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Whisper Creek
11 hours, 48 minutes
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.
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.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,565 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4 ⭐️ Cooke County, Texas. A storm is coming. A man is injured and barely clinging to life. Several home invasions have been reported. The storm begins to picks up intensity, the roads are flooded, rain is coming down like the sky is angry, phones are not working... something dark and dangerous is happening on the farm. A family is being torn apart. What is going on? Who is the aggressor?
Whisper Creek is a tense, very atmospheric domestic suspense/mystery with some great thriller vibes but very much a slow-burn that brings the story to life. At the heart of a story, we have a widow-Ellen McKenna running a large farm following her husband's tragic death. She is a midwife/nurse and has four children who are very much involved with tending to the farm. Her land lies in Cooke County, where isolation is part of daily life. Another farmer/land owner has been trying to aggressively buy up land for very suspicious reasons, but Ellen hasn't been budging. A storm is coming and things slowly begin to take a darker route...Each of the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. Ellen is called away to help a neighbor in labor, while her oldest discovers that someone is tampering with their farm. Before they know it, there is a much bigger threat out there that none of them saw coming.
This is my first book by Brennan and if she writes all her books this way, I want to read all of them. I had a GREAT time listening to this ALC. I wanted to praise Brennan for how well she used Mother Nature to her advantage. The weather and atmosphere in this book had its own personality. The stormy weather was a character on its own and it made the story more tense. Some parts had me on the edge of my seat because some scenes and descriptions cranked up my anxiety--I wanted all the kids to make it out OK! The emotional stakes were high and survival was imperative here. Everyone was faced with a double threat--Mother Nature was not playing here and neither was the culprit. Everyone's life was at stake...even the pregnant cat and injured dogs life was important!!
I really enjoyed the narration as well. I thought Amanda Stribling did a wonderful job handling all the variations of Southern accents. Her voice gave this book a cinematic feel and reminded me of some my favorite cli-fi movies like the Day After Tomorrow and Twister.
Narrator: Amanda Stribling
Duration: 9 hours 23 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author, Allison Brennan for an early ALC!
Publication date: June 23, 2026
Whisper Creek is a tense, very atmospheric domestic suspense/mystery with some great thriller vibes but very much a slow-burn that brings the story to life. At the heart of a story, we have a widow-Ellen McKenna running a large farm following her husband's tragic death. She is a midwife/nurse and has four children who are very much involved with tending to the farm. Her land lies in Cooke County, where isolation is part of daily life. Another farmer/land owner has been trying to aggressively buy up land for very suspicious reasons, but Ellen hasn't been budging. A storm is coming and things slowly begin to take a darker route...Each of the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. Ellen is called away to help a neighbor in labor, while her oldest discovers that someone is tampering with their farm. Before they know it, there is a much bigger threat out there that none of them saw coming.
This is my first book by Brennan and if she writes all her books this way, I want to read all of them. I had a GREAT time listening to this ALC. I wanted to praise Brennan for how well she used Mother Nature to her advantage. The weather and atmosphere in this book had its own personality. The stormy weather was a character on its own and it made the story more tense. Some parts had me on the edge of my seat because some scenes and descriptions cranked up my anxiety--I wanted all the kids to make it out OK! The emotional stakes were high and survival was imperative here. Everyone was faced with a double threat--Mother Nature was not playing here and neither was the culprit. Everyone's life was at stake...even the pregnant cat and injured dogs life was important!!
I really enjoyed the narration as well. I thought Amanda Stribling did a wonderful job handling all the variations of Southern accents. Her voice gave this book a cinematic feel and reminded me of some my favorite cli-fi movies like the Day After Tomorrow and Twister.
Narrator: Amanda Stribling
Duration: 9 hours 23 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author, Allison Brennan for an early ALC!
Publication date: June 23, 2026
June 12, 2026
WHISPER CREEK
By Allison Brennan
Narrated by Amanda Stribling
A Tense Blend of Family Drama and Suspense
3.5 stars rounded up
At the heart of this story is Ellen McKenna, who is grieving the loss of her husband and is determined to keep her struggling Texas farm afloat despite crushing debt, pressure from developers eager to buy her land, and a string of destructive storms. When her children discover evidence tied to a brutal crime, rising floodwaters leave the family isolated and vulnerable. As danger closes in and the storm intensifies, Ellen must uncover the truth and fight to protect her family before everything she has worked so hard to preserve is lost.
The writing is clear, accessible, and straightforward, balancing suspense with emotional moments. There is a strong sense of urgency with the impending storm and the threat of violent crime. The pacing builds steadily and accelerates as the storm worsens and the danger surrounding Ellen and her family becomes more immediate. The short chapters maintain the tension and encourage “just one more chapter.” This narrative leans more toward suspense and mystery than a psychological thriller.
I felt Ellen was relatable, and her determination, grief, and protective instincts all felt authentic. The children’s curiosity helped set the story in motion, and they behaved in ways that were mostly believable for their ages.
I combined both the eARC and ALC, which elevated the experience. Amanda Stribling’s narration was excellent, and I liked how she used distinct voices for each of the characters.
This was my first time reading Allison Brennan, and I would definitely consider reading more of her work. Overall, this was a solid read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, which made for an even better reading experience.
By Allison Brennan
Narrated by Amanda Stribling
A Tense Blend of Family Drama and Suspense
3.5 stars rounded up
At the heart of this story is Ellen McKenna, who is grieving the loss of her husband and is determined to keep her struggling Texas farm afloat despite crushing debt, pressure from developers eager to buy her land, and a string of destructive storms. When her children discover evidence tied to a brutal crime, rising floodwaters leave the family isolated and vulnerable. As danger closes in and the storm intensifies, Ellen must uncover the truth and fight to protect her family before everything she has worked so hard to preserve is lost.
The writing is clear, accessible, and straightforward, balancing suspense with emotional moments. There is a strong sense of urgency with the impending storm and the threat of violent crime. The pacing builds steadily and accelerates as the storm worsens and the danger surrounding Ellen and her family becomes more immediate. The short chapters maintain the tension and encourage “just one more chapter.” This narrative leans more toward suspense and mystery than a psychological thriller.
I felt Ellen was relatable, and her determination, grief, and protective instincts all felt authentic. The children’s curiosity helped set the story in motion, and they behaved in ways that were mostly believable for their ages.
I combined both the eARC and ALC, which elevated the experience. Amanda Stribling’s narration was excellent, and I liked how she used distinct voices for each of the characters.
This was my first time reading Allison Brennan, and I would definitely consider reading more of her work. Overall, this was a solid read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC, and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, which made for an even better reading experience.
June 25, 2026
the setup…
Ellen McKenna is struggling to keep their Texas family farm operating since the recent death of her husband in an accident. It’s a tough job even with the help of their four children. The threats come not only from Mother Nature but a certain local businessman who had already pressured others in the county to sell. On this one morning, torrential rains opened up and were unrelenting. Her oldest son Jake, while inspecting the property, discovers a neighbor’s dog injured by buckshot and later finds the owner unconscious from a bullet wound. Daughter Avery and youngest son Bobby set out to check on another neighbor and walk into a nightmare. This one day would prove the most harrowing of a lifetime.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on in the midst of the most miserable weather conditions and other threats. The shooters are at large and holding a family hostage, a nefarious businessman wreaking havoc in the middle of it all and the McKenna family separated as they all are dealing with separate incidents, flooded roads and bad men. The tension crackled and the suspense was off the charts as I worried about all of them.
the narration…
Amanda Stribling made this feel like a multicast performance! Her storytelling was absolutely wonderful and she mastered so many voice distinctions.
the bottom line…
I’ve read almost everything the author has written and knew this would be a great story. What was standout here was how it all was tightly plotted and expertly connected, considering the number of scenarios that were in play. It was seamless and highly atmospheric. I was riveted from the onset through the last page, my heart in my throat most of the time. 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Ellen McKenna is struggling to keep their Texas family farm operating since the recent death of her husband in an accident. It’s a tough job even with the help of their four children. The threats come not only from Mother Nature but a certain local businessman who had already pressured others in the county to sell. On this one morning, torrential rains opened up and were unrelenting. Her oldest son Jake, while inspecting the property, discovers a neighbor’s dog injured by buckshot and later finds the owner unconscious from a bullet wound. Daughter Avery and youngest son Bobby set out to check on another neighbor and walk into a nightmare. This one day would prove the most harrowing of a lifetime.
the heart of the story…
There’s a lot going on in the midst of the most miserable weather conditions and other threats. The shooters are at large and holding a family hostage, a nefarious businessman wreaking havoc in the middle of it all and the McKenna family separated as they all are dealing with separate incidents, flooded roads and bad men. The tension crackled and the suspense was off the charts as I worried about all of them.
the narration…
Amanda Stribling made this feel like a multicast performance! Her storytelling was absolutely wonderful and she mastered so many voice distinctions.
the bottom line…
I’ve read almost everything the author has written and knew this would be a great story. What was standout here was how it all was tightly plotted and expertly connected, considering the number of scenarios that were in play. It was seamless and highly atmospheric. I was riveted from the onset through the last page, my heart in my throat most of the time. 4.5 stars
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's been a looong time since a book has grabbed me and made me read through the night. "Whisper Creek" did that. This is a real page turner with pulse pounding suspense and a family you can root for. The confluence of situations makes this mystery/suspense stand above all others. The area - North Texas; the weather - severe and prolonged rain; the people - a wonderful family who is doing their best to put their lives back together after a death in the family. All these elements and plot twists galore make for a book that is just fantastic. And Cleo the Cat - major player.
Ranching and farming are not easy occupations, and when her husband unexpectantly dies, Ellen McKenna and her four kids are devastated. But animals need to be fed and life must go on. One step at a time, one day at a time. Ellen and her husband dreamed of expanding their operation and she is going forward. There is a corporation in her area that also is interested in the surrounding small farms and the McKenna place in particular. North Texas and farming are a hard life, and several owners have already sold out. Ellen is determined to survive.
Little things are always going wrong, and it seems that Ellen has had more than her share of misfortune. Now a major storm is heading their way and the whole family needs to help prepare for it. When Jake, Ellen's oldest finds a neighbor's injured dog he takes him home only to discover the owner shot and the place wrecked. At the same time Avery and Bobby head to another neighbor looking for the cat, Cleo, who Bobby is determined to find. What they find instead is a deadly situation. With the storm breaking and communication lines down. Ellen is frantically looking for her missing children and realizes that something is very, very wrong and that she is the only one who is going to be able to fix it.
My 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.
Ranching and farming are not easy occupations, and when her husband unexpectantly dies, Ellen McKenna and her four kids are devastated. But animals need to be fed and life must go on. One step at a time, one day at a time. Ellen and her husband dreamed of expanding their operation and she is going forward. There is a corporation in her area that also is interested in the surrounding small farms and the McKenna place in particular. North Texas and farming are a hard life, and several owners have already sold out. Ellen is determined to survive.
Little things are always going wrong, and it seems that Ellen has had more than her share of misfortune. Now a major storm is heading their way and the whole family needs to help prepare for it. When Jake, Ellen's oldest finds a neighbor's injured dog he takes him home only to discover the owner shot and the place wrecked. At the same time Avery and Bobby head to another neighbor looking for the cat, Cleo, who Bobby is determined to find. What they find instead is a deadly situation. With the storm breaking and communication lines down. Ellen is frantically looking for her missing children and realizes that something is very, very wrong and that she is the only one who is going to be able to fix it.
My 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.
June 3, 2026
Thank you to Allison Brennan, Netgalley, Minotaur and Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2026) for the ARC/ALC!
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. Money is tight, neighbors are selling off their land, and things just seem to keep getting harder—but she's determined not to lose the farm. When severe storms hit the area, the McKenna family jumps into action to protect their farm. In the middle of it all, Ellen’s son finds an injured dog that leads him to a man who’s been brutally attacked. At the same time, the younger kids run into trouble of their own while checking on a neighbor…
This was a different type of thriller than what I usually pick up and it was so refreshing! I especially loved it on audio - the narrator did a great job with accents. Set against a small farm background, Brennan really made me feel like I was part of the story - I’m sure it was because the tension was so high - I felt like I was there, seeing the flooding, the animals and the struggling farmland in the middle of danger. The bonds of this family were unshakeable, and that was my favorite part of the story - seeing how they worked together and always showed up for each other, no matter what. When they found themselves in danger, I was rooting for them (including the cat) the whole time. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with a bit of a western flair, check this one out!
“Whisper Creek” releases June 23, 2026 This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. Money is tight, neighbors are selling off their land, and things just seem to keep getting harder—but she's determined not to lose the farm. When severe storms hit the area, the McKenna family jumps into action to protect their farm. In the middle of it all, Ellen’s son finds an injured dog that leads him to a man who’s been brutally attacked. At the same time, the younger kids run into trouble of their own while checking on a neighbor…
This was a different type of thriller than what I usually pick up and it was so refreshing! I especially loved it on audio - the narrator did a great job with accents. Set against a small farm background, Brennan really made me feel like I was part of the story - I’m sure it was because the tension was so high - I felt like I was there, seeing the flooding, the animals and the struggling farmland in the middle of danger. The bonds of this family were unshakeable, and that was my favorite part of the story - seeing how they worked together and always showed up for each other, no matter what. When they found themselves in danger, I was rooting for them (including the cat) the whole time. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with a bit of a western flair, check this one out!
“Whisper Creek” releases June 23, 2026 This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
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.
June 9, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this book and read it in one day. I loved the storyline and the characters. I thought it was well written as always by this author. I haven't found a book of hers I haven't liked! I would definitely recommend this book.
June 23, 2026
Whisper Creek (audio) 2.5⭐️
I struggled to get invested, especially in the first half. Which confused me, because there was nothing BAD about the characters, plot, or story. This was definitely a “me” issue. In the second half I think it clicked for me what was feeling off. This felt like it was part of a series and I missed the first book. This tight knit agricultural community has so much history that this one storm over the course of a couple days felt like just a tiny piece of what makes them whole. There is a lot going on as a storm makes its way to the small community, threatening dangerous flooding. Houses are being broken into, a family is held captive, shots are fired, land disputes, a missing cat… somehow, despite all the chaos, it felt like calm chaos. I completely trusted that these characters would figure it out and be okay. It was difficult to rate this book, because nothing felt specifically wrong, but I had an ‘off’ feeling throughout that made it distracting.
The narrator did a fantastic job with the accents and various character.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jun 23 2026
I struggled to get invested, especially in the first half. Which confused me, because there was nothing BAD about the characters, plot, or story. This was definitely a “me” issue. In the second half I think it clicked for me what was feeling off. This felt like it was part of a series and I missed the first book. This tight knit agricultural community has so much history that this one storm over the course of a couple days felt like just a tiny piece of what makes them whole. There is a lot going on as a storm makes its way to the small community, threatening dangerous flooding. Houses are being broken into, a family is held captive, shots are fired, land disputes, a missing cat… somehow, despite all the chaos, it felt like calm chaos. I completely trusted that these characters would figure it out and be okay. It was difficult to rate this book, because nothing felt specifically wrong, but I had an ‘off’ feeling throughout that made it distracting.
The narrator did a fantastic job with the accents and various character.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jun 23 2026
June 11, 2026
⛈️ T E N S E T H U R S D A Y review ⛈️ featuring “Whisper Creek” by Allison Brennan!
Ellen McKenna is doing her best to keep her family’s farm running while taking care of 4 kids. Whisper Creek Farm is near and dear to their family, especially after Ellen’s husband John died in a sudden tragic accident only 11 months prior. The family is in their transition stage and will do anything to protect and keep the farm running.
Meanwhile, Verdacorp has been sniffing around Whisper Creek and its neighbouring farm land. They are persistent about buying up all the land and the McKennas can only hope that their neighbours don’t give in to them.
A sinister storm with prolonged rain and major flood warnings threatens the area of Cooke County. The McKenna family rushes to prepare the farm for the big storm, but also check in on their neighbours. The family decides to divide and conquer and meet back at the farm before the storm arrives.
During this time, they find out that there have been several home invasions in their area and that one of their neighbours has been left for dead inside his home. Next they find out that a man and his dog have been shot and that one of the nearby families has been taken hostage! Looks like there is a lot more danger happening around them besides the threatening storm!
💭 Damn, is the McKenna family ever resilient! Being separated from one another during an evil storm added so much stress to all the chaos happening around them! Tension drips off the pages as the layers pile up on-top of one another: the flooding, their sabotaged barn, the roads being washed out, communication lines being severed and the family getting stuck in different areas. The McKenna’s are trying to put themselves back together after tragedy and save the farm that’s been in their family for decades.
Thank you kindly to @abwrites @minotaur_books @stmartinspress @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on June 23, 2026!
Ellen McKenna is doing her best to keep her family’s farm running while taking care of 4 kids. Whisper Creek Farm is near and dear to their family, especially after Ellen’s husband John died in a sudden tragic accident only 11 months prior. The family is in their transition stage and will do anything to protect and keep the farm running.
Meanwhile, Verdacorp has been sniffing around Whisper Creek and its neighbouring farm land. They are persistent about buying up all the land and the McKennas can only hope that their neighbours don’t give in to them.
A sinister storm with prolonged rain and major flood warnings threatens the area of Cooke County. The McKenna family rushes to prepare the farm for the big storm, but also check in on their neighbours. The family decides to divide and conquer and meet back at the farm before the storm arrives.
During this time, they find out that there have been several home invasions in their area and that one of their neighbours has been left for dead inside his home. Next they find out that a man and his dog have been shot and that one of the nearby families has been taken hostage! Looks like there is a lot more danger happening around them besides the threatening storm!
💭 Damn, is the McKenna family ever resilient! Being separated from one another during an evil storm added so much stress to all the chaos happening around them! Tension drips off the pages as the layers pile up on-top of one another: the flooding, their sabotaged barn, the roads being washed out, communication lines being severed and the family getting stuck in different areas. The McKenna’s are trying to put themselves back together after tragedy and save the farm that’s been in their family for decades.
Thank you kindly to @abwrites @minotaur_books @stmartinspress @netgalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on June 23, 2026!
June 10, 2026
This is a new author to me but I enjoyed the story quite a bit!
Facing storms in the midst of nefarious things going on was a nice way to keep the tension going in this book! It helped to have a lot of moving pieces but, as I read the audio version, I was confused by some of the “bad actors” and who was who. Could just be a “me listening” thing.
I liked the lift on the ranch, the change we see in some characters, and the spread out nature that leaves you wanting to see sections together.
Personally, the F-bombs felt out of place in this and were totally unnecessary to convey the tension.
In all, a good story that had a few things I felt were a bit uneasily complicated but worked out in the end.
Note: Strong language
My rating: 3.8*
—-
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Facing storms in the midst of nefarious things going on was a nice way to keep the tension going in this book! It helped to have a lot of moving pieces but, as I read the audio version, I was confused by some of the “bad actors” and who was who. Could just be a “me listening” thing.
I liked the lift on the ranch, the change we see in some characters, and the spread out nature that leaves you wanting to see sections together.
Personally, the F-bombs felt out of place in this and were totally unnecessary to convey the tension.
In all, a good story that had a few things I felt were a bit uneasily complicated but worked out in the end.
Note: Strong language
My rating: 3.8*
—-
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC!
I love a good Allison Brennan thriller!
This was a slower paced mystery/drama thriller that gives us perspectives from all sides of the story, slowly unraveling the truth one puzzle piece at a time.
Set against a small country backdrop, the story becomes a race against time, Mother Nature, and a series of unexpected obstacles.
The tension builds steadily as secrets come to light and the stakes continue to rise.
A solid 4 ⭐️ read!
I love a good Allison Brennan thriller!
This was a slower paced mystery/drama thriller that gives us perspectives from all sides of the story, slowly unraveling the truth one puzzle piece at a time.
Set against a small country backdrop, the story becomes a race against time, Mother Nature, and a series of unexpected obstacles.
The tension builds steadily as secrets come to light and the stakes continue to rise.
A solid 4 ⭐️ read!
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]
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 19, 2026
Really good story. Be sure to check it out once it’s released in June.
June 23, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
when the rains come they certainly hit hard.... ellen has done what she could..... sandbags were around everything she wasnt to worried but she knew they were in for a rough time of it.... prep was the answer and they had tried to be prepared....
jake was out checking the live stock when he came across the dog.... he recognised it right away but he was shocked to see the dog was bleeding from being shot .... when finding the owner shot also in his home he calls for help.....
something is going on but they dont have time as the weather is getting worse....
and where could the shooter be.... as roads were closing it was dangerous to be out in this weather.....
what a captivating book... i couldnt put it down once i had started it.... so much action and intrigued and rain.... compelling reading i had to know what was going to happen next as there was quite a lot of action and drama going on...
cant wait for the next book from this amazing author
when the rains come they certainly hit hard.... ellen has done what she could..... sandbags were around everything she wasnt to worried but she knew they were in for a rough time of it.... prep was the answer and they had tried to be prepared....
jake was out checking the live stock when he came across the dog.... he recognised it right away but he was shocked to see the dog was bleeding from being shot .... when finding the owner shot also in his home he calls for help.....
something is going on but they dont have time as the weather is getting worse....
and where could the shooter be.... as roads were closing it was dangerous to be out in this weather.....
what a captivating book... i couldnt put it down once i had started it.... so much action and intrigued and rain.... compelling reading i had to know what was going to happen next as there was quite a lot of action and drama going on...
cant wait for the next book from this amazing author
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
June 6, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I DNF’d this book at 25% in. I wanted to like it as it’s described as a “pulse pounding thriller” but I cannot get into it. The beginning drags on, is kind of confusing and lacking the build up I expected.
I DNF’d this book at 25% in. I wanted to like it as it’s described as a “pulse pounding thriller” but I cannot get into it. The beginning drags on, is kind of confusing and lacking the build up I expected.
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.
May 27, 2026
Reading Journal Details
Book: Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan
Format: eBook (336 pages)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Quick Take
With escalating danger, strong family relationships, and a storm that shapes nearly every decision, Whisper Creek delivers suspense that rarely gives its characters a chance to breathe.
Full Review
One of the things that Allison Brennan does particularly well in Whisper Creek is create a sense of constant pressure. Every chapter feels like something is closing in, whether it's the weather, outside threats, or the consequences of choices already set into motion. The result is a story that maintains tension throughout without relying solely on shocking twists.
The storm itself becomes a major force within the narrative. Rather than serving as scenery, it actively shapes the decisions people make and amplifies the danger surrounding nearly every storyline. The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the book, and Brennan's writing brought both the setting and the mounting unease to life exceptionally well.
I also genuinely appreciated the emotional center of the story. The McKenna family feels deeply connected to both one another and the land they've built their lives around. That pride, loyalty, and determination provided a strong foundation beneath all of the suspenseful elements and gave me characters to root for when danger escalated.
My primary challenge was simply keeping track of everyone. There are a lot of characters, multiple perspectives, and several storylines unfolding simultaneously. I was ultimately able to separate them without too much trouble, but it took some time before I felt fully settled into the rhythm of the narrative.
Overall, Whisper Creek delivers strong atmosphere, steady suspense, and a compelling family woven throughout its foundation. Despite the number of moving pieces, I found myself consistently invested in both the outcome and the characters.
Would Recommend If...
Whisper Creek would be a good choice if you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that combine escalating danger, family drama, and nature-driven tension.
Features & Vibes
🏡 Family-Centered
🌩️ Environmental Dangers
🚜 Rural Setting
🔍 Multi-POV
👨👩👧👦 Strong Family Bonds
Advance Copy Provided By
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy. The storm-driven atmosphere and emotional strength of the McKenna family were standout elements of this story.
✨ Also posted on
The StoryGraph (@readaholicliv)
BookBub
Book: Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan
Format: eBook (336 pages)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Quick Take
With escalating danger, strong family relationships, and a storm that shapes nearly every decision, Whisper Creek delivers suspense that rarely gives its characters a chance to breathe.
Full Review
One of the things that Allison Brennan does particularly well in Whisper Creek is create a sense of constant pressure. Every chapter feels like something is closing in, whether it's the weather, outside threats, or the consequences of choices already set into motion. The result is a story that maintains tension throughout without relying solely on shocking twists.
The storm itself becomes a major force within the narrative. Rather than serving as scenery, it actively shapes the decisions people make and amplifies the danger surrounding nearly every storyline. The atmosphere was one of the strongest parts of the book, and Brennan's writing brought both the setting and the mounting unease to life exceptionally well.
I also genuinely appreciated the emotional center of the story. The McKenna family feels deeply connected to both one another and the land they've built their lives around. That pride, loyalty, and determination provided a strong foundation beneath all of the suspenseful elements and gave me characters to root for when danger escalated.
My primary challenge was simply keeping track of everyone. There are a lot of characters, multiple perspectives, and several storylines unfolding simultaneously. I was ultimately able to separate them without too much trouble, but it took some time before I felt fully settled into the rhythm of the narrative.
Overall, Whisper Creek delivers strong atmosphere, steady suspense, and a compelling family woven throughout its foundation. Despite the number of moving pieces, I found myself consistently invested in both the outcome and the characters.
Would Recommend If...
Whisper Creek would be a good choice if you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that combine escalating danger, family drama, and nature-driven tension.
Features & Vibes
🏡 Family-Centered
🌩️ Environmental Dangers
🚜 Rural Setting
🔍 Multi-POV
👨👩👧👦 Strong Family Bonds
Advance Copy Provided By
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy. The storm-driven atmosphere and emotional strength of the McKenna family were standout elements of this story.
✨ Also posted on
The StoryGraph (@readaholicliv)
BookBub
May 27, 2026
Have you ever watched the show on Netflix called The Heartland? This book called Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan kind of gave me the same feeling. Let me explain- the story takes place on a ranch run by Ellen McKenna, who has recently lost her husband in an accident on the ranch. Ellen is also a nurse and has older and younger kids living with her. There is a local businessman that is trying to buy off the land from Ellen and her neighbors, but Ellen refuses to sell the land that she and her family love. There is a flood situation arising in the area. I love the way Ellen and her kids jump right in and help their neighbors to prepare their animals and property for the bad weather. Unfortunately, while out doing this, there is a brutal home invasion and one of Ellen’s kids are taken. They quickly are involved in a scary situation that seems almost impossible to get out of because the weather has made communication practically obsolete. This book is high tension. I found myself swept up in the whole thing and was on the edge of my seat hoping that all of her kids make it home safely. I loved the way Ellen kept her cool even when she was terrified and she continued to help everyone in need. I don’t think there was even a single bad word in this whole book! I really enjoyed this so much! I actually have a couple of books by Allison Brennan on my shelf, but this is the first one I’ve read. I appreciate this ALC from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio! This book releases June 23rd!
June 23, 2026
I knew I had to read this one by the cover alone! In Cooke County, Texas, where weather is unpretentious, the most treacherous of storms rips through Whisper Creek.
Ellen McKenna, a widow, is managing to maintain their farm with her four kids after the sudden loss of her husband a year ago. She is relentlessly pursued by a businessman to purchase her property, at any cost.
A historic storm is coming, the kind of storm that threatens land, livestock and quite possibly their lives.
Several things start to happen when they cross paths with Brock, Rena and Sam, a desperate local burglary ring working for Verdacorp, a greedy corporate developer trying to illegally steal land. The storm cuts off all road and phones and the family is on their own to fight back. There’s gunshots, a kidnapping and car accidents all during the most threatening and treacherous of storms.
It’s a survival thriller you won’t want to put down. Completely entertaining and pulse-pounding. It’s fierce, loyal and relatable. A novel that will have you gripping the edge of your seat! I was anticipating every chapter and needed to know what was happening next. Tension, suspense and mounting danger at every turn! A fast-paced thriller, a natural disaster and intense crime all in one! Highly recommend!
Thanks to @macmillanaudio @minotaur for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
Ellen McKenna, a widow, is managing to maintain their farm with her four kids after the sudden loss of her husband a year ago. She is relentlessly pursued by a businessman to purchase her property, at any cost.
A historic storm is coming, the kind of storm that threatens land, livestock and quite possibly their lives.
Several things start to happen when they cross paths with Brock, Rena and Sam, a desperate local burglary ring working for Verdacorp, a greedy corporate developer trying to illegally steal land. The storm cuts off all road and phones and the family is on their own to fight back. There’s gunshots, a kidnapping and car accidents all during the most threatening and treacherous of storms.
It’s a survival thriller you won’t want to put down. Completely entertaining and pulse-pounding. It’s fierce, loyal and relatable. A novel that will have you gripping the edge of your seat! I was anticipating every chapter and needed to know what was happening next. Tension, suspense and mounting danger at every turn! A fast-paced thriller, a natural disaster and intense crime all in one! Highly recommend!
Thanks to @macmillanaudio @minotaur for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
June 13, 2026
Allison Brennan knows how to write a thriller/mystery. It’s not often that a book can give me full body chills, but this one sure did. I have not been sat for a book like this in a hot minute. Sometimes, when I really love books, I drag my feet on them, because I never want them to end. That was definitely the case here.
This book was so multilayered and had so much drama, yet was never hard to follow. All of the themes, characters, and events were tied together perfectly.
I loved that Whisper Creek was told from multiple different POV’s as well. While multiple narrators can often confuse a story, that was definitely not an issue with Whisper Creek. I loved hearing the inner dialogue of everyone involved.
I also cannot say enough about Amanda Stribling‘s narration! The narration was seriously top tier and each character was completely different. Allison had a way of making suspenseful and tense scenes even more so and left me on the edge of my seat for this entire book.
I have never read anything from Allison Brennan before, but now I am definitely going to seek out more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook for this book!
This book was so multilayered and had so much drama, yet was never hard to follow. All of the themes, characters, and events were tied together perfectly.
I loved that Whisper Creek was told from multiple different POV’s as well. While multiple narrators can often confuse a story, that was definitely not an issue with Whisper Creek. I loved hearing the inner dialogue of everyone involved.
I also cannot say enough about Amanda Stribling‘s narration! The narration was seriously top tier and each character was completely different. Allison had a way of making suspenseful and tense scenes even more so and left me on the edge of my seat for this entire book.
I have never read anything from Allison Brennan before, but now I am definitely going to seek out more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook for this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Allison Brennan delivers a masterclass in high-tension storytelling with Whisper Creek, a relentless domestic thriller that masterfully blends a brutal survival story with deep human deception. Set against the isolated backdrop of Cooke County, Texas, the narrative unfolds over a breathless 24-hour window, packing an incredible amount of momentum into a short span of time.
I was completely glued to the pages as a local family is forced to fight a battle on two fronts: a rapidly worsening natural disaster and a dangerous human threat. Having experienced how quickly volatile weather can turn an area dangerous, the looming threat of catastrophic flooding gave me a genuine sense of dread. Layering home invasions and malicious actors on top of that made the apprehension absolutely intense.
What truly anchored this fast-paced ride for me was the depth of the characters and their relationships. Beyond the non-stop action, the heart of the book lies in small-town politics, generational grudges, greed, and buried secrets, balanced beautifully by a tight-knit "help your neighbor" vibe.
Brennan has a phenomenal way of making suspenseful scenes even more intense, writing with a sharp pacing that masterfully amped up my anxiety during the most frantic moments and left me on the edge of my seat.
If you love an un-put-downable, atmospheric mystery where environmental peril collides with high personal stakes, Whisper Creek is an exceptional choice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan, and St. Martin's Press for this fantastic read!
I was completely glued to the pages as a local family is forced to fight a battle on two fronts: a rapidly worsening natural disaster and a dangerous human threat. Having experienced how quickly volatile weather can turn an area dangerous, the looming threat of catastrophic flooding gave me a genuine sense of dread. Layering home invasions and malicious actors on top of that made the apprehension absolutely intense.
What truly anchored this fast-paced ride for me was the depth of the characters and their relationships. Beyond the non-stop action, the heart of the book lies in small-town politics, generational grudges, greed, and buried secrets, balanced beautifully by a tight-knit "help your neighbor" vibe.
Brennan has a phenomenal way of making suspenseful scenes even more intense, writing with a sharp pacing that masterfully amped up my anxiety during the most frantic moments and left me on the edge of my seat.
If you love an un-put-downable, atmospheric mystery where environmental peril collides with high personal stakes, Whisper Creek is an exceptional choice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Brennan, and St. Martin's Press for this fantastic read!
June 16, 2026
Thank you to #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for the digital ARC of #WhisperCreek. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This is a quick-paced thriller set in north Texas farm country during a torrential storm. Ellen McKenna is trying to keep her farm afloat after the accidental death of her husband. She's got the support of her family and her neighboring farmers, but family rival Mitchell Robinson has been buying up property all across their valley. Ellen doesn't trust Mitchell and refuses to sell. As the storm intensifies and people are isolated, the McKenna family will face danger and learn what it takes to protect what they love.
I really loved this book and stayed up way beyond my bedtime to finish. You can't help falling in love with the whole McKenna family. Robinson is the rich/entitled modern day bully you love to hate. Allison Brennan is a "new to me" author and I'm thrilled to discover she's written a lot of books including several series. If you've read her other books, I'd love any reco's on where to start with her backlist.
This is a quick-paced thriller set in north Texas farm country during a torrential storm. Ellen McKenna is trying to keep her farm afloat after the accidental death of her husband. She's got the support of her family and her neighboring farmers, but family rival Mitchell Robinson has been buying up property all across their valley. Ellen doesn't trust Mitchell and refuses to sell. As the storm intensifies and people are isolated, the McKenna family will face danger and learn what it takes to protect what they love.
I really loved this book and stayed up way beyond my bedtime to finish. You can't help falling in love with the whole McKenna family. Robinson is the rich/entitled modern day bully you love to hate. Allison Brennan is a "new to me" author and I'm thrilled to discover she's written a lot of books including several series. If you've read her other books, I'd love any reco's on where to start with her backlist.
June 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book!
Whisper Creek was an engaging thriller set in a remote mountain town in Texas. This was pretty different than other thrillers I’ve read, but I enjoined the storyline as I started to learn more about what was going on. Ellen is portrayed in this story as a recent widower with a farm to run, 3 young kids, and she is a nurse. The eerie feeling of the storm approaching and people trying to buy the local farms in this community puts pressure on Ellen to sell. There ends up being several people in danger in the midst of this storm as this family feels the tension ensue. You can feel the close knit family relationships between these kids and their mom as they try to protect one another. Allison Brennans writing was very atmospheric and made me feel like I was there in several of these chaotic scenes. The narration of this novel by Amanda Stribling sounded like Reese Witherspoon with her southern drawl which made me love it!
Whisper Creek was an engaging thriller set in a remote mountain town in Texas. This was pretty different than other thrillers I’ve read, but I enjoined the storyline as I started to learn more about what was going on. Ellen is portrayed in this story as a recent widower with a farm to run, 3 young kids, and she is a nurse. The eerie feeling of the storm approaching and people trying to buy the local farms in this community puts pressure on Ellen to sell. There ends up being several people in danger in the midst of this storm as this family feels the tension ensue. You can feel the close knit family relationships between these kids and their mom as they try to protect one another. Allison Brennans writing was very atmospheric and made me feel like I was there in several of these chaotic scenes. The narration of this novel by Amanda Stribling sounded like Reese Witherspoon with her southern drawl which made me love it!
June 25, 2026
There were bad things happening at the start of this one and they kept ramping up with each new page. Between the weather and the bad guys, you weren't sure where the next threat would be coming from next. I felt for the whole McKenna family. It seemed like all of them, but Grandma were in serious danger at one time or another. They had to have faith that it would all be good in the end and they did. I was so glad that Ellen found the real bad guy and upset the whole plan, glad the peons managed to get theirs too. But I'm especially glad that at the end of the book things were looking up for the McKenna's and they were able to go through with plans all due to the actions of stupid people.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan started off a little slow making me think I wouldn’t like it; thank goodness I kept reading. I absolutely LOVED this story! This thriller was just what I needed.
Premise: The McKenna family is just trying to keep their farm going after a tragic loss the year before. Of course, there’s a conspiracy afoot trying to damage their future.
Thoughts: This should be a mini-series. The events that take place on stormy night had me enthralled. I would totally watch something like this.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this copy. It is truly AMAZING!
Premise: The McKenna family is just trying to keep their farm going after a tragic loss the year before. Of course, there’s a conspiracy afoot trying to damage their future.
Thoughts: This should be a mini-series. The events that take place on stormy night had me enthralled. I would totally watch something like this.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this copy. It is truly AMAZING!
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!
June 16, 2026
I LOVE atmospheric novels. When I saw the cover of this one, I just knew it was for me. Allison Brennan did not disappoint and I enjoyed every minute of this story. One giant storm that sends everyone in the McKenna family in opposite directions instead of together and safe in their Texas home. One giant secret and a man that is determined to tear their world apart if the storm doesn't beat him to it. I enjoyed the story so much and fell in love with the characters (especially Bobby). Each one kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wondering if any of them would survive until the end. This was my first novel by Brennan but it will not be my last! The narration was fantastic. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and listen to this one in exchange for an honest reivew.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Farming and ranching life is not for the faint of heart. It’s a 24/7 job from sunup to sundown. It is a lot of work and can be a lot of heartache, but also joy.
Ellen McKenna lost her husband less than a year ago. It was an accident. An accident that left her with four children and a large farm to manage. She’s been doing great, however, one thing after another seems to keep going wrong. Minor farm breakdowns and large storms are keeping everyone busy.
They have a neighbor who wants their land. He’s been pressing hard to get it, but Ellen is determined to keep the family dream alive. Then a robbery and attempted murder occurs on an adjacent farm. The farm owner is barely alive, another massive storm is headed their way, and life is going to turn for the worst in unimaginable ways.
This was a super quick read for me. It was so engaging. Ellen and the rest of the McKenna clan are hard-working, likable people. To see them struggling as they are means wanting to see how all this is going to turn out. Kept me turning pages to see what was going to happen next!
It’’s not really a cozy mystery, nor a thriller, but it’s definitely suspenseful. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.
Ellen McKenna lost her husband less than a year ago. It was an accident. An accident that left her with four children and a large farm to manage. She’s been doing great, however, one thing after another seems to keep going wrong. Minor farm breakdowns and large storms are keeping everyone busy.
They have a neighbor who wants their land. He’s been pressing hard to get it, but Ellen is determined to keep the family dream alive. Then a robbery and attempted murder occurs on an adjacent farm. The farm owner is barely alive, another massive storm is headed their way, and life is going to turn for the worst in unimaginable ways.
This was a super quick read for me. It was so engaging. Ellen and the rest of the McKenna clan are hard-working, likable people. To see them struggling as they are means wanting to see how all this is going to turn out. Kept me turning pages to see what was going to happen next!
It’’s not really a cozy mystery, nor a thriller, but it’s definitely suspenseful. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.
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