What The Storm Broke

by Nicole M. King

Some secrets don't stay buried. They wait.

When true crime podcaster Myla Miller returns to her Oregon hometown after her mother's sudden death, she expects to sort through a farmhouse, sign some papers, and leave. She doesn't expect to arrive in the middle of a reopened investigation — one triggered when a storm unearths the remains of Melody Harper, a thirteen-year-old girl who vanished twenty-six years ago.

Myla was eight years old that summer. She doesn't remember Melody. She doesn't remember the search parties, the vigils, or the way the whole town held its breath.

She doesn't remember anything.

But the barn keeps pulling at her. The hayloft. The smell of old hay and something underneath it — something her mind refuses to surface. As fragments begin breaking through, Myla starts to understand why her mother spent twenty-six years keeping her at a careful distance. Why the neighbor who's been so helpful keeps finding reasons to be close. And why some memories don't disappear on their own.

They're hidden.

What the Storm Broke is a dark, atmospheric psychological thriller about the secrets mothers keep, the truths children bury, and what happens when the ground finally gives way.

Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Lisa Jewell, and Liane Moriarty.

Genres: Thriller

346 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

The most dangerous place is inside someone's mind.

I'm Nicole M. King — a debut psychological thriller author who spent years doing basically everything else first.

My debut novel, What The Storm Broke, releases June 1, 2026. My second, Moss and Mirrors, is already in progress because apparently I found my thing and I'm not slowing down.

I'm a Canadian author, a wife, and a mom of three with a grandson on the way. I write stories about ordinary people hiding extraordinary secrets.

I'm just getting started.

Reviews

[Nicole M. King]

My debut novel – so proud of this one!

[Mildred Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is a review of the Advanced Readers Copy*

Where do I start? This book got me hooked from the first few pages! I am a lover of mystery, thriller and the who done it and this debut book delivered.

We begin the story finding that Alora mother had passed away and was discovered after the flood. The author transports you to feel Alora’s feelings of grief, confusion and the feelings you get when you return to your hometown. Alora is a true-crime enthusiast and finds herself figuring out what secrets hold in her unsuspecting, quiet, and quaint hometown.

Without giving too much away, I felt like I was right there in Cedarwood. Every page I turned kept me hooked to figure out what happened next. How and who did this?! This book so graciously walks you through Alora’s grief so beautifully you feel as if you are there with her. I am excited to read more books from Nicole King, a 5-star book for me!

[Cheyenne Joy Mijdam · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What the Storm Broke by Nicole M. King
Published June 1, 2026

First of all, thank you to Nicole and InsideStory for allowing me to get completely lost in thought with this one.

Writing this review turned out to be harder than reading the book. Not because it’s bad—absolutely not. In fact, I loved it. There was something about the carefully chosen words and the writing style that pulled me in immediately. I flew through the beginning like a madwoman because I was completely there.

Now, if you know me, you know I have a complicated relationship with slow burns. Slow everything, really. My brain likes to sprint while books sometimes prefer a leisurely walk through the countryside. Usually that’s a problem. Strangely enough, it wasn’t here. The pacing felt slower than my usual goblin-speed reading habits, but I didn’t mind it at all.

Where I did struggle was near the end. For me, the story could have comfortably ended around chapter 40. Everything that needed to be said felt like it had already been said, and what followed felt a little like an old VCR tape stuck on a loop. Sometimes the mystery and the emotional depth lie in what isn’t explained, and I personally felt some of that magic was lost.

Please put the pitchforks down for a second. I know this is just my opinion, and I’m also fully aware this book wasn’t written specifically for me. If I had judged it purely on my personal reading preferences, the rating probably would have been lower. But I also know there are plenty of readers with far more patience than I have who will appreciate exactly what the story is doing and enjoy letting it sink in slowly. That’s why I genuinely feel it deserves four stars.

If you’re ready for a journey through blocked memories, buried emotions, and everything painful—and sometimes beautiful—that comes with uncovering them, then this book is definitely for you. Just close your eyes every now and then, take a deep breath, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself mentally feeding those farm animals twice a day, just like I did.

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Nicole King for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.

Myla, a true crime podcaster, returns home after being away for many years for her mum's funeral. At the same time, news has broken that the remains of a teenage girl have been found on the boundary of her mother's farm. 

Myla finds herself on the other side of a true crime for a change as she battles to uncover the truth, whilst also questionong the things she believed to be true.

This story leans heavily on the psychological and explores Myla's inner thoughts as she tries to uncover the truth. However it came accross as quite repetitive, so at times it was a little difficult to stay invested. 

The pacing is more on the slow burn side with key information being delivered early, but the pace never really picks up. 

To me this didn't feel like a traditional thriller, more of a psychological drama.

This was a solid debut and I look forward to seeing what Nicole has to offer in the future.

[Toni A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Copy Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What The Storm Broke
Author Nicole M King
Publication date June 1, 2026

First, I want to give a HUGE thank you to author Nicole M King and Inside Story for providing me with an advanced copy to read.

This book moved me. I mean, really moved me.

It pulled me in from the very first paragraph and never let go. The combination of small-town secrets, buried trauma, and unreliable memories created a constant sense of dread that only intensified as the story unfolded.

Myla is such a compelling protagonist—successful on the surface, yet clearly running from something she can’t fully remember. The true-crime podcaster angle added another fascinating layer because she spends her life investigating other people’s tragedies while refusing to confront her own. Watching her return to Cedarwood and slowly unravel the truth was genuinely gripping.

The atmosphere was incredible. Cedarwood feels haunted in the way only small towns can, where everyone remembers everything and silence says more than words. Every chapter added another piece to the puzzle, and the fragmented memories were unsettling without ever feeling overdone.

And that final line from the premise still gives me chills:

“Someone in Cedarwood has been waiting for her to come back.”

If you like atmospheric psychological thrillers with buried secrets, unreliable memories, and messy hometown histories, this one delivers. Perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense with a strong emotional core.

Content Warnings:
Child Death
Cover Ups
Child Endangerment
Panic Attacks
Trauma
Grief
Loss

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this so quickly and I loved every minute of it! The pacing was just right and very tense, the atmosphere just feel very eerie the whole way through. It actually felt like it was very dreary and stormy the whole time. Myla just felt out of place and like she didn't belong at her hometown anymore. I thought I knew what the big mystery was, but boy was I wrong. I was very surprised by it and I understand why she left. She also forgot everything because it was so traumatizing. Nicole did an amazing job with this story and it had a great ending too!

[KwentongKuneho · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a small town with big secrets. Slow build up but once a clue has been released, it started pouring like rain. Then you’ll want to read more..and more… and more. And you’ll realize that it’s the end of the novel. This has really made me awake for 2 nights in a row coz I can’t stop until my body says “sleep”.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨BOOK REVIEW & Happy Release Day!✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

✨What the Storm Broke by Nicole M. King 🌀

Myla Miller, a true crime podcaster, has been away from her hometown of Cedarwood, Oregon, for sixteen years. When an unexpected event draws her back, she returns not as Myla Miller, but as Alora Jameson. Alora was an eight-year-old girl caught in the center of a tragedy, though the details of that terrible night have long remained buried beyond the reach of her memory. Alora wanted to stay hidden away with those fractured recollections, but when a startling discovery comes to light, the shadows of the past begin to stir, and the tragic memories she lost slowly resurface.

This is Nicole M. King’s debut novel, and I was immediately drawn to its striking cover. It beautifully reflects the atmosphere of the story within; quiet, weathered, and tinged with melancholy. Much like the landscape it inhabits, this is a slow-burning novel where time seems to stretch endlessly, and memories emerge with an almost reluctant pace. The rural farm setting deepens that feeling, grounding the story in the rhythms of simple living, where each day unfolds with purpose and there’s a secret behind the silence.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. There were moments where the repetition felt purposeful, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory and trauma, though at times it seemed overused. Even so, the story maintained its emotional pull and sense of mystery throughout.

This is the kind of book best enjoyed on a quiet summer afternoon sitting on a shaded back porch, a glass of iced tea within easy reach, while a gentle breeze drifts through the trees. Its unhurried pace invites you to sit back, listen closely, and allow the story to unfold in its own time.

🫶🏻 Thank you to Nicole M. King for the opportunity to read and review this debut novel.

[Jovi Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly made me feel what it’s like to be haunted by the past. It was undeniably immersive and deeply moving from beginning to end. Thank you Nicole for writing and sharing this powerful story with the world.

[Dawn Lewsader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible!! I didn't want to put it down! The twists and turns kept me wanting to know more. Excited for the next one!

[Buddie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. So good!

[Kristyn G · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I would consider this a (psychological) drama over a thriller. I kept waiting for some unexpected twists and turns but none came. It was evident from early on what happened and what Myla was trying to come to terms with. I wholeheartedly agree that if we knew less about the incident until near the end it would’ve created more tension and suspense IF there had been some twist. This was a slow burn throughout and the pace didn’t pick up. The first half held zero emotions and almost made me stop reading but I understand now that it read meant to be that way. Myla was essentially on auto pilot and did not want to feel or express much of anything.
Several paragraphs felt quite repetitive, more than we needed, and I had to go back a few times to see if I was reading the same page again by accident. I think with more tension, more suspense, and more thriller components this would’ve been a 4 star read for me.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the Storm Broke by Nicole M. King is definitely not sunshine and daisies… I mean, technically there are daisies mentioned, but let’s not get carried away.

This is one of those stories that leaves you with more questions than answers but in a good way, not a “throw the book across the room” way. More like a “stare at the ceiling at 2 a.m. questioning everything” kind of way. Who did what? Why did they do that? Is that really what happened? And if it is, why didn’t they just do literally anything else? The questions just keep coming. So thanks for that, Ms. King, I really needed more to ponder in the middle of the night.

All jokes aside, this was a fantastic debut. It’s definitely on the dreary side, but that’s part of the charm. I fully committed to the vibe with a rainy day ambience playing on the tv with a barn in the background (iykyk), and honestly, it felt like the perfect reading companion.

Now I just need a return trip to Cedarwood, because clearly I haven’t overthought things nearly enough yet.

[Mic · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the Storm Broke opens with a gripping intensity that immediately pulled me in. Nicole M. King’s writing is vivid, emotional, and atmospheric, and the early chapters set up a story that feels layered and full of promise.

As the story progressed, though, the momentum shifted for me. Around the 70% mark, the pacing slowed and some of the tension that made the beginning so strong started to fade. While the emotional tone remained compelling, the plot threads didn’t feel as tightly woven as they had early on.

For me, there were too many repetitive storylines. I understand why she wrote them the way she did, but it just was too repetitive for me.

The ending, in particular, left me wanting more. The investigation into Melody’s death, one of the central questions driving the story felt unresolved, and the final chapters didn’t wrap up the narrative in a way that offered closure. Instead, it felt as though the story simply stopped rather than concluded.

Because of that, I wouldn’t personally categorize this as a psychological thriller. It reads more like a character‑driven drama with suspense elements, which isn’t a bad thing, it just didn’t match the expectations set by the beginning or by the genre label.

Still, King’s talent is undeniable. Her prose is heartfelt, her intentions are clear, and the emotional depth she brings to her characters is a real strength. Even though the ending didn’t land for me, the writing itself kept me engaged, and I can see why many readers connect with her storytelling style.

[Susan Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime podcaster Myla Millar, living in Louisiana, has set up a news alert for her small hometown in Oregon. When two notifications come through on the same day, she's thrown for a loop. Firstly, she discovers via the alert that her mother has died, and secondly that skeletal remains have been found, identified as the missing person in a decades-old cold case that she doesn't have any memory of. She was eight years old when it happened and the victim wasn't much older than she was; it's a small town - why doesn't she remember? She goes to her mother's small farm to deal with the funeral arrangements, etc., and quickly gets entangled in the missing-person case. Excellent premise. Let's go.

Myla is a main character that people will either relate to, or not. If not, then I think she could come across as annoyingly meticulous, overly mindful and plodding in her thoughts and actions. I could relate to some of her idiosyncracies, like mentally counting down the time, hour by hour, before she had to do something she didn't want to do, taking comfort in routine tasks, and putting things off until she absolutely can't avoid them, then impulsively doing or saying what feels like the exact wrong thing. (I get it, Myla. Sigh ...)

The plot picks up once she gives herself a mental shake and morphs into true-crime podcast investigator mode. She puts her angst aside, and settles in to work. She's a complex, conflicted character. On one hand she's methodical and analytical, and focused to the point of obsession; on the other she's indecisive and a world-class procrastinator, as if not making a decision will change her options. She knows it won't, but can't bring herself to say aloud what she knows is true. She carries on, ambivalent; slowly and intentionally, like the ticking of a clock in a quiet room.

While this book isn't for everyone, it's an admirable first novel. Good character development, believable plot, excellent description of the locations. That said, there's a lot of repetition in this novel. Some of it adds to the characterization of Myla, some of it underscores the oppression of sameness, and some of it is unnecessary.

The ending is not tied up in a tidy little bow; there are unanswered questions. I'll be interested to learn if this is the first in a series, or a standalone. The potential is there for many stories featuring Myla doing her podcast thing, unraveling cold cases. Enjoyed and will read more from this author in the future.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if the worst thing you'd ever done happened when you were a child, and the person who loved you most spent years protecting your secret? Would you tell the truth, knowing it could destroy the lives of those who protected you, and implicate yourself, or would you keep the secret buried forever? That’s the question I kept asking myself. I love books that leave me wrestling with impossible questions long after I’ve finished reading.

I loved the way the story slowly unraveled through fragmented memories and buried secrets. Watching the truth come together piece by piece kept me invested, and I genuinely wanted to know what had happened all those years ago.

The ending left me wanting more, in the best way! Even after the main mystery was revealed, I still found myself wanting to fill in the missing pieces. There are moments from the past that remain just out of reach, and I was left curious about what really happened behind the scenes. I understood the emotional complexity of a mother choosing her child, but I couldn’t help but feel for Melody’s family and the lack of closure they were left with.

This was a gripping thriller with plenty of suspense and emotional weight, and a premise that will leave you questioning what you would do in the same situation. It kept me guessing, kept me thinking, and left me curious for what’s next. I’m especially eager to return to this story when the next book releases in December 2026!!

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsure where my review went so I’m writing it again!

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time! I am very thankful to the author for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this and review.

The mystery of what happened years prior was so captivating. I was drawn into each character's story I read this in one setting! I felt so many emotions while reading this and the ending was so sad and satisfying to me! I loved it! The complex, dual timelines were masterfully handled, creating a mounting suspense as the secrets of the past slowly came to light. The author's ability to render each character’s inner life—their struggles, their guilt, and their eventual path to resolution—made the emotional payoff of the finale feel profoundly earned.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is available now to read.

[Amy Hricko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would’ve finished this book a lot quicker if life didn’t keep getting in the way. It kept me hooked and needing to know what happened.
This isn’t psychological thriller in the sense of jump scares at every turn and twists galore. This is deeper… more psychological. You really get into the main character’s head. What she’s thinking, how she’s processing. You really feel for her, and want answers as much as she does.

I really, really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more stories from Ms. King.

[Lauren Weyrauch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline had a lot of promise from the very beginning. And it held up for the most part all the way through.
I loved the journey the main character, Myla, went through to put together the pieces of her family’s past. The emotional development throughout was very slow and tender and ultimately filled with love.
There were a few things that I didn’t love about the book, but some of them are just personal preference…I’m not a fan of repetition in books. And, while it made sense to some degree in this one, it was still too much for me. I would have loved to see more and deeper scenes with other characters rather than visiting the same routine with the Myla so often. There was so much room for richer dialogue and details that were missed out on but we sure knew which animal liked what and chat color the bins were.
I also feel like there were too many unanswered questions in the end. From the beginning, I was wondering about Myla’s name. And I really want to know what Jim was talking about with Myla’s memory. There were other loose ends, as well, without giving too many spoilers.
The plot and writing style are a 4 star read for me. Based on personal preferences, I would rank it overall at 3.5 stars. This book was an ARC read for me, but I’m a little behind in my ARC schedule. I’m still thankful for the chance to read and review this book!

[Amanda Espenhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want to put this down and then I did not want it to end!! Can’t wait for December 2026!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I went into this expecting more of a thriller, but What the Storm Broke felt more like a psychological thriller focused heavily on grief and the aftermath of loss.

The book started strong. The writing was descriptive without feeling overly detailed, and I was interested in the direction the story was going. However, as it continued, I found the pacing started to drag. The repetition of everyday routines made sense for the character and the way she was coping with grief, but eventually those moments began to overshadow the story itself. I found myself feeling like I was rereading the same thoughts and motions rather than moving forward.

I also struggled with the writing style. Once the author settled into the character’s voice, the narration became very fragmented, with frequent half sentences that made the flow feel choppy. There were also some timeline details, particularly around dates, that didn’t fully line up for me and pulled me out of the story.

I do think there was a strong foundation here, and I can appreciate the emotional weight the author was trying to convey. This is a debut novel, and there were moments where I could see the potential. Ultimately, though, the pacing and writing style kept me from fully connecting with it.

[Roberta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.

This book started off really strong. I honestly thought it was going to be a great debut. But for me, repetition is a major issue. And I’m not talking about a repeated phrase here and there or something that comes up over a chapter or two. I felt like I was reading the same things over and over again throughout the entire book. Eventually, I got bored and found myself counting down the pages until I reached the end.

Another thing that bothered me was not knowing from the start that this is part of a series. I would have appreciated that being made clear from the beginning.

I also struggled with the frequent use of asterisks between scenes. They appeared so often that they became distracting. In many cases, the story flowed naturally without any obvious change in time, location, or perspective, so I couldn’t really see the purpose of those scene breaks. Instead of helping the pacing, they pulled me out of the story and, after a while, started to feel like something that constantly caught my eye for no reason.

The story follows Alora/Myla, who returns to CedarWood after sixteen years following her mother’s death. She has to deal with the funeral, the family home, and the animals left behind. But returning home also brings back memories she didn’t even realize she had. After a powerful storm, the body of a thirteen-year-old girl who disappeared twenty-six years earlier is discovered not far from her property.

The big question is: what connection does Alora have to this disappearance? Honestly, even after finishing the book, I didn’t feel like I received a clear or satisfying answer. The entire mystery left me with the impression that too much of the story existed to fill pages rather than build toward a strong resolution.

I don’t think this is a bad book. The premise is interesting, and there are elements that work well. However, for me, the execution never lived up to the potential of the idea.

I never DNF books and always try to finish them, even when I’m not connecting with the story. But if I were the type of reader who gives up on books, this would unfortunately have been a DNF for me.

[Hannah May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The plot of this book was really fun. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next for Myla. There was times where it felt repetitive and made me a bit confused because of it as I kept thinking I have already read that. I do hope there is another book after this one because of the way it ended. I am excited to see what this author does next though

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished in one sitting. Then stared at the wall for awhile. This book had a dark, eerie vibe, the whole atmosphere felt unsettling. The writing was beautiful and I felt drawn in to the story straight away. The main character, Myla, felt so alone and isolated. It made me sad that at no stage during the story she ever reached out to talk to a friend. Maybe she likes the isolation and that’s just me projecting. I am looking forward to reading the prequel of this story. Thank you Nicole for allowing me to be a part of your debut novel.

[Melissa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Myla, who must return to her hometown and face her past. What starts out as a quick trip to handle personal business, quickly forces Myla to relive a moment from her childhood. Can she remember what happened when she was 8? Did she really see it? Are there enough clues to solve the mystery?

King does a great job of a slow burn suspense. She leaves you wanting more, the perfect set-up for a sequel.

[Kimberly Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting but

I hate to give a fair review but this was just just for me. I did have to finish but I felt a lure of repetition. I needed more to keep me interested.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one??? Absolutely unsettling in the best way.

From the very first page, I was hooked on Myla’s story—a true crime podcaster who’s built her life around uncovering other people’s secrets… while running from her own. And when those buried memories start clawing their way back? Yeah, I was ALL IN.

The tension in this book is unreal. It’s one of those slow-burn thrillers where every detail feels intentional, every memory fragment hits harder than the last, and the atmosphere just keeps tightening around you. That creeping sense of something is very wrong here never lets up.

What really got me was the emotional depth layered into the mystery. This isn’t just about a cold case—it’s about identity, trauma, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried. Watching Myla/Alora unravel while inching closer to the truth? Completely gripping.

And that small-town setting? Perfectly eerie. The kind of place where everyone knows something… but no one is saying enough.

By the end, I was equal parts shocked and satisfied. Twisty, haunting, and impossible to put down.

If you love psychological thrillers with dark secrets, unreliable memories, and a main character you can’t stop rooting for—add this to your list immediately.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What The Storm Broke” by Nicole M. King is an intense, dark read that completely pulled me in. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and had to force myself to just to get some sleep. I loved every second of it. It’s packed with dark secrets, creeping suspicion, and that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Myla Miller is a true crime podcaster who has built a carefully controlled life investigating cold cases from a distance. But when human remains tied to a decades old disappearance are discovered in her hometown, everything starts to unravel. Returning to Cedarwood means confronting the truth about who she really is, Alora Jameson, and the buried memories she’s spent years trying to outrun.
The deeper she digs, the more unsettling things become, with fragments of the past surfacing in ways that are impossible to ignore. The tension builds perfectly as secrets come to light.
Dark, gripping, and full of emotional weight, this one kept me hooked from start to finish.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Nicole M. King and Inside Story for an advanced copy to review.

The ending destroyed me. I have been sitting with this book for days and I'm still thinking about it.
If you want something with a nice neat ending that answers all your questions, don’t read this. But if you do, you will fall in love with Myla and her tenacity.

I expected something a bit different out of this thriller. But the quiet burn, the silent searching she did, it was better. It felt like a fresh psychological thriller.

This was a return home after years and then stay longer than planned story. Myla is a podcaster, which makes the long stay believable. She was a bit of a professional in the world of cold cases so her research and involvement didn't feel forced. Especially because she didn't jump right in. She resisted becoming a part of the story.

Cedarwood came alive. The setting was important and I felt like I was there. That is something that can be challenging and can detract from a story, so I appreciated how real it felt.

[Kaitlyn Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a page turner! I found myself having to force myself to put it down cause adult responsibilities kept interrupting me.

This is the type of book that left me hanging with plenty of questions outstanding. I find myself constantly spiraling thinking of the different outcomes or answers that I may eventually come to know. It is excellently written and I appreciate the character development and fast moving plot line! I cannot wait to find out what more is to come and look forward to reading more of Nicole M. King’s work!