You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti

 Laurel’s family was never simple—but her half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant, unpredictable psychopath, just made it lethal. Accused of murdering their father, a man she always called a monster, Abigail claims self-defense. As the trial unfolds and long-buried family secrets explode into headlines across Washington State, Laurel’s hard-won privacy is shattered. And the nightmare is just beginning.

Even as Abigail’s trial consumes public attention, new dangers close in as the murder of a prominent scientist and the illegal poaching of a rare Pacific plant point to something insidious. Laurel turns to Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, her partner in work and life, for help. But the deeper they dig, the more the case seems to echo the chaos unraveling Laurel’s world.

With danger tightening around her, Laurel faces an impossible choice: trust Abigail in one crucial, treacherous alliance, or risk losing everything. Her career, her relationships, even her life hang in the balance. The clock is ticking—and if the threat breaks loose, nothing will be fast enough to stop it. 

You Can Scream by Rebecca Zanetti is a gripping romantic suspense novel that blends danger, desire, and psychological tension in a way Zanetti’s fans have come to expect. From the opening chapters, the story pulls readers into a high-stakes investigation filled with secrets, escalating threats, and emotionally scarred characters who must rely on one another to survive. Zanetti excels at creating an atmosphere of constant unease, layering suspense with sharp dialogue and intense action scenes that keep the pages turning.

The romance is woven seamlessly into the plot, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the central mystery. The protagonists are compelling and complex, each carrying past trauma that influences their decisions and relationships. Zanetti’s trademark pacing works well through most of the novel, steadily raising the tension as clues are uncovered and the danger intensifies.

However, while the buildup is strong, the ending of You Can Scream feels rushed compared to the carefully developed earlier chapters. Key resolutions arrive quickly, leaving some emotional and plot threads less explored than they deserve. Even so, the novel remains an engaging read. Fans of Rebecca Zanetti, romantic suspense, and fast-paced thrillers will find plenty to enjoy despite the abrupt conclusion.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.