Jia and her 12-year-old son Ishaan have recently moved closer to her sister,Seema.Jia is divorced, and struggling with her son, who misses his father, and trying to make a life for the two of them. With Hurricane Harvey about to hit, they leave their apartment and go to stay with her sister’s family. Now they’re in a big house which Vipul (Seema’s husband) is confident will withstand the storm. But Jia has reason to avoid Vipul and being in his house, makes her extremely uncomfortable.
As the storm gets progressively worse, coming here may have been a huge mistake. Soon someone is dead, the neighborhood deserted, and Jia has to figure out how to keep her son safe from the storm and a killer.
The pacing of this story was a bit slower than I liked. I really wanted to get caught up in the drama of the storm, as well as figuring out the identity of the killer. Even when I got closer to the end, I just never had that wonderful feeling of wanting to read just one more chapter. Perhaps it was just a case of the wrong book at the wrong time, but even the ending just didn’t make up for it. Still, I’d read the author’s next book since I was drawn in at the beginning and it wasn’t poorly written. The pacing just was off for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the advanced reading copy of this book. The below review is my honest opinion and contains no spoilers.
The Night Storm to me it started a bit slow, however around page 40 it started picking up the pace and got me hooked trying to figure out whodunit. This was the first novel I read where people were trapped due to weather and I enjoyed how the weather affected the characters in the book. The author was able to show complex family dynamics and how those can stand out in a locked room scenario. I give this book a 3.5, rounding it up to 4 stars on here as I feel as it deserves more than just 3 stars.

The Night Of The Storm
Nishita Parekh
Genre:Thriller/Suspense
Pace: Medium
Releasing: January 2024

Debut author Nishita Parekh, gives us a fresh take on the classic locked-room thriller, about a multigenerational Indian American family marooned in a house with a murderer during Hurricane Harvey

For reeeaaall, I cannot even put into words how much this plot impacted my thought process as a mother

There were so many moments I related to the mother son relationship. Y'all I highlighted so many of these pages, no lie

Yes this was an isolated thriller which I absolutely love regardless but the character building and atmospheric descriptions just pulled me in and didn't let me go until the very last page

The Indian heritage references were so refreshing to read about as I don't see that very often. I learned ALOT

Although there were moments that kind of lagged and felt disconnected a little bit and pulled me away from the main plot a bit, I still COULD NOT stop reading. I NEEDED answers.

And dang that ending just got me so good

A Perfect summertime read for those that like locked-room thrillers with some familial drama in the spotlight

Thank you to @netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange my honost thoughts and opinions 🖤

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for providing me with the opportunity to read this book. The Night of the Storm marks Nishita Parekh's debut novel, a gripping thriller that takes place amidst the chaos of Hurricane Harvey. Through its exploration of family dynamics, this novel delivers an unexpected twist that will leave readers captivated.

I love that I was able to have the chance to read a debut novel. I was allured to this book, sparked by the captivating cover and its intriguing storyline. As an avid thriller reader, I was eager to dive in. The cover itself evoked a sense of mystery, set against the backdrop of a stormy night in a grand mansion. Who wouldn't be excited by that? I had just finished a locked room concept and this one promised a thrilling tale with everyone as a potential suspect, amplifying the anticipation of uncovering the truth.

This story had numerous positive aspects that resonated with me as a reader. One of the highlights was the exploration of different cultures through fiction, which I find immensely enjoyable. It was fascinating to delve into the intricacies of Indian family dynamics (as this is all new to me) and the expectations placed upon Indian-Americans or Indian immigrants living in America. This played a significant role in the narrative, providing valuable insights for me as the reader..

Additionally, I must commend Parekh on her exceptional use of imagery throughout the novel. The vivid depictions of the surroundings and the characters themselves were truly remarkable. It felt as though I was transported into the story, allowing me to immerse myself fully and become emotionally invested in the characters' journeys. This I think is sometimes hard for authors to do and I loved every aspect of it in her writing.

While there were certainly positives to be found in this story, there were also a few aspects that I personally found challenging. Initially, I struggled to fully engage with the novel, which is not typically the case when I read thrillers and having just read a locked room thriller I was not expecting it be as hard to get into. The way the events were presented in a predetermined way to the reader, felt like it took a while to progress and develop smoothly from one stage to the next. I would of loved to have seen this book's series of events not be arranged in any particular order thus allowing readers to choose the path in which the narrative follows.

I think one of the issues was the author exploring the intricacies of certain relationships throughout the story, rather than briefly mentioning them at the beginning and concluding them at the end, the narrative could have been enriched.

In conclusion, the book ended up being just okay for me. It failed to immediately captivate my attention at the start, and I found the pacing to be rather slow. I was missing that gripping factor that keeps one eagerly turning pages, whether physical or virtual, anticipating what will happen next. It was only during the final twenty percent of the book that the excitement truly kicked in, leaving me wishing for a more engaging experience throughout. Even with that said it is a promising start and I am particularly impressed that this is the author's debut novel. Excited for more to come from Nishita Parekh!

Thank you to the publisher, and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was extremely excited about this book, but was left a little down. First I do want to highlight some good points. First, the cover is amazing! It really sets the mood, and it does scream creepy, unsettling, and thrilling. Good job.

The book is good, but it's not amazing. I loved the setting. A house in the middle of a hurricane. That's great. I was sadly just a little let down. I didn't really like any of the characters, but maybe I really wasn't supposed to like anyone? The family is really dysfunctional, which does set the mood. I know I wouldn't want to be trapped in a house with just my family for company. I do like how the story unfolded as the night went on,and the storms got stronger. The mix between affairs, and drama was not as exciting in this as I've read in other thrillers.

I will also say this. I'm not going to give up on Nishita Parekh. I think she has lots of potential, and just because this wasn't an amazing hit for me. It may be for someone else. Like I said,even though I didn't love it. I did like it. Thank you again for a chance to review this novel.

Thank you to Net Galley, penguin publishers, and the author, Nishita Parekh for an ARC of The Night of the Storm. I am generally a fan of locked room mysteries - the slow burn and the character development usually keeps me engaged over the course of the story. This one, however, did not do that for me. The story centers around Jia, a single mother who is desperately trying to keep her son from her ex-husband. As Hurricane Harvey is beating down on their Texas town, Jia accepts an invitation to stay at her sister's house until the storm is over. Jia soon discovers that she and her son are not the only "guests" at the house and during the course of the night, two murders occur and varies secrets of the guests are exposed. I very much wanted to like this story because the title and the cover of the book really drew me in when I requested the ARC. I unfortunately found myself wanting the story to end and just couldn't get into the story as it unfolded, the end was also a disappointment. What I did find interesting was the number of Indian traditions and meals that were described in the book and found that to be what I looked forward to the most. This is the author's debut novel and I found it was more of a fiction book about a family than a locked room mystery. All in all, it was an Ok read for me, I would definitely consider reading future books of this author based on the genre.

Thank you NetGalley and Dutton publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was great! I really enjoyed the writing style as well as the plot. Jia is a divorced woman who divorced her husband under mysterious circumstances. Because she is Indian, she is ostracized by many in bereaved life. But, her sister, Seema, has stood by her side and helped her navigate a new life in Houston after leaving Chicago behind. Her brother in law, Vipul, also helps her-until he begins to cross the line.

After waiting too long to evacuate, Jia and her 12 year old son seek shelter with Seema and her family in their McMansion. Because it’s atop a steep hill, she is reassured they will be safe. Vipul’s brother and sister in law join the family and that’s when things start going awry.

This was a gripping thriller. The hurricane really adds an intense layer of suspense to the story. If you enjoy locked room murder mysteries, you’ll enjoy this story.

I did guess part of the ending, but I didn’t see a few parts coming. This was a great debut from a new author and I’ll gladly read her next book as well!

Hurricane Harvey is coming towards Houston. A tight knit family decides to ride the storm out together. That is when people start dying and Jim is determined to get to the bottom of it and survive the storm. This was a quick read that keeps you guessing.

This is a gripping and suspenseful novel that not only explores the complexities of family relationships but also thrusts its characters into a life-or-death situation. As readers accompany Jia on her harrowing journey, they'll be on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the real culprit while rooting for her to clear her name. This thrilling tale of survival amidst the chaos of a natural disaster will keep readers guessing until the very end. The author has masterfully crafted a story that combines the elements of a gripping thriller with the emotional depth of family drama, making this a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction.

You won't regret picking this one up to read. I also loved the locked-room element of this book. There's nothing more claustrophobic than being stuck in the confines of a place you just want to escape.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

I went into this book blind but excited. I was expecting a "Who dun it" and was not disappointed. Jia our main character is going through it. A divorce, having to move, single motherhood, a storm, and overbearing family, now a murder. What else could go wrong for her?

There were times when I was just so enraged at Jia's family. I felt so angry for her. Their treatment felt like bullying. It made me question how we treat women vs men.

But on to the story, there is a murder and then another and a twist. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend. Thank you Nishita Parekh and Netgallery for letting me read it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

I was so excited about this book, and I just didn't think it worked the way I wanted it too. While I do enjoy family drama, this one just felt off to me. I wish I had enjoyed it more.

I was interested from the start, but I'm a little jaded by the locked room trope at this point, although I tried not to let it alter my thoughts on the book. It was enjoyable, but I wasn't staggered by it. It was a decent read, and I'm not mad at it. I like the idea of it set somewhere in the South during something I'm used to (major storms) so that was a better addition than the typical snowstorm in some of these.

A solid three stars. Thank you to Nishita Parekh, the publishers, and Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good closed-room mystery/thriller. Single mom Jia and her son Ishaan seek shelter at her sister's home in Houston as Hurricane Harvey rolls in. Her brother in law assures her and the rest of the family hunkering down in their fancy home that their home will be safe due to its elevation. As the storm escalates, tensions increase among the Indian-American family and soon enough, two people drop dead. Was it in intruder or was it someone already inside the house?

This is certainly a fast read, but I did feel like some parts dragged. I figured out the main twist pretty early on, but the final chapter was a sweet sweet surprise. I enjoyed this debut by Parekh and I'll certainly keep an eye out for more from the author.

Situated in a hurricane in an upscale neighborhood of Houston, this murder mystery had all the makings of a good story. Jia Shah and her son flee their apartment to her sister's large house during the storm. As the water rises, tempers in the house rise. Sadly, the story devolves into a soap opera and becomes almost painful to read. I found myself skimming at the end just to find out who dunnit. I should have put it down and moved onto something else.

"The Night of the Storm" by Nishita Parekh is a gripping locked-room thriller that combines the tension of a murder mystery with the backdrop of a hurricane. This debut novel offers a fresh and engaging take on the classic genre.

The story follows the Shah family, who find themselves marooned in a house during Hurricane Harvey. As the storm rages outside, the tensions within the family rise. Jia Shah, a single mother, is worried about her son Ishaan, who has been suspended from school. The family dynamics become even more complicated with the arrival of other relatives, including Seema, Jia's sister, and her husband Vipul.

The author skillfully builds the suspense as the family members bicker and argue, creating a tense atmosphere within the house. When a series of unfortunate events leads to murder, Jia finds herself at the center of a murder investigation, and the real killer could be anyone in the house.

One of the strengths of this novel is its well-developed characters. Each family member has their own quirks, flaws, and secrets, making them feel like real people with complex relationships. The dynamics between the characters add depth to the story and keep the reader guessing about their motivations.

The setting of a hurricane provides an intense backdrop for the unfolding drama. The isolation caused by the storm adds to the sense of claustrophobia and urgency, making it a perfect setting for a locked-room mystery.

Nishita Parekh's writing is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is well-executed, with twists and turns that keep you guessing about the identity of the murderer. The book also delves into themes of family, trust, and the consequences of secrets.

Overall, "The Night of the Storm" is a compelling and suspenseful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Nishita Parekh's debut novel is a promising start to her writing career, and fans of mystery and suspense will find much to enjoy in this book.

The cover of this book is what drew me in, and I was so excited. However this book took me way longer than I wanted to to finish. It was such a slow burn, but I didn’t see the twist coming. If you like slower mysteries then this is the book for you!

The Night of the Storm, written by Nishita Parekh, captivated me from the very beginning with the fury of a raging hurricane. With each turn of the page, tension mounts as a courageous single mother and her child are forced to seek refuge alongside a dangerous killer.

What a great debut novel!! It was a bit slow in parts for me but the twists were fantastic and I did not see the end coming. Looking forward for more from this author! Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!

An intense and fast-moving thriller that exposes the difficulties faced by immigrants trying to break free from the expectations of their cultures. Jia has left her husband in Chicago after he did something unforgiveable, and moved to Houston with her son to be nearer to her sister's wealthy and traditional Indian family. A nasty hurricane causes her and other family members to hole up in her sister's seemingly impenetrable house to wait out the storm. Tensions rise along with the flood waters when mysterious accidents start occurring and a menacing neighbor whose story doesn't quite add up ends up in the mix. Jia just wants to provide a safe and nurturing environment for her son, despite the scorn heaped on divorced women in her culture.

Women and men both suffer from cultural expectations in this novel that explores the frustrations and fears of immigrants without being melancholy or heavy-handed.