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In Case I Go Missing: An explosive YA thriller, full of twists to keep you guessing
In Case I Go Missing, the debut thriller from R. N. Swann, is a tightly plotted, twist-filled mystery perfect for fans of The Reappearance of Rachel Price.
Fenny has been the Watson to Sarah's Sherlock for as long as she can remember, ever since the two of them solved the mystery of the stolen library books back in elementary school. Over the years, Sarah has ruffled a few feathers in their small town as an amateur detective and vigilante.
Now, she's disappeared. The police have written her off as a runaway - but when Fenny discovers the binder Sarah left behind with a disturbing title, In Case I Go Missing, she knows there's foul play. When she disappeared, Sarah was secretly investigating her biggest mystery yet, one so explosive it had the power to shake the town to its very foundations.
So Fenny picks up the case, following a trail of clues leading back to the dark, secret past of her home. How far did her suspects go to keep the truth buried?
'A well-plotted mystery … a similar vibe to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, so if you liked that this is a must read' Emma F., ***** Netgalley
'I admit I’m a bit of an addict for YA/NA thrillers and this one certainly did not disappoint! I felt so deeply for the characters and was hooked on the mystery, waiting for every twist and turn in this tightly plotted adventure' ***** Netgalley
'[A] wisecracking Young Adult mystery … Good for fans of Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson and Ravena Guron' Rachel S. Netgalley
Fenny has been the Watson to Sarah's Sherlock for as long as she can remember, ever since the two of them solved the mystery of the stolen library books back in elementary school. Over the years, Sarah has ruffled a few feathers in their small town as an amateur detective and vigilante.
Now, she's disappeared. The police have written her off as a runaway - but when Fenny discovers the binder Sarah left behind with a disturbing title, In Case I Go Missing, she knows there's foul play. When she disappeared, Sarah was secretly investigating her biggest mystery yet, one so explosive it had the power to shake the town to its very foundations.
So Fenny picks up the case, following a trail of clues leading back to the dark, secret past of her home. How far did her suspects go to keep the truth buried?
'A well-plotted mystery … a similar vibe to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, so if you liked that this is a must read' Emma F., ***** Netgalley
'I admit I’m a bit of an addict for YA/NA thrillers and this one certainly did not disappoint! I felt so deeply for the characters and was hooked on the mystery, waiting for every twist and turn in this tightly plotted adventure' ***** Netgalley
'[A] wisecracking Young Adult mystery … Good for fans of Karen M. McManus, Holly Jackson and Ravena Guron' Rachel S. Netgalley
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
June 28, 2026
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 3.25/5
This was pretty good by my thriller standards and those standards are fairly low if you've seen my past ratings for thrillers in general.
I did have a great time with this book and it's very bingeable. While I think the mystery was predictable, it was still interesting and I read it all in one sitting. The ending and the whole reveal didn't give me much because I suspected it, so I might not have been that into the plot twists, but it was still well written. Definitely would be a book I would recommend if the blurb sounds like your kind of book.
It deals with complicated friendships as well as complicated relationships and as the book ends, it also created some new friendships.
Anyways, if you want a YA mystery thriller, this would be a pretty good one to read so maybe consider picking it up.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!!
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pre-read: YA mystery thriller and I have the arc, so sign me up....teen detective reminds me of Pip for sure, but it also reminds me of Nancy Drew because I spent my entire childhood reading those books.
This was pretty good by my thriller standards and those standards are fairly low if you've seen my past ratings for thrillers in general.
I did have a great time with this book and it's very bingeable. While I think the mystery was predictable, it was still interesting and I read it all in one sitting. The ending and the whole reveal didn't give me much because I suspected it, so I might not have been that into the plot twists, but it was still well written. Definitely would be a book I would recommend if the blurb sounds like your kind of book.
It deals with complicated friendships as well as complicated relationships and as the book ends, it also created some new friendships.
Anyways, if you want a YA mystery thriller, this would be a pretty good one to read so maybe consider picking it up.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!!
------
pre-read: YA mystery thriller and I have the arc, so sign me up....teen detective reminds me of Pip for sure, but it also reminds me of Nancy Drew because I spent my entire childhood reading those books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was in this YA debut. It's certainly been awhile that had me this engrossed, where even my sister asked me what I was reading so very intently. 😲 Strong storytelling, relatable and flawed characters, and a well-crafted mystery that progressed at a fast yet believable pace, where the tensions and hints unfolded in a gripping, tense fashion that had me turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.
A propulsive thriller that follows Fenris Jane Allen, or Fenny, and her best friend, Sam as they search in determined desperation for the whereabouts of Sarah, the leader and mastermind of their three-person vigilante crusade, who went missing while trying to solve a decades-old unsolved mystery of Richmand, South Dakota. 😥
“I didn't know what made me more upset: that she left at all or that she left without me.”
It's more than just a suspenseful murder mystery full of secrets and crimes but an honest, complex, and ultimately, tragic, portrayal of the inseparable bond they shared, of how the little clues and hints left behind by Sarah in her binder defined how well she knew them, trusting they would rely on their memories of her to follow her footsteps in a more pragmatic way but also capturing how deep-rooted their friendship was. 😢
Fenny was such a capable and relatable protagonist; even when swayed by emotions, she used her head. I loved that the author did not attempt to create a forced romance between her and Sam but depicted a real feel to their dynamic. 🥺 One of trust and support and love, burying their own personal struggles in their desperate torment and turmoil of trying to find their best friend, finding strength in each other to keep their broken hearts steady and afloat, differently, awkwardly, with missing pieces and jagged edges, but together. ❤️🩹
Although, considering how big a part Sam's own family history played, I think it would have been nice to have his own POV to give weight to his emotions, too, as he, too, was bearing the brunt of parents who don't pay attention, with a complete lack of communication. Typical in YA, but what can you do? 🤷🏻♀️
“There was a story there. something important. i just couldn't see it yet.”
I was happy not knowing for sure who the culprit was; the unpredictable nature in not knowing how the clues would align kept the stakes elevated, and the tension escalated as Fenny and Sam drew nearer to how the past and the present connected - a clear pattern of disappearances was becoming visible. 😟The twists are challenging and harrowing, but it is the truth that is ultimately heartbreaking. One split decision can change the course of history; one ill-fated choice to save a friendship can cost a lifetime. It is loyalty over justice that tests our sense of righteousness.
The writing was also very accessible, a certain realness to it that easily drew me in. The tone felt authentic to the small-town vibes with its YA feel that just made it all the more engaging. It was not over-the-top, despite certain cliché inclusions, and it had a lot of heart to it, one that allowed me to feel the fears and the tears openly and expressively. 👍 It's a strong inclusion for the YA mystery-thriller market, and I actually look forward to more of the author's works. ✨
“A picture was appearing, piece by bloody piece, even if I didn't fully understand it yet. But i didn't feel ready, or adequate, or smart enough. How was I supposed to do this without her?”
I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was in this YA debut. It's certainly been awhile that had me this engrossed, where even my sister asked me what I was reading so very intently. 😲 Strong storytelling, relatable and flawed characters, and a well-crafted mystery that progressed at a fast yet believable pace, where the tensions and hints unfolded in a gripping, tense fashion that had me turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.
A propulsive thriller that follows Fenris Jane Allen, or Fenny, and her best friend, Sam as they search in determined desperation for the whereabouts of Sarah, the leader and mastermind of their three-person vigilante crusade, who went missing while trying to solve a decades-old unsolved mystery of Richmand, South Dakota. 😥
“I didn't know what made me more upset: that she left at all or that she left without me.”
It's more than just a suspenseful murder mystery full of secrets and crimes but an honest, complex, and ultimately, tragic, portrayal of the inseparable bond they shared, of how the little clues and hints left behind by Sarah in her binder defined how well she knew them, trusting they would rely on their memories of her to follow her footsteps in a more pragmatic way but also capturing how deep-rooted their friendship was. 😢
Fenny was such a capable and relatable protagonist; even when swayed by emotions, she used her head. I loved that the author did not attempt to create a forced romance between her and Sam but depicted a real feel to their dynamic. 🥺 One of trust and support and love, burying their own personal struggles in their desperate torment and turmoil of trying to find their best friend, finding strength in each other to keep their broken hearts steady and afloat, differently, awkwardly, with missing pieces and jagged edges, but together. ❤️🩹
Although, considering how big a part Sam's own family history played, I think it would have been nice to have his own POV to give weight to his emotions, too, as he, too, was bearing the brunt of parents who don't pay attention, with a complete lack of communication. Typical in YA, but what can you do? 🤷🏻♀️
“There was a story there. something important. i just couldn't see it yet.”
I was happy not knowing for sure who the culprit was; the unpredictable nature in not knowing how the clues would align kept the stakes elevated, and the tension escalated as Fenny and Sam drew nearer to how the past and the present connected - a clear pattern of disappearances was becoming visible. 😟The twists are challenging and harrowing, but it is the truth that is ultimately heartbreaking. One split decision can change the course of history; one ill-fated choice to save a friendship can cost a lifetime. It is loyalty over justice that tests our sense of righteousness.
The writing was also very accessible, a certain realness to it that easily drew me in. The tone felt authentic to the small-town vibes with its YA feel that just made it all the more engaging. It was not over-the-top, despite certain cliché inclusions, and it had a lot of heart to it, one that allowed me to feel the fears and the tears openly and expressively. 👍 It's a strong inclusion for the YA mystery-thriller market, and I actually look forward to more of the author's works. ✨
May 31, 2026
Disclaimer: I received this ARC for free from Penguin Young Readers Groups / Viking Books through NetGalley. This review is my own honest opinion. Thank you, Penguin / Viking, for the opportunity to read this book early! My apologies for not managing to read and review it by its publication date.
In Case I Go Missing is R.N. Swann’s debut novel, and if this is what Swann has in store for us, she can count me as a fan. I’ll be keeping an eye on any new novels that may come out by her, whether she sticks to mystery thrillers or branches out. She does an amazing job of immersing you in the story and capturing the raw emotions behind the characters and what they’re experiencing. By the end, I was in literal tears because I felt like I had experienced the same stressful mystery right alongside the teens forced to solve the case of their missing friend.
I did not want to put this book down and could have easily read the entire thing in one sitting despite it being 400 pages long—if I didn’t have other things to do, that is. From page one, you are sucked into the overarching mystery, and it won’t let you go until the very end. There is no room to breathe and no downtime—just a twisty mystery you have to unravel before time runs out. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I was crying by the end? I felt that same sort of pressure and stress, and I could finally let it all go as the story concluded.
And when I say twisty, I mean twisty. While I plucked at the threads of this mystery to try to solve it alongside the teens, and even figured some vague things out before they did, nothing could really prepare me for the truth. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I was absolutely blindsided. When I thought back on the clues, I realized exactly where I went wrong with my guesses. Obviously, I won’t be spoiling anything in this review, so I can’t say more than this: this story has layers. Not just the mystery, but all of it.
Because this is set in a small town, expect the typical drama you normally get where everyone knows everyone. Also, given that the main characters are teenagers in high school, expect the kind of drama and problems a teen goes through. I found myself mildly frustrated with Fenny especially—the FMC we follow—but in a fond sort of way where I was rooting for her to make better choices rather than just disliking her. I understood she was under a lot of pressure for many different reasons, so I can’t really fault her for acting out or being reckless.
I am so glad I could read this ARC. I will 100% be grabbing a physical copy of this book as soon as I can to add it to my trophy case—I mean, bookshelves. My husband watched me break down into tears and heard me rave about this book from start to finish, so he’s very interested in giving it a read himself.
Link to my blog!
In Case I Go Missing is R.N. Swann’s debut novel, and if this is what Swann has in store for us, she can count me as a fan. I’ll be keeping an eye on any new novels that may come out by her, whether she sticks to mystery thrillers or branches out. She does an amazing job of immersing you in the story and capturing the raw emotions behind the characters and what they’re experiencing. By the end, I was in literal tears because I felt like I had experienced the same stressful mystery right alongside the teens forced to solve the case of their missing friend.
I did not want to put this book down and could have easily read the entire thing in one sitting despite it being 400 pages long—if I didn’t have other things to do, that is. From page one, you are sucked into the overarching mystery, and it won’t let you go until the very end. There is no room to breathe and no downtime—just a twisty mystery you have to unravel before time runs out. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I was crying by the end? I felt that same sort of pressure and stress, and I could finally let it all go as the story concluded.
And when I say twisty, I mean twisty. While I plucked at the threads of this mystery to try to solve it alongside the teens, and even figured some vague things out before they did, nothing could really prepare me for the truth. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I was absolutely blindsided. When I thought back on the clues, I realized exactly where I went wrong with my guesses. Obviously, I won’t be spoiling anything in this review, so I can’t say more than this: this story has layers. Not just the mystery, but all of it.
Because this is set in a small town, expect the typical drama you normally get where everyone knows everyone. Also, given that the main characters are teenagers in high school, expect the kind of drama and problems a teen goes through. I found myself mildly frustrated with Fenny especially—the FMC we follow—but in a fond sort of way where I was rooting for her to make better choices rather than just disliking her. I understood she was under a lot of pressure for many different reasons, so I can’t really fault her for acting out or being reckless.
I am so glad I could read this ARC. I will 100% be grabbing a physical copy of this book as soon as I can to add it to my trophy case—I mean, bookshelves. My husband watched me break down into tears and heard me rave about this book from start to finish, so he’s very interested in giving it a read himself.
Link to my blog!
May 8, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read and review an ARC of In Case I Go Missing by R. N. Swann. This is the first book that I have read by R.N. Swann.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers.
It took me a few pages to get into the novel. At first, I did not enjoy the writing style. My opinion changed as I got invested in the fate of the characters. Fenny, Sam and Sarah have been best friends since they were young. They are now seventeen. Sarah is the one who talks them into troublesome situations trying to solve different wrongs that have been going on in the town. Sam is the misunderstood kid from a rich family and Fenny is the sidekick. But, when Sarah goes missing and everyone in the town believes that the troublemaker just ran away, Fenny and Sam start to investigate. They don’t believe that Sarah ran away especially when they begin to investigate the mystery that she was investigating. There are many suspects and many town secrets are revealed. It is important to remember that the narrator tells you right away that the story will not have a happy ending.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises in the novel. I plan to purchase this for my library collection and recommend it to my mystery-lover patrons.
As a teacher-librarian at a public school that has all reading levels --from emerging readers to university bound students--I am constantly looking for appropriate content that will interest my readers.
It took me a few pages to get into the novel. At first, I did not enjoy the writing style. My opinion changed as I got invested in the fate of the characters. Fenny, Sam and Sarah have been best friends since they were young. They are now seventeen. Sarah is the one who talks them into troublesome situations trying to solve different wrongs that have been going on in the town. Sam is the misunderstood kid from a rich family and Fenny is the sidekick. But, when Sarah goes missing and everyone in the town believes that the troublemaker just ran away, Fenny and Sam start to investigate. They don’t believe that Sarah ran away especially when they begin to investigate the mystery that she was investigating. There are many suspects and many town secrets are revealed. It is important to remember that the narrator tells you right away that the story will not have a happy ending.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises in the novel. I plan to purchase this for my library collection and recommend it to my mystery-lover patrons.
June 29, 2026
Seventeen-year-old Sarah and her two best friends, Fenny and Sam, have been amateur sleuths since grade school, the kind of kids who exposed bullies, uncovered secrets, and stirred up scandals that didn’t make them too popular. But lately, Sarah, the unofficial leader of their trio, has been pulling away. Their once tight friendship is strained and then Sarah disappears.
No one knows what she was investigating, but Fenny stumbles across a binder labeled “In Case I Go Missing” with clues Sarah left behind. Determined to find her friend, Fenny throws herself into the mystery, convinced that uncovering whatever Sarah was digging into is the key to bringing her home. It doesn’t take long for Fenny and Sam to realize this case is far more dangerous than anything they’ve tackled before, and the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become.
Fenny’s at the center of things, and I felt for her. She was a well fleshed out character juggling her own family drama while desperately trying to piece together what happened. For the most part, she kept her head about her, methodically working the clues. Things got really crazy at the end, and I was seriously worried for both Fenny and Sam!
In Case I Go Missing was a fast-paced, addictive YA mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I voluntarily read a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
No one knows what she was investigating, but Fenny stumbles across a binder labeled “In Case I Go Missing” with clues Sarah left behind. Determined to find her friend, Fenny throws herself into the mystery, convinced that uncovering whatever Sarah was digging into is the key to bringing her home. It doesn’t take long for Fenny and Sam to realize this case is far more dangerous than anything they’ve tackled before, and the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become.
Fenny’s at the center of things, and I felt for her. She was a well fleshed out character juggling her own family drama while desperately trying to piece together what happened. For the most part, she kept her head about her, methodically working the clues. Things got really crazy at the end, and I was seriously worried for both Fenny and Sam!
In Case I Go Missing was a fast-paced, addictive YA mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed!
I voluntarily read a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
June 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this YA mystery debut!
The mystery pulled me in right away. Sarah disappears, and everyone assumes she ran away. But her best friends Fenny and Sam aren’t convinced. Fenny discovers a binder Sarah left behind filled with clues, suspects, and notes about an investigation she was secretly working on. They now are left to finish the case Sarah started and find out what happened to her.
This one had me guessing. I kept thinking I had it figured out but I was sooooo wrong. For fans of amateur sleuths, small town secrets, missing persons and friendship.
The mystery pulled me in right away. Sarah disappears, and everyone assumes she ran away. But her best friends Fenny and Sam aren’t convinced. Fenny discovers a binder Sarah left behind filled with clues, suspects, and notes about an investigation she was secretly working on. They now are left to finish the case Sarah started and find out what happened to her.
This one had me guessing. I kept thinking I had it figured out but I was sooooo wrong. For fans of amateur sleuths, small town secrets, missing persons and friendship.
June 4, 2026
Review of ARC by NetGalley
Wow. Where do I start
This YA thriller mystery is one I will always think about. It for sure had the scooby and gang vibes and I’m loving it
Once I fully immersed into reading without any start stop. I could not put it down. I had to find out what happens next
I knew the ending was coming. But I hoped it didn’t
This is perfect for fans of scooby doo and a good girls guide to murder
Wow. Where do I start
This YA thriller mystery is one I will always think about. It for sure had the scooby and gang vibes and I’m loving it
Once I fully immersed into reading without any start stop. I could not put it down. I had to find out what happens next
I knew the ending was coming. But I hoped it didn’t
This is perfect for fans of scooby doo and a good girls guide to murder
April 25, 2026
This immersive read came together in the best way thanks to a complimentary ARC from Random House Children’s via NetGalley and an ALC from PRH Audio through their influencer program—and I’m really glad I experienced it this way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. The structure stood out immediately with its first-person POV told through journal-style entries, layered with a fourth-wall-breaking tone that is intended to be a legal deposition. It made for a unique and engaging format, even with all the twists and details to keep track of. It gave me slight A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes in the sense of a young investigator digging into both past and present crimes, but it still very much stands on its own in a good way.
Doing this as an immersion read truly elevated the experience. Having the ARC on hand helped me follow the formatting and flip back when needed (which came in handy with all the moving pieces), while the audiobook added another layer of engagement. The narration by Alex Finke was beautifully done—she felt perfectly age-appropriate, with a natural pace at 1x that also held up well when sped up. Her tone and inflection kept me locked in, even during slower moments or when juggling a lot of information.
I also really loved the found family aspect. Fenny’s relationship with her friend Sam was a highlight, and I enjoyed seeing how their friendship evolved alongside their shared connection to Sarah—the center of their investigation.
All in all, this felt like a solid YA thriller that can appeal to a wide range of readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. The structure stood out immediately with its first-person POV told through journal-style entries, layered with a fourth-wall-breaking tone that is intended to be a legal deposition. It made for a unique and engaging format, even with all the twists and details to keep track of. It gave me slight A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder vibes in the sense of a young investigator digging into both past and present crimes, but it still very much stands on its own in a good way.
Doing this as an immersion read truly elevated the experience. Having the ARC on hand helped me follow the formatting and flip back when needed (which came in handy with all the moving pieces), while the audiobook added another layer of engagement. The narration by Alex Finke was beautifully done—she felt perfectly age-appropriate, with a natural pace at 1x that also held up well when sped up. Her tone and inflection kept me locked in, even during slower moments or when juggling a lot of information.
I also really loved the found family aspect. Fenny’s relationship with her friend Sam was a highlight, and I enjoyed seeing how their friendship evolved alongside their shared connection to Sarah—the center of their investigation.
All in all, this felt like a solid YA thriller that can appeal to a wide range of readers.
March 3, 2026
This was such a satisfying YA mystery.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always lived in the shadow of her bold, brilliant best friend, Sarah Vincenty — the town’s self-appointed amateur detective and vigilante. But when Sarah suddenly disappears and the police dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny refuses to believe it. And when she finds a binder titled In Case I Go Missing, she realizes Sarah anticipated this all along.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
What I loved most was following the breadcrumb trail Sarah intentionally left behind. The binder was such a clever narrative device — each clue unfolding like a puzzle piece in a larger, darker picture. It made the reading experience feel interactive, like you were solving the mystery alongside Fenny and Sam.
The decades-old town mystery layered into the present-day disappearance added depth and stakes. The small-town setting was done so well — that eerie feeling that everyone knows each other… and everyone has something to hide. As Fenny steps out of her sidekick role and into her own strength, her character growth felt authentic and empowering.
Read if you love:
• Small-town secrets
• Clever clue trails
• Strong female friendships
• Twisty YA mysteries with heart
This one absolutely delivers. I devoured it and loved every second of following Sarah’s carefully constructed trail.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has always lived in the shadow of her bold, brilliant best friend, Sarah Vincenty — the town’s self-appointed amateur detective and vigilante. But when Sarah suddenly disappears and the police dismiss her as a runaway, Fenny refuses to believe it. And when she finds a binder titled In Case I Go Missing, she realizes Sarah anticipated this all along.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
What I loved most was following the breadcrumb trail Sarah intentionally left behind. The binder was such a clever narrative device — each clue unfolding like a puzzle piece in a larger, darker picture. It made the reading experience feel interactive, like you were solving the mystery alongside Fenny and Sam.
The decades-old town mystery layered into the present-day disappearance added depth and stakes. The small-town setting was done so well — that eerie feeling that everyone knows each other… and everyone has something to hide. As Fenny steps out of her sidekick role and into her own strength, her character growth felt authentic and empowering.
Read if you love:
• Small-town secrets
• Clever clue trails
• Strong female friendships
• Twisty YA mysteries with heart
This one absolutely delivers. I devoured it and loved every second of following Sarah’s carefully constructed trail.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this YA debut thriller by R. N. Swann! The mystery drew me in immediately and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I HAD to know what would happen next! The book centers around Fenny, Sarah, and Sam — 3 inseparable teens that stick together like glue. Sarah is known around town for causing trouble by exposing corruption and solving mysteries with her amateur sleuthing, but now she has turned up missing herself — and things aren’t looking good. Fenny and Sam are hot on the trail of the last case Sarah was working on, and as they discover the unsettling history of the town of Richmand, they come one step closer to finding out what happened to Sarah, too. But can they close the case and find her before it’s too late?
April 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this! Young adult mysteries are harder to win me over these days, but this one did. I liked that it was a mystery within a mystery and that the missing girl’s friends had to follow in her footsteps/investigation in order to also figure out what happened to her. The characters were fine and not memorable, but they really didn’t need to be. This was exactly what I hoped it would be when I read the premise.
July 7, 2026
Is there anything cooler than finding a book written by an old friend from college in a local bookstore? A very twisty-turny teen mystery with a lot of heart. Can’t wait to see what Rin does next!
May 30, 2026
Read Completed 5/29/26 | 3.5 stars | Book #114 of 2026
I don't read a lot of YA anymore, but if I do, it's gonna be a thriller. This was compared to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and I can see it being a decent comparison! I think it's slightly younger in terms of writing style but only slightly. I actually connected to it pretty well!! I tend to stay away from YA now once I felt like the voices were a little too young for me now, but this one worked well for adult readers who are a little more sensitive to that.
The story was interesting and definitely kept me hooked the whole book. There were a lot of good pieces at play here. I liked the main characters in most ways, but they were also kind of unlikeable. I know teens don't always make the best decisions, but in the beginning, Fenny was kind of annoying with some of the things she did. It did get better as the book went along and I also like that eventually Sam called her out for it so we did address it.
There were a few things towards the end that got a little popcorn-y. I liked that most of the book really felt so grounded, and the reveal was a good surprise, and yet I also didn't love the way it played out.
This did have some AGGGTM vibes and I would try this author again! I thought his was a really, really solid debut YA thriller and the cover is also eye-catching.
I don't read a lot of YA anymore, but if I do, it's gonna be a thriller. This was compared to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and I can see it being a decent comparison! I think it's slightly younger in terms of writing style but only slightly. I actually connected to it pretty well!! I tend to stay away from YA now once I felt like the voices were a little too young for me now, but this one worked well for adult readers who are a little more sensitive to that.
The story was interesting and definitely kept me hooked the whole book. There were a lot of good pieces at play here. I liked the main characters in most ways, but they were also kind of unlikeable. I know teens don't always make the best decisions, but in the beginning, Fenny was kind of annoying with some of the things she did. It did get better as the book went along and I also like that eventually Sam called her out for it so we did address it.
There were a few things towards the end that got a little popcorn-y. I liked that most of the book really felt so grounded, and the reveal was a good surprise, and yet I also didn't love the way it played out.
This did have some AGGGTM vibes and I would try this author again! I thought his was a really, really solid debut YA thriller and the cover is also eye-catching.
May 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was SO messy 😭 (compliment)
I went into this expecting a small-town thriller and got full-on generational chaos instead. What starts as a disappearance turns into a layered mystery involving secrets, greed, and a group of adults who have been covering things up for years.
The suspect list alone had me side-eyeing everyone, and the story just kept expanding in the best way. I loved that it was not just one villain, but more of a domino effect of terrible decisions that all led to the same outcome.
Also, the way the past and present tied together?? The gold, the history, the connections between families… it was giving drama.
It did get a little chaotic at times, but honestly that added to the experience. By the end, everything clicked into place and felt satisfying.
Definitely a solid 4 star read for me!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was SO messy 😭 (compliment)
I went into this expecting a small-town thriller and got full-on generational chaos instead. What starts as a disappearance turns into a layered mystery involving secrets, greed, and a group of adults who have been covering things up for years.
The suspect list alone had me side-eyeing everyone, and the story just kept expanding in the best way. I loved that it was not just one villain, but more of a domino effect of terrible decisions that all led to the same outcome.
Also, the way the past and present tied together?? The gold, the history, the connections between families… it was giving drama.
It did get a little chaotic at times, but honestly that added to the experience. By the end, everything clicked into place and felt satisfying.
Definitely a solid 4 star read for me!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2026
I’m sadly no longer in the YA age group but have been very fortunate to receive some for review by NetGalley and I have been blown away by the quality of writing and exciting storylines. In Case I Go Missing is a perfect example of the high quality currently available in this genre and is such an impressive debut YA novel by R. N. Swann.
The characters were fascinating and I like the relationship between Feeny and Sam. The mystery is solid and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the excellent narration by Alex Finke and I was impressed with her range and pacing. There were occasions when the ‘screaming’ conversations felt slightly overplayed but I’m just being a fussy middle aged English lady who has been known to eye roll with what I view as over dramatic Americans!
I listened to the whole audiobook as a motorcycle pillion and I was impressed with the recording quality by Macmillan.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the audio ARC of this book.
The characters were fascinating and I like the relationship between Feeny and Sam. The mystery is solid and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the excellent narration by Alex Finke and I was impressed with her range and pacing. There were occasions when the ‘screaming’ conversations felt slightly overplayed but I’m just being a fussy middle aged English lady who has been known to eye roll with what I view as over dramatic Americans!
I listened to the whole audiobook as a motorcycle pillion and I was impressed with the recording quality by Macmillan.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the audio ARC of this book.
May 1, 2026
Review to come..
April 4, 2026
Wow. Woooooow. This book is so good. I admit that it started off a bit slow for me, but once I got into it, it was everything. I had no idea where the mystery was going (Farming? Really?), and it kept me on the edge of my seat. And it’s all so heartbreaking. Just… ugh. Please read this book. Thanks to Viking Books for the arc.
April 6, 2026
2.5 stars. Well written but wow did I find Fenny annoying! It also felt like there were so many things just tossed in there to see if they stick that it was ultimately distracting.
June 17, 2026
i liked this book quite a bit. it reminded me a lot of a good girls guide to murder while still remaining completely its own.
in case i go missing follows fenny and sam as they follow the clues into where their best friend sarah went and also trying to solve the case she went missing during while investigating. fenny.. is a little quick and hot headed tbh and made quite a few annoying decisions but she was loyal af. but i found that i respected her. sam is quite a bit slower/ thinks things through quite a lot more. hes also loyal af. the book also follows a massive cast of side characters including fennys boss, the principal, sams family (including his brothers new fiancé), fennys mom, several other students, ect. theres a lot of people and yet they all feel fleshed out and complete / unique
the plot like i mentioned is mostly them just running around and solving / finding clues. and naturally getting into danger/ trouble. it was pretty entertaining tbh and kept me on my toes. that being said i did get mild plot twist fatigue by the ending.
****SPOILER RIGHT HERE**** i also found it unbelievable that EVERYONE would be involved somehow tbh… but thats really my only complaint.
overall tho i did quite enjoy this book and i would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick YA thriller/ mystery (my personal favorite genre/ pallet cleanser tbh!) i am so so so happy i got to read and review this book for Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers! thank you so much for the opportunity!!
in case i go missing follows fenny and sam as they follow the clues into where their best friend sarah went and also trying to solve the case she went missing during while investigating. fenny.. is a little quick and hot headed tbh and made quite a few annoying decisions but she was loyal af. but i found that i respected her. sam is quite a bit slower/ thinks things through quite a lot more. hes also loyal af. the book also follows a massive cast of side characters including fennys boss, the principal, sams family (including his brothers new fiancé), fennys mom, several other students, ect. theres a lot of people and yet they all feel fleshed out and complete / unique
the plot like i mentioned is mostly them just running around and solving / finding clues. and naturally getting into danger/ trouble. it was pretty entertaining tbh and kept me on my toes. that being said i did get mild plot twist fatigue by the ending.
****SPOILER RIGHT HERE**** i also found it unbelievable that EVERYONE would be involved somehow tbh… but thats really my only complaint.
overall tho i did quite enjoy this book and i would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick YA thriller/ mystery (my personal favorite genre/ pallet cleanser tbh!) i am so so so happy i got to read and review this book for Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / Viking Books for Young Readers! thank you so much for the opportunity!!
July 5, 2026
This book offers a complicated mystery, a group of teen detective wannabes and their missing friend Sarah. When Sarah disappears, it is Fenny and Sam who are on the case, following all of the clues and coming up with some pretty brilliant strategies and suppositions. This book reminded me a lot of the pleasure I used to derive from reading the Nancy Drew series. Nancy has nothing on Fenny, a young detective who is as smart as she is intuitive and she definitely knows Sarah well. The case involves the history of Sam’s family, so he is in the middle of the action and has a brilliantly deductive mind that leads him and Fenny in the right direction. This book is entertaining, engaging and a fast read. The four stars is because of what I felt was a slow start that did not pull me into the story right away. But once I got through all of the relationships, introductions of all of the people in the small town, and the basic idea that Sarah was investigating a cold case when she disappeared, I got invested in the story and really enjoyed it. As I read, I imagined the enjoyment my grandchildren would get out of reading such a well-crafted and absorbing book, all about kids their ages. Great story, relatable characters and perfect YA mystery for the tweens and teens.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2026
Reviewing an uncorrected proof/advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley.*
This is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.
What makes it exceptional is the sheer number of layers woven into the story. The narrative moves across generations - from a present-day group of teenagers to those who once stood exactly where they are, and even further back. Watching the current generation dig into the past, uncovering secrets of people who were once their age, and realizing how history loops and reshapes itself… it was brilliantly executed.
The plot is phenomenal. Even though we’re given clues and subtle reveals throughout, I genuinely couldn’t figure out who the killer was until the very end. That’s how masterfully the mystery was constructed. The pacing, the twists, the carefully placed breadcrumbs - everything felt intentional and gripping.
What truly elevated this book, though, was the emotional depth. These teenagers felt real. They aren’t perfect. They mess up. They mistrust each other. They fracture friendships. They blame adults. They fall apart and slowly mend. And just as powerfully, the adults are growing too.
Characters like Roberta, Fenny’s mother, and the school principal, Alex Prescott, aren’t static authority figures. They evolve alongside the teenagers. As the 17-year-olds try to rebuild trust after the disappearance of their close friend fractures their relationships, the adults are also forced to confront their past mistakes. The generational healing and the shifting dynamics between adults and teenagers add such a rich emotional undercurrent to an already brilliant thriller.
For a debut author, this feels astonishingly seasoned. The storytelling confidence, the layered plotting, the emotional realism - it reads like the work of someone who has been writing thrillers for decades.
Mystery. Generational trauma. Teenage friendships. Adult regret. Growth. Consequences. Redemption.
It was epic.
An easy five stars. This is absolutely going onto my favorites shelf, and I cannot wait to buy a physical copy when it releases.
May 13, 2026
Instagram - @comewalkinmybooks
📖ARC review📖
In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann
Goodreads review - 4.21/5 ⭐️
My personal rating - 4.75/5 ⭐️
First of all I would like to thank R.N Swann and Pan MacMillan for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of R.N. Swann I have ever read. This is her debut 🤍
In this book we follow the story of Fenny and Sam who are on the hunt to find their best friend Sarah who has gone missing. Little do they know that in doing this they are going to uncover secrets the town once buried.
In this book we investigate a disappearance, a cold case and a deep town secret that dates back over 100 years ! We also go into family dynamics and the reality of small town living where everyone knows everyone !
This review I feel like is vague as I really don’t want to spoil anything 🥲 but what I can say is that you HAVE to pick this book up and let me know all your thoughts 🙏🏼
Would I recommend this book - yesss
I loved this book ! It’s very well written and to the point. It’s also a very easy read in my opinion because theirs no complicated world building etc !
My reason for 4.75 ⭐️ is because there are a lot of characters involved. Trying to keep up with who was who as a struggle at times but it didn’t diminish the story for me at all !
I truthfully did not want this book to end but that ending was perfect 🥹
Would I read this author again - absolutely
I can’t wait to read R.N. Swann again !
This book releases May 28th in the UK
This is my personal opinion.
📖ARC review📖
In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann
Goodreads review - 4.21/5 ⭐️
My personal rating - 4.75/5 ⭐️
First of all I would like to thank R.N Swann and Pan MacMillan for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of R.N. Swann I have ever read. This is her debut 🤍
In this book we follow the story of Fenny and Sam who are on the hunt to find their best friend Sarah who has gone missing. Little do they know that in doing this they are going to uncover secrets the town once buried.
In this book we investigate a disappearance, a cold case and a deep town secret that dates back over 100 years ! We also go into family dynamics and the reality of small town living where everyone knows everyone !
This review I feel like is vague as I really don’t want to spoil anything 🥲 but what I can say is that you HAVE to pick this book up and let me know all your thoughts 🙏🏼
Would I recommend this book - yesss
I loved this book ! It’s very well written and to the point. It’s also a very easy read in my opinion because theirs no complicated world building etc !
My reason for 4.75 ⭐️ is because there are a lot of characters involved. Trying to keep up with who was who as a struggle at times but it didn’t diminish the story for me at all !
I truthfully did not want this book to end but that ending was perfect 🥹
Would I read this author again - absolutely
I can’t wait to read R.N. Swann again !
This book releases May 28th in the UK
This is my personal opinion.
July 1, 2026
Did this book cause me severe emotional distress? A thousand yes'.
Did this book leave me in utter confusion after every plot twist ? 100%
But was it so well written and captivating that I haven't stopped thinking about it the last 3 days? Yes yes yes and yes.
If you were to ask me to describe this book I would just have to give you a bunch of questions marks and tissues (cause your gonna need them).
I picked this book up on a whim at the bookstore purely because the cover alone intrigued me. But oh boy, I did not know going into this book how insanely incredible R.N.Swann is at crafting such an intense storyline but also how cruel she was to me with someone of these reveals - you know what you did bestie 👀
Books like this remind me as to why YA thriller/ mystery will always have a special place in my heart (despite how much my trust and emotions are constantly tested).
My one piece of advice to you, if you pick up this book, is please do not trust a single person in this book. That is something I learned the hard way 😭
Did this book leave me in utter confusion after every plot twist ? 100%
But was it so well written and captivating that I haven't stopped thinking about it the last 3 days? Yes yes yes and yes.
If you were to ask me to describe this book I would just have to give you a bunch of questions marks and tissues (cause your gonna need them).
I picked this book up on a whim at the bookstore purely because the cover alone intrigued me. But oh boy, I did not know going into this book how insanely incredible R.N.Swann is at crafting such an intense storyline but also how cruel she was to me with someone of these reveals - you know what you did bestie 👀
Books like this remind me as to why YA thriller/ mystery will always have a special place in my heart (despite how much my trust and emotions are constantly tested).
My one piece of advice to you, if you pick up this book, is please do not trust a single person in this book. That is something I learned the hard way 😭
May 25, 2026
Fenny, Sam and Sarah. Friends throughout school. They’ve been through all manner of events together, with Sarah at the helm. But now Sarah appears to be missing.
Fenny discovers a folder entitled In Case I Go Missing. She believes it’s a clue to help find Sarah, but little things keep happening that suggest there’s more to it. Initially the police believe she’s a runaway. Then the police start investigating Sarah’s murder. There’s no body, but a bloody crowbar and clear evidence of Sarah being fatally injured turns up in the home of local golden boy.
Things have been stacked up just a bit too neatly. For Fenny, this is her chance to do right by Sarah. But her digging is stirring up trouble, and it soon becomes clear that more than a few people have a vested interest in keeping this secret hidden.
Fast-paced thriller with plenty of secrets to unpick. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
Fenny discovers a folder entitled In Case I Go Missing. She believes it’s a clue to help find Sarah, but little things keep happening that suggest there’s more to it. Initially the police believe she’s a runaway. Then the police start investigating Sarah’s murder. There’s no body, but a bloody crowbar and clear evidence of Sarah being fatally injured turns up in the home of local golden boy.
Things have been stacked up just a bit too neatly. For Fenny, this is her chance to do right by Sarah. But her digging is stirring up trouble, and it soon becomes clear that more than a few people have a vested interest in keeping this secret hidden.
Fast-paced thriller with plenty of secrets to unpick. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
June 13, 2026
*4.25 Stars*
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was quite the ride. I kept being surprised over and over again. I could really see myself in the town, alongside the main character. It was just so well painted. I also enjoyed the main character, she was insufferable and stubborn and I loved her. So many bad decisions. I also enjoyed how complicated the dynamics were between the three best friends. It was just so well depicted and I could not stop reading. I needed to know everything as soon as possible. I really didn't see anything coming. I liked it a whole lot and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was quite the ride. I kept being surprised over and over again. I could really see myself in the town, alongside the main character. It was just so well painted. I also enjoyed the main character, she was insufferable and stubborn and I loved her. So many bad decisions. I also enjoyed how complicated the dynamics were between the three best friends. It was just so well depicted and I could not stop reading. I needed to know everything as soon as possible. I really didn't see anything coming. I liked it a whole lot and I can't wait to read more books by this author.
April 27, 2026
I received an advanced copy of In Case I Go Missing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a quick, addictive read. It follows best friends Fenny & Sam as they try to solve a mystery after the third member of their trio, Sarah, goes missing, leaving behind a trail of clues. What starts as a search for their friend turns into uncovering a decades-old mystery tied to their town’s past.
The pacing kept me hooked, and I loved how the clues slowly came together. I felt really connected to the characters, which made the story even more engaging.
I had no idea who was involved until the last couple chapters, and I love a mystery that can actually surprise me. Definitely a fun, twisty thriller to pick up.
This was such a quick, addictive read. It follows best friends Fenny & Sam as they try to solve a mystery after the third member of their trio, Sarah, goes missing, leaving behind a trail of clues. What starts as a search for their friend turns into uncovering a decades-old mystery tied to their town’s past.
The pacing kept me hooked, and I loved how the clues slowly came together. I felt really connected to the characters, which made the story even more engaging.
I had no idea who was involved until the last couple chapters, and I love a mystery that can actually surprise me. Definitely a fun, twisty thriller to pick up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For a 400 page book, this was a really fast read. So easy to binge. There was a lot going on in the book, but all of it kept me interested and trying to predict what happened. There were several times I thought the story was wrapping up only to realize there was still a lot more book left. Sometimes that can be frustrating, but it didn't bother me with this one because the different pieces and players were just so perfectly sprinkled throughout the book that it kept me reading and guessing.
Perfect for fans of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Truly Devious, and The Agathas. This YA mystery/thriller is going to be a big hit.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
Perfect for fans of books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Truly Devious, and The Agathas. This YA mystery/thriller is going to be a big hit.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
May 24, 2026
This was a really unique story and there were a lot of plot twists, which I appreciated. However, it started a little slow and I struggled to connect with, or like, most of the characters. There were a lot of storylines going on so the ending was a little muddled for me. But I did really like how everything wrapped up overall. 3.5 stars.
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