Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

This book was checked out from the library for personal reading time.

Swan Song

Summary: In the grand finale of “queen of the beach read” Elin Hilderbrand’s beloved Nantucket novels, there’s a new couple in town… and they instantly shake things up. Amid the extravagant parties on land and sea, there’s trouble on the island, forcing Chief of Police Ed Kapanesh to postpone his retirement and changing the fabric of life on the picturesque island forever…

After thirty-five years serving as the Chief of Police on the island of Nantucket, Ed Kapenash’s heart can no longer take the stress. But his plans to retire are thwarted when, with only three days left to serve, he receives a phone call. 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 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 Chief is well-acquainted with the Richardsons, and his daughter is best friends with the now-missing girl, leaving him no choice but to postpone his retirement and take on the double case.

On a small island like Nantucket, the Richardsons shook things up from the second they stepped on to the scene, throwing luxurious parties and doing whatever they could to gain admittance to the coveted lunches at the Field & Oar Club (with increasing desperation). They instantly captured the attention of local real estate agent Fast Eddie, and the town gossip Blond Sharon, both dealing with their own personal dramas. Blond Sharon is going through a divorce, and in order to avoid becoming a cliché, she’s enrolled in a creative writing class, putting her natural affinity for scandal towards a more noble purpose. To solve the case of the fire and track down his daughter’s best friend, the Chief will have to string together the pieces of the lives of all of these characters and more, rallying his strength for his final act of service to the tight-knit community he knows and loves.

The last of Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling Nantucket novels, Swan Song is a propulsive medley of glittering gatherings, sun-soaked drama, wisdom and heart, featuring the return of some of her most beloved characters, including, most importantly, the beautiful and timeless island of Nantucket itself.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I wouldn’t describe myself as a super-fan of Elin Hilderbrand’s ( I’ve enjoyed a handful of her books, but I don’t always read them as soon as they are released), but I did feel a tiny pang of sadness when she announced Swan Song would be her last book.

I requested from library and got myself on a 3 month wait list for Swan Song. I don’t think it took 3 whole months, but it was a good bit of a wait.

Some characters I remembered from previous books, but one thing I like (and sometimes dislike) about Elin’s stories is the big cast of characters.

Even though I didn’t like the Richardsons, man they made for good reading. Splashy, over the top, and ready to do anything to get what they wanted- pure soapy fun!

What I liked:

This cover is simple, yet it caught my eye and attention.

The Coco/Kacy friendship. I think both girls helped each other in unintentional ways!

All the secrets!

What I didn’t love:

I was really enjoying the book up till the end. The ending is ambiguous and I’m always torn about ambiguous endings (looking at you The Other Typist, The Ending of The Other Typist)

The ending of Swan Song is ambiguous. It probably will lead to great discussions in book clubs, but I was wanting a bit more concrete ending.

Bottom line: Was Swan Song the best “swan song” for Elin? It def had it’s high moments and I think was fairly a fitting end for the Queen of Nantucket’s writing reign.

*This book was checked out from the library by Traveling With T. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*