In Kat Richardson's Storm Waters, a thrilling noir mystery unfolds in the glamorous yet gritty backdrop of 1930s Hollywood. Marty Storm, a charming ex-bootlegger with a secret – a powerful connection to water magic – finds himself framed for murder. His seemingly idyllic life, built on a foundation of his family's shadowy shipping empire, crumbles as he's forced to confront vengeful spirits, a mysterious girl, and long-buried family secrets rooted in sorcery and murder. As corrupt cops close in, Marty must delve into his past, navigating the murky depths of his family's dark legacy in the Louisiana bayous. Will he unravel the truth and escape the deadly consequences, or will the storm of his past consume him?
Review Storm Waters
Oh my goodness, I just finished reading Storm Waters by Kat Richardson, and I'm still buzzing! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. It’s that kind of book that grabs you by the lapels and doesn't let go until the very end. The blend of 1930s Hollywood noir with a paranormal twist is just genius; it’s a dazzling atmosphere, like stepping onto a movie set where the shadows have a life of their own. The setting itself, that glamorous yet decaying era of Prohibition's aftermath and the Great Depression, is brilliantly evoked – you can almost smell the cigarette smoke and feel the weight of unspoken secrets hanging heavy in the air.
Marty Storm, our protagonist, is just fantastic. He's a complex character, a charming ex-bootlegger with a secret talent for water magic, and that complexity is what makes him so compelling. He’s not a flawless hero; he has flaws, and they are wonderfully well-developed, creating a character that feels both relatable and intensely intriguing. You find yourself rooting for him even as you question his choices. He's got this effortless charisma, but underneath it all, you see the weight of his family's dark history pressing down on him.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and they all contribute to the rich tapestry of the story. The mystery itself is cleverly woven, keeping you guessing right up until the very end. And that ending! It's satisfying, wrapping up the immediate storyline nicely, but leaves you craving more, with tantalizing hints for future adventures. I desperately need to know what happens next!
The magic system, based around water, is also fascinating. It's not overly explained, which I appreciated, leaving enough room for mystery and wonder. Instead of lengthy explanations, Richardson shows us the magic through Marty's actions and the consequences, which keeps the pace snappy and prevents the story from becoming bogged down in exposition.
There are moments of humor woven beautifully into the darkness, a delightful juxtaposition that makes the overall experience all the more enjoyable. The 1930s slang adds to the authenticity, and while the glossary might seem daunting at first, it's actually quite helpful and doesn't interrupt the flow of the narrative. I found myself grinning at the witty dialogue and the clever turns of phrase.
In short, Storm Waters is a fantastic read. It's thrilling, mysterious, and surprisingly heartwarming in parts. If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries with a paranormal edge and well-developed characters, you absolutely need to add this book to your list. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment – I’m practically counting down the days. Five stars, hands down!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.61 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 270
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Fairwood Press LLC