Title: Storm Track
Author: Margaret Maron
First published January 1, 2000
ebook
ISBN: 9780759503885 (ISBN10: 0759503885)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
In “Storm Track” by Margaret Maron, we join Judge Deborah Knott as she navigates a treacherous murder investigation during the onslaught of a hurricane in North Carolina. With the raging winds and rain threatening to impede her every move, Judge Knott must use all her wits to uncover clues to a motel murder while also avoiding a deadly killer on the loose.
As the storm rages on, Judge Knott realizes that time is running out and she must act fast if she hopes to bring the perpetrator to justice.
About the Author
Margaret Maron grew up in central North Carolina before spending time living in Italy. As an author, she has written multiple mystery novels and a collection of short stories that have been translated into seven different languages.
Her book, Bootlegger’s Daughter, was highly acclaimed and won several prestigious awards including the Edgar Anthony, Agatha, and Macavity awards.
Maron was a highly respected figure in the crime writing community and served as the president of Sisters in Crime and the American Crime Writers’ League. She was also a director on the national board for the Mystery Writers of America.
Editoral Review
Storm Track by Margaret Maron is a thrilling mystery novel that captivates the reader from start to finish. Maron is a masterful writer who has honed her craft over decades, becoming one of the most respected authors in the genre.
The book was first published on January 1, 2000, and has remained a classic within the mystery genre ever since. At its core, Storm Track is a murder mystery that takes place in the wake of a devastating hurricane.
The main character is Deborah Knott, a judge who is forced to contend with the aftermath of the storm and the resulting chaos. The novel is set in North Carolina, which is a significant setting as Maron skillfully evokes the sense of place and draws on the region’s history and culture to add depth to the narrative.
Throughout the novel, Maron skillfully weaves together various themes, including the fragility of community, the emotional toll of natural disasters, and the psychology of violence. These themes are explored through the lens of Deborah Knott, who is a complex and multifaceted character.
Maron imbues her protagonist with depth and nuance, allowing the reader to empathize with her struggles as she navigates the dangerous waters of the case. One of the strengths of the novel is Maron’s writing style.
She demonstrates a keen eye for detail, describing both the physical and emotional landscapes of the characters in vivid detail. Her use of language is precise and evocative, allowing the reader to imagine the scenes with great clarity.
Her pacing is also spot-on, with the tension and suspense building slowly but surely as the novel progresses. However, the novel does have its limitations.
While Maron is skilled at characterization, some of the supporting players feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may disappoint some readers who are looking for a more surprising or innovative twist.
Overall, Storm Track is a masterful mystery novel that is worth reading for anyone who loves the genre. Maron’s rich characterization, sharp writing style, and engaging plot make this a book that is not to be missed.
While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it deserves a place on any mystery lover’s bookshelf. Rating: 4/5 stars.
While the novel has a few flaws, these are outweighed by Maron’s many strengths as a writer. The book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with rich characters and evocative writing.