Anyone who has read my previous reviews of Tina Baker’s books will not be surprised to see that I also thoroughly enjoyed her latest offering “What We Did in the Storm”.

First off, it’s a very different style compared to Tina’s 3 previous novels and focuses on a series of events that centre around a huge storm that takes place on the Scilly Isles. We move back and forth through different time periods to see the events that took place on the island before, after, and eventually, during the storm – including the mysterious disappearance of a popular barmaid who had more than an handful of male admirers, and as naturally follows, enemies.

While an important part of the tale, the titular storm is not really the main attraction here; that honour goes to the people we meet on the island: the tourists, the filthy rich with holiday homes there, the long-suffering islanders, the workers. We see the tangled webs that they weave between each other and the relationships that strain to breaking point as if struggling against the island wind, and which either snap or restrengthen. (Note: if you struggle to keep up with lots of different characters, you might want to keep a note of those as they are introduced – Tina mentioned that a ‘cast list’ will be included in future versions to help the reader keep track of everyone – as there are quite a few, but they are all important the the progression of the story).

It’s a classic ‘whodunnit’ – with a large dose of ‘whatdidtheyactuallydo’ thrown in as well. Each of the characters has their own issues to deal with – some are just standard family hassles, others are sadder, more deep-rooted, some are downright weird and one or two are actually dangerously odd. Something they all seem to have in common however, is a proclivity towards a violent temper (must be the bad weather?) and as a lot of them bought the pink waterproofs that were on sale at the island shop, that can make identification at a distance quite tricky. So who was the person in pink on the clifftop during the storm when the barmaid went missing? They’ve all got motive and most had the opportunity to have committed the heinous act that everyone assumes took place. The aftermath throws up new clues but will they ever find out who was responsible, and what exactly went on?

As mentioned, this is a very different style for Tina, but continues her tradition of dark humour, punchy, raw, unashamed dialogue with hilarious one-liners and put downs, and yet can then switch to a poignancy that can make you tear up in an instant. To make someone want to laugh and cry at the same time with just a few words is a serious talent, and Tina seems to do this with ease. What We Did in the Storm kept me on the edge of my seat, reading on late into the night, and waking up early to carry on. I read along with the Pigeonhole book club which was fairly torturous as only one chunk (or Stave) was released at a time, so I spent a long time waiting for the next installment to drop. As an aside, I think it would make an excellent TV show and I already have the cast list forming in my head as I type.

Summary: A different style for Tina, but brilliant as ever. 5/5

What We Did in the Storm is available now.

About the Author: Tina Baker

Tina Baker, the daughter of a window cleaner and fairground traveller, worked as a journalist and broadcaster for thirty years and is probably best known as a television critic for the BBC and GMTV. After so many hours watching soaps gave her a widescreen bum, she got off it and won Celebrity Fit Club. She now avoids writing-induced DVT by working as a Fitness Instructor.