The Storm by Rachel Hawkins Publishes 1/6/26

 

4.5 Stars- This was a really good thriller.  There were many different twists and intriguing back stories to keep me interested throughout the entire novel.  

Set in a coastal town in Alabama, Geneva is running her family's inn all by herself.  Her mom has early onset Alzheimer's and Geneva did not want to give up her family's legacy so she is trying her hardest to keep the inn afloat.  She is thrilled when she learns that a writer is booking the inn for an extended period of time to write about a supposed murder that happened in 1984 during a devastating hurricane.  Lo Bailey was 19 and accused of murdering Landon Fitzroy, a married man but also the golden boy of a local politician.  Landon died in that hurricane and Lo was tried for murder but the jury was hung so she went free.  August, the writer, wants to know her side of the story so Lo also comes to stay at the inn.  It turns out that Geneva has a connection to this story and what unfolds is a thrilling thriller!

I really enjoyed this story.  Geneva was a relatable character and I really felt for her throughout the book.  I also enjoyed the flashbacks to the past told from several different character's perspectives.  Each one revolved around different storms or hurricanes that happened in the past. They added  extra mystery to the story and got me thinking of what really happened to Landon Fitzroy.  I definitely recommend this book!