Book Review: Death Rides an Ill Wind

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Death Rides an Ill Wind     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Kate Grilley
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Berkley, Apr 2001, $5.99, 240 pp.

While sailing in the Americas, Christopher Columbus claims the Caribbean island of St. Chris in the name of Spain. The island is sold several times over the subsequent years before the United States finally purchases it. Currently, Kelly Ryan lives year round on St. Chris and works as a general manager for the radio station. One day while she is enjoying lunch with her friends, Kelly sees the woman who helped end her fifteen-year marriage. The other woman claims she has arrived on the island to salvage a treasure ship and offers a share of the bounty in return for a one-time $500 fee.

When a stage five hurricane hits St. Chris, Kelly still manages to keep the station on the air. Afterward, Kelly notices her rival remains on the island and wonders what is going on. Unable to resist, the curious Kelly soon places herself in danger.

DEATH RIDES AN ILL WIND provides the audience with a very good idea as to what happens to a small island during a brutal storm. The aftermath is as bad if not worse than the hurricane as communication, and most modern conveniences vanish. Kate Grilley's novel includes a mystery although the prime theme is a realistic human survivor drama (not a made for TV plot) that says never take weather for granted.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner