Book Review: The Storm by Amanda Jennings

 Doesn't every marriage have a dark side?

Guys, I've got that feeling again. You know, that feeling when you stumble upon a book you just know you'll be recommending to anyone who will listen for months to come. 

Back in October, I watched the lovely Amanda Jennings on the Killer Women panel (Is Crime Fiction a Problem for Feminists?) at Capital Crime, and then she popped up again during episode 16 of Virtual Noir at the Bar, reading from her latest novel, The Storm. Suffice to say, I was hooked and immediately bought the book, and it rocketed straight to the top of my ever-growing TBR pile. 

The Storm is a twisty psychological thriller set in a Cornish fishing port, following the story of Hannah and Nathan Cardew, and their picture-perfect marriage... or so it seems. But Hannah is a prisoner in her own home. A home (it appears) she can leave any time she wants, a toxic, coercive relationship that surely she could wriggle her way out of. Nathan choose her clothes, controls her finances and manipulates her with his words... but he doesn't lock her up. She's unhappy, so why does she stay? 

As the past threatens to catch up with her, the dark secrets of Hannah's past soon begin to unravel. What happened that night, and why didn't she stay with Cam, the love of her life? There's more than one storm brewing in this compelling story... just you wait until the thunder cracks. 

Amanda's gripping style of writing draws you in like a fishing reel, only to fling you back into the storm with a big reveal that'll leave your mind whirling. It's dark and clever, with a sense of foreboding that'll delight any fan of atmospheric fiction with sinister undertones. 

This powerful, emotive and stunningly-written story is out now in paperback and ebook.

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey