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The Night of the Storm
From debut author Nishita Parekh, 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
Hurricane Harvey is about to hit Houston. Meanwhile, single mom Jia Shah is already having a rough week: her twelve-year-old son, Ishaan, has just been suspended from school for getting in a fight. Still reeling from the fallout of her divorce—their move to Houston, her family’s disapproval, the struggle to make ends meet on her own—now Jia is worried about Ishaan’s future, too. Will her solo parenting be enough? Doesn’t a boy need a father?
And now their apartment complex is under a mandatory evacuation order. Jia’s sister, Seema, has invited them to hunker down in her fancy house in Sugar Land, and despite Jia’s misgivings—Seema’s husband, Vipul, has been just a little too friendly with her lately—Jia concedes it’s probably the best place to keep Ishaan safe during the hurricane. With Jia’s philandering ex scrutinizing her every move, all too eager to snatch back custody of Ishaan, she can’t afford to make a mistake.
When Vipul’s brother and his wife show up on Seema’s doorstep, too, it’s a recipe for disaster. Grandma, the family matriarch, has never been shy about playing favorites among her sons and their wives. As the storm escalates, tensions rise quickly, and soon someone’s dead. Was it a horrible accident or is there a murderer in their midst?
With no help available until the floodwaters recede in the morning, Jia must protect her son and identify the culprit before she goes down for a crime she didn’t commit—or becomes the next victim. . . .
Hurricane Harvey is about to hit Houston. Meanwhile, single mom Jia Shah is already having a rough week: her twelve-year-old son, Ishaan, has just been suspended from school for getting in a fight. Still reeling from the fallout of her divorce—their move to Houston, her family’s disapproval, the struggle to make ends meet on her own—now Jia is worried about Ishaan’s future, too. Will her solo parenting be enough? Doesn’t a boy need a father?
And now their apartment complex is under a mandatory evacuation order. Jia’s sister, Seema, has invited them to hunker down in her fancy house in Sugar Land, and despite Jia’s misgivings—Seema’s husband, Vipul, has been just a little too friendly with her lately—Jia concedes it’s probably the best place to keep Ishaan safe during the hurricane. With Jia’s philandering ex scrutinizing her every move, all too eager to snatch back custody of Ishaan, she can’t afford to make a mistake.
When Vipul’s brother and his wife show up on Seema’s doorstep, too, it’s a recipe for disaster. Grandma, the family matriarch, has never been shy about playing favorites among her sons and their wives. As the storm escalates, tensions rise quickly, and soon someone’s dead. Was it a horrible accident or is there a murderer in their midst?
With no help available until the floodwaters recede in the morning, Jia must protect her son and identify the culprit before she goes down for a crime she didn’t commit—or becomes the next victim. . . .
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Nishita Parekh
1 book108 followersHello,
I'm a programmer by trade and a writer by heart.
Regardless of whether you liked the book, I want to thank you for taking a chance on a book about a South Asian family!
If you enjoyed this story and would like to support the author, one way is to request your local library to add a copy.
Thanks again for reading!
I'm a programmer by trade and a writer by heart.
Regardless of whether you liked the book, I want to thank you for taking a chance on a book about a South Asian family!
If you enjoyed this story and would like to support the author, one way is to request your local library to add a copy.
Thanks again for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
June 20, 2024
My expectations for this book were sky-high, especially since I am an avid fan of the claustrophobic locked room concept. The mere thought of being trapped in a confined space with a murderer, amidst a web of intricate and dysfunctional family drama, sent shivers down my spine and had my heart racing with anticipation.
As I delved into the pages, eager to embark on this suspenseful journey, I found myself immediately submerged in the depths of the family drama. The book seemed to prioritize the complex issues that plagued the characters' lives, including adultery, mansplaining, communication problems, and bitter custody battles. While these elements added layers to the crisis within the family, they overshadowed the suspense and thriller aspects that initially captured my attention. The book evolved more into an exploration of family dynamics rather than a gripping murder mystery, which left me craving more of the heart-pounding moments I had anticipated.
Furthermore, as I approached the final chapters and encountered the much-anticipated big twist, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The twist, which I had already guessed midway through the story, didn't deliver the shock value I had hoped for. Instead, it elicited a slight eye-roll as I patiently made my way towards the finishing line.
While I hesitate to label my reading experience as bad or boring, I cannot deny the sense of unfulfilled expectations that lingered. I had hoped for a perfect blend of gripping suspense and captivating family drama, but unfortunately, the scales tipped more towards the latter. However, I do recognize that personal preferences play a significant role in how one connects with a book, and others may find the exploration of family dynamics immensely engaging.
With that said, I give this book a solid three-star rating, appreciating the author's skill in portraying complex family relationships and the courage to weave a murder mystery within such intricate dynamics. Although this particular book may not have met my high expectations, I remain hopeful for the author's next work, eagerly anticipating a read that will captivate me on all fronts.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this digital copy. My honest feedback is a reflection of my personal reading experience, and I value the chance to engage with new works of literature.
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As I delved into the pages, eager to embark on this suspenseful journey, I found myself immediately submerged in the depths of the family drama. The book seemed to prioritize the complex issues that plagued the characters' lives, including adultery, mansplaining, communication problems, and bitter custody battles. While these elements added layers to the crisis within the family, they overshadowed the suspense and thriller aspects that initially captured my attention. The book evolved more into an exploration of family dynamics rather than a gripping murder mystery, which left me craving more of the heart-pounding moments I had anticipated.
Furthermore, as I approached the final chapters and encountered the much-anticipated big twist, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The twist, which I had already guessed midway through the story, didn't deliver the shock value I had hoped for. Instead, it elicited a slight eye-roll as I patiently made my way towards the finishing line.
While I hesitate to label my reading experience as bad or boring, I cannot deny the sense of unfulfilled expectations that lingered. I had hoped for a perfect blend of gripping suspense and captivating family drama, but unfortunately, the scales tipped more towards the latter. However, I do recognize that personal preferences play a significant role in how one connects with a book, and others may find the exploration of family dynamics immensely engaging.
With that said, I give this book a solid three-star rating, appreciating the author's skill in portraying complex family relationships and the courage to weave a murder mystery within such intricate dynamics. Although this particular book may not have met my high expectations, I remain hopeful for the author's next work, eagerly anticipating a read that will captivate me on all fronts.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this digital copy. My honest feedback is a reflection of my personal reading experience, and I value the chance to engage with new works of literature.
medium.com
August 24, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Night of the Storm is a debut novel from Nishita Parekh. Honestly, I've been a little scared to pick it up, because of the mixed reviews. However, I'm very happy to report that I'm part of Team Really Enjoyed It.
Sure, I see flaws, but at the same time, it worked for me. I found it entertaining. I loved the set-up that left me feeling claustrophobic and unnerved. I love complicated family relationships, and this checked that box extremely well.
In this story, we're following Jia Shah, an Indian American woman who has recently separated from her husband and moved herself, as well as their 12-year old son, Ishaan, from the family home in Chicago to Houston, Texas.
This is a big deal in her traditional Indian family, and she's definitely received blow-back stemming from her choices. In spite of other's disapproval however, Jia did what she knew to be right for her son and herself. She wasn't willing to live the rest of her life in an unhappy marriage.
It hasn't been easy though, especially for Ishaan, who she worries about constantly. In fact, Ishaan has newly been suspended from school after being in a fight.
With all this going on, the last thing Jia needs to worry about is a mandatory evacuation order from their apartment building, but with Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the city, that's exactly what they get.
Luckily, Jia's sister, Seema, who lives in an fancy house not far away in Sugar Land, has invited them to stay with her and her family to ride out the impending storm.
Jia and Ishaan make it to the house just in time, where they join Seema, her husband, their daughter, Seema's mother-in-law, as well as her husband's brother and his wife. It's a lot of people, but it's also a big house. They'll be okay.
Unfortunately, you put that many people together in a house, with severe weather blazing outside and no means of escape, you're bound to see the tensions rise. Just as things start heating up inside the house, someone ends up dead...
Was it an accident, or is there a murderer amongst them?
For me, and this is completely my unprofessional opinion, I feel like this is more a case of people going into this expecting one thing and then getting another and feeling disappointed, than this being just a 3.21-star book.
I've been there many times myself. I get it. When you're expecting an intense Thriller and you don't get the thrills, or even necessarily the intensity, your disappointed, and potentially leave an average, or lower, rating because of it.
I really enjoyed this, but I went into it without any real expectations. I feel like this is an engaging Domestic/Family Drama, with an underlying Mystery subplot.
The gem in this for me was getting to know Jia and following along with her tumultuous journey. The storm and being trapped in the house were great bonuses, as I love those elements in any story, but yeah, the real hero of this is Jia.
She's a woman who has made a very difficult choice and who has had fallout from that. She lost her home and her friends. She's had to uproot her life.
She's second-guessing her choices, while getting judged by everyone around her. She's trying to do what is best for her son, and her own mental health, all while navigating the not always kind outside world. I think everyone can relate to this in one way or another.
When we meet Jia, with the storm moving in, she's almost at wits end. Being trapped in the house, with these particular people, pushes her even further to the edge.
I like complicated families and this story definitely delivers in that area. I loved the set-up of the storm creating a forced proximity situation and I do feel like Parekh did a great job of revealing all the underlining things going on.
The murder mystery was interesting as well. There were quite a few people acting suspicious, so I did like being with Jia as she tried to figure it out. The more it progressed, the more unsettling it became, leading up to the wild conclusion.
For a debut, I think this was very well done. I think Parekh should be proud of their work and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. Do I think this book deserves a higher-rating? Absolutely.
Thank you to the publisher, Dutton, for providing me with a copy to read and review. We love supporting new authors in this house, and I can't wait for more from this one!
The Night of the Storm is a debut novel from Nishita Parekh. Honestly, I've been a little scared to pick it up, because of the mixed reviews. However, I'm very happy to report that I'm part of Team Really Enjoyed It.
Sure, I see flaws, but at the same time, it worked for me. I found it entertaining. I loved the set-up that left me feeling claustrophobic and unnerved. I love complicated family relationships, and this checked that box extremely well.
In this story, we're following Jia Shah, an Indian American woman who has recently separated from her husband and moved herself, as well as their 12-year old son, Ishaan, from the family home in Chicago to Houston, Texas.
This is a big deal in her traditional Indian family, and she's definitely received blow-back stemming from her choices. In spite of other's disapproval however, Jia did what she knew to be right for her son and herself. She wasn't willing to live the rest of her life in an unhappy marriage.
It hasn't been easy though, especially for Ishaan, who she worries about constantly. In fact, Ishaan has newly been suspended from school after being in a fight.
With all this going on, the last thing Jia needs to worry about is a mandatory evacuation order from their apartment building, but with Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the city, that's exactly what they get.
Luckily, Jia's sister, Seema, who lives in an fancy house not far away in Sugar Land, has invited them to stay with her and her family to ride out the impending storm.
Jia and Ishaan make it to the house just in time, where they join Seema, her husband, their daughter, Seema's mother-in-law, as well as her husband's brother and his wife. It's a lot of people, but it's also a big house. They'll be okay.
Unfortunately, you put that many people together in a house, with severe weather blazing outside and no means of escape, you're bound to see the tensions rise. Just as things start heating up inside the house, someone ends up dead...
Was it an accident, or is there a murderer amongst them?
For me, and this is completely my unprofessional opinion, I feel like this is more a case of people going into this expecting one thing and then getting another and feeling disappointed, than this being just a 3.21-star book.
I've been there many times myself. I get it. When you're expecting an intense Thriller and you don't get the thrills, or even necessarily the intensity, your disappointed, and potentially leave an average, or lower, rating because of it.
I really enjoyed this, but I went into it without any real expectations. I feel like this is an engaging Domestic/Family Drama, with an underlying Mystery subplot.
The gem in this for me was getting to know Jia and following along with her tumultuous journey. The storm and being trapped in the house were great bonuses, as I love those elements in any story, but yeah, the real hero of this is Jia.
She's a woman who has made a very difficult choice and who has had fallout from that. She lost her home and her friends. She's had to uproot her life.
She's second-guessing her choices, while getting judged by everyone around her. She's trying to do what is best for her son, and her own mental health, all while navigating the not always kind outside world. I think everyone can relate to this in one way or another.
When we meet Jia, with the storm moving in, she's almost at wits end. Being trapped in the house, with these particular people, pushes her even further to the edge.
I like complicated families and this story definitely delivers in that area. I loved the set-up of the storm creating a forced proximity situation and I do feel like Parekh did a great job of revealing all the underlining things going on.
The murder mystery was interesting as well. There were quite a few people acting suspicious, so I did like being with Jia as she tried to figure it out. The more it progressed, the more unsettling it became, leading up to the wild conclusion.
For a debut, I think this was very well done. I think Parekh should be proud of their work and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. Do I think this book deserves a higher-rating? Absolutely.
Thank you to the publisher, Dutton, for providing me with a copy to read and review. We love supporting new authors in this house, and I can't wait for more from this one!
January 6, 2024
Nishita Parekh is a new author to me. I found her books on NetGalley as a most-requested thriller, and given it focuses on Indian culture in the US, I wanted to sample something different than my typical thrillers. Generally, I'd say it's a good book but I did feel too many simplicities were included with a lot of telling, minimal description, and not-quite-polished dialog. I found myself skimming a few lines to find the meat and subtleties of a thriller whereas often it felt like a lot of intentional shock drama and not enough deeply rooted drama and pain that caused the killer to kill. I'd give the author another chance, mostly because I liked learning more about Indian culture and reading about Houston, a town I know little about.
January 10, 2024
Oof, this was a rough read for me.
It felt very slow, and the MC acted very unrealistically/irrationally for the circumstances. Because of this and the constant complaining, I just didn't feel much for her, which really bogged down my enthusiasm to keep reading.
I really don't like giving low star ratings because I know how much time and dedication goes into writing a book. I also know that, while many debut novels are award-winning, there are also authors who release ok debuts and then spectacular books somewhere down the line. I hope this is the case for Miss Parekh.
It felt very slow, and the MC acted very unrealistically/irrationally for the circumstances. Because of this and the constant complaining, I just didn't feel much for her, which really bogged down my enthusiasm to keep reading.
I really don't like giving low star ratings because I know how much time and dedication goes into writing a book. I also know that, while many debut novels are award-winning, there are also authors who release ok debuts and then spectacular books somewhere down the line. I hope this is the case for Miss Parekh.
May 3, 2024
Nope, this one didn't work for me because it was too predictable and the ending wasn't fulfilling. The closed/locked room scenario is intriguing to me as a newer thriller reader; however, this wasn't executed well.
The Night of the Storm takes place during the night of Hurricane Harvey and follows main character Jia and her extended family after she was invited to stay at her sister Jima's house during the hurricane. The family receives an unexpected visitor that is followed by death. Jia has to figure out who is responsible to protect her son and herself from meeting the same fate.
What Worked: I appreciated that Nishita didn't shy away from highlighting her Indian background both good and bad. The rich descriptions of food left my mouth watering while her more nuanced conversations about cultural expectations of women in comparison to men really resonated with some of my own cultural experiences. So often I see authors attempt to separate themselves from their backgrounds to write narratives that are more palatable to a broader audience; however, Nishita throws the reader in head first to those experiences.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, this book was way too predictable. From the time that the first person died, it was abundantly clear who was responsible for the sequence of events. Even the plot twist at the end wasn't enough to redeem this book as a whole. Nishita also failed to provide readers with well rounded characters that were likeable or easy to root for. I connected with some of Jia's experiences as a single parent, but certain decisions she made in regard to herself and her son were completely and totally illogical. And the pacing was off in several sections. Though it takes me longer to read a book physically, it does not take me several months. My prolonged lack of interest in the narrative caused a delay in my reading. There was so much potential with these characters and the story; however, I think that it was executed poorly.
Overall, this wasn't a new favorite for me, but it was a debut and I'm interested in seeing the ways in which Nishita may grow as an author.
The Night of the Storm takes place during the night of Hurricane Harvey and follows main character Jia and her extended family after she was invited to stay at her sister Jima's house during the hurricane. The family receives an unexpected visitor that is followed by death. Jia has to figure out who is responsible to protect her son and herself from meeting the same fate.
What Worked: I appreciated that Nishita didn't shy away from highlighting her Indian background both good and bad. The rich descriptions of food left my mouth watering while her more nuanced conversations about cultural expectations of women in comparison to men really resonated with some of my own cultural experiences. So often I see authors attempt to separate themselves from their backgrounds to write narratives that are more palatable to a broader audience; however, Nishita throws the reader in head first to those experiences.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, this book was way too predictable. From the time that the first person died, it was abundantly clear who was responsible for the sequence of events. Even the plot twist at the end wasn't enough to redeem this book as a whole. Nishita also failed to provide readers with well rounded characters that were likeable or easy to root for. I connected with some of Jia's experiences as a single parent, but certain decisions she made in regard to herself and her son were completely and totally illogical. And the pacing was off in several sections. Though it takes me longer to read a book physically, it does not take me several months. My prolonged lack of interest in the narrative caused a delay in my reading. There was so much potential with these characters and the story; however, I think that it was executed poorly.
Overall, this wasn't a new favorite for me, but it was a debut and I'm interested in seeing the ways in which Nishita may grow as an author.
March 30, 2024
The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh is a thriller novel filled with some suspense and a lot of family drama. The story in The Night of the Storm is a stormy take on a classic locked room mystery featuring a multigenerational Indian American family.
Jia Shah’s life has been uprooted quite a bit lately after going through a divorce and becoming a single parent. Now just as Jia is having problem’s with connecting with her son they both must pack up and evacuate from the incoming hurricane.
The last place Jia wants to be heading is to her sister Seema’s massive house in Sugar Land but the hurricane is giving her no choice if she wants to keep herself and her son safe. Jia is worried that Seema’s husband has been a little to forward lately and with enough on her plate with her ex the close quarters with the entire family may be a bit too much to take.
The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh is one that certainly started off pulling me right into the setting and story and I wish that I could say I kept up that excitement all the way through. I think this one was just layered with a little too much of the drama and not enough of the thrill for me. It almost felt as if it was all just a little too too much if that makes sense at all without me going into details. By the end I just felt this was an ok novel but not one that totally wowed me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Jia Shah’s life has been uprooted quite a bit lately after going through a divorce and becoming a single parent. Now just as Jia is having problem’s with connecting with her son they both must pack up and evacuate from the incoming hurricane.
The last place Jia wants to be heading is to her sister Seema’s massive house in Sugar Land but the hurricane is giving her no choice if she wants to keep herself and her son safe. Jia is worried that Seema’s husband has been a little to forward lately and with enough on her plate with her ex the close quarters with the entire family may be a bit too much to take.
The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh is one that certainly started off pulling me right into the setting and story and I wish that I could say I kept up that excitement all the way through. I think this one was just layered with a little too much of the drama and not enough of the thrill for me. It almost felt as if it was all just a little too too much if that makes sense at all without me going into details. By the end I just felt this was an ok novel but not one that totally wowed me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 9, 2024
Jia and her son Ishaan have left their apartment during Hurricane Harvey to stay with her sister Seema and her family. I guess no one told her if she had safe shelter, which she did...to stay where she was during a hurricane. The large house seems to hold even larger secrets, and as people start dying, Jia's only goal is to keep her son Ishaan alive. The story starts out really slow. We meet Jia and Ishaan, who seems to be having some kind of trouble in school, as he was suspended for a week, and Jia's ex-husband has found out and is looking to use that against her in a custody battle. Then we meet the rest of the family, everyone, from Grandma all the way down to son Raj's American wife Lisa. We spend about half the book just meeting characters and trying to figure out where the story is going...which honestly is a bit too long for a what is described as being a "fast-paced" thriller. There is 100% definitely some pacing issues until the first murder happens. The book had potential; the idea of the story was good... but great deal of it was just diluted with useless information. You would be reading about a topic and suddenly you start reading about something completely different in the next paragraph with some tension randomly tossed in. The end of the book was also a bit confusing. It was almost like another book was going to immediately take over as there are twists revealed at the very end of the book that have nothing to do with this story.
December 7, 2023
If THE NIGHT OF THE STORM is any indication, Nishita Parekh will have a great future in the mystery/thriller genre—her debut novel was a blast to read. I read this book at the exact right moment and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much.
The story is centered around Jia Shah and her twelve year old son, Ishaan; bunkering down in Houston during Hurricane Harvey. Jia has left her husband after he's been unfaithful, but now is battling him in court for custody of their son. When Jia's apartment complex is under a mandatory evacuation order, her sister Seema has invited them to stay at her home. Jia accepts, but is uncomfortable around Seema's flirtatious husband Vipul. Vipul's brother and his wife, and Grandma also bunker down at Seema's home, but as the storm escalates, the family tension begins to grow increasingly toxic. Stuck in the home during the hurricane, someone ends up dead. Jia must protect her son while the hurricane rages through before she and her son are the next ones that end up dead.
I had a blast with this book but also wanted to scream at everyone, if that makes sense. I understand bunkering down at home during a hurricane as I have done it when I lived with my parents on Long Island, but given Hurricane Harvey's category rating, I think evacuating to other ground would've been smarter. I loved the family dynamics within this story, specifically the commentary of family roles and hierarchies of Indian households. The mystery behind the death of said character was not shocking to me, but nevertheless, I enjoyed the chaos around it! THE NIGHT OF THE STORM isn't your typical thriller, but if you enjoyed locked-room mysteries and family dramas, definitely consider picking this one up!
The story is centered around Jia Shah and her twelve year old son, Ishaan; bunkering down in Houston during Hurricane Harvey. Jia has left her husband after he's been unfaithful, but now is battling him in court for custody of their son. When Jia's apartment complex is under a mandatory evacuation order, her sister Seema has invited them to stay at her home. Jia accepts, but is uncomfortable around Seema's flirtatious husband Vipul. Vipul's brother and his wife, and Grandma also bunker down at Seema's home, but as the storm escalates, the family tension begins to grow increasingly toxic. Stuck in the home during the hurricane, someone ends up dead. Jia must protect her son while the hurricane rages through before she and her son are the next ones that end up dead.
I had a blast with this book but also wanted to scream at everyone, if that makes sense. I understand bunkering down at home during a hurricane as I have done it when I lived with my parents on Long Island, but given Hurricane Harvey's category rating, I think evacuating to other ground would've been smarter. I loved the family dynamics within this story, specifically the commentary of family roles and hierarchies of Indian households. The mystery behind the death of said character was not shocking to me, but nevertheless, I enjoyed the chaos around it! THE NIGHT OF THE STORM isn't your typical thriller, but if you enjoyed locked-room mysteries and family dramas, definitely consider picking this one up!
January 10, 2024
If you enjoy claustrophobic locked room thrillers with a bunch of family drama, then this is the book for you! The Night of the Storm takes place over one night when a family is trapped in a home together during a hurricane. There’s a lot going on for these characters to contend with (as if being trapped in a during hurricane Harvey isn’t enough) which makes it a very tense read. Readers can expect secrets, lies, mentions of cheating, and murder. Now, while I wasn’t completely surprised at the twist, the reasoning behind everything DID surprise me. I guessed the killer but had no idea WHY they did it until it was revealed. The fact that the author made it predictable AND shocking is fantastic! I didn’t expect that. Overall, I think this is a solid locked room thriller and I love how the author weaved the story because it kept my interest from beginning to end.
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Locked Room Thrillers
❥ Family Dramas
❥ Tense reads
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Locked Room Thrillers
❥ Family Dramas
❥ Tense reads
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 28, 2024
I went into The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh with zero expectations and I have to say that what I got was a very pleasant surprise! This was a slow burn to be sure, but the end more than made up for it, and that last chapter?! Honey. 👀 I didn't mind the slow build, and I had a nice time getting to know the various characters in the novel and a few of the slimy things some of them were up to. Not all is easy to read no matter how vague, so I do recommend checking out triggers before you head in.
The audiobook was well executed, and though there wasn't anything super special about it, I did love the narrator Soneela Nankani. This is not the first time I have heard her narrate, and I have never once not loved her narration for a single thing. The majority of the story is told from Jia's viewpoint, and Nankani was completely perfect for her and the book as a whole. There is plenty of family drama and surprises to be found in The Night of the Storm, and I thought this was a fabulous debut novel. I will definitely pick up whatever Parekh writes next!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The audiobook was well executed, and though there wasn't anything super special about it, I did love the narrator Soneela Nankani. This is not the first time I have heard her narrate, and I have never once not loved her narration for a single thing. The majority of the story is told from Jia's viewpoint, and Nankani was completely perfect for her and the book as a whole. There is plenty of family drama and surprises to be found in The Night of the Storm, and I thought this was a fabulous debut novel. I will definitely pick up whatever Parekh writes next!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
September 8, 2023
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey obliterated parts of Texas as it sat churning over the state. This book is set during that first horrifying night, and it made for a good atmosphere and backdrop for the story. As the hurricane bears down on Houston, a group forms to ride out the storm at a large house on a hill.
Seema and Vilpul own this house, and they have invited some friends and family members to shelter with them, Vilpul’s mother, “Grandma”, and their daughter, Asha. Seema is the sister of Jia, single mom of Ishaan, who is having a custody battle with his father, Dev. Jia was going to stay in their low-lying apartment, but (luckily, or unluckily?) Seema begged them to come to her house. Also invited were Vilpul’s brother Raj, and his partner, Lisa. Crashing the party late is Rafael, the only other person who dared stay during the storm, despite his home being down the hill.
Already it’s a suspenseful atmosphere while the hurricane keeps intensifying, but when two people die, we find ourselves trapped in a classic locked-room mystery. None of them can safely leave, but one (or more) of them is a killer. As the storm rages on, who will be alive the next day?
I saw some lower ratings for this, but I shouldn’t have been worried - this was a good book! I’m getting sick of locked-room mysteries (it seems that’s all that’s coming out over the next few months) but this one was engaging despite following an overdone formula. None of the characters really reached out to me, but this was still a decent mystery, and I didn’t see the end coming. 3.5 stars, rounded up for being better than a 3-star book, and for being a debut.
(Thank you to Dutton Books, Nishita Parekh, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
Seema and Vilpul own this house, and they have invited some friends and family members to shelter with them, Vilpul’s mother, “Grandma”, and their daughter, Asha. Seema is the sister of Jia, single mom of Ishaan, who is having a custody battle with his father, Dev. Jia was going to stay in their low-lying apartment, but (luckily, or unluckily?) Seema begged them to come to her house. Also invited were Vilpul’s brother Raj, and his partner, Lisa. Crashing the party late is Rafael, the only other person who dared stay during the storm, despite his home being down the hill.
Already it’s a suspenseful atmosphere while the hurricane keeps intensifying, but when two people die, we find ourselves trapped in a classic locked-room mystery. None of them can safely leave, but one (or more) of them is a killer. As the storm rages on, who will be alive the next day?
I saw some lower ratings for this, but I shouldn’t have been worried - this was a good book! I’m getting sick of locked-room mysteries (it seems that’s all that’s coming out over the next few months) but this one was engaging despite following an overdone formula. None of the characters really reached out to me, but this was still a decent mystery, and I didn’t see the end coming. 3.5 stars, rounded up for being better than a 3-star book, and for being a debut.
(Thank you to Dutton Books, Nishita Parekh, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
January 19, 2024
I was so intrigued by this book being set during a Hurricane with an entire family forced together due to a storm. This being a mystery and all, there was sure to be plenty of family drama, dysfunction, and at least one murder. All of this did happen.
Jia Shah is staying with her son, Ishaan when she hears she must evacuate due to Hurricane Harvey. Her Sister, Seema insists she come stay with her. Family is everything she says. It just is not safe to be alone. Well, that statement does get tested many times. Jia brings her son to Seema’s gorgeous home in Sugar Land. Seema’s husband, Vipul, their young daughter, Asha, and her elderly mother-in-law. Vipul’s brother, Raj and his new wife Lisa will also be staying until the storm passes. Being of Indian descent means much is expected of the women and it is hard to always be the perfect person. Jia especially feels the sting since she decided to get divorced from her husband, Dev and in the Indian American Community one is judged very harshly for that. Yet, Seema and Jia have always been close.
Much dysfunctional family drama does occur. Too much actually. The events do not unfold naturally and it was hard to believe many of the story lines. There were too many and the family was constantly fighting with one another. Yet, big events happen and everyone is acting fairly normally. I thought I had figured out the story, but by the time I did, I wasn’t invested enough to really care about anyone.
This was the author’s first novel and it did provide interesting aspects of being part of an Indian Family. The novel was a fast read and easy to follow, but it needed less and more at the same time. I didn’t completely dislike this book, but it wasn’t one that will stay with me long. Except Grandma, I will remember her.
Thank you NetGalley, Nishita Parekh, and Dutton Publishing for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
Jia Shah is staying with her son, Ishaan when she hears she must evacuate due to Hurricane Harvey. Her Sister, Seema insists she come stay with her. Family is everything she says. It just is not safe to be alone. Well, that statement does get tested many times. Jia brings her son to Seema’s gorgeous home in Sugar Land. Seema’s husband, Vipul, their young daughter, Asha, and her elderly mother-in-law. Vipul’s brother, Raj and his new wife Lisa will also be staying until the storm passes. Being of Indian descent means much is expected of the women and it is hard to always be the perfect person. Jia especially feels the sting since she decided to get divorced from her husband, Dev and in the Indian American Community one is judged very harshly for that. Yet, Seema and Jia have always been close.
Much dysfunctional family drama does occur. Too much actually. The events do not unfold naturally and it was hard to believe many of the story lines. There were too many and the family was constantly fighting with one another. Yet, big events happen and everyone is acting fairly normally. I thought I had figured out the story, but by the time I did, I wasn’t invested enough to really care about anyone.
This was the author’s first novel and it did provide interesting aspects of being part of an Indian Family. The novel was a fast read and easy to follow, but it needed less and more at the same time. I didn’t completely dislike this book, but it wasn’t one that will stay with me long. Except Grandma, I will remember her.
Thank you NetGalley, Nishita Parekh, and Dutton Publishing for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.
July 17, 2024
not a single functioning brain cell detected in this book
December 18, 2023
1.5 Stars
I couldn’t stand Jia. She was a selfish, immature character and I could rant a long time about all the things she did. But honestly, every character was insufferable and I don’t have time to rant about each one.
As for the plot, this is the second book in a matter of months that I’ve read that centers around a locked room mystery. Judging from both, it’s clear they’re not for me.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I couldn’t stand Jia. She was a selfish, immature character and I could rant a long time about all the things she did. But honestly, every character was insufferable and I don’t have time to rant about each one.
As for the plot, this is the second book in a matter of months that I’ve read that centers around a locked room mystery. Judging from both, it’s clear they’re not for me.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
January 18, 2024
DNFed at 50%. i’ve never been so bored in my life.
May 6, 2024
This was a fun locked-room mystery thriller! Plenty of family drama, dark secrets, a claustrophobic setting in the midst of a hurricane, and some good plot twists! Loved it!
January 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you so much Dutton Books for my gifted copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Single mom Jia is having a rough week. Hurricane Harvey is about hit Texas, her son Ishaan just got suspended from school, and she’s still dealing with the aftermath and changes since her divorce. Her sister Seema has invited them to hunker down with her and her family, including her overly friendly husband, Vipul. Despite her apprehension, Jia decides it’s probably safer to be with them than to be on their own. But she soon realizes maybe that wasn’t the truth.
The Night of the Storm was the book I didn’t know I needed! I just so happened to receive it the same day a storm hit and wiped out our power… to say I had an atmospheric read is an understatement. I was completely engrossed in this story and it’s held my complete attention. I won’t get into character breakdowns BUT I will say that as a mother, I know how hard it is to think you’re doing the right thing for your child but in reality you’re actually hurting them more than helping them and I really felt for Jia and happy for her character growth. There are a ton of secrets and twists I didn’t expect and some had me yelling out “Oooooooo!”. I just really enjoyed this tense and stormy story and I cannot wait to read more by this author! Nishita Parekh killed this debut! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for publication day 1/16/24!
Happy reading!
Thank you so much Dutton Books for my gifted copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Single mom Jia is having a rough week. Hurricane Harvey is about hit Texas, her son Ishaan just got suspended from school, and she’s still dealing with the aftermath and changes since her divorce. Her sister Seema has invited them to hunker down with her and her family, including her overly friendly husband, Vipul. Despite her apprehension, Jia decides it’s probably safer to be with them than to be on their own. But she soon realizes maybe that wasn’t the truth.
The Night of the Storm was the book I didn’t know I needed! I just so happened to receive it the same day a storm hit and wiped out our power… to say I had an atmospheric read is an understatement. I was completely engrossed in this story and it’s held my complete attention. I won’t get into character breakdowns BUT I will say that as a mother, I know how hard it is to think you’re doing the right thing for your child but in reality you’re actually hurting them more than helping them and I really felt for Jia and happy for her character growth. There are a ton of secrets and twists I didn’t expect and some had me yelling out “Oooooooo!”. I just really enjoyed this tense and stormy story and I cannot wait to read more by this author! Nishita Parekh killed this debut! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for publication day 1/16/24!
Happy reading!
July 10, 2023
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton for the advanced copy of this book.
I have to be honest and say that the story wasn’t my cup of tea. The cover and plot reeled me in, and the beginning was promising… but, this fell flat and the shock factor wasn’t there. I kind of just wanted it to be over because of how predictable it was.
I have to be honest and say that the story wasn’t my cup of tea. The cover and plot reeled me in, and the beginning was promising… but, this fell flat and the shock factor wasn’t there. I kind of just wanted it to be over because of how predictable it was.
January 14, 2024
*3-3.5 stars.
Nishita Parekh's debut novel is about a family caught in Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas on August 25, 2017. Jia Shah and her son Ishaan are invited to stay with her sister and her family in their suburban mansion. It is believed that the house is at a high enough elevation that it will come through any flooding just fine. Besides her sister Seema, her brother-in-law Vipul, and their little daughter Asha, Grandma lives with them too and they've also invited Vipul's brother Raj and his wife Lisa to join them.
The hurricane is in full swing when they hear popping noises and discover that someone has flattened the tires on Jia's car. Who would be out in the storm vandalizing cars? Then comes a knock at the door. They hesitate to open it but see it is their neighbor Rafael who claims he's been attacked and injured by an intruder and is asking to shelter with them as well. But Jia soon notices something is not quite right with Rafael and when the first death occurs, she wonders was it an accident or murder? Are they all trapped in the house with a killer?
There are some nice twists and turns to the mystery but the best thing about this story is learning more about Indian immigrants--their culture, their food, even their decorating style. Grandma is a hoot and puts both her daughters-in-law through their paces. She rules and nothing the women do is quite up to her standards. Jia is divorced and the Indian attitude towards that reminds me of America's in the 50s. There is also a good look at sibling relationships, the friction and the love. And one can't ignore the hurricane and the worsening flooding (50 inches of rain!), putting them all in danger.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more from this author. I received an arc from the author and publisher via Net Galley. Thanks to them for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Nishita Parekh's debut novel is about a family caught in Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas on August 25, 2017. Jia Shah and her son Ishaan are invited to stay with her sister and her family in their suburban mansion. It is believed that the house is at a high enough elevation that it will come through any flooding just fine. Besides her sister Seema, her brother-in-law Vipul, and their little daughter Asha, Grandma lives with them too and they've also invited Vipul's brother Raj and his wife Lisa to join them.
The hurricane is in full swing when they hear popping noises and discover that someone has flattened the tires on Jia's car. Who would be out in the storm vandalizing cars? Then comes a knock at the door. They hesitate to open it but see it is their neighbor Rafael who claims he's been attacked and injured by an intruder and is asking to shelter with them as well. But Jia soon notices something is not quite right with Rafael and when the first death occurs, she wonders was it an accident or murder? Are they all trapped in the house with a killer?
There are some nice twists and turns to the mystery but the best thing about this story is learning more about Indian immigrants--their culture, their food, even their decorating style. Grandma is a hoot and puts both her daughters-in-law through their paces. She rules and nothing the women do is quite up to her standards. Jia is divorced and the Indian attitude towards that reminds me of America's in the 50s. There is also a good look at sibling relationships, the friction and the love. And one can't ignore the hurricane and the worsening flooding (50 inches of rain!), putting them all in danger.
All-in-all, I enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more from this author. I received an arc from the author and publisher via Net Galley. Thanks to them for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
February 20, 2024
Solid one by one style mystery but nothing to write home about
August 13, 2023
3⭐️
Thank you so much to Nishita Parekh, Penguin Group Dutton, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, the storyline, and it being Nishita’s debut novel. I mean, the cover screams mystery on a stormy night in an incredibly large house. Who doesn't get excited by that? The locked room concept had me ready for murders to happen with everyone as the culprit, really emphasizing the "who did it" discovery. I did check out other readers reviews ahead of time and saw they were pretty mixed, so I was prepared for any experience while reading it. Sadly, this book ended up just being okay for me. I wasn’t immediately drawn in when I started reading, and I really felt as though the story was moving slowly. I just wasn’t getting that grip factor that just had me sucked in, "turning pages (on my Kindle)," waiting for the next thing to happen. To me, everything got exciting during the last twenty percent of the book, when I wish it would’ve been more engaging throughout.
Jia, a recently divorced mom, has moved to Texas to be free of her ex-husband and closer to her sister. Her son, Ishaan, is having troubles at school, putting a strain on his relationship with his mother. Dev, Jia’s ex-husband, is trying to become involved in Ishaan’s life again as he’s remained in Chicago after the divorce. It seems like everything is going wrong for Jia after her move to Texas, and without Dev in the picture anymore, she seemingly doesn’t have anyone to help, and money is tight. Jia sees her brother-in-law Vipul showing up in the midst of her biggest struggles as an act of support from her sister Seema. In reality, they’re calculated opportunities for Vipul to save the day and make his move on Jia. Although Jia is not encouraging his advancements, his random drop-bys and suggestive texts all suggest otherwise to anyone looking in from the outside.
A secret affair, unwelcome advances, and family issues all come to a head when Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, Texas, and evacuation is the only answer. Jia thinks she’s doing what’s best for her and her son by following her sister’s guidance and choosing to wait out the storm at Seema and Vipul's house. Seema has also encouraged Vipul’s brother and wife to stay with them as well. Six adults and two children in one house in the midst of a hurricane with one uninvited neighbor makes for the perfect murder opportunity. But it’s not just one death that will happen on this night, making everyone in the house a suspect. As the flood waters rise and enter the house, so will tensions, as pieces start to fall into place and motives are uncovered. Some families will break and become unrepairable, but one will realign and become stronger than ever. Those who were once solely around each other as in-laws will become close friends. Who will make it out of the house alive and who will be swept up in the flood waters?
Thank you so much to Nishita Parekh, Penguin Group Dutton, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, the storyline, and it being Nishita’s debut novel. I mean, the cover screams mystery on a stormy night in an incredibly large house. Who doesn't get excited by that? The locked room concept had me ready for murders to happen with everyone as the culprit, really emphasizing the "who did it" discovery. I did check out other readers reviews ahead of time and saw they were pretty mixed, so I was prepared for any experience while reading it. Sadly, this book ended up just being okay for me. I wasn’t immediately drawn in when I started reading, and I really felt as though the story was moving slowly. I just wasn’t getting that grip factor that just had me sucked in, "turning pages (on my Kindle)," waiting for the next thing to happen. To me, everything got exciting during the last twenty percent of the book, when I wish it would’ve been more engaging throughout.
Jia, a recently divorced mom, has moved to Texas to be free of her ex-husband and closer to her sister. Her son, Ishaan, is having troubles at school, putting a strain on his relationship with his mother. Dev, Jia’s ex-husband, is trying to become involved in Ishaan’s life again as he’s remained in Chicago after the divorce. It seems like everything is going wrong for Jia after her move to Texas, and without Dev in the picture anymore, she seemingly doesn’t have anyone to help, and money is tight. Jia sees her brother-in-law Vipul showing up in the midst of her biggest struggles as an act of support from her sister Seema. In reality, they’re calculated opportunities for Vipul to save the day and make his move on Jia. Although Jia is not encouraging his advancements, his random drop-bys and suggestive texts all suggest otherwise to anyone looking in from the outside.
A secret affair, unwelcome advances, and family issues all come to a head when Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, Texas, and evacuation is the only answer. Jia thinks she’s doing what’s best for her and her son by following her sister’s guidance and choosing to wait out the storm at Seema and Vipul's house. Seema has also encouraged Vipul’s brother and wife to stay with them as well. Six adults and two children in one house in the midst of a hurricane with one uninvited neighbor makes for the perfect murder opportunity. But it’s not just one death that will happen on this night, making everyone in the house a suspect. As the flood waters rise and enter the house, so will tensions, as pieces start to fall into place and motives are uncovered. Some families will break and become unrepairable, but one will realign and become stronger than ever. Those who were once solely around each other as in-laws will become close friends. Who will make it out of the house alive and who will be swept up in the flood waters?
January 9, 2024
I’m going to preface my review by saying that I think this needs a bit more editing to keep it from feeling so bogged down at times. There very a few points where I could have easily talked myself into DNF’ing, but since it was an arc I kept going. The ending saved it somewhat, but I think if it wasn’t so sluggish at points it would move along better and it would flow easier and not feel like work to get to the good stuff.
When a hurricane hits Houston, Jia and her son Ishaan are forced to evacuate their home and flee to her sister Seema’s home to wait out the storm. Soon after she arrives at her sisters fancy house, she realizes that the storm may not be her biggest threat.
The locked room in a storm should have created a high pressure, high stress environment but unfortunately it was more melodramatic than high pressure. The plot was choppy and it felt quite disjointed. That’s not to say there weren’t elements that I liked about the story or that I won’t read what the author writes next, because the answer to both of those is yes.
Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
When a hurricane hits Houston, Jia and her son Ishaan are forced to evacuate their home and flee to her sister Seema’s home to wait out the storm. Soon after she arrives at her sisters fancy house, she realizes that the storm may not be her biggest threat.
The locked room in a storm should have created a high pressure, high stress environment but unfortunately it was more melodramatic than high pressure. The plot was choppy and it felt quite disjointed. That’s not to say there weren’t elements that I liked about the story or that I won’t read what the author writes next, because the answer to both of those is yes.
Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
April 9, 2024
This just wasn’t good the first 50% nothing happened. The pacing was really off
Spoilers
What the hell was with the the parenting in this book
Don’t start me on jia at least she figures out some of her mistakes by the end
He’s a good day so we’re going to ignore that he’s a literal predator are you kidding me
And let’s help get seema out of jail because her toddler is struggling without her mom who is a flippin murder
I am still angry I read the entire book
Spoilers
What the hell was with the the parenting in this book
Don’t start me on jia at least she figures out some of her mistakes by the end
He’s a good day so we’re going to ignore that he’s a literal predator are you kidding me
And let’s help get seema out of jail because her toddler is struggling without her mom who is a flippin murder
I am still angry I read the entire book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
This is a suspenseful drama glazed with a murder mystery, pushing a single mother into forced circumstances that leave her stuck between the safety of her son and the secrets she is drowning in. rtc.
February 7, 2024
I love a locked room thriller and one set in my home town?! This was such a cool experience reading as someone who grew up in Sugar Land and experienced hurricane Harvey first hand. I really enjoyed Nishita’s balance of family drama and mystery - one didn’t overpower the other.
July 11, 2024
Just another average thriller. The story was rather boring and pretty predictable. I do still plan on reading her next book if or when it comes out.
January 14, 2024
Jia is divorced and raising her 12-year old son, Ishaan, who was recently in trouble at school. So much trouble that her ex-husband is threatening to take him away from her. However, the urgent issue this evening is the hurricane coming toward Houston. Told to evacuate their area Jia and Ishaan are invited to Jia’s sister Seema’s place, not too far away. What they don’t realize until it’s too late is Seema’s area was also supposed to evacuate (though Jia does question that there are so few people nearby). Seema and her husband, Vipul, have also invited Vipul’s brother, Raj and his wife, Lisa. Also in the house is Vipul and Raj’s mother and Seema and Vipul’s young daughter.
When a neighbour urgently presses the doorbell to be let in, he is injured and needs help. Although Vipul does not like Rafael at all (they have had a number of disagreements), they let Rafael in, anyway. And things go terribly wrong.
I really liked this. There were, of course, also flashbacks to what led Jia to her divorce, Ishaan’s issues at school, and other things going on with Jia (including unwanted advances from Vipul). I did find the storm/”current day” scenes more interesting than the flashbacks, but of course the flashbacks were needed to figure out what was going on, in general. There were times I wasn’t a fan of Jia, as she did do some stupid things. I almost rated it a bit lower due to more focus on these flashbacks (when I’m really interested in the storm and the murder/thriller/suspense parts of the book), but the end brought the rating back up for me.
When a neighbour urgently presses the doorbell to be let in, he is injured and needs help. Although Vipul does not like Rafael at all (they have had a number of disagreements), they let Rafael in, anyway. And things go terribly wrong.
I really liked this. There were, of course, also flashbacks to what led Jia to her divorce, Ishaan’s issues at school, and other things going on with Jia (including unwanted advances from Vipul). I did find the storm/”current day” scenes more interesting than the flashbacks, but of course the flashbacks were needed to figure out what was going on, in general. There were times I wasn’t a fan of Jia, as she did do some stupid things. I almost rated it a bit lower due to more focus on these flashbacks (when I’m really interested in the storm and the murder/thriller/suspense parts of the book), but the end brought the rating back up for me.
January 23, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked how this story was set up! It taught me so much about Indian culture that I feel like offer gets overlooked in books like this. There were parts that initially confused me a bit but after the first few chapters it was much easier to understand. If you like mysteries and psychological thrillers be sure to try this book out!
I really liked how this story was set up! It taught me so much about Indian culture that I feel like offer gets overlooked in books like this. There were parts that initially confused me a bit but after the first few chapters it was much easier to understand. If you like mysteries and psychological thrillers be sure to try this book out!
January 20, 2024
4.5 stars. I absolutely loved this debut from the wonderful Nishita Parekh. It had all the elements of a great mystery! I was shocked by the whodunit. And that ending chapter was *chef’s kiss.*
July 8, 2024
Perfect read while going through another Houston hurricane.
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