company is owned by local Mitchell Robinson who has been tricking farmers all over the county into signing over their mineral rights, pieces in a much bigger scheme. Ellen is the last woman standing between Mitchell and a massive payday and she has no plans to bend to his will. Now come hell or high water the McKenna family will go to battle against both man and nature.
What worked:
*The storm was the perfect vehicle to raise tension
*A fairly “clean” thriller-no SA, child abuse, domestic violence-just a classic old Western story where a bad guy is wreaking havoc on a town and only one family is strong enough or brave enough to stand against him
What did not work:
*While danger was ever present I was never in belief that someone would not survive which lowered the stakes for me
A storm is coming to Whisper Creek.
In a small farming community in Texas it has been a difficult year for 41 year-old Ellen McKenna since the accident that took her husband’s life. His death left her a single mother to their four children and responsible for Penny, her husband’s 84 year-old grandmother, Travis, his ex-Army brother—disabled and alcoholic—and the 130 year-old McKenna farm.
Now her tenuous stability is being threatened by an unscrupulous agribusiness, Verdacorp. The company is owned by local Mitchell Robinson who has been tricking farmers all over the county into signing over their mineral rights, pieces in a much bigger scheme. Ellen is the last woman standing between Mitchell and a massive payday and she has no plans to bend to his will. Now come hell or high water the McKenna family will go to battle against both man and nature.
What worked:
*The storm was the perfect vehicle to raise tension
*A fairly “clean” thriller-no SA, child abuse, domestic violence-just a classic old Western story where a bad guy is wreaking havoc on a town and only one family is strong enough or brave enough to stand against him
What did not work:
*While danger was ever present I was never in belief that someone would not survive which lowered the stakes for me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
incredibly fun thriller! as the world is physically going crazy around them, at the same time an assortment of very human threats are coming down on them. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up. A decent, solid story with likable characters and a satisfying ending. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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