Until the Night by Giles Blunt

We heard the plane before we saw it.

Not bad until the next line:

The storm that had howled around us for three days and nights had finally limped away, leaving a thick cloud cover over the stillness that unfolded in its place.

Of course the obvious problem with this line is that it's about weather, but in this case, it is acceptable, as the bad weather is part of the conflict, indicating that these characters have been stranded or cut off from civilization for a bit. Though, to personify weather as a limping creature that's been beaten, is offensive to both Mother Nature and common sense.

First thing said:

"Who the hell's that?"

Chapter 1:

A wild wind blew across Lake Nipissing, so loud it woke John Cardinal up and got him out of bed before his six a.m. alarm had even gone off.

Now this weather opening impresses less. What follows is some weather explanation in bed and sure, you can learn something, but it's hardly entertaining. I don't mind reading about weather once I'm hooked, but not before. But I like winter and descriptions of it so this might be an interesting read come summertime when we are immersed in blistering heat.

Verdict: Pass (barely)

Sincerely,
Theodore Moracht