Storm Surge

In her third book in the Storm series (The Splitting Storm; Storm Gathering), Gutteridge picks up previous storylines, and readers find FBI agent and storm chaser Mick Kline in a dilemma. Sammy Earle is on death row and about to be executed, and a box of memorabilia left in the attic by Kline's dead brother could hold evidence of Earle's innocence. Between chasing storms, Kline is torn between three women who all seem interested in pursuing a relationship with him. His budding romance with prickly fellow agent Libby Lancaster is particularly endearing, and his relationship with his FBI partner Reggie Moore is less on display here than in earlier books, but still enjoyable. Gutteridge is a talented writer with a good sense of humor. Occasionally, the plot gets confusing (as do some time jumps), and the hurricane climax feels stale. But a surprising plot twist toward the end helps bring a satisfying conclusion to the story. Although this can be read as a stand-alone novel, it will be most appreciated by fans of the series.