THE STORM (2026) - Review

THE STORM
by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars 
On sale: January 6, 2026

For many years, a condo on the Alabama Gulf Coast was the family choice for  February, so when I read a review for Rachel Hawkins The Storm, it went right to the top of my book list.

The town's name is changed to St. Medard’s Bay, and it's famous for three things: deadly hurricanes, an Inn that’s survived every storm, and a local girl accused of the murder of her lover, a member of a political family, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

FIRST SENTENCE: "It's worse when they come at night."

THE STORY: Rosalie Inn, currently managed by Geneva Corliss, has survived every hurricane, but is struggling financially. A writer appears at the Inn, planning to stay and find the answer to the murder of Landon Fitzroy. But the writer isn't alone, bringing with him the woman who was accused but never convicted. Is she guilty or innocent?

Geneva keeps a close eye on another monster storm making its way towards St. Medard’s Bay while trying to second guess the secrets of her friends and family both alive and gone.

WHAT I THOUGHT: Often referred to as Gothic suspense, I was totally involved in The Storm and the author's use of media, including letters and transcripts. Opening slowly the reader is drawn to the emotionally rich characters and like the storm approaching, eventually surrounded.

BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

DISCLAIMER: A copy of The Storm was provided to me by St. Martin's Press / NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.