Bestselling thriller author Rachel Hawkin’s new novel The Storm is a twisty, beachy Gothic thriller set in a small Gulf Coast town during a massive hurricane.

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The Storm takes place in a small town on the Gulf Coast where hurricanes are part of life and local lore. In 1984, teenager Lo Bailey was accused of killing her lover during a hurricane. She was not convicted, but the suspicion never left her. Now she has returned to small town St. Medard’s Bay with August Fletcher, a writer eager to tell her story. The two bunk down at the Rosalie Inn, a longstanding, seemingly indestructible beachfront hotel, just as a monster storm approaches. As the wind rises, so do the tensions between Lo, August, and the inn’s owner Geneva.

The atmosphere is where the book really shines. Hawkins makes the storm vivid and menacing, from the howl of the wind to the pressure against the walls and windows. The hurricane scenes had me pausing to take in the eerie details of the setting.

What didn’t work as well for me was the suspense. The premise sounds like the book will deliver a taut mystery, but I didn’t feel much danger for the characters or intrigue around the reveal.

For me, The Storm was a decent read: memorable for its setting and imagery, lighter on thrills. It’s a good fit for readers who enjoy thrillers with strong atmosphere. I also have to give kudos to the artist who designed this gorgeous and compelling cover!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.