Waves of Fiction: June 2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Review: In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann

In Case I Go Missing by R.N. Swann

Publication Date: May 26th 2026 by Viking Books for Young Readers

Pages: 400

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:

Seventeen-year-old Sarah and her two best friends, Fenny and Sam, have been amateur sleuths since grade school, the kind of kids who exposed bullies, uncovered secrets, and stirred up scandals that didn’t make them too popular. But lately, Sarah, the unofficial leader of their trio, has been pulling away. Their once‑tight friendship is strained and then Sarah disappears.

No one knows what she was investigating, but Fenny stumbles across a binder labeled “In Case I Go Missing” with clues Sarah left behind. Determined to find her friend, Fenny throws herself into the mystery, convinced that uncovering whatever Sarah was digging into is the key to bringing her home. It doesn’t take long for Fenny and Sam to realize this case is far more dangerous than anything they’ve tackled before, and the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become.

Fenny’s at the center of things, and I felt for her. She was a well‑fleshed out character juggling her own family drama while desperately trying to piece together what happened. For the most part, she kept her head about her, methodically working the clues. Things got really crazy at the end, and I was seriously worried for both Fenny and Sam!

In Case I Go Missing was a fast-paced, addictive YA mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed!

4 Stars

Book Description:

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Fargo in this fast-paced YA mystery about a teen detective gone missing and her best friend who must finish her investigation.

Seventeen-year-old Fenny Allen has been Sarah Vincenty's sidekick for as long as she can remember, ever since the two of them solved the mystery of the stolen library books back in elementary school. Over the years, Sarah has ruffled a few feathers in their small town, building a reputation as both an amateur detective and a vigilante who has dispensed her own form of justice.

Now Sarah is missing. The police have written her off as yet another teen runaway, but Fenny is convinced that something more sinister has happened. When she discovers a binder Sarah left behind entitled In Case I Go Missing, Fenny learns that at the time of her disappearance, Sarah was investigating her biggest case yet.

Fenny knows that it's up to her to finish what Sarah had begun. As she and her friend Sam piece together the clues that Sarah left for them, they find themselves up against a decades-old mystery—one that links to the town's dark history. But is this binder a guide to finding Sarah—or are Fenny and Sam already too late?

The more the pair uncover, the clearer it becomes that those involved will go to great lengths to keep their secrets—even as far as murder.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Review: Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan

Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan

Publication Date: June 23rd 2026 by Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 336

Audio Book Length: 9hrs 28min

Narrator: Amanda Stribling

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★½

My Thoughts:

This was an on-the-edge, high stakes kind of read! A woman trying to keep her farm afloat, a corrupt businessman, home invasions and a hostage situation! All of it unfolding as a brutal storm bears down on the county!

Ellen McKenna trying to keep her Texas family farm afloat after the death of her husband. Mitchell Robinson, a local businessman is determined to buy her property for his own greedy plot. He hires a fixer and things go badly.

When the story starts Ellen is hunkering down for a major storm, checking on her neighbors and dealing with mishaps on her own property. Thankfully, she has her kids, despite being young to help with all of that. They’re industrious, smart and love the farm as much as Ellen does. Plus, they have Grandma Penny who does most of the cooking. She was a hoot!

The McKenna’s cared about their community and the land they lived on, not just the profits. I rooted for them as they came up against all these dangers! Ellen and the kids were smart about how they handled things, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t on the edge of my seat worried over what was going to happen!

Whisper Creek was a thrilling, action‑packed story with characters I genuinely came to care about. I tore through it in a single day eager to know how it would all turn out!

I alternately read and listened to Whisper Creek and can recommend either version. Amanda Stribling did an amazing job narrating a variety of characters, male and female, with a pleasing subtle southern accent. A definite recommend!

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

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.

Monday, June 22, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Summer 2026 To-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Artsy Reader where each week they post a new top ten list and ask fellow bookish folk to share their lists on that topic.

This week the theme is: Books on My Summer 2026 To-Read List:

I read all but one of my books (my library lend hasn't come through yet) from my Spring 2026 TBR, so yay!

Keep Them Close by David Ellis

Release date: 6/30/26

Storm Tide (Mike Bowditch #16) by Paul Doiron

Release date: 6/30/26

The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose

Release date: 8/11/26

The Secrets We Hide (North Falls #2) by Karin Slaughter

Release date: 8/11/26

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle

Release date: 7/21/26

I'll Be Watching You (Angelhart Investigations #3) by Allison Brennan

Release date: 9/15/26

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen

Release date: 8/4/26

The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley

The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed #2) by Brigitte Knightley

Release date: 7/7/26

Murder in Blackfriars (Below Stairs #9) by Jennifer Ashley

Release date: 8/11/26

You'll Be Sorry by Lisa Gardner

Release date: 8/4/26

What's on your summer TBR?

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Sunday Post #343

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

Happy Sunday!

We've been in Montana since Tuesday at my daughter's house. The weather was gorgeous. Cooler than at home. Just flew home today (Saturday) and I work tomorrow (Sunday). We head out for Idaho and Grand Tetons on Wednesday, a road trip this time, as we make our way back out to Montana again. It's a busy summer for us!

Wildflowers I picked in Montana

My daughter's cat. He loves Montana!

500 Piece Puzzle Completed: Kitchen Essentials by Galison

Puzzle 32 of 2026

Read:

Somebody Worth Killing by Jessica Payne-2 Stars

Headlights by CJ Leede-2 Stars

The Defense (Eddie Flynn #1) by Steve Cavanagh-4 Stars

Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan-4.5 Stars

I had two disappointing reads in a row and both were review books. I listened to The Defense and loved it, finishing it in one day. I had read a couple of the Eddie Flynn series in the past, but out of order. I'm starting from the beginning now. Loved Whisper Creek as well. Started yesterday and finished while traveling home today.

Received:

I don't even know. I'm too tired to sort it out right now.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Audiobook Review: Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

Publication Date: June 9th 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 352

Audio Book Length: 11hrs

Narrator: Patti Murin

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:

Claire’s life implodes very publicly the night she discovers her husband is cheating with a much younger woman. After too long wallowing it’s time for a change. Claire needs to figure out just exactly what she wants in life. Claire makes a list of things that’ll get her outside of her comfort zone, experience new things and hopefully find happiness along the way.

Brighter Than Before was moving, inspirational with some laughs and romance as Claire finds her way! I love seeing a character pull herself up after such a setback and thrive by the end! It was a joy to see Claire find her way!

I listened to the audio, and Patti Murin’s performance is perfection! Her comedic timing is excellent, and she does so well with a wide range of emotions!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Claire did not plan to end up mid-forties with a daughter studying in London and the unfortunate discovery that her husband is not the man she thought he was. In fact, he's the exact opposite of a faithful, loyal, kind, and good-hearted spouse. And the discovery of his real nature and lack of remorse leads her to do what she never thought she would--divorce him.

After a year of wallowing before hitting rock bottom . . . in public, unfortunately, Claire realizes she needs to finally answer the question her therapist asked her all those months "What do you really want?" It was a question she couldn't answer then, but now she knows it's time to figure it out.

It's the turning point that leads Claire to change her life. And not just a little--a lot. She sells her house in Denver and moves to the city that's always had her heart--Chicago.

With the help of nosy neighbors, new friends, and a daughter who sets her up on a dating site from across the ocean, Claire begins to answer that big, important question by figuring out what she wants and how to live life on her own terms.

Monday, June 15, 2026

Audiobook Review: Beach Thriller by Jamie Day

Beach Thriller by Jamie Day

Publication Date: June 9th 2026 by Macmillan Audio

Pages: 368

Audio Book Length: 12hrs 20min

Narrators: Emily Shaffer, Jane Oppenheimer, Jennifer Pickens, Megan Tusing

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:

Holly, a moderately successful writer, is suffering from writer’s block, but needs to come up with her next book soon. Especially since she’s hurting for cash. Moving back to her childhood home, a rundown beach cottage isn’t something she wanted to do but it’s all she can afford. Holly just needs to hunker down and write a book. That’s difficult when reminders of her sister’s death which was ruled as “undetermined” are around every corner. Holly knows in her gut that Anna was murdered, but the police did little to solve it.

Jade, not quite eighteen, ran away from a troubled home has also landed in Beauford, her path intersecting with Holly’s.

Finding her old draft, “Beach Thriller”, which was based on those events motivates Holly to uncover the truth and finally get justice for her sister. Unfortunately, digging around for the truth puts both Holly and Jade in danger.

It took me a bit to get into the story and some of the dialogue and reactions felt a little off, but around the 30% mark I was fully invested. I enjoyed Beach Thriller and liked both Holly and Jade. I liked the “book within a book” aspect. I guessed at some of the reveals, but others were a surprise. I appreciated how it all was explained and made sense, wrapping up the story in a satisfying conclusion.

I listened to the audio version and having a full cast of narrators, one for each POV, definitely enhanced my enjoyment!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Holly Sinclair, a struggling writer, is forced from her cherished New York apartment and returns to her family's seaside cottage in the charming town of Beauport, Massachusetts—a home she hasn't seen in nearly twenty years. Guilt grabs her the moment she arrives. Years ago, her sister died here, and Holly still blames herself.

She arrives on a mission from her literary agent to write a best-selling novel. Her future depends on it. But she’s not the only one with an agenda. Someone is watching Holly's every move from the shadows. Desperate for a good idea, Holly makes the fateful choice to write about her past. The Watcher sees all and knows what Holly doesn’t: Some secrets must remain buried.

As threats from the ominous Watcher become increasingly sinister, Holly realizes that, even though the past is a faint echo, it is still close enough to be deadly.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Sunday Post #342

Happy Sunday!

We'll be on our way home from Southern California when this publishes.

This last week I had an email from a publisher inviting me to read a book and I thought it was the normal invite I get with the Netgalley widget included. I marked it to come back to and read it more carefully and realized it was actually inviting me to request the book. I think I've received one other email like that. I thought it was a bit odd. I won't be requesting it.

We went down to visit my husband's parents. They're getting older and my MIL has had some health issues. We got there, cooked dinner and spent the night. Spent the morning with them and then continued onto my son's house to visit them and then babysit the grandkids while my son and DIL went out for there anniversary. The boys are pretty cute at almost two and three years old, riding their bikes around the back and then we ate pizza and watched Toy Story.

We had my husband's sister and brother-in-law over for dinner at my son's house last night (Saturday). We had fun catching up. We're on the road home now.

I took this photo before we left home. This purple rose just started blooming in our yard.

Read:

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh-4 Stars

Lead Me Home by Catherine Bybee-5 Stars

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston-4 Stars

Received:

Somebody Worth Killing by Jessica Payne

Thank you to Berkley!

How was your week?

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Review: Lead Me Home by Catherine Bybee

Lead Me Home (Queen Anne Hill #1) by Catherine Bybee

Publication Date: June 9th 2026 by Montlake & Brilliance Audio

Pages: 351

Audio Book Length: 9hrs 37min

Narrators: Laura Jennings, Alex Knox & Catherine Bybee

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Luna’s smart and accomplished as a forensic accountant and happy on her own. Living in the big Victorian left to her and her siblings by their grandmother. Luna’s assigned to a case with Nate, a former FBI Agent specializing in white collar crime, and there’s an immediate spark. When her car is stolen from airport parking and Nate steps in to help, their work relationship shifts into something more personal.

Unfortunately, Luna’s narcissistic mother, Karen, shows up without notice, staying with Luna and her roommate, Miley.

While Luna was fine on her own, she truly deserved a guy like Nate! I loved their low-drama romance and the way he was there to support her in any way he could. Luna also had support from her friend Miley and her brother and sister and I adored them!

Luna’s mother was something else! I felt for Luna so much because everything was about Karen, both in the present and past, whether or not it put her kids in danger. I was outraged on their behalf! Things come to an ugly and dangerous head. I was happy for the way Luna handled things in the end.

The author’s note really got to me. Everything she’s been through and accomplished is an inspiration for others!

Lead Me Home was captivating from the very first page! I’m guessing the next couple of books will focus on Luna’s siblings, Harper and Ash. I eagerly await the next story!

I alternated between a print and audio copy and recommend either version. Laura Jennings had a wonderfully calm voice that had me engrossed with every word. Alex Knox did a wonderful job performing Nate. The dual narration was a treat!

5 Stars

Book Description:

Luna Canning trusts numbers more than people-and for good reason. As a forensic accountant who specializes in exposing fraud, she knows numbers never deceive, unlike the toxic family she's spent a lifetime trying to escape. Now living in her grandmother's Victorian home, Luna has built a carefully ordered life behind walls she thought were unbreakable.

When her car is stolen from an airport parking lot, former FBI agent turned PI Nate Warren steps in to help-and proves more dangerous to her defenses than any thief. Despite Luna's iron-clad rules about mixing business with pleasure, their chemistry ignites, and for the first time, she considers letting someone past her guard. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Luna's manipulative mother arrives unannounced, dragging with her a dangerous man and decades of unresolved trauma that threaten everything Luna has built.

Now Luna must confront the ghosts of her past-both metaphorical and possibly literal, as strange occurrences in her historic home suggest she's not alone. With a violent threat looming and her heart on the line, Luna discovers that sometimes the hardest person to trust is yourself.

About the author:

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written nearly 50 books that have collectively sold more than 11 million copies. Her titles have been translated into more than 20 languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned the popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, First Wives, D'Angelos, Heirs, and Queen Anne Hill series.

Connect with Catherine Bybee:

Monday, June 8, 2026

Review: The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne

The Rainy Day Bookshop by RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: June 2nd 2026 by St. Martin's Press MIRA & Harlequin Audio

Pages: 384

Audio Book Length: 10hrs 46min

Narrator: Carly Robins

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:

Emma was learning to drive in bad weather and crashed the car killing her father. Rosie, her mother, never blamed Emma for the accident, but Emma left soon after and spiraled. Only when she became pregnant did she clean up and get her life back on track.

Now, Emma is back home with her three-year-old daughter, Olive, to help her mother run The Rainy Day Bookshop while her grandmother is laid out with a broken ankle. Rosie is thrilled to have her daughter back home after years apart.

Emma never told her mother what caused the tragic accident that killed her father, and she doesn’t intend to, because she doesn’t want to shatter her mother’s memories. Now she’s happy to be back at home, close to her family with Olive. She’s had some hard years raising her young daughter on her own while working and earning a degree and so she appreciates the opportunity to have some support and get close again with her family.

I loved The Rainy Day Bookshop and felt deeply for both Emma and Rosie as they navigated their shared grief and guilt. Watching the two of them slowly rebuild their relationship was moving. Olive was adorable, and seeing her bond with her grandmother was touching. There were romances as well: Andrew, the reclusive writer for Rosie, and Bryce, the construction foreman for Emma. Both were sweet, low‑drama, and genuinely lovely!

I alternated between the e-copy and audio version and can recommend both. Carly Robins has a pleasing voice and added warmth and emotion to each character. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance!

4 Stars

Book Description:

Sandwiched between caring for her mother and rebuilding the relationship with her estranged daughter, Emma, Rosie Lucas’s life is full. In the best way. With Emma and her 3-year old daughter, Olive, back home, Rosie has a partner for The Rainy Day Bookshop, the family business, and a chance to fix the past. What she doesn’t have time for is a romantic relationship. And even if she did, Andrew Morgan is the last person she’d choose. Not only is he an arrogant and reclusive writer, but he’s a single dad with two young kids. She’s already been there, done that. Still as an irresistible flirtation builds between them, he becomes her unexpected confidante on the distance Rosie can’t seem to overcome with Emma, a secret she can’t quite unravel…

Emma isn’t proud of her past. But she’s pulled herself up by the bootstraps, caring for her own daughter, and protecting her mom at all costs. Just as she always has. She never told Rosie what she saw all those years ago and she never will. But some secrets refuse to stay buried, and sometimes the truth is more shocking than fiction. Rosie and Emma will have to navigate an unimaginable path forward. Together.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Sunday Post #341

Happy Sunday!

Nothing exciting to report here. I was able to make it to the read-along chat (hosted by Anne @Books of My Heart) for The Guild Codex series by Annette Marie last Sunday and that was fun. The weather warmed up to the mid 80s low up so we had to get our walks in early.

We went to a library sale and I donated a bunch of books and bought three books for my shelf, of course. I donated more than I brought home, so that was progress. We went to lunch after, hit the grocery store and then came home. I worked on a puzzle while listening to my audiobook.

I'll be working tomorrow (Sunday).