This book is inviting mostly because the protagonists are inviting. Eve Roth and Jonah Kendrick could not be more different - a sophisticated and urbane scientist and a slightly deranged psychic. The story is a bit hard to swallow at the end, but is strong enough to let me believe that it the beginning of a promising series.

I received a review ARC of this book directly from the publisher. ( )

To Catch A Storm, the intriguing title of Mindy Mejia’s latest novel speaks to the appealing recurrent theme within. From the car fire in a downpour that’s this mystery’s catalyst, to the unusual pairing of a hyper competent physicist and psychic barely hanging on to sanity determined to solve it, and lots more clever story elements, this novel considers the power of unlikely connections and the seemingly impossible being possible.

Mejia displays deft touch in her compelling exploration of the vulnerability of her otherwise largely feisty and determined character set. The trauma in this story feels real and the level of violence really packs a punch. But the readers’ burden in this respect is eased somewhat by a well-plotted, high-stakes investigation carried out at an almost frenetic pace.

To Catch a Storm features one of my favourite narrative structures, alternating first-person. However, it was always going to be a tough one to pull off cleanly with one of the leads being able to feel and see what others are. Read full review: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/2023/08/to-catch-a-storm-mindy-mejia.html ( )

A Psychic, Physicist and a wheelchair bound older man head out in an ice storm looking for two missing persons and find themselves in the middle of something they could never have imagined.

Far fetched, absolutely. Fast paced, yes. Plot twist, definitely. Likable characters, 50/50. Different points of view offer different perspectives on the situations. First in a series, but don’t think this is for me. There was so much thrown into this that at times I had to go back reread parts. Well researched. Did not figure out the villain! I would give this author another try.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC. This is my honest review. ( )

To Catch a Storm by Mindy Mejia is a fast-paced thriller that got my attention at the beginning and kept it throughout.

While the action does start pretty much from the start, that isn't what grabbed me so much as the superb presentation of the characters. I immediately cared about them and the dialogue feels natural. The fact that the story itself was compelling as well made this an excellent read.

This is the first book by Mejia that I have read, and it won't be my last. The science, while not particularly complex as presented, also helped to make this feel more like an informed book rather than simply an account of people's lives. When science is an important part of a character's life I think a novel benefits from adding a little science-speak, especially if, like here, it is very basic and understandable for most readers. Coupling a scientist with a psychic investigator also provided a nice contrast, how will the scientist interact with someone who is immersed in an area so different. And don't let the inclusion of a psychic trigger you. Who cares whether you believe in psychic abilities or not? Do you believe in wizards and magic when you read a fantasy novel or are you capable of suspending disbelief?

I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys thrillers, and especially those who like developed and enjoyable characters.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )

Winter ice storm in Iowa. An atmospheric physicist. A psychic. A missing husband.

Dr. Eve Roth is desperate to find her husband, Matthew Moore, whose car was found burning in the parking lot next to the woods. His disappearance is just the beginning of an action-packed search for the missing and answers to many questions. She's assisted by Jonah Kendrick, a psychic, who claims he has the ability to dream of the lost. He's on a mission of his own, looking for a young woman he says is trapped in a barn -- the same one that now holds Matthew.

This is fast and enjoyable especially if you are able to suspend disbelief. The narrative shifts between points of view as the story unfolds with some twists here and there. I see that this may be the first in a new series, so I may have to check out the next installment though I typically don't care for mysteries to have any paranormal elements. I love science and facts and those details in this book were quite interesting. I was surprised at the direction it took with the reveal of the "why" and also of who was responsible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC to read and review. ( )