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Swan Song

By: Elin Hilderbrand
Narrated by: Erin Bennett, Elin Hilderbrand
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Publisher's summary

The beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author brings her Nantucket novels to a brilliant finish: when rich strangers move to the island, social mayhem and a possible murder follow. Can Nantucket’s best locals save the day, and their way of life? Includes special audio content!

Chief of Police Ed Kapenash is about to retire. Blond Sharon is going through a divorce. But when a 22-million-dollar summer home is purchased by the mysterious Richardsons—how did they make their money, exactly?—Ed, Sharon, and everyone in the community are swept up in high drama. The Richardsons throw lavish parties, flirt with multiple locals, flaunt their wealth with not one but two yachts, and raise impossible hopes of everyone they meet. When their house burns to the ground and their most essential employee goes missing, the entire island is up in arms.

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.

The audiobook edition features an interview between Elin and her longtime narrator Erin Bennett.

©2024 Elin Hilderbrand (P)2024 Little, Brown & Company
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Interview: Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket "Swan Song" achieves perfect pitch

''...in fiction everything is crafted to move the narrative, and real people just don't fit.'
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  • Swan Song
  • ''...in fiction everything is crafted to move the narrative, and real people just don't fit.'

Editorial Review

A fantastic finish
I have a confession: Swan Song is the first Elin Hilderbrand novel I’ve ever listened to—it certainly won’t be my last—but it is the author’s last book ("for now" she says in her author’s note). I thoroughly enjoyed this glittery, gossipy, and glamorous story with its delightful setting and intriguing cast of characters. The premise for Swan Song couldn’t be more fitting for Hilderbrand’s final novel. Nantucket’s police chief is just days away from sailing off into retirement when, on the same night, one of the island’s most luxurious homes burns down under suspicious circumstances and a young woman goes missing. The investigation moves forward in parallel with riveting stories of family, friendship, and love among the island’s swanky residents, and you won’t want to hit pause until the end of the final chapter (performed by the author herself). As Hilderbrand’s long-time narrator, Erin Bennett knows just how to transport you straight to the heart of Nantucket to bring these characters and storylines to life. I’m pretty sure this won’t be the last we hear from the "Queen of beach reads," but in the meantime, I’ll be happily digging into her backlist of summertime staples. — Margaret H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Swan Song

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The best

😭😭😭😭
Dear Elin Hilderbrand,

Why do you have to stop writing books set on Nantucket? After writing such a compelling story, filled with so many Easter eggs I have to re-read to figure out who came from which book. From the Kapernacks to Blonde Sharon to Fast Eddie to one of the Quinns to St. John’s, I was so happy to see the many cameos from characters I’ve met in previous books.

THE SWAN SONG is perfection. Maybe my favorite of yours. Thank you.

Sadly, my fantasy of visiting Nantucket and experiencing a day in the life of one of your characters will need to stay in my dreams. I fear even dressed in my finest thrift store Lilly Pulitzer, I’d stick out like a dirty pair of Keds in a Prada Shop.

As much as I loved SWAN SONG, I was in tears throughout the audiobook because I don’t have a new book coming next June. Of course I’ll order THE ACADEMY, your fall release with your daughter Shelby Cunningham. I’m greedy, I want both.

Thank you for the years of June joy and the years of Paradise and the Quinns too. You deserve a break and to write what you wish.

Sincerely,

Pink Amy Feld

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great story but the author shouldn’t narrate

Great story and character development, and Erin Bennet’s narration was fantastic. But the author’s narration of the last chapter hurt my ears. Her voice is so nasal that it was painful to listen to. Spoiled the experience for me.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Last chapter?

Story was fine. The lady chapter was ruined by the change in narrator. Very disappointing.

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2 people found this helpful

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The assurance of the native Nantucket families that stand beside one another year after year.

Another amazing story by Hilderbrand that writes so well you can see Nantucket! For the island of Nantucket is truly a special place for those coastal lovers like me.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another Great Summer Read

Another great summer read and provides quality entertainment. The “Hotel Nantucket” was my first Elin Hilderbrand book, experienced as an Audio book, and remains my favorite. Also, thank you for providing all of your books in digital audio format. Your Audio books have been my companion for my 4 AM walks from the beginning of the COVID “work from home” thru to today. I am looking forward to your next series. Experienced as an Audio book

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Characters

This just felt so real to me and how people use money to manipulate others.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great narration except last chapter

It's a good thing Elin writes so well, but she shouldn't do narrating.
I loved listening to this, until the last chapter. Elin's voice is too sharp and grating to my ears, especially after the beautiful voice of Erin.
Also, Elin didn't do any different voices, no pauses, like normal conversation, it all just ran together.
The last chapter wasn't that well written in my opinion, and then the narration change, kind of spoiled the entire book for me.
I gave 5 stars overall, but only 4 for performance and story.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Hated the ending

I enjoyed the book except for the ending. Her characters are well-developed but often self-centered and unkind.

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Not a novel gal, but a refreshing, thought provoking, easy fix from historical fiction, Thank you!

I got it, being a foodie, a preppy and clubby. The chat at the end, especially about audible with the writer and actress. The answer to why the popularity of audiobooks? I’ll tell you! Yes comprehension is definitely better if you read it, but I fall asleep and don’t have time to read on my butt.
AirPods have changed the game, was a kindle gal between paperbacks and audio, now I can pull weeds, clean the kitchen, hold and stroll a grand baby, without being bored out of my begesis! I’m not as old as radio shows, but feel like I understand that entertainment now. Luckily it’s mobile and follows me wherever! Spending a ridiculous amount on books now! I should cancel some tv subscriptions because that’s a sit on my …. Activity! Also I do love this narrator, many I return because a sad snoozer, love Kate Quinn’s narrator, but confused or distracted when she narrates other fabulous authors. I also love the narrator of the Country Club Murder Series by Julie Mulhern! The mostly only light reading I enjoy. Anyway, thank you both for entertaining me and taking me away from my tasks! Or at least reminding me that I have vintage Lily Pulitzer in my attic if needed!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Nantucket excitement at it’s best

Terrific character development, both new and old, throughout the books. I will miss my Nantucket fix

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