What do you think?
Whisper Creek: A Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 25 May 27Allison Brennan delivers a pulse-pounding thriller about one family fighting for their land against both human enemies and Mother Nature.
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. She and her family hope to expand their operation, but times are tough and making ends meet is more expensive than she imagined, much less trying to grow. Many of their neighbors in Cooke County have thrown in the towel and agreed to sell their farms to a local businessman, but despite similar pressure, Ellen refuses to let her dreams die.
On top of the usual hardships, a series of recent storms has left the region partly flooded, and as the heavy rain begins again one morning, all the members of the McKenna family jump into action to protect their land and animals. Ellen’s oldest son discovers an injured dog—and the dog leads him to a man barely clinging to life, the apparent victim of a brutal home invasion. Then, Ellen’s younger kids go to check on a nearby neighbor and walk into a threat none of them saw coming.
Before anyone can figure out what’s really going on in their idyllic rural valley, the storm picks up again in intensity, and the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. To protect her farm--and her family—Ellen must face down all the forces trying to tear them apart.
Allison Brennan's talent for twisty, tense pacing combines with a deeply drawn family drama and the unforgiving power of nature in this compelling standalone thriller.
After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen McKenna is doing everything she can to keep her Texas farm afloat. She and her family hope to expand their operation, but times are tough and making ends meet is more expensive than she imagined, much less trying to grow. Many of their neighbors in Cooke County have thrown in the towel and agreed to sell their farms to a local businessman, but despite similar pressure, Ellen refuses to let her dreams die.
On top of the usual hardships, a series of recent storms has left the region partly flooded, and as the heavy rain begins again one morning, all the members of the McKenna family jump into action to protect their land and animals. Ellen’s oldest son discovers an injured dog—and the dog leads him to a man barely clinging to life, the apparent victim of a brutal home invasion. Then, Ellen’s younger kids go to check on a nearby neighbor and walk into a threat none of them saw coming.
Before anyone can figure out what’s really going on in their idyllic rural valley, the storm picks up again in intensity, and the McKenna kids find themselves in over their heads with no way to call for help. To protect her farm--and her family—Ellen must face down all the forces trying to tear them apart.
Allison Brennan's talent for twisty, tense pacing combines with a deeply drawn family drama and the unforgiving power of nature in this compelling standalone thriller.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Allison Brennan
108 books5,682 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 600 reviews
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
August 14, 2026
Allison Brennan's "Whisper Creek" is an intense, fast-paced thriller. It is set during a storm in a farming community, and features non-stop tension, suspicious accidents, and imperiled teenagers, which are tempered by the beauty of family bonds and the search for a missing cat. Amanda Stribling does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and keeping the listener engaged throughout this gripping story.
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 23, 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.)
July 31, 2026
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Whisper Creek and I did not see eye to eye for a number of reasons. While I did highlight the author's attempts to keep the tension and suspense elevated, it was also reduced by the sheer predictability of each outcome. For a family already hit by tragedy, it would make no sense for it to be burdened with another one; to me, that is. 🥺
So that eliminated any real sense of danger. The writing and plot also seemed more fixated on capturing the strength of family dynamics and the firm and unrelenting resolve of community during times of crisis, which is fine and all. But, in doing so, it failed to be a thriller; it did not hide who the enemy was. The fear was real, but I never believed any real harm would come to them. 🙍🏻♀️
The weather played a convincing part - uncontrollable and untamed - dictating and influencing choices and decisions at drastic turns. 🌩️ I liked the McKenna kids' morale, their firm values, and their rational sense and trustworthy teamwork during perilous times, as they relied on and trusted their late father's guidance and Ellen's fierce courage and resolute determination. But it did not entice or incite any strong emotion in me, bored rather than invested, because i just innately knew things would work out for them. 😴
“This job was supposed to be simple. It had been anything but.”
The lack of mystery and thrills was prevalent, only existing when waiting to see when each path would cross the other. The focus on dishonest political gain and treacherous underhanded dealings, land-hungry dirty machinations felt all too familiar, a beat that also failed to stir a fitting reaction. 😮💨 It read more like it wanted to be made for the big screen, complete with that aw-shucks Hollywood ending where good triumphs over evil and the bad guys get what's coming to 'em. 🤠
So while it did celebrate a strong and supportive cast of characters during times of strife, it still did not prove to be a compelling read because it lacked the sense of unexpectedness. It was too friendly-safe in the regard that the McKennas - who never ran from a challenge - would triumph in their survival, which in turn made it a rather bland book, despite how much danger their lives were in. 🤷🏻♀️
“This is our land, now and forever.”
Whisper Creek and I did not see eye to eye for a number of reasons. While I did highlight the author's attempts to keep the tension and suspense elevated, it was also reduced by the sheer predictability of each outcome. For a family already hit by tragedy, it would make no sense for it to be burdened with another one; to me, that is. 🥺
So that eliminated any real sense of danger. The writing and plot also seemed more fixated on capturing the strength of family dynamics and the firm and unrelenting resolve of community during times of crisis, which is fine and all. But, in doing so, it failed to be a thriller; it did not hide who the enemy was. The fear was real, but I never believed any real harm would come to them. 🙍🏻♀️
The weather played a convincing part - uncontrollable and untamed - dictating and influencing choices and decisions at drastic turns. 🌩️ I liked the McKenna kids' morale, their firm values, and their rational sense and trustworthy teamwork during perilous times, as they relied on and trusted their late father's guidance and Ellen's fierce courage and resolute determination. But it did not entice or incite any strong emotion in me, bored rather than invested, because i just innately knew things would work out for them. 😴
“This job was supposed to be simple. It had been anything but.”
The lack of mystery and thrills was prevalent, only existing when waiting to see when each path would cross the other. The focus on dishonest political gain and treacherous underhanded dealings, land-hungry dirty machinations felt all too familiar, a beat that also failed to stir a fitting reaction. 😮💨 It read more like it wanted to be made for the big screen, complete with that aw-shucks Hollywood ending where good triumphs over evil and the bad guys get what's coming to 'em. 🤠
So while it did celebrate a strong and supportive cast of characters during times of strife, it still did not prove to be a compelling read because it lacked the sense of unexpectedness. It was too friendly-safe in the regard that the McKennas - who never ran from a challenge - would triumph in their survival, which in turn made it a rather bland book, despite how much danger their lives were in. 🤷🏻♀️
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.
August 16, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up "New York Times bestseller Allison Brennan delivers a pulse-pounding thriller about one family fighting for their land against both human enemies and Mother Nature."
Ellen McKenna is the sole owner of a large farm after the death of her husband. Many farmers in the area are selling out to a wealthy developer, but not Ellen. During a series of storms, an injured dog is found and leads a worker to a nasty home invasion. As the storm intensifies, flooding rages across the area leaving them isolated and inaccessible to help from local law enforcement. The stakes are high and lives are on the line.
I found this to be an excellent premise and a propulsive story. However, it felt that I walked in late to the story. The characters are not developed well when they are introduced and it felt a little bit chaotic in an effort to be propulsive. This is definitely plot driven but a little more connection to the characters would have knocked it out of the park. The ending was very exciting and satisfying with a few more explanations.
The audiobook performance by Amanda Stribling (9 hours 28 minutes) is excellent and adds to the authenticity of the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Allison Brennan for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧
Ellen McKenna is the sole owner of a large farm after the death of her husband. Many farmers in the area are selling out to a wealthy developer, but not Ellen. During a series of storms, an injured dog is found and leads a worker to a nasty home invasion. As the storm intensifies, flooding rages across the area leaving them isolated and inaccessible to help from local law enforcement. The stakes are high and lives are on the line.
I found this to be an excellent premise and a propulsive story. However, it felt that I walked in late to the story. The characters are not developed well when they are introduced and it felt a little bit chaotic in an effort to be propulsive. This is definitely plot driven but a little more connection to the characters would have knocked it out of the park. The ending was very exciting and satisfying with a few more explanations.
The audiobook performance by Amanda Stribling (9 hours 28 minutes) is excellent and adds to the authenticity of the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Allison Brennan for the gifted advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧
June 29, 2026
This is a Crime Thriller/Mystery. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. This book is packed with small town drama, family drama, suspense, and mystery. I loved getting to know all the characters, but the story pulled me into this book right away. This is a plot/storyline driven book. There was so much that happened during one storm in this book, but that is what happened before and during a big storm. This book had me sitting on the edge of my set several times while reading this book. I really enjoyed this book so much. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 19, 2026
3.5 stars
During a storm, Ellen McKenna and her children must defend themselves and their farm against a group of dangerous fugitives who pose a serious threat.
This standalone thriller offered plenty of suspense and had me turning the pages. It reminded me a little of Game of Thrones, where the family is scattered right from the beginning, and each member faces their own share of danger before eventually being reunited—something the Starks never really got to enjoy!
I was invested, but I did feel the book was just a little bit too long to come to a conclusion. However, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other thriller enthusiasts.
Publication Date 23/06/26
Goodreads Review 19/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
During a storm, Ellen McKenna and her children must defend themselves and their farm against a group of dangerous fugitives who pose a serious threat.
This standalone thriller offered plenty of suspense and had me turning the pages. It reminded me a little of Game of Thrones, where the family is scattered right from the beginning, and each member faces their own share of danger before eventually being reunited—something the Starks never really got to enjoy!
I was invested, but I did feel the book was just a little bit too long to come to a conclusion. However, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other thriller enthusiasts.
Publication Date 23/06/26
Goodreads Review 19/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
July 10, 2026
I truly didn't know what to expect going into this book, but it completely pulled me in from the start. It had my anxiety through the roof in the best way possible. Not only were the characters incredibly well written, but the environment itself felt so tense and unpredictable that I was constantly worried about what was going to happen next.
This story is packed with suspense, tension, heartbreak, hope, and moments that leave you in awe of the strength these characters show. I found myself emotionally invested in every situation. Even worrying about a dog and a pregnant cat. That's how immersed I became.
The McKenna family was especially well written. Watching them navigate different, complex situations while desperately hoping they'd all make it through kept me completely hooked. This was the kind of story that had me holding my breath, turning page after page, and feeling every emotion right alongside the characters.
* I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Allison Brennan for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This story is packed with suspense, tension, heartbreak, hope, and moments that leave you in awe of the strength these characters show. I found myself emotionally invested in every situation. Even worrying about a dog and a pregnant cat. That's how immersed I became.
The McKenna family was especially well written. Watching them navigate different, complex situations while desperately hoping they'd all make it through kept me completely hooked. This was the kind of story that had me holding my breath, turning page after page, and feeling every emotion right alongside the characters.
* I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Allison Brennan for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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.
May 26, 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
December 26, 2025
A great pulse-pounding of a story. Catastrophic flooding in the midst of robbers being trapped in the town, taking people hostage and just trying to escape. This one had me on the edge of my seat for this family. Sabotage, missing cats, and kids running around trying to save the farm added to the tension and kept me worried for the mother trying to keep them all straight. As we learned of property rights and minerals, I knew this story was going to get deeper and edgier. It was a great suspense that kept me drawn into the story wondering where it would go next.
I did the audio and it was wonderful. A good distraction and a nice, fast read. I enjoyed it!
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.
I did the audio and it was wonderful. A good distraction and a nice, fast read. I enjoyed it!
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 31, 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 :)
July 1, 2026
Ellen McKenna is a widow that is just doing her best to keep her family going and the farm thriving. Unfortunately something is amiss in Cooke County and it might be connected to VerdaCorp. VerdaCorp is a greedy company that is trying to buy up the local land and has really been putting the pressure on Ellen to sell.
A huge rainstorm is about to wreak havoc on the community and as the family is rushing to prepare for the storm, other odd things are happening. There have been local break-ins and now one of the neighbors isn't answering their phones. Issues just keep adding on top of other issues and it really seems like everything is working against Ellen and her family.
This was actually quite enjoyable even though it made me extremely anxious. Brennan did a fantastic job combining the crime, the small town drama and the peril of a storm to create a pulse pounding story. Even though the story wasn't fast paced which normally I don't enjoy, the slow development of the situation and characters worked so well this time.
If you check this out as an audiobook it's fantastic. The narrator is brilliant and really brought the characters to life for me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
A huge rainstorm is about to wreak havoc on the community and as the family is rushing to prepare for the storm, other odd things are happening. There have been local break-ins and now one of the neighbors isn't answering their phones. Issues just keep adding on top of other issues and it really seems like everything is working against Ellen and her family.
This was actually quite enjoyable even though it made me extremely anxious. Brennan did a fantastic job combining the crime, the small town drama and the peril of a storm to create a pulse pounding story. Even though the story wasn't fast paced which normally I don't enjoy, the slow development of the situation and characters worked so well this time.
If you check this out as an audiobook it's fantastic. The narrator is brilliant and really brought the characters to life for me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 28, 2026
This was a hard one to rate because there wasn’t anything specifically wrong with it, but I never fully connected with the story. There was a lot happening—flooding, break-ins, family drama, land disputes, and more—but somehow it all felt like calm chaos. I also felt like I had stepped into an already established community and was missing part of the bigger picture. The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job with the accents and character voices. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite click for me.
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 28, 2026
Whisper Creek is a thoughtful blend of family drama, rural suspense, and small-town atmosphere set among neighboring Texas ranches. Ellen McKenna is still grieving the loss of her husband while trying to keep the family farm afloat. With mounting financial pressure, storm damage, and neighboring farms selling to the powerful VerdaCorp., the McKennas are already stretched thin. When Ellen’s son stumbles into a dangerous situation, the family finds themselves facing threats from multiple directions.
What I enjoyed most was the unique setting. We don’t get nearly enough thrillers set on working farms, and Alison Brennan does a wonderful job capturing both the beauty and the hardship of agricultural life. The animals aren’t just background details—they’re working livestock, beloved pets, and an important part of the family’s livelihood, which made the setting feel authentic and lived-in.
The suspense kept me turning the pages, especially as the danger came from several different sources. Between the kidnappers, the looming influence of VerdeCorp., and the family’s own personal struggles, there was always something raising the stakes. The close-knit community and multigenerational family dynamics gave the story a lot of heart.
My favorite character was Penny, Ellen’s grandmother-in-law. She is feisty, funny, and exactly the kind of larger-than-life family matriarch who steals every scene she’s in. She provided some much-needed humor during the heavier moments.
My biggest challenge was keeping everyone straight. With several interconnected families and multiple generations, I found myself wishing there had been a family tree or map at the beginning of the book. The pacing also slows in places, but I’d encourage readers to trust the author and stick with it because the payoff is worth the investment.
While I don’t think this is a story that will stay with me for years or one I’ll revisit, I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience. If you’re looking for a suspense novel that combines family relationships, rural life, and steadily building tension in a fresh setting, Whisper Creek is well worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press for the finished copy!
What I enjoyed most was the unique setting. We don’t get nearly enough thrillers set on working farms, and Alison Brennan does a wonderful job capturing both the beauty and the hardship of agricultural life. The animals aren’t just background details—they’re working livestock, beloved pets, and an important part of the family’s livelihood, which made the setting feel authentic and lived-in.
The suspense kept me turning the pages, especially as the danger came from several different sources. Between the kidnappers, the looming influence of VerdeCorp., and the family’s own personal struggles, there was always something raising the stakes. The close-knit community and multigenerational family dynamics gave the story a lot of heart.
My favorite character was Penny, Ellen’s grandmother-in-law. She is feisty, funny, and exactly the kind of larger-than-life family matriarch who steals every scene she’s in. She provided some much-needed humor during the heavier moments.
My biggest challenge was keeping everyone straight. With several interconnected families and multiple generations, I found myself wishing there had been a family tree or map at the beginning of the book. The pacing also slows in places, but I’d encourage readers to trust the author and stick with it because the payoff is worth the investment.
While I don’t think this is a story that will stay with me for years or one I’ll revisit, I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience. If you’re looking for a suspense novel that combines family relationships, rural life, and steadily building tension in a fresh setting, Whisper Creek is well worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press for the finished copy!
July 29, 2026
There is a “slow burn” book, then there is a slooooooooooow burn 😴
Did Not Finish
July 8, 2026This book was a trigger for me as the book is centered around a pending storm that could cause severe flooding. It brought up emotional feelings related to the July 2025 Central Texas floods, a historic disaster in the Texas Hill Country that claimed over 130 lives, to include children at a summer camp. This is no fault to the author but unfortunately I could not finish the story. I DNFed at 33%.
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.
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.
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!
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!
July 18, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up. When I first started this novel, there seemed some unnecessary repetition that got a little tiresome. By then, it had already been well-established that the McKenna family was deeply grieving the death of the head of household and that the topography of the Texas farm country could lead to widespread flooding in bad storms. But as the story progressed, the plot became compelling. Yes, a bad storm; also an evil villain hiring criminals for devious purposes; an accidental shooting; a hostage situation. Oh my, the plot thickened, and in an interesting convention, the reader becomes privy to information that others don’t have. At that point, I became engrossed in the developments and the various characters, each doing the best they can to cope with deteriorating weather conditions and the crimes in progress. Thus, I rounded my overall rating of the book up to 4 stars, and recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a bit of suspense set in a rural environment.
July 6, 2026
(1.5)
“A pulse-pounding thriller.”
I get that they gotta sell books, but this shit was borderline soporific. One of the worst books I’ve read so far this year.
“A pulse-pounding thriller.”
I get that they gotta sell books, but this shit was borderline soporific. One of the worst books I’ve read so far this year.
June 23, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from the Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Allison Brennan seems to be writing about one standalone thriller each year, in addition to new installments in two of her current series. Whisper Creek is a standalone.
I really liked the characters right away. They are good, hard-working people dealing with life every day as happens on a farm. But the bad guys were trying to hurt them for their own gain. The way they could cheat and deliberately damage neighbors hurt me. For a minute, I thought I just couldn't read this. It's a sign of how things are out of hand in the real world.
Ellen and her children are running the farm after losing her husband. Her teens are making decisions for their life based on their dreams plus what the family needs. Her brother-in-law has lost the plot after coming back from the military having lost a leg and now lost his brother. Jake would like to be a vet but instead of just taking off, he plans to start in the local program in veterinary. His sister, Avery, loves the farm and she and her boyfriend want to stay and work the farm. The two younger children are also focused on animals.
A storm has come into the area causing flooding and crop washouts. The youngest, Bobby, is looking for a stray cat who is about to have kittens. As the family does preparations for the storm, they try to contact neighbors to see if they are okay and have trouble reaching some of them. As they do, they find one has been shot. Ellen learns from the sheriff there have been several robberies in the area recently.
As the storm causes more flooding and blocks more roads, taking out power and communications, it's harder to check on neighbors or even member of their own family. A suspenseful read, where one family with smarts figures out the score and protects themselves and others.
Review copy was received from the Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Allison Brennan seems to be writing about one standalone thriller each year, in addition to new installments in two of her current series. Whisper Creek is a standalone.
I really liked the characters right away. They are good, hard-working people dealing with life every day as happens on a farm. But the bad guys were trying to hurt them for their own gain. The way they could cheat and deliberately damage neighbors hurt me. For a minute, I thought I just couldn't read this. It's a sign of how things are out of hand in the real world.
Ellen and her children are running the farm after losing her husband. Her teens are making decisions for their life based on their dreams plus what the family needs. Her brother-in-law has lost the plot after coming back from the military having lost a leg and now lost his brother. Jake would like to be a vet but instead of just taking off, he plans to start in the local program in veterinary. His sister, Avery, loves the farm and she and her boyfriend want to stay and work the farm. The two younger children are also focused on animals.
A storm has come into the area causing flooding and crop washouts. The youngest, Bobby, is looking for a stray cat who is about to have kittens. As the family does preparations for the storm, they try to contact neighbors to see if they are okay and have trouble reaching some of them. As they do, they find one has been shot. Ellen learns from the sheriff there have been several robberies in the area recently.
As the storm causes more flooding and blocks more roads, taking out power and communications, it's harder to check on neighbors or even member of their own family. A suspenseful read, where one family with smarts figures out the score and protects themselves and others.
February 25, 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]
July 23, 2026
This one was just ok for me. It was slower than I like for Allison Brennan books. I like how she weaved the story tho:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 600 reviews