April Storm – Who Wants to Kill Kathryn Walker? And Why?
Most people dislike April for its stormy weather. Kathryn Walker really hates April, and with good reason. Her first child, a baby girl, died in April from sudden infant death syndrome. When April showers come, they also remind her of that loss. Over the years, other misfortunes often seem to pile up in April. Each year, Kathryn holds her breathe and tries to get through each day.
This time around, however, something is different. Someone is following Kathryn, a stooped man in a hat and raincoat seems to turn up wherever she goes. While her husband, Drew, seems to discount Kathryn’s fears, a man she meets in the grocery store agrees she might be in danger.
Mike McCoy knows what he’s talking about. A rancher who was once in the Army and a member of Delta Force, McCoy tells Kathryn, “I know a private investigator when I see one.” Kathryn agrees that she’s being followed, but has no idea why. After receiving her college degree and beginning and not completing her PhD in Houston, she and Drew, an orthopedic surgeon, moved to Colorado. They have two children, their son a teacher, their daughter, a college student. Kathryn spends her time on charitable works. Since her parents died when she was a child, she grew up in foster care. She has no relatives, an unblemished background, and knows nothing that might make her a target. Why is this happening?
Drew’s advice is to change up her routine, something Mike endorses. But while Drew, caught up with the politics at his hospital which could cost him his position, downplays the threat, Mike takes it upon himself to investigate. He tracks the P.I. to Houston, but the man knows little about his client who disguised his voice and communicated with a burner phone. Two incidents reinforce Mike’s opinion that someone is trying to kill Kathryn and he approaches her and volunteers his protection.
Leila Meacham (Photo Credit: Marie Langmore, Langmore Photography)
Suspecting that Drew is having an affair and about to ask her for a divorce, she can’t eliminate him as a suspect. Until she and Mike can figure out who is after her and why, she hides out at his ranch. Kathryn had always considered herself a city person, but she enjoys the environment and rhythm of Mike’s ranch. And she can tell he’s falling in love with her. If Drew does divorce her, could she find happiness with Mike?
The P.I. is no longer following Kathryn, but someone else is. She and Mike believe this could be the man who wants her dead. Kathryn’s hobby is painting portraits, while Mike is skilled in describing suspects. Between them they manage to create a drawing of the suspect. And when that image comes into focus, Kathryn recognizes him.
Leila Meacham adds another winner to her growing list of mysteries. April Storm is a page turner, but also about relationships. Who can we trust? What happens when communication stops and suspicions grow? Kathryn will find herself in a triangle and will have to choose who truly has her back.
April Storm
Leila Meachum
Top photo: Bigstock
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