The Meteorologist

by Blake Crouch

Peter, a disgraced meteorologist and chronic wanderer, has traveled the country for years in his Winnebago, in search of the only thing that gives his life meaning. He's just arrived in the middle of nowhere—Hokie, Kansas—for the same purpose, but when he meets a waitress named Melanie, another sufferer, he's faced not only with his first real human contact in years, but perhaps someone who can save him.

From the author of DESERT PLACES, ABANDON, and SERIAL UNCUT comes this 7,000-word short story. Additional material includes an interview with Blake, excerpts from all four of his novels, and two bonus excerpts.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Short Stories, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2011

About the author

Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of the forthcoming novel, Dark Matter, for which he is writing the screenplay for Sony Pictures. His international-bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy was adapted into a television series for FOX, executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, that was Summer 2015’s #1 show. With Chad Hodge, Crouch also created Good Behavior, the TNT television show starring Michelle Dockery based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. He has written more than a dozen novels that have been translated into over thirty languages and his short fiction has appeared in numerous publications including Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. Crouch lives in Colorado with his family.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter is weather obsessed, to say the least. A disgraced former meteorologist, he drifts into town in his winnebago, looking for storms along the side roads of rural Kansas. After a day of spotting, he finds himself in a small diner, where Melanie ends up being his friendly waitress. They form a bond and end up out one day, chasing down a tornado. The adrenaline pulsing through them both, things take a turn neither expects and the tornado takes control. No ruby slippers, no Tin Man and, unfortunately, they are STILL in Kansas. Yet again, Crouch shows signs of tapping into Stephen King's early years persona, where quirky characters come together and form odd alliances. A short story that both entertains and keeps the reader wondering what lies ahead.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Domhnall Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was really short! Finished it in less than 2 hours. Crouch's vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative kept me on the edge. However, some plot twists feel slightly contrived. Nonetheless, the book's compelling characters and thought-provoking themes make it a highly enjoyable read. I just think there could be more.

[Castille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the overall concept and the ideas explored within the story were far more intriguing and held greater promise than the story itself. A pseudo-suicidal meteorologist who wants to be swept up in the storms he studies, for the sole purpose of feeling something-- anything at all? Sign me up. This is brilliant. And finding someone who is equally broken, equally willing to throw everything to the wind (pun intended), in an attempt to make order or else perish? Yes, this is the tragic love story I want. Unfortunately, the characters are mostly sketched out on the back of a napkin, while the mood and setting are given most of the narrative attention.

[Brenda Anshanslin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a bit outside. Sorry, I have a ball game on. It's just a bit too short could have used just a little more too it to have it be more complex and complete short story. I think in a effort to write a tight story a little more depth was missing. This is my first Crouch adventure and I definitely enjoy his writing style and concise descriptions. I juuuuust needed a little bit more from this. Excited to read more.

[Seth cook]

Real is rare

I usually like more of a thriller or horror story and this one was neither. I read this not knowing what to expect besides a storm. The reason I'm giving this three stars and not two is because what I enjoyed most was this is these were very real characters with very real problems and chance brought something great for both of them.

[ruth sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovery

Too short! It left me wanting more. How did the characters mature? Did they become long time lovers? We're they healed from their preoccupation with hoarding or storms?

[Aimee (Book It Forward) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. No fun Blake Crouch twist, or shocking ending. Too short to really make me feel anything.

[Nolan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short story. Good thing too.

[(Mellifluous Grant) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better stories I've read of Crouch's. He twine's the lives of these characters so thoroughly with so little work, it pretty much amazes me. Cute, optimistic read. PS Don't chase storms.

[Pamela Reyes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite B.C. short story. Skimmed to the end.

[Boff Boffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

If this were a full-length novel, I doubt I would've read more than a few chapters.

[E. T. Brother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this shortstory which shows what loneliness can do to people. I identified with Peter and how extreme weather gave him meaning.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Audiobook

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story but wasn't haunting or creepy like his other books. More bleak and existential.