R.N. Swann’s debut young adult thriller, In Case I Go Missing, opens with the disappearance of 17-year-old Sarah, forcing her best friend Fenny Allen to step out of the role of sidekick and begin her own search. The novel follows Fenny as she investigates Sarah’s disappearance in a small town shaped by family legacies, old secrets, and long-standing rivalries. The story builds a sense of place by showing how local surnames and historic families continue to influence the town’s social order, making the setting feel like an active part of the mystery.
As Fenny digs deeper, she learns that Sarah had uncovered a hidden truth before she vanished. That revelation pulls her into a wider web of clues involving both the town’s past and a more recent unresolved mystery. The narrative gradually connects these separate threads, increasing the tension as the scale of the case becomes clearer. Midway through the book, the story takes a sharp turn that redefines the mystery and highlights how much has been concealed from the beginning.
The novel is described as fast-paced, with the investigation beginning almost immediately rather than taking many chapters to develop. This early momentum helps keep the reader engaged and gives the book a strong hook from the start. The atmosphere and structure make it especially appealing to fans of YA thrillers such as A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson and One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, both of which combine school-age drama with layered suspense and gradually revealed secrets.
The review also praises the ending for delivering a twist that is effective even if it can be anticipated by experienced mystery readers. While the surprise may be partially predictable for those familiar with the genre, it is still presented as satisfying and not overly obvious. The book’s strongest points include its quick start, interlocking mysteries, and the way it uses family history to deepen the suspense.
A minor criticism is the desire for additional perspective from Fenny’s friend Sam, especially because a related subplot involving his brother Brian appears significant. Even so, the novel is still seen as a compelling and entertaining read. In Case I Go Missing is now available in both print and digital formats.
