Publication Date: November 12, 2024
A seemingly perfect suburban housewife is being pursued by a private detective . . . and hunted by a murderer in this riveting, much-anticipated posthumous novel from the beloved author of Roses and Dragonfly.
Kathryn Walker enjoys an enviable life. Her husband is an accomplished doctor, her children are bright and successful, and she devotes herself to charity work that uplifts her Suburban Colorado community. Settling into a new year, her life couldn’t be better. . .
Until April.
For Kathryn, April has always rained trouble—but this time may be even stormier than the fraught past she’s trying to overcome. Already distraught over the child she miscarried in this same cursed month many years ago, the emotionally fragile woman isn’t ready to consider the overwhelming evidence that someone may be trying to take her husband—and her life.
Featuring the complex characters and powerful storytelling that are the beloved hallmarks of Leila Meacham’s novels beginning with her breakout debut Roses, April Storm is a page-turning triumph that caps a remarkable literary career.
For Kathryn Walker, April has always been a month of sadness. This year, though, maybe even more devastating. Not only does she think she is being followed, but she also is concerned her husband is having an affair.
Author Leila Meacham builds the suspense and leads readers on an adventure in April Storm. Through the eyes of the watcher, Kathryn’s routine comes to light as an active member of the community who leads a seemingly impeccable life. What kind of secret is she hiding? As the story unfolds, there are indications that perhaps her carefully curated life with a handsome surgeon may be crumbling.
Whether it is the emphasis on a life insurance policy or the inconsistent whereabouts of her husband, Kathryn grows suspicious. Mike, a former Special Forces operative who spots the watcher, is determined to help Kathryn find answers as a sort of redemption for losing his own wife to violence. When someone close to Kathryn is nearly killed, they realize someone wants Kathryn silenced. The author does a great job building the suspense before revealing the real culprit.
The conclusion ties up the various loose ends, although it leaves an opening for a future installment about Mike. He’s a compelling character who deserves a happy ending.
April Storm serves up a tale of a woman whose life becomes upended, forcing her out of her comfortable routine to fight for her life. 
Leila Meacham (1938–2021) was a writer and former teacher from San Antonio, Texas, who came to writing later in life. Her many successful novels include the bestselling Roses, Somerset, Tumbleweeds, and Dragonfly.
