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Illusive Storm
A storm, a group of strangers, a murder, and one question—who’s next?
Forced into a motel to shelter from a storm, the group couldn’t be more different; a family on the brink of collapse, a man with a dark secret, a bankrupt private investigator with a gambling problem, a priest searching for his brother, a couple of friends, the counter clerks… none of them seem capable of murder. But with a body on the floor and suspicions mounting, it’s time to figure out who the killer is before someone else winds up dead.
Everyone has their own secrets. They are all clearly hiding something.
Everyone turns to the P.I. for answers. With the cell towers down, her best advice is for everyone to stay in their rooms until the storm is over and they can call in help. So when hormones take over and a tryst leads two of them to make out in the lobby, the pair is stunned to see familiar faces on T.V. Apparently they also have armed criminals in their midst…
When the storm passes, it will all be much clearer — or not.
Forced into a motel to shelter from a storm, the group couldn’t be more different; a family on the brink of collapse, a man with a dark secret, a bankrupt private investigator with a gambling problem, a priest searching for his brother, a couple of friends, the counter clerks… none of them seem capable of murder. But with a body on the floor and suspicions mounting, it’s time to figure out who the killer is before someone else winds up dead.
Everyone has their own secrets. They are all clearly hiding something.
Everyone turns to the P.I. for answers. With the cell towers down, her best advice is for everyone to stay in their rooms until the storm is over and they can call in help. So when hormones take over and a tryst leads two of them to make out in the lobby, the pair is stunned to see familiar faces on T.V. Apparently they also have armed criminals in their midst…
When the storm passes, it will all be much clearer — or not.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2020
652 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Lily Campbell
11 books29 followersLily Campbell is a #1 Amazon Bestseller Author, topping many Amazon charts on multiple occasions. Her books are available on many of the major retailers, with exceptions to books enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, including iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and most notably, Amazon.
Lily is a lover of all things mystery-related. She grew up watching mystery shows and learned that the truths are generally those you least expect. She’s married to a man who’s much less fascinated by murder mysteries. With a fascination of serial killers, family gatherings can get awkward due to her love of discussing such topics—often at the dinner table.
Since young, Lily has been an avid writer, getting awards as far back as elementary for her amazing writing skills. She has a knack for making stories suspenseful and getting that fun twist. Her stories will keep you up reading late at night, guessing whodunit until the very last page.
She loves getting reader feedback and personally reads all of them. Contact her at lily@lilycampbellbooks.com
Join her VIP newsletter list today!
www.subscribepage.com/lilycampbell
Lily is a lover of all things mystery-related. She grew up watching mystery shows and learned that the truths are generally those you least expect. She’s married to a man who’s much less fascinated by murder mysteries. With a fascination of serial killers, family gatherings can get awkward due to her love of discussing such topics—often at the dinner table.
Since young, Lily has been an avid writer, getting awards as far back as elementary for her amazing writing skills. She has a knack for making stories suspenseful and getting that fun twist. Her stories will keep you up reading late at night, guessing whodunit until the very last page.
She loves getting reader feedback and personally reads all of them. Contact her at lily@lilycampbellbooks.com
Join her VIP newsletter list today!
www.subscribepage.com/lilycampbell
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 21, 2021
A huge storm brought many people together in a roadside motel....some good, some not so good! This book had fast action, a bank robbery, and a few surprises.
October 7, 2020
Very quick read.
December 6, 2020
A roadside motel is hit by more than a storm. Lots of twists and turns and a shocking ending.
I've already started Illusive Times...
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am happy to be able to give you my honest review.
I've already started Illusive Times...
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am happy to be able to give you my honest review.
December 26, 2020
A sudden storm on the road between LA and Palm Springs forces a group of strangers to shelter at a small motel. But, by the end of the night, not everyone will check out.
Illusive Storm is an introduction to several main characters who will appear in subsequent books. The story was interesting and had a "gotcha" twist that was nicely concealed from the reader. My copy included several words that were misused (including the descriptor in the title) and the book needs a second edit. There was a surprising amount of gore and some of the characters' actions seemed unlikely.
This story falls outside of my preferred genre - others may enjoy it more.
Illusive Storm is an introduction to several main characters who will appear in subsequent books. The story was interesting and had a "gotcha" twist that was nicely concealed from the reader. My copy included several words that were misused (including the descriptor in the title) and the book needs a second edit. There was a surprising amount of gore and some of the characters' actions seemed unlikely.
This story falls outside of my preferred genre - others may enjoy it more.
January 22, 2021
Illusive Storm was an interesting read about a dysfunctional family trying to get a way for a few days. The father/husband is late and thus their vacation starts off late. Unfortunately, a storm brews and they end up in a Motel with other guests. Due to the intensity of the storm, other people stopped at the motel including a couple of bank robbers. All is not right when a dead body is discovered. One of the people identify herself as a PI and takes it upon herself to start investigating since the cell tower connection to call the police is out. There were twists, turns and surprises to keep you reading.
October 21, 2020
Ugh! Supposed to be a prologue to some books that I certainly won't want to attempt to read. Sloppiest typing and proofreading of any book yet. Calls the girl Riana and Raina. Laurie watched with a "flaccid" expression as her husband "pommeled" another person. (You think he hit someone? Nah, maybe he didn't hit 'em--maybe he just glued a "pommel" to 'em!) Refers to "murder you're most 'susceptible of'." A terrified teen doesn't stop to question, then close the eyes of the desk clerk when he dies in front of her! Come on. She would run like hell. There is a nice twist at the end; but nothing could save this terrible book.
November 28, 2020
A very enjoyable fast cozy who-dun-it! There were quite a few editing problems, but from the first to the last page, the storyline flowed and you just had to keep turning pages until the end. When a very dysfunctional family decides to go on a vacation, the snow begins to fall and they had to find a motel to hole up in until it is safe to go out again. So to start, we have parents who seem to love to bicker and argue, a pouty teenage daughter and a sometimes bratty annoying brother. Add to that a motley group of people who also had to get in from the storm, among them apparently are a couple of bank robbers. Then we have a dead body! Who murdered the man? With lots of twists and red-herrings and a bankrupt PI asked to do the sleuthing who doesn't want to get involved, we are treated to a novella that keeps you reading to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will read more. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
October 5, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Illusive Storm by Lily Campbell
On their way to enjoy some "family time" a highly dysfunctional family stops at a roadside motel to get out of a torrential storm. Upon check-in, something already seems amiss.
If this seems familiar, it is. Influenced heavily by 20th-century drawing room mysteries (think Agatha Christie) this whodunit takes many twists and turns.
I wish I could say the twists were unexpected, but some heavy-handed foreshadowing and the title itself telegraphs the end.
Illusive Storm was a decent way to spend 30-45 minutes. I didn't learn anything, but I didn't feel like I was wasting my time.
For what it's worth, Illusive Storm is part of a series and I will check out the next one, Illusive Times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NNR says 4 stars - Nice little story to keep you distracted from 2020.
On their way to enjoy some "family time" a highly dysfunctional family stops at a roadside motel to get out of a torrential storm. Upon check-in, something already seems amiss.
If this seems familiar, it is. Influenced heavily by 20th-century drawing room mysteries (think Agatha Christie) this whodunit takes many twists and turns.
I wish I could say the twists were unexpected, but some heavy-handed foreshadowing and the title itself telegraphs the end.
Illusive Storm was a decent way to spend 30-45 minutes. I didn't learn anything, but I didn't feel like I was wasting my time.
For what it's worth, Illusive Storm is part of a series and I will check out the next one, Illusive Times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ NNR says 4 stars - Nice little story to keep you distracted from 2020.
January 9, 2021
Different beginning.
This is the 1st of Lily's books I have read. It won't be the last. Enjoyed the almost, bite sized book. It is a good plot and characters are very likeable/real.. Not padded out and therefore, straight to the point. The only thing needed to get a 5 star review was, the beginning. Feel it could of started better with chapters 2 or 3, it would of grabbed me in straightaway.
This is the 1st of Lily's books I have read. It won't be the last. Enjoyed the almost, bite sized book. It is a good plot and characters are very likeable/real.. Not padded out and therefore, straight to the point. The only thing needed to get a 5 star review was, the beginning. Feel it could of started better with chapters 2 or 3, it would of grabbed me in straightaway.
September 20, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book in order to review it. It is an interesting start to a series. I don't think lawmen actually go out anywhere without their gun(s), but, oh well. And the cops not really going after someone who killed one of their own and trying to kill another???? Some of the cops were bad, but not all of them! I would not have shown the restraint at the end of this book like Mack did, but then I'm not the author who wants to continue the story line! It was entertaining. Give it a try!
August 22, 2021
Very predictable
I thought that the storyline was very predictable and I was kind of disappointed. The characters were written okay but to me they needed to be described better. I think if the story was longer it could have developed in a more of a mystery with more action. There was some guessing but l did figure out who the boss was early on. I think the author had it going good until the so called priest was murdered. Book was ok but I like more details and suspense.
I thought that the storyline was very predictable and I was kind of disappointed. The characters were written okay but to me they needed to be described better. I think if the story was longer it could have developed in a more of a mystery with more action. There was some guessing but l did figure out who the boss was early on. I think the author had it going good until the so called priest was murdered. Book was ok but I like more details and suspense.
October 14, 2020
Interesting twist....
A robbery gone bad....an unsuspecting vacationing family...a priest .... a drifter...two hotel clerks...and murder....all in one helluva storm....and a twist you would never see coming....what you ask is all this about????....well read this book and all shall be answered 💀
A robbery gone bad....an unsuspecting vacationing family...a priest .... a drifter...two hotel clerks...and murder....all in one helluva storm....and a twist you would never see coming....what you ask is all this about????....well read this book and all shall be answered 💀
January 1, 2021
I argued with myself on this rating. This story has everything it should, a twisty plot, interesting characters, unpredictability. While an intriguing read, I think it lacks in character development, and a smoother transition between the scenes and the characters. Just my opinion. I would give it a 3.5* rating if I could.
July 10, 2021
Keeps you guessing
When Albert and Laurie take their 2 kids for a vacation, they get stuck at a road side motel waiting on the storm to pass. As more people show up at the motel, the 2 kids at the front desk get concerned. After one guest is murdered, everyone is suddenly worried about who is responsible and who will be next.
Fast and full of turns and twists!
When Albert and Laurie take their 2 kids for a vacation, they get stuck at a road side motel waiting on the storm to pass. As more people show up at the motel, the 2 kids at the front desk get concerned. After one guest is murdered, everyone is suddenly worried about who is responsible and who will be next.
Fast and full of turns and twists!
July 12, 2021
The story was a bit choppy and might have been better with a good editor. The story idea was original and I didn't see the twist at the end coming so I gave it 3 stars. It was a pretty quick read. I will say, I have thought about it after reading because I wasn't satisfied with the story or the ending and my mind wants to complete it.
August 27, 2020
Excellent short read
A man, his wife and two kids, are leaving for a vacation. On the other side of town, a bank robbery is going on. It sours quickly. Then, a storm comes up. Both parties, end up at a motel, waiting out the storm. Things happen.
A man, his wife and two kids, are leaving for a vacation. On the other side of town, a bank robbery is going on. It sours quickly. Then, a storm comes up. Both parties, end up at a motel, waiting out the storm. Things happen.
September 5, 2020
Loved it!
I could feel the thunderstorm pounding down! Awesome short story to fill all those pages with so much detail. I was very surprised at the ending and was left with wanting to read more! Definitely suspenseful! Can't wait to read more!
I could feel the thunderstorm pounding down! Awesome short story to fill all those pages with so much detail. I was very surprised at the ending and was left with wanting to read more! Definitely suspenseful! Can't wait to read more!
September 12, 2020
Murder in Room 4! A good road trip read. The author is vivid in her descriptions of the thunderstorm and what is going on with each motel patron. You don't see the ending coming which makes this thriller thrilling.
Read
September 24, 2020Suspenseful, Entertaining
A great story, good character development, intriguing story with twists and turns, an ending I didn't see coming, almost wish there would've been one more chapter!!
A great story, good character development, intriguing story with twists and turns, an ending I didn't see coming, almost wish there would've been one more chapter!!
September 25, 2020
This short story is my first time reading this author and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed this quick read, plenty of mystery that kept me engaged to the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2020
Short wee story, just under an hour long.
Nice wee twist at the end that I wasn't expecting at all. Bank robbers and a mystery Boss, no one knows who he is or knows his name. What are the chances of them all coming together eventually and what will be the outcome?
Nice wee twist at the end that I wasn't expecting at all. Bank robbers and a mystery Boss, no one knows who he is or knows his name. What are the chances of them all coming together eventually and what will be the outcome?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2020
One of my first read on Kindle and I thought the story line and characters were great.
December 6, 2020
A short who-done-it in a storm
A roadside motel is hit by more than a storm. Lots of twists and turns and a shocking ending.
I've already started Illusive Times...
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am happy to be able to give you my honest review.
A roadside motel is hit by more than a storm. Lots of twists and turns and a shocking ending.
I've already started Illusive Times...
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am happy to be able to give you my honest review.
December 9, 2020
Illusive Storm by Lily Campbell is a page-turner with non-stop action and twists. The characters are well-drawn and the suspense is endless. I totally recommend this book if you enjoy dark, exciting thrillers.
Read
February 19, 2021Good.
Not a real long story. No real believable. But good. I appreciate that there is very little profanity in it. And you don't really catch on to all the suspects are, until they reveal themselves.
Not a real long story. No real believable. But good. I appreciate that there is very little profanity in it. And you don't really catch on to all the suspects are, until they reveal themselves.
July 25, 2021
Bank robbery with a murder, the well thought out escape and when a family stops at a wayside motel to weather the storm... All kinds of reactions are set off. Wow! I didn't figure this one out until the end!
August 22, 2020
Not awful
Not great but had the bones to make a fine novel. Needs to stop worrying about using "big" words and phrases and make the story line deeper.
Not great but had the bones to make a fine novel. Needs to stop worrying about using "big" words and phrases and make the story line deeper.
August 29, 2020
Good book
I am so glad this was a stand alone book. It was well written and I finished It In one sitting.
I am so glad this was a stand alone book. It was well written and I finished It In one sitting.
September 1, 2020
Everything you've ever wanted in a cozy 💓 mystery
Highly recommend this one . . . Loved it❣️
What more can I say . . . Enjoy ❣️
Highly recommend this one . . . Loved it❣️
What more can I say . . . Enjoy ❣️
September 2, 2020
Waste of reading time
I would not recommend this book. The plot was bad . Like an old cops and robbers story . Give me a John Grisham book.
I would not recommend this book. The plot was bad . Like an old cops and robbers story . Give me a John Grisham book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews