Torment in the Wind

Wind Series #7

Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
254 Pages
Reviewed on 01/06/2021
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Torment in the Wind is a work of fiction in the suspense, mystery, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Judy Bruce. Presented as the seventh and final novel in the Wind series, we once again find ourselves with protagonist Megan Docket, otherwise known as The Woman Who Feels. Connected to the series but also readable as another standalone case, the mystery this time concerns a harrowing suicide which hits Megan deep in the heart. The danger is ramped up as Megan herself faces death threats, but despite the risks, she knows that only she can untangle the web of illusions, deceit, and mystery around the true facts of a complex case.

Author Judy Bruce has crafted a highly immersive, character-driven mystery that will suit all cozy mystery fans, but especially those who value a deep personal connection to the adventure. Having read several books in this series before, it is a credit to the author’s ingenuity that each one is paced and plotted differently to keep readers on their toes, with a wealth of original ideas and surprises in store. For this final story especially, there was a heightened sense of danger as Megan becomes such a prominent target, and by the end of the book, I was totally immersed and turning every page with wide eyes. The mark of a truly compelling tale from an accomplished storyteller indeed. Overall, I would highly recommend Torment in the Wind to fans of the existing series, but also to newcomers seeking an engrossing mystery adventure.

Edith Wairimu

The seventh book in the Wind Series, Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce closes the series with multiple hair-raising mysteries. Tension floods the book from the start. Megan Docket receives a frightening warning that someone is coming for her. As Megan and her friends try to work out who the culprit behind the message could be, a surviving brother from Megan’s last mission shows up. Meanwhile, Megan and her team are also investigating the alleged suicide of a friend. Though she was reclusive and mysterious, some of Kyra’s family believe that her alleged suicide was staged and they want the murderer apprehended. Megan and her friends begin to uncover the frightening history of the Drury house, the haunted house where multiple deaths have occurred, including Kyra’s. Tension mounts as a man from their town is murdered.

Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce develops brave, heroic characters who do not give in to the danger around them. The story develops around a chilling house that adds tension to the work. Now used as a rental spook house by the family for paranormal fans, the Drury house’s scary atmosphere reflects its frightening history. The novel contains different puzzling sup-plots that run parallel to each other. When Carl, another member of the Drury house dies, Megan and her team are forced to work even more swiftly to uncover the truth behind each mystery. Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce is a thrilling conclusion to the series. It contains petrifying scenes and discoveries and determined protagonists.

Tammy Ruggles

Torment in the Wind: Wind Series #7 by Judy Bruce is a fitting finale to this series. This time Megan's life has been threatened, but she plunges ahead with her investigation into a friend's suicide and finds herself after a killer. The story opens with Megan lying in bed next to Jay, the past rolling around in her mind, giving the audience a chance to catch up on events, which I appreciated. Through her memories, we learn that Jay wants a baby with her, but she doesn't know if this is possible, seeing that Bert Bolger had knifed her, thus killing her unborn child. With an opening like this, you know you're in for a gritty ride, and Bruce delivers all the way.

I think Bruce makes a wise choice using a first-person POV, as it brings you up close and personal into Megan's life, history, and her future while it unfolds. The mystery and suspense begin on the first few pages with an ominous note--"I'm coming for you"--and you are immediately pulled into the dark drama. But this author gives it a wry edge and an immediacy that feels realistic and urgent. You will feel for Megan as she grapples with her friend's suicide. Bruce has a way of wringing strong emotions with her powerful imagery and phrasing. The characters pulse with life--especially Megan--and you will find yourself mentally working right alongside her to get to the bottom of things. I enjoyed the legal aspects of the story and the investigation, as well as their smooth blending with Megan's personal life. For an edgy crime drama with palpable characters, you can't go wrong with Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce.

Lesley Jones

Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce is the seventh and final book of the Wind Series. Megan Docket is still trying to come to terms with her twin brother and father's deaths. When she receives a death threat with a Nevada postmark, she believes an enemy from the past, Trevor Drummond, is seeking revenge for losing his family. Meanwhile, a family rift involving a haunted tourist attraction, Drury House, where unsolved murders occurred, takes Megan back to her past and the suicide of a friend, Kyra. Although the case was quickly closed, Megan realizes there could be foul play and someone in the town could be responsible. When another death occurs involving Drury House, Megan and her team begin to investigate the murders, while also hunting down Trevor Drummond who has recently been released from prison and gone into hiding. Megan devises a plan to entrap the killer within the walls of Drury House. Someone in the town knows the truth and with lives at risk, time is quickly running out.

Torment in the Wind by Judy Bruce is a truly nail-biting plot that will keep you on your toes throughout. Although I had not read any previous novels in the series, I was able to follow the story very easily. The author cleverly gives a great deal of backstory throughout regarding past events and the mindset of the characters. Megan is a wonderful protagonist, incredibly intelligent, sensitive to others and will place others' safety above her own. There are clues scattered throughout the plot, some red herrings and others leading to the truth. The tension and suspense were constant and Megan faced some quite dangerous, nail-biting situations. Another favorite character for me was Beulah, fearless, honourable and loyal. The storyline covers many aspects of life too, grief, loss, guilt and mental illness, with incredible sensitivity involving real emotions. I found the dialogue very authentic which suited each character perfectly. Megan's trap at the end of the story was absolutely gripping and the action was brilliantly executed.

Deborah Lloyd

“I’m coming for you,” was written in a letter mailed from Battle Mountain, Nevada to attorney Megan Docket in a small tightknit town, Dexter, Nebraska. Megan had been involved in the killing of two drug-dealing brothers and cohorts a year and a half earlier. Trevor Drummond, another brother, was imprisoned. Soon, she learned he had recently been released and was on parole. At the same time, a neighbor, Beulah, had concerns about Drury House. Several of her relatives had died there, and now it was being used as a spook house where paranormal enthusiasts might have ghostly experiences. A complex adventure evolves as several mysteries collide, ending in a thrilling, shootout episode. Megan’s role is complicated as her husband, Jay, is a local police officer. And she describes herself as “weird,” referring to her intuitive abilities. In the seventh and final book of the Wind Series, titled Torment in the Wind, author Judy Bruce pens a compelling tale.

At the beginning of the book, the author has included family charts of two local families. There are many characters whose lives intertwine, and this visual sketch is helpful in keeping track of those involved in the storyline. Those who have followed Megan’s path during this series of books will once again see her strengths and flaws. Author Judy Bruce provides many scary and exhilarating moments in Torment in the Wind: Wind Series #7. While this is a standalone book, a reader should consider reading the entire series in order to capture the full personality of the courageous Megan.