As a house sitter out of need, Beth is used to moving around and being a disaster. When housesitting for a couple on the Oregon coast, she keeps herself busy by walking their dog and trying to imagine what life might be if she had one hell of a house. When she sees Mike drinking Don Perignon on his porch, she invites herself over. The two spend the night together, desperate for human connection. The possible embarrassment of the one-night stand is dwarfed dramatically by a meteor shower, and a terrifying invasion. Losing their car keys in the sand leaves them stranded on the empty Oregon coast while the two have to find a way to put aside their self-destructive natures to try and survive unspeakable horror.
Black Tide is suspenseful, smart, and believable, which all make it even more terrifying. KC Jones is an excellent writer, and the character of Beth feels painfully real in a post-COVID world. I will say that I had a hard time with this one as the world is basically on fire right now and my brain wants so badly to avoid apocalyptic settings. Still, the book is hopeful even with the anxiety and fear flooding through.
Black Tide is available May 31, 2022.
