Wow! Elin Hilderbrand has truly outdone herself with *Swan Song*, the spectacular conclusion to her Nantucket series. From start to finish, this novel is an absolute page-turner that combines everything fans love about Hilderbrand’s writing: high drama, complex characters, and the lush, sun-soaked backdrop of Nantucket.

The story kicks off with the arrival of the mysterious Richardsons, a wealthy family whose purchase of a 22-million-dollar summer home shakes up the tranquil island. Their lavish lifestyle, flirtations, and excessive displays of wealth create a whirlwind of social chaos—leading to a house fire, a missing employee, and mounting tension in the community. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash and his friend Sharon, who is navigating her own messy divorce, are at the center of it all, working to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Richardsons while grappling with their own personal struggles.

What truly makes *Swan Song* stand out is Hilderbrand’s ability to weave a compelling narrative that’s not just about social mayhem, but also about the heart of the island itself and the timeless relationships that make it so special. As the islanders navigate the chaos, Hilderbrand brings back some of her most beloved characters, giving readers a chance to reconnect with the people who’ve made Nantucket feel like home. The sense of community, loyalty, and love shines through, providing the perfect balance to the high drama that unfolds.

The plot is as fast-paced and thrilling as a summer storm, filled with twists, turns, and a touch of mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. But beneath all the glitz and glam, *Swan Song* is also a deeply emotional story about second chances, the choices we make, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Hilderbrand’s writing is, as always, rich and evocative, painting Nantucket as a character in itself—beautiful, complex, and full of life. The novel’s blend of suspense, romance, and heartfelt moments is perfect for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone who’s loved Hilderbrand’s previous works.

*Swan Song is the perfect ending to the Nantucket series, full of everything readers adore about Hilderbrand’s writing. It’s a brilliant, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying conclusion that will leave you with a smile and a longing to visit Nantucket again soon. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I think I am in denial that this is Hilderbrand's last Nantucket novel. This was a bittersweet summer story, and we were able to re-visit characters we have followed for almost 2 decades.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

There are so many characters to keep straight. Lots of storylines and drama going on and the timeline jumps back and forth in time. I did enjoy this one. I love a beach setting.

This series is more of a collection of standalone novels rather than a traditional series with a strict order. While they all share the same setting of Nantucket and some may include recurring characters or themes, each book focuses on a unique story and set of characters. This means you can enjoy them independently without needing to follow a specific sequence.

I've definitely enjoyed Elin Hilderbrand's Nantucket series. There are a lot of characters to keep up with and at times I had to stop and think "who is that person again?"! But it was a great conclusion with a little mystery and romance. I don't feel like like you need to read the other Nantucket books to enjoy this one, but if you've read those, you'll want to grab this one as well.

Erin Bennett is a wonderful narrator as always!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 11 June 2024

I love Elin's books! This one was entertaining and dare I say one of her best books? I feel like she gets better and better and its sad to think of this as her last book. As always, this is the perfect beach read!

Elin Hilderbrand takes us to Nantucket once again, and I'm sad that this is her last novel. Casey returns home from California and meets Coco on the ferry. Casey is the daughter of the soon to be retired chief of police, while Coco is arriving to Nantucket for the first time. Coco is going to be the personal assistant to the Richardson's, who have purchased a home on the island that has been deemed to be at risk of getting demolished by the tides, in 10 years.
Everyone on the island is curious about the Richardson's, so when Leslie Richardson plans one of many extravagant parties, they are thrilled.

Who is the couple that has moved to Nantucket and how do they fit in with the other residents? What is the story with Coco and Casey and their friendship? This novel has mystery, romance, and the usual beachy summer reads vibe. If you've always been a fan of Hilderbrand, I suggest you read this. While it isn't my favorite of her novels, it was worth the read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I'm a big fan of Elin Hilderbrand and although sad that this is her last book, I feel it was the perfect ending and the perfect story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

I will miss Elin Hilderbrand! This last summer book that takes place on Nantucket is about a wealthy couple that move to Nantucket and take the island my storm with their crazy parties and social mingling. Eventually the couple pushes the rest of the island away with their toxicity. There is a love story and a scandal and it kept me entertained.

This is a good book. The story takes place on Nantucket Island. A couple comes to the island and buys a house. They have money. They try to socialize with everyone. They have a party and one of their employees is missing and their house burned down. The chief of police is retiring and his replacement has been found. The employee goes missing right before he retires. They start interviewing everyone about the employee and the fire. Hey find the employee and find out who started the fire.

This book was a great farewell to Nantucket from Elin Hildebrand. Overall, Swan Song is a poignant reminder of the beauty in life’s fleeting moments, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. Hilderbrand has once again proven her knack for storytelling that resonates long after the last page is turned.

Like Elin Hilderbrand retiring her Nantucket stories, Ed Kapenash, the Chief of Police on Nantucket is retiring after 35 years. His wife and doctor tell him that his heart can no longer take the stress. Unfortunately, things happen to give him one last case to solve. A 22-million-dollar summer home, recently purchased by the flashy new couple in town, the Richardsons, has burned to the ground. The Richardsons are not home, as they are throwing a party on their yacht. At the same time, their personal assistant and a friend of Ed's daughter, has disappeared. Was she killed and pushed off the yacht, or did she set the fire and disappear? are far from hurt—in fact, they're out on the water, throwing a lavish party on their yacht—but when news of the fire reaches them, they discover that their personal assistant has vanished.

The Richardsons, especially Mrs. Richardson were climbers and all flash with no substance. I didn't like her one bit. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from her other Nantucket books all come full circle. The island is so well described with the places, restaurants etc. all real. The story is told in two timelines. The first is when the Richardsons arrive and shake things up in Nantucket with their themed parties and curated guest list. The second is the investigation. The mystery that runs throughout the book was interesting. Where is Coco and what happened to her. Was the fire intentional and if so, who set it? We get to see all those rich, flamboyant people who spend their time trying to be noticed, gossiping and partying. This was a great book to end the Nantucket stories. I am looking forward to her next book that she is writing with her daughter.

A fun romance-mystery story that takes a while to build up. However, the conclusion feels all too sudden as though a few final boxes needed to be checked.

Loved getting to read one of Hilderbrand’s last titles! A classic summer beach read & a fun mystery. Always love the Nantucket vibes & the cameos of characters from the last books! Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this one!

Another fun read in the Nantucket series. Not my favorite, but still entertaining. I’m hoping someone makes a movie or show of these books because I will definitely watch it.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced digital copy to read.

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand is the perfect summer read with great character development and plot points. Loved it! Autobuy author for me. Love all of her books.

It's the end of an era: the final #ElinHilderbrand Nantucket novel is here. #SwanSong revisits character from The Castaways and The Rumor, as well as a few other Easter eggs. It's the story of Chief Kapenash retiring and a very wealthy couple new to the island, The Richardsons. It spans a summer on Nantucket. I read it in a day, and I enjoyed the time I spent with it. As a culmination of her Nantucket books, it was satisfying. As a standalone novel, it's not as good as her best ones. I wanted more resolution for the characters introduced in this book. Thankfully, I still have several Nantucket novels to read. #SwanSong #BookOfTheMonth #ReadingThoughts

5 STARS

There is no way to possible rate one of your favorite authors on their last books! I have loved each and every one of Hildebrand's books, this one included. I'm not happy it is over, but am happy to have been able to read so many wonderful books by her. Thank you for the ultimate summer reads!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Nantucket Mystery at Retirement

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand is a captivating tale set on the picturesque island of Nantucket. The plot centers around the impending retirement of Chief of Police Ed Kapenash. Just before his retirement, a house burns down under mysterious circumstances during an end-of-summer party on the Richardsons' yacht, and Coco, a friend of Ed's daughter, goes missing. The novel unravels the mystery behind the fire and Coco's disappearance, offering readers a blend of suspense and drama.

Swan Song stands out for its well-crafted narrative and the seamless integration of its themes. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making the reader invested in their journeys. Hilderbrand’s descriptive prowess brings Nantucket to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the island’s charm and drama. The novel's strengths lie in its engaging plot, emotional resonance, and the satisfying closure it provides. However, some readers might find the multiple-character perspectives slightly overwhelming.

Overall, Swan Song is a compelling read that beautifully captures the essence of Nantucket and the complexities of human relationships. It is a worthy conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand's illustrious career, leaving a lasting impression on her readers.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been reading about Elin Hilderbrand's Nantucket for what feels like decades now. This finale did not disappoint. It was a nice surprise to have cameos of past characters, they felt like old friends as do all the places on Nantucket that have appeared in the books over the years.

She is the queen of summer beach reads and fun drama. I loved seeing the chief back in this one. The mystery was interesting to me and the summer Nantucket vibes were spot on. Fans are going to love it.