During a blinding rainstorm, Sheriff Matthew Cade is enroute to direct traffic when a man steps right in front of his car.  Lights and sirens had been going, so it wasn’t as if the man couldn’t see him coming.  Why did he step in front of the car then?  After that stranger dies in the hospital, it is learned that he had a gunshot wound to the stomach.  Did he use Cade to commit suicide?  Cade is griefstricken, so when he disappears after being seen talking to a woman who resembles the victim’s wife, his fellow officers believe he just needed some time alone.

Librarian Blair Owens is convinced there is much more to this story.  Cade never would have walked out without telling anyone.  He would not have abandoned his cat.  Blair knows something is wrong, but no one will listen.  Blair defies the town and launches her own investigation.  Her faith in God has wavered for years, can she trust in him to help her rescue the man she thinks she loves? 

Terri Blackstock is a master at creating tense conflict and page-turning suspense.  SOUTHERN STORM stands alone beautifully.  I had not read the first in this series, but I am anxious now to catch up with the residents of Cape Refuge. 

I found myself completely hooked by the first chapter, and I couldn’t put SOUTHERN STORM down for any reason.  I did finish the book before going to sleep, much later than usual, but I am so glad I didn’t wait for morning!