This is a pretty good book. I felt that it started slow but built suspense well. The last half was full of suspense for sure and this book kept me guessing throughout!

This was a difficult read for me.

It felt very slow. That, mixed with the constant complaining, I just didn't connect with the character which made it difficult for me to want to continue reading.

This was a bit of a complicated book. It had many different focuses which made for a bit of a confusing story. There was race issues, grimy husbands, divorce, and possible bullying on top of the fact that this was a thriller set during a hurricane so include murder in that list. I felt like there was just too much packed into one story and that the crime and was a bit anticlimactic.

I think there were too many tropes - family drama, locked-room, and natural disaster. The dialogue was rough, I didn’t connect with the characters, and the twists felt a little too predictable. It had potential, but missed the mark for me

This was a tough one for me. I LOVED the premise. Locked-room mysteries are some of my favorites, and the setting of a devastating hurricane was so promising. The execution fell a bit flat for me though. It was more effective for me as a family dynamic exploration than a thriller or mystery, with the "thriller" aspect and tension feeling a bit manufactured and "told not shown" for the first about 75% of the book.

An interesting twist on the locked door mystery, I found the main character to be a little draining at times and mostly just frustrating. The twist was a surprise but not an earned one for the most part.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Night of the Storm in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Lots of drama, not really super pertinent to the story. However, I did like that the author brought in elements of Indian culture to the story.

In The Night of the Storm, Nishita Parekh sets a locked-room mystery in Hurricane Harvey. Single mom Jia Shah is stressed and stretched thin dealing with her son’s school suspension and a messy divorce. Feeling unsafe from the impending storm, she heads to her sister Seema’s house in Houston to ride it out. Seema is much more financially successful than her struggling sister and never lets her forget it.

The house is packed—Seema, her husband, their extended family, and a neighbor are all sheltering together. The family drama and strengthening hurricane combine to ratchet up the tension, and when someone ends up dead, Jia seems to be the only one who wonders whether it was actually an accident.

Overall, it’s a solid debut with an interesting premise. If you enjoy family-driven mysteries, this one’s worth checking out.
I received this Advanced Reader Copy of The Night of the Storm from Dutton Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

"The Night of the Storm" by Nishita Parekh is an engaging novel that skillfully blends suspense, drama, and personal growth. Set during a night filled with both literal and metaphorical storms, Parekh weaves a narrative that is both captivating and intellectually stimulating.

The story centers around a diverse group of characters whose lives intersect during a fierce storm, compelling them to face their deepest fears and secrets. Parekh's writing vividly captures the storm's intensity and the emotional turmoil experienced by each character. The detailed descriptions of the weather not only create a sense of urgency but also symbolize the internal conflicts faced by the protagonists.

Character development is a standout feature of the novel. Parekh thoroughly explores the backgrounds and motivations of each character, making them relatable and complex. As the storm progresses, readers observe how each character deals with their challenges, leading to moments of growth and self-discovery. The interaction between their struggles and the external chaos of the storm creates a rich tapestry of human experience.

The pacing of "The Night of the Storm" is expertly managed, balancing tension and introspection. Parekh builds suspense as the storm intensifies, intertwining the characters' stories in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested in their outcomes. The plot twists and emotional revelations are well-timed, adding depth to the story and ensuring that readers remain captivated.

Themes of resilience, hope, and the power of connection are woven throughout the narrative. As the characters navigate the storm—both literal and figurative—they learn the importance of supporting one another and finding strength in vulnerability. Parekh’s exploration of these themes resonates deeply, encouraging readers to reflect on their relationships and the challenges they face in life.

"The Night of the Storm" is a beautifully written and emotionally impactful novel that highlights Nishita Parekh’s storytelling talent. With its rich character development, compelling plot, and vivid setting, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that delves into the complexities of the human experience. Parekh has crafted a powerful narrative that leaves a lasting impression, reminding readers of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of forming connections amidst life's storms.

When Jia, single mom, finds herself in need of a safe place due to a hurricane evacuation, she heads to her sister's house. You would think it would be heaven in the upper class neighborhood and big, fancy house with family around. However, the mystery starts when someone ends up dead and everyone is a suspect.
This book really relies on the mystery and suspense to keep you captivated while delving into more serious, complicated family dynamics. While I am interested in both kinds of plots, I felt that the combination really pulled me away from each at different times. I feel that separated, I would have consumed both wholeheartedly. Overall, I kept an interest and felt like to author really pulled things together.

The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh is a solid, atmospheric thriller that gets the job done, even if it doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel. The story revolves around a stormy night that unleashes more than just bad weather—it unleashes secrets, lies, and a whole lot of tension. And while the plot is engaging and the setting is beautifully atmospheric, there were moments when I felt like the storm itself had more energy than some of the characters.

Parekh does a great job at building suspense. The pacing keeps you on your toes, and the stormy backdrop adds an extra layer of claustrophobia to the unfolding drama. You can practically hear the wind howling and the rain beating against the windows as the tension rises. The characters themselves are a bit of a mixed bag—some are wonderfully complex and full of depth, while others feel like they’re caught in the storm but never really get to leave their own personal weather system.

The mystery itself is solid, though not as jaw-dropping as I hoped. The twists were enjoyable, but at times, the reveal felt a tad predictable, like the rainstorm before a thunderclap—you're waiting for it to arrive, but when it does, it’s not quite as shocking as expected. Still, it’s a fun, atmospheric ride, and the overall experience is satisfying if not earth-shattering.

At the end of the day, The Night of the Storm is a strong, entertaining read with just enough intrigue to keep you hooked, though it might not blow you away. 3.5 stars—like a thunderstorm that’s good but not quite the storm of the century.

I must say this book wasn’t bad. I enjoyed how it was witted and it kept me engaged. I have this a 3 star rating.

Thank you for the ARC that was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was really excited to read this debut novel but overall I was a little disappointed. There seemed to be a lot of drama but it felt whiney and did not add much to the overall story. I was really looking for that book with the "trapped in a house during a storm with a killer" vibe and in turn it was pretty predictable and underwhelming. Ms. Parekh did give wonderful descriptions of Indian cuisine and culture, so that I appreciated.

Although I am not familiar with the cultural background of the characters, I found myself understanding and interested in how and why the choices they made.
The characters were well rounded and believable.
I wasn't able to predict the ending and was quite surprised!
A unique setting with empathetic characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. While it’s not the kind of fast-paced thriller that will leave your heart racing, it still manages to keep you fully engaged from start to finish. The story is rich with family drama set in a "locked room" scenario, which adds an intriguing layer to the plot. I particularly appreciated how the author incorporated different cultural elements, making the narrative all the more compelling and thought-provoking. The ending had some unexpected twists, delivering a satisfying conclusion. I also love when a book includes a “six months later” epilogue, and this one went above and beyond by adding a “before the storm” chapter at the end. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thoughtfully crafted, character-driven thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader’s copy.

Having personally lived through Hurricane Harvey, this locked-room mystery hit all the right notes. I read it in one straight shot, as I needed to know the who-dun-it.

This was just meh for me. As a big mood reader I think I forced myself to read this when I wasn’t in the right headspace. I think it had great potential. I want to read it again in the future when I am in the mood for a thriller.

I was so looking forward to this. It had an intriguing premise and a suspenseful atmosphere. The writing is vivid but the pacing feels uneven, and some character motivations are underdeveloped. Overall, it's fine, though it could have been stronger.

The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh is a gripping and atmospheric locked-room thriller that blends family drama with a suspenseful mystery, all set against the backdrop of the devastating Hurricane Harvey. The novel follows Jia Shah, a single mother, as she seeks refuge in her sister Seema’s house in Sugarland, Texas, with her son, Ishaan, while the storm rages outside. What begins as a tense but typical family gathering quickly spirals into a nightmarish situation when two dead bodies are discovered, and Jia finds herself trapped in the house with a murderer.

Parekh’s debut novel skillfully weaves together the chaos of a natural disaster with the intricacies of family dynamics. The family’s layered tensions—complicated by Jia’s divorce, her strained relationship with her sister’s husband, and the presence of a critical matriarch—create a tense atmosphere long before the storm escalates into a murder mystery. As floodwaters rise outside and escape becomes impossible, Jia must navigate her own fears while trying to protect her son, identify the killer, and clear her name before she becomes the next victim.

The multi-generational family and their personal struggles are central to the story, providing a rich emotional depth to the suspense. Jia’s character, a loving but frazzled mother, is relatable and her determination to protect her son amid the danger is both heart-wrenching and heroic. The pacing is tight, with Parekh skillfully balancing the suspense of the locked-room mystery with the emotional tension within the family.

Overall, The Night of the Storm is a standout debut that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and locked-room mysteries. Parekh offers a fresh perspective on the genre, blending family drama, suspense, and a bit of Indian-American cultural insight to create a compelling, page-turning narrative. The twisty plot and tense atmosphere make it an addictive read that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh had the potential to be a captivating locked-room mystery, but unfortunately, it fell a bit short for me. The premise—a multigenerational Indian American family trapped in a house during Hurricane Harvey with a potential murderer—had all the makings of an intense thriller. However, the execution felt uneven. I found myself distracted by small details that seemed to be overlooked, like characters picking up and putting down phones or reappearing in rooms without clear transitions. These inconsistencies took away from the flow and left me frustrated, especially in a murder mystery where attention to detail is crucial.

That said, the story kept me turning pages, and I appreciated the exploration of family dynamics, though I struggled to connect with some of the cultural aspects. What started with promise and action fizzled out, and I had to push myself to finish it. While it wasn’t the gripping thriller I expected, I’m hopeful that with more editorial precision, Parekh’s next novel will better deliver on the potential I saw here.