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Whisper Creek
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Expected 23 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
24 days and 07:10:46
20 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 23, 2026
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,513 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 120 reviews
April 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for TBR early copy of this book.
I really love a good story about good people fighting corruption, and this is that in spades. The McKenna family may be struggling and grieving, but when it matters they come together. If you love a story like that too, this is for you.
I really love a good story about good people fighting corruption, and this is that in spades. The McKenna family may be struggling and grieving, but when it matters they come together. If you love a story like that too, this is for you.
May 19, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and MacMillian Audio for the ALC of this title.
This book follows Nicole and her family as they maneuver through a terrible storm while trying to figure out what’s going on with their neighbors. I could feel the terror through her POV as she searches for her children in an awful flood. She was an easy character to love. The narrator for this book did a great job. She kept me engaged and wanting to listen. 3.5 stars
This book follows Nicole and her family as they maneuver through a terrible storm while trying to figure out what’s going on with their neighbors. I could feel the terror through her POV as she searches for her children in an awful flood. She was an easy character to love. The narrator for this book did a great job. She kept me engaged and wanting to listen. 3.5 stars
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.
February 26, 2026
My Thoughts
Man and Mother Nature are both major influences in this multi layered story.
A longtime fan of the authors writing, unfortunately I have not read very many of her books but when I can it never ceases to remind me that she has a way with words that is both powerful and also very engaging.
The men, women and children who are characters in this story are all very well thought out and I enjoyed how each of them did their parts to make each chapter feel authentic.
The family connections are solid and so are their friendships.
The Storm itself was a force that readers could almost feel themselves struggling to survive right along with those people and animals who were in danger from its destruction.
As someone who has seen firsthand the power that heavy rain and flooding can do my mind had no problem producing its own images when certain scenes were described in lesser detail.
This was billed as a thriller and it is that but also so much more before it comes to the end.
[EArc from Netgalley]
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.
May 18, 2026
As someone who lives in Texas and has dealt with floods and the crazy competition to buy prime property, this rural Texas setting totally resonated with me. Ellen and her family had to face so many forces all at once, from a greedy corporation and harsh weather to dangerous strangers involved in murder and robberies. It’s a well paced story about sticking together as a family and protecting those you love. It was a bit predictable, but I still found it enjoyable, and the audiobook was well done.
3.5⭐️
Thank you to St Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC!
3.5⭐️
Thank you to St Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC!
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 NetGalley
Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan
Narrated by Amanda Stribling
I grew up in the area of Texas that this story takes place, rode my horses in this area, trained for and ran road races and triathlons in this area, and my family had a dairy farm near this area for generations. I know all about the perils of the weather, how it can hit and keep on hitting, often with no time to recover from the last storm. So this story appealed to me and brought back so many memories of the farm that belonged to my grandparents, uncle, and cousins.
The setting is Cooke County and widow Ellen McKenna is keeping the farm of her husband's family going. Her mother in law lives with Ellen and the kids, keeping the home cooking coming, while Ellen and the kids work the farm and the animals. All four of her children love this life and want to continue it by eventually taking college classes that will help them improve their agriculture and animal science knowledge. They are all grieving the loss of Ellen's husband, the father of the kids, after an accident a year ago but they are thriving despite what mother nature throws at them and the fact that a very unpleasant businessman wants to buy their land and is putting great pressure on Ellen to sell.
As a big storm is hitting, on the heels of already saturated ground from an earlier rain, just about everything begins to fall apart for Ellen and her neighbors. A home invasion at a neighboring farm, with a man and his dog injured, Ellen's youngest son intent on finding a pregnant semi feral cat he adores, a pregnant woman about to have her first baby, roads impassible, creeks close to running out of their banks, animals that need to be tended at Ellen's farm and the farms of neighbors who can't do the job for some reason or another, so much going on. Soon the kids are scattered in the area, helping others, getting displaced, and there is more than one group terrorizing the folks in the area.
Ellen doesn't know it at the moment but her shifty businessman foe has something very bad up his sleeve and he's putting it into place right now when everyone is so busy trying to deal with the storm and all that is happening. Narrator Amanda Stribling does a fantastic job with the central Texas accents, I felt like I was listening to my relatives and friends from this area. The kids remind me of my hard working farm cousins who also worked hard at school so they could continue the work of their father and grandfather. Good people helping each other, some neighbors not so friendly for one reason or another, and new to the area neighbors who could use a bit of schooling on rural survival are all part of the story. And an eighty three year old grandmother cooking for everyone while making a few insulting statements about her neighbors cooking...ha ha. Never was there a moment that wasn't tense with all that was going on but this story felt so real to me because I know what it's like to live through weather that can wipe out just about everything.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
Narrated by Amanda Stribling
I grew up in the area of Texas that this story takes place, rode my horses in this area, trained for and ran road races and triathlons in this area, and my family had a dairy farm near this area for generations. I know all about the perils of the weather, how it can hit and keep on hitting, often with no time to recover from the last storm. So this story appealed to me and brought back so many memories of the farm that belonged to my grandparents, uncle, and cousins.
The setting is Cooke County and widow Ellen McKenna is keeping the farm of her husband's family going. Her mother in law lives with Ellen and the kids, keeping the home cooking coming, while Ellen and the kids work the farm and the animals. All four of her children love this life and want to continue it by eventually taking college classes that will help them improve their agriculture and animal science knowledge. They are all grieving the loss of Ellen's husband, the father of the kids, after an accident a year ago but they are thriving despite what mother nature throws at them and the fact that a very unpleasant businessman wants to buy their land and is putting great pressure on Ellen to sell.
As a big storm is hitting, on the heels of already saturated ground from an earlier rain, just about everything begins to fall apart for Ellen and her neighbors. A home invasion at a neighboring farm, with a man and his dog injured, Ellen's youngest son intent on finding a pregnant semi feral cat he adores, a pregnant woman about to have her first baby, roads impassible, creeks close to running out of their banks, animals that need to be tended at Ellen's farm and the farms of neighbors who can't do the job for some reason or another, so much going on. Soon the kids are scattered in the area, helping others, getting displaced, and there is more than one group terrorizing the folks in the area.
Ellen doesn't know it at the moment but her shifty businessman foe has something very bad up his sleeve and he's putting it into place right now when everyone is so busy trying to deal with the storm and all that is happening. Narrator Amanda Stribling does a fantastic job with the central Texas accents, I felt like I was listening to my relatives and friends from this area. The kids remind me of my hard working farm cousins who also worked hard at school so they could continue the work of their father and grandfather. Good people helping each other, some neighbors not so friendly for one reason or another, and new to the area neighbors who could use a bit of schooling on rural survival are all part of the story. And an eighty three year old grandmother cooking for everyone while making a few insulting statements about her neighbors cooking...ha ha. Never was there a moment that wasn't tense with all that was going on but this story felt so real to me because I know what it's like to live through weather that can wipe out just about everything.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Whisper Creek, by Allison Brenna, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.3 ⭐
This was a good, solid, well-paced book with mostly believable characters, only a slightly convoluted-y plot, and a wonderful setting.
It kept me engaged AND somewhat distracted me from a horrible headache I’d had for more than a day, and I certainly did appreciate that.
Felt like it was written to be turned into a streaming series, and I say that as a compliment, because I’d enjoy watching it brought to the small screen.
A final note: I was surprised to find that I’d never read any Allison Brennan before yesterday, given how prolific her output has been. Look forward to reading more.
DESCRIPTION
New York Times bestseller 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.
Received a complimentary copy of Whisper Creek, by Allison Brenna, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3.3 ⭐
This was a good, solid, well-paced book with mostly believable characters, only a slightly convoluted-y plot, and a wonderful setting.
It kept me engaged AND somewhat distracted me from a horrible headache I’d had for more than a day, and I certainly did appreciate that.
Felt like it was written to be turned into a streaming series, and I say that as a compliment, because I’d enjoy watching it brought to the small screen.
A final note: I was surprised to find that I’d never read any Allison Brennan before yesterday, given how prolific her output has been. Look forward to reading more.
DESCRIPTION
New York Times bestseller 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.
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 📖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️s rounded up! | It started raining outside, so obviously it was the perfect time to start this book! Whisper Creek delivers exactly what it promises: a tense, storm-centered thriller where the danger comes from both human greed and the sheer force of nature. Set against a struggling Texas farm, the story follows Ellen McKenna and her family as they fight to hold onto their land while everything—financial pressure, a looming storm, and a sinister outside threat—closes in. The premise itself is compelling, and the rural setting adds a gritty, grounded edge that makes the stakes feel personal.
One of the strongest elements here is the atmosphere. Brennan does a great job making the storm feel like a living, breathing antagonist—unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to escape. You can practically feel the rising water and mounting panic alongside the characters. The tension builds steadily, and the pacing strikes a nice balance: fast enough to keep the pages turning, but not so rushed that you lose the emotional weight of what the family is going through.
The McKenna family dynamic is another highlight. Each character has a role to play, and their relationships feel authentic and lived-in. There’s a strong sense of loyalty and resilience that anchors the story, even when things spiral out of control. That said, while the danger is constant, the stakes didn’t always feel as high as they could have—I never fully believed the story would take a truly devastating turn, which softened some of the suspense.
Overall, this is a solid, atmospheric thriller that blends family drama with survival stakes in an engaging way. It may not be the most shocking or edge-of-your-seat story out there, but it’s well-written, immersive, and satisfying—especially if you enjoy stories where nature is just as formidable as the villain.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this eARC!
One of the strongest elements here is the atmosphere. Brennan does a great job making the storm feel like a living, breathing antagonist—unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to escape. You can practically feel the rising water and mounting panic alongside the characters. The tension builds steadily, and the pacing strikes a nice balance: fast enough to keep the pages turning, but not so rushed that you lose the emotional weight of what the family is going through.
The McKenna family dynamic is another highlight. Each character has a role to play, and their relationships feel authentic and lived-in. There’s a strong sense of loyalty and resilience that anchors the story, even when things spiral out of control. That said, while the danger is constant, the stakes didn’t always feel as high as they could have—I never fully believed the story would take a truly devastating turn, which softened some of the suspense.
Overall, this is a solid, atmospheric thriller that blends family drama with survival stakes in an engaging way. It may not be the most shocking or edge-of-your-seat story out there, but it’s well-written, immersive, and satisfying—especially if you enjoy stories where nature is just as formidable as the villain.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whisper Creek is a tense, emotional, and fast-paced thriller that combines family drama with survival suspense in a way that kept me completely hooked. Allison Brennan expertly balances the danger of both human threats and the unforgiving force of nature, creating a story that feels relentless from beginning to end.
What stood out most to me was the McKenna family itself. Ellen is such a strong and compelling protagonist, carrying the enormous weight of grief, financial pressure, and protecting her family while refusing to give up on the farm her husband loved. Every member of the family felt distinct and believable, which made the stakes feel even more intense once the storm and violence escalated.
The setting plays a huge role in the story’s tension. The flooding, isolation, and constant storm activity created an atmosphere of dread that never let up. Brennan does an incredible job making the environment feel just as dangerous as the people threatening the McKennas. There were multiple moments where I genuinely did not know how the family was going to survive everything closing in around them.
The pacing is excellent, with short bursts of action balanced by emotional moments that deepen the story instead of slowing it down. The mystery surrounding the injured stranger and the larger threat unfolding in the valley kept me engaged the entire time, and the twists felt natural rather than forced.
This is more than just a thriller. It is also a story about resilience, family loyalty, grief, and fighting for the life you built even when everything seems determined to destroy it. Fans of rural suspense, survival thrillers, and emotionally grounded mysteries will absolutely want to pick this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
What stood out most to me was the McKenna family itself. Ellen is such a strong and compelling protagonist, carrying the enormous weight of grief, financial pressure, and protecting her family while refusing to give up on the farm her husband loved. Every member of the family felt distinct and believable, which made the stakes feel even more intense once the storm and violence escalated.
The setting plays a huge role in the story’s tension. The flooding, isolation, and constant storm activity created an atmosphere of dread that never let up. Brennan does an incredible job making the environment feel just as dangerous as the people threatening the McKennas. There were multiple moments where I genuinely did not know how the family was going to survive everything closing in around them.
The pacing is excellent, with short bursts of action balanced by emotional moments that deepen the story instead of slowing it down. The mystery surrounding the injured stranger and the larger threat unfolding in the valley kept me engaged the entire time, and the twists felt natural rather than forced.
This is more than just a thriller. It is also a story about resilience, family loyalty, grief, and fighting for the life you built even when everything seems determined to destroy it. Fans of rural suspense, survival thrillers, and emotionally grounded mysteries will absolutely want to pick this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
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
3.5 Stars- This story did a great job blending a natural threat with a human one and turning it into a twisty thrilling mystery.
Told from multiple perspectives, this is a story about a family, reeling from the loss of their father as they try to hold on to the family farm in rural Texas. Verdacorp is trying to buy the McKenna's farm but Ellen, the mother, is refusing to sell. Many of their neighbors have already sold to the corporation after facing struggles and losses with their farms. Now several houses have been broken into. Trouble is definitely brewing and many of the families left are still in danger. The McKenna family must come together to stay safe and protect their land from the upcoming storm and other nefarious people.
There were many aspects of this book that drew me in. There was an underlying sense of tension due to the storm. I wasn't sure if I would like all of the different perspectives that the book gave of the different members of the McKenna family and even some of the antagonists, but it really added to the drama of the story. I enjoyed knowing what everyone was thinking and their motivations. I was a little disappointed with something at the ending. I don't want to give anything away but I did want a little more resolution. There was an epilogue and I appreciated that but I wanted more. Overall, this was an interesting thriller and mystery especially if you love some weather drama.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Told from multiple perspectives, this is a story about a family, reeling from the loss of their father as they try to hold on to the family farm in rural Texas. Verdacorp is trying to buy the McKenna's farm but Ellen, the mother, is refusing to sell. Many of their neighbors have already sold to the corporation after facing struggles and losses with their farms. Now several houses have been broken into. Trouble is definitely brewing and many of the families left are still in danger. The McKenna family must come together to stay safe and protect their land from the upcoming storm and other nefarious people.
There were many aspects of this book that drew me in. There was an underlying sense of tension due to the storm. I wasn't sure if I would like all of the different perspectives that the book gave of the different members of the McKenna family and even some of the antagonists, but it really added to the drama of the story. I enjoyed knowing what everyone was thinking and their motivations. I was a little disappointed with something at the ending. I don't want to give anything away but I did want a little more resolution. There was an epilogue and I appreciated that but I wanted more. Overall, this was an interesting thriller and mystery especially if you love some weather drama.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
This is my first book by this author, so I came in hopeful but with limited expectations, and I am thrilled to report that I found this to be an engaging and, fortunately, pretty thrilling read.
Ellen's family has been going through it. Her husband dies suddenly, she's trying to run a farm (not easy under the best of circumstances, but there are added challenges here), and her kids are great but find themselves involved in a truly dangerous situation. As the cover and title suggest, the central events of this novel take place in a rural area with extreme weather to make things even tougher. There are criminals with distinct motives and backstories and townsfolk who are just trying to survive. Who will come out on top? This book is all about answering that question (and much more).
I loved the setting of this, which really does feel immersive, and I also appreciated that the events are driven by strong, capable women. Whether the characters are in the heroic or villainous positions, the best developed among them are these women (and young women), and they represent distinct age groups. Connecting with these characters, of course, makes the stakes much higher (and my investment in their outcomes greater, too).
The audiobook narration brings a lot to this experience, so I recommend this option when and where accessible. Clearly, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is my first book by this author, so I came in hopeful but with limited expectations, and I am thrilled to report that I found this to be an engaging and, fortunately, pretty thrilling read.
Ellen's family has been going through it. Her husband dies suddenly, she's trying to run a farm (not easy under the best of circumstances, but there are added challenges here), and her kids are great but find themselves involved in a truly dangerous situation. As the cover and title suggest, the central events of this novel take place in a rural area with extreme weather to make things even tougher. There are criminals with distinct motives and backstories and townsfolk who are just trying to survive. Who will come out on top? This book is all about answering that question (and much more).
I loved the setting of this, which really does feel immersive, and I also appreciated that the events are driven by strong, capable women. Whether the characters are in the heroic or villainous positions, the best developed among them are these women (and young women), and they represent distinct age groups. Connecting with these characters, of course, makes the stakes much higher (and my investment in their outcomes greater, too).
The audiobook narration brings a lot to this experience, so I recommend this option when and where accessible. Clearly, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Ellen McKenna is doing all she can to hold on to the family farm after her husband’s death. Despite efforts by the agribusiness Verdacorp to purchase her farm, she has resisted even though many of her neighbors have sold already their farms.
Since she won’t sell, someone has sabotaged her barn in an effort to create as much mayhem and damage as possible, hopefully, causing her to re-consider and to sell the farm. Despite the many properties purchased by the powerful company, no one knows exactly why they are buying up the land.
And then the discovery of a shooting at a nearby farm puts all of them in danger. Can Ellen protect her family? And why are all the farms being bought up?
=========
Strong characters, a devoted family, and a compelling mystery all work together to create an unfolding tale filled with unexpected plot twists and turns. Surprising reveals, catastrophic weather, and non-stop action keep the pages turning as fast as possible as readers are compelled to discover what comes next.
Readers who enjoy family tales, mysteries, and suspenseful stories will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale of courage and resilience.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#WhisperCreek #NetGalley
Ellen McKenna is doing all she can to hold on to the family farm after her husband’s death. Despite efforts by the agribusiness Verdacorp to purchase her farm, she has resisted even though many of her neighbors have sold already their farms.
Since she won’t sell, someone has sabotaged her barn in an effort to create as much mayhem and damage as possible, hopefully, causing her to re-consider and to sell the farm. Despite the many properties purchased by the powerful company, no one knows exactly why they are buying up the land.
And then the discovery of a shooting at a nearby farm puts all of them in danger. Can Ellen protect her family? And why are all the farms being bought up?
=========
Strong characters, a devoted family, and a compelling mystery all work together to create an unfolding tale filled with unexpected plot twists and turns. Surprising reveals, catastrophic weather, and non-stop action keep the pages turning as fast as possible as readers are compelled to discover what comes next.
Readers who enjoy family tales, mysteries, and suspenseful stories will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale of courage and resilience.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#WhisperCreek #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I used to read Allison Brennan all the time. After reading Whisper Creek, I have to question why the heck I ever stopped? This was an excellent action tale. And edge-of-your-seat tale. And family tale. Yes, it all blended together quite nicely! Ellen McKenna's husband has died, and she is hoping to expand her family's Texas farm in order to keep it going. Everyone around her is selling off to developers, but she is determined. But first, there is a massive storm headed their way to contend with. As she and the kids try to prepare and secure everything, the kids stumble upon a dog and a home invasion victim. This leads to something else and soon the kids are in way over their heads, cut off from contact and separated from Ellen, who is still back at the farm. Oh, and Ellen now has more than just the storm to contend with! The author did a knock-out job of juggling all of this and still keeping the tension and action going. We also have the fierce family love that holds it all together. The atmosphere is really well written, especially as I am not too far from Cooke County, Texas where this story takes place. And I too, am quite familiar with these Texas storms. For what started as a just-finished-another-book-and-I'm-not-sure-I-want-to-start-this-one sort of read, I am so glad I read this unexpected gem! And I am back on the Allison Brennan train!
Thank you to Allison Brennan, #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Allison Brennan, #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars. This was a great family drama involving raging rivers, horrible storms, crazy wealthy landowners who want more, and thieves all set against the backdrop of rural farmlands in Texas. While this is noted as being a "thriller," I wouldn't call it a thriller as much as high stakes family drama. You learn very quickly who the bad guy is and it's easy to root against him when put next to a young widowed woman who lives on over 1,000 acres of farmland that she is trying to keep and grow along with her 4 children and grandma-in-law. She's almost too good to be true - a labor & delivery nurse, a great mom and yet someone is sabotaging their barn and their livelihood.
I loved that the pinnacle of the story takes place as the weather turns horrible, the rivers are rising and yet people are trying to get across - they have to get across - to help their family. This added to the fast pace of this book. The only other book I've read by this author, North of Nowhere, also had a storm featured in the book and once again the weather was prominent adding much to the story as I felt I was dragging thru the mud and rain myself.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Put this on your TBR list and then when you get it, light a candle and curl up with the blanket to read. Publishes June 23, 2026.
I loved that the pinnacle of the story takes place as the weather turns horrible, the rivers are rising and yet people are trying to get across - they have to get across - to help their family. This added to the fast pace of this book. The only other book I've read by this author, North of Nowhere, also had a storm featured in the book and once again the weather was prominent adding much to the story as I felt I was dragging thru the mud and rain myself.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Put this on your TBR list and then when you get it, light a candle and curl up with the blanket to read. Publishes June 23, 2026.
March 17, 2026
Title: Whisper Creek
Author: Allison Brennan
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ellen is determined to hold on to her family’s land that has been owned by the McKennas for generations. The problem is a corporation held by her family’s nemesis is buying out the neighbors faster than she can offer them money to buy them out herself. Something is fishy about what the corporation is doing and when a neighbor and his dog are shot and another family held hostage, Ellen knows time is running out. Add in the storm of a century and you have a quick paced, intense thriller where you find yourself holding your breath (that you didn’t know you were holding) until the end.
Takeaways:
1. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat. Allison Brennan is becoming one of my go to thriller authors.
2. Jake is the unsung hero of this one. An old soul who takes his responsibilities serious after the sudden death of his father, he really fills the big shoes his dad left behind admirably.
3. The McKennas have been through a lot, but Brennan gives them justice in telling each of their stories. They are a fine tuned machine that works in a way you’d love to see in more families.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on June 23, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @allisonbrennan #whispercreek @stmartinspress
Author: Allison Brennan
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ellen is determined to hold on to her family’s land that has been owned by the McKennas for generations. The problem is a corporation held by her family’s nemesis is buying out the neighbors faster than she can offer them money to buy them out herself. Something is fishy about what the corporation is doing and when a neighbor and his dog are shot and another family held hostage, Ellen knows time is running out. Add in the storm of a century and you have a quick paced, intense thriller where you find yourself holding your breath (that you didn’t know you were holding) until the end.
Takeaways:
1. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat. Allison Brennan is becoming one of my go to thriller authors.
2. Jake is the unsung hero of this one. An old soul who takes his responsibilities serious after the sudden death of his father, he really fills the big shoes his dad left behind admirably.
3. The McKennas have been through a lot, but Brennan gives them justice in telling each of their stories. They are a fine tuned machine that works in a way you’d love to see in more families.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on June 23, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @allisonbrennan #whispercreek @stmartinspress
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
Release: June 23, 2026
Author: Allison Brennan
Publisher: St Martins Press
Rating: 3.75★
Thoughts:
This felt like such a tense, atmospheric read—I loved the mix of family drama and survival stakes. The storm added this constant pressure that made everything feel more urgent, and I was especially invested in the kids’ storyline. It’s not nonstop twists, but the tension never really lets up.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: tense, emotional, adventurous
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: a mix
Strong Character Development?: yes
Loveable Characters?: yes
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: it’s complicated
Main Themes / Tropes:
family survival, natural disaster, rural life, home invasion, resilience
Synopsis:
In the wake of her husband’s sudden death, Ellen McKenna struggles to preserve both her family’s livelihood and their sense of stability amid mounting financial strain. When violent storms ravage their rural Texas community, a series of unsettling discoveries pulls her children into escalating danger, exposing threats far more insidious than the rising floodwaters. As isolation deepens and peril closes in, Ellen must confront both the fragility and the ferocity of the life she is fighting to protect.
Favorite Quote:
“Courage wasn’t the absence of fear—it was choosing to move forward while fear walked beside her.”
Author: Allison Brennan
Publisher: St Martins Press
Rating: 3.75★
Thoughts:
This felt like such a tense, atmospheric read—I loved the mix of family drama and survival stakes. The storm added this constant pressure that made everything feel more urgent, and I was especially invested in the kids’ storyline. It’s not nonstop twists, but the tension never really lets up.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: tense, emotional, adventurous
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: a mix
Strong Character Development?: yes
Loveable Characters?: yes
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: it’s complicated
Main Themes / Tropes:
family survival, natural disaster, rural life, home invasion, resilience
Synopsis:
In the wake of her husband’s sudden death, Ellen McKenna struggles to preserve both her family’s livelihood and their sense of stability amid mounting financial strain. When violent storms ravage their rural Texas community, a series of unsettling discoveries pulls her children into escalating danger, exposing threats far more insidious than the rising floodwaters. As isolation deepens and peril closes in, Ellen must confront both the fragility and the ferocity of the life she is fighting to protect.
Favorite Quote:
“Courage wasn’t the absence of fear—it was choosing to move forward while fear walked beside her.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Allison Breenen’s Whisper Creek is a gripping rural thriller that blends human conflict with the unpredictable force of nature. Set against the backdrop of a struggling farm, the story follows a family facing not only deliberate acts of sabotage but also relentless weather that seems determined to break them. That dual tension—manmade and natural—keeps the stakes high throughout.
Breenen does a strong job building atmosphere. The isolation of farm life comes through vividly, and there’s a constant sense of unease that lingers even in quieter moments. The pacing is steady, with enough twists to keep things interesting without feeling overdone. I especially appreciated how the mystery unfolded gradually rather than relying on shock value alone.
The characters felt grounded and believable, though at times I wished for a bit more depth in their backstories to fully understand their motivations. Still, their resilience and determination carried the emotional core of the story.
Overall, Whisper Creek is a compelling read with a unique setting and a tense, layered conflict. It earns a solid 4 stars for its atmosphere, suspense, and engaging premise—definitely worth picking up if you enjoy thrillers with a rural edge. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Breenen does a strong job building atmosphere. The isolation of farm life comes through vividly, and there’s a constant sense of unease that lingers even in quieter moments. The pacing is steady, with enough twists to keep things interesting without feeling overdone. I especially appreciated how the mystery unfolded gradually rather than relying on shock value alone.
The characters felt grounded and believable, though at times I wished for a bit more depth in their backstories to fully understand their motivations. Still, their resilience and determination carried the emotional core of the story.
Overall, Whisper Creek is a compelling read with a unique setting and a tense, layered conflict. It earns a solid 4 stars for its atmosphere, suspense, and engaging premise—definitely worth picking up if you enjoy thrillers with a rural edge. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this novel, the McKenna family, led by widow Ellen, have to endure a devastating rain storm and keep a very evil developer away from their land.
I enjoyed the characters in this book, it revealed a lot about each member of the family and where their hopes and dreams lay as well as revealing disappoint wrapped up in the death of husband and father John and how that was affecting the need to keep the farm and the land.
The storm was the main character however and I felt at times that it was repetitive and it made it difficult to really work out who was where and how the land was laid out. Every person out in the storm didn't think they would be able to get through anywhere and yet............. somehow avenues opened up. I was a bit confused with all of the storm talk in relation to the land.
The evil going on during this storm was the next main character. A land hungry neighbor is willing to go to any length to get what he wants, the land of everyone around him. He himself doesn't dirty his hands, but has other people doing his dirty work. All in all, it was a tense thriller and you had to keep reading to find out how everyone came out. Some, not so good.
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this early read. I very much appreciated it.
I enjoyed the characters in this book, it revealed a lot about each member of the family and where their hopes and dreams lay as well as revealing disappoint wrapped up in the death of husband and father John and how that was affecting the need to keep the farm and the land.
The storm was the main character however and I felt at times that it was repetitive and it made it difficult to really work out who was where and how the land was laid out. Every person out in the storm didn't think they would be able to get through anywhere and yet............. somehow avenues opened up. I was a bit confused with all of the storm talk in relation to the land.
The evil going on during this storm was the next main character. A land hungry neighbor is willing to go to any length to get what he wants, the land of everyone around him. He himself doesn't dirty his hands, but has other people doing his dirty work. All in all, it was a tense thriller and you had to keep reading to find out how everyone came out. Some, not so good.
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this early read. I very much appreciated it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. I would call this a suspense novel, and it was a solid one. It reminded me of watching soap operas when they use a big storm as a catalyst for all sorts of crazy developments.
I did struggle a few elements I found confuisng. First, the geography. There was a lot of "the bridge at Whisper Creek" - "cut through the back road near such and such town" - it was a little hard to picture. Similarly, there were a lot of minor characters/ families (the Pritchards, the Coulters) and I had a tough time remembering who was who. Finally, the specifics of Verdacorps' plan - I did not follow exactly what they were trying to accomplish.
The main characters, however, were much better developed and easy to identify. I enjoyed that they were all individuals - 4 very different siblings - a wise older grandma - the strong mother - etc. I also think Ms. Brennan did well leading up to the storm with the preparation and then also laying out the difficulties it created with caring for the animals, protecting the buildings, etc.
Definitely a lot of action here and I was entertained throughout.
I did struggle a few elements I found confuisng. First, the geography. There was a lot of "the bridge at Whisper Creek" - "cut through the back road near such and such town" - it was a little hard to picture. Similarly, there were a lot of minor characters/ families (the Pritchards, the Coulters) and I had a tough time remembering who was who. Finally, the specifics of Verdacorps' plan - I did not follow exactly what they were trying to accomplish.
The main characters, however, were much better developed and easy to identify. I enjoyed that they were all individuals - 4 very different siblings - a wise older grandma - the strong mother - etc. I also think Ms. Brennan did well leading up to the storm with the preparation and then also laying out the difficulties it created with caring for the animals, protecting the buildings, etc.
Definitely a lot of action here and I was entertained throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a stand alone story that drops us into the world of a small Texas town. In this town, we meet the McKenna family - Ellen McKenna and her 4 children - who are struggling to keep their farm afloat after the tragic unexpected death of her husband.
It just so happens that there is a certain corporation trying to buy up all of the land around the McKenna farm and the McKenna's are one of the only families holding out and refusing to sell.
We follow along as a particularly bad storm system rages across the county at the same time that a band of criminals have been sent out to complete certain tasks - the kind of tasks designed to "help make" certain things happen.
Because of the storm, the members of the McKenna family are spread out all over the sprawling acreage. They are desperately batting down the hatches, making sure the animals are safe and doing all of the tasks that need to be done to minimize potential damage.
But who is going to protect them?
This is an action packed story that gives us a bird's eye view as the storm and the bad guys come together with explosive consequences.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on June 23, 2026.
It just so happens that there is a certain corporation trying to buy up all of the land around the McKenna farm and the McKenna's are one of the only families holding out and refusing to sell.
We follow along as a particularly bad storm system rages across the county at the same time that a band of criminals have been sent out to complete certain tasks - the kind of tasks designed to "help make" certain things happen.
Because of the storm, the members of the McKenna family are spread out all over the sprawling acreage. They are desperately batting down the hatches, making sure the animals are safe and doing all of the tasks that need to be done to minimize potential damage.
But who is going to protect them?
This is an action packed story that gives us a bird's eye view as the storm and the bad guys come together with explosive consequences.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on June 23, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Allison Brennan really leans into the setting here, and it works. The whole story takes place on this struggling Texas farm while a massive storm is rolling in, and honestly the weather feels like it’s out to get everyone. Floodwaters rising, tension building, everything going wrong at once. It adds this constant pressure that makes even small moments feel stressful in the best way.
The family at the center of the story is easy to get invested in. They’re already dealing with loss and money problems, so when things start spiraling, you actually care what happens to them. It’s not just random chaos, it feels personal. You’re rooting for them while also mentally yelling “please make better decisions.”
The pacing moves fast, like really fast. There’s always something happening, and the point-of-view shifts keep things interesting. Sometimes it does feel like a lot is going on all at once, and a few plot threads could have been a little tighter, but it never gets boring.
Overall, solid 4-star read. Super tense, very readable, and perfect if you like thrillers where the setting is basically a character and everything is just steadily getting worse for everyone involved.
The family at the center of the story is easy to get invested in. They’re already dealing with loss and money problems, so when things start spiraling, you actually care what happens to them. It’s not just random chaos, it feels personal. You’re rooting for them while also mentally yelling “please make better decisions.”
The pacing moves fast, like really fast. There’s always something happening, and the point-of-view shifts keep things interesting. Sometimes it does feel like a lot is going on all at once, and a few plot threads could have been a little tighter, but it never gets boring.
Overall, solid 4-star read. Super tense, very readable, and perfect if you like thrillers where the setting is basically a character and everything is just steadily getting worse for everyone involved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A major storm is coming and the McKennas and their neighbors are bracing for the rain and flooding. Ellen, a recent widow, runs the family farm with her children. The children are all amazingingly responsible, right down to the youngest. The farm is struggling, but they are holding on, despite small problems that keep popping up and costing more money.
The Robinson family, who have a long-standing feud with the McKennas, has gone into agribusiness and is buying up farmland in their valley. Mitchell Robinson is ruthless and will do anything necessary to get what he wants. The area has had several break-ins, but when one of their neighbors is shot, the tension ratchets up.
We see the story from the McKennas, the Robinson, and the trio responsible for the break-ins (their young brother is shot and in a bad way). The story began slowly for me as all the pieces are put into place and there are quite a few characters to get to know. The characters are well-developed and about halfway through, the tension builds and I found myself totally engrossed in the story.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
The Robinson family, who have a long-standing feud with the McKennas, has gone into agribusiness and is buying up farmland in their valley. Mitchell Robinson is ruthless and will do anything necessary to get what he wants. The area has had several break-ins, but when one of their neighbors is shot, the tension ratchets up.
We see the story from the McKennas, the Robinson, and the trio responsible for the break-ins (their young brother is shot and in a bad way). The story began slowly for me as all the pieces are put into place and there are quite a few characters to get to know. The characters are well-developed and about halfway through, the tension builds and I found myself totally engrossed in the story.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Whisper Creek follows widowed Texas farmer Ellen McKenna as she fights to keep her land, protect her family, and survive a catastrophic storm, all while danger closes in from every direction. The audiobook narration was well done, the narrator brought real warmth and tension to the McKenna family, and the atmospheric storm sequences translated beautifully to audio. If you're considering the format, it's a great choice.
As for the story itself, I found it engaging throughout, I was never tempted to check out or set it down. Brennan writes a compelling family dynamic, and I genuinely cared about the McKennas. The pacing kept things moving at a steady clip. That said, I did feel the plot lacked a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. The story unfolded in a fairly straightforward manner, and I kept waiting for a surprise that didn't quite materialize. It left me wanting just a little more complexity and unpredictability from the mystery elements.
To be clear, this is not a boring book, far from it. It's just one that plays it a bit safe with the plot when it could have pushed further.
3.5 stars
As for the story itself, I found it engaging throughout, I was never tempted to check out or set it down. Brennan writes a compelling family dynamic, and I genuinely cared about the McKennas. The pacing kept things moving at a steady clip. That said, I did feel the plot lacked a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. The story unfolded in a fairly straightforward manner, and I kept waiting for a surprise that didn't quite materialize. It left me wanting just a little more complexity and unpredictability from the mystery elements.
To be clear, this is not a boring book, far from it. It's just one that plays it a bit safe with the plot when it could have pushed further.
3.5 stars
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