The Fair Weather Friend
- Judith D Collins
- Nov 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 30
By: Jessie Garcia
Narrator: Gail Shalan
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250364456
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 01/20/2026
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
The next gripping domestic suspense novel from Jessie Garcia.
It's always sunny in Detroit for Faith Richards. The popular TV meteorologist, endearingly referred to as "The Fair Weather Friend" by her viewers, has the world by the tail. But one night, Faith leaves work on a dinner break and never returns. Her body is found the next morning.
The town is reeling, suspects emerge, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. While her allies rally, her list of adversaries also grows. Little does anyone know that only the deepest secrets will expose the truth.
In this riveting thriller from the author of THE BUSINESS TRIP, Jessie Garcia's signature multi-POV, rapid-fire style will propel you into the heart of a mystery no one could have forecasted.
About the Author
Photo Credit: Henry Jorgenson
Jessie Garcia is an award-winning sports journalist who has risen the ranks in television news, first as an anchor/reporter, then to newsroom management. She is the News Director at the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee. Her non-fiction books My Life with the Green and Gold: Tales from 20 Years of Sportscasting and Going for Wisconsin Gold: Stories of our State Olympians won Midwest Book Awards, and her documentary Leaps and Bounds: The Men Who Changed Track and Field was featured in over a dozen film festivals. She also taught journalism at four universities. A native of Madison, WI, Jessie has two adult sons and resides in Milwaukee with her husband, dog and cat.
Praise
"Wow."
—Freida McFadden
"Shockingly clever."
—Lisa Gardner
"Wickedly entertaining."
—Jeneva Rose
"Stunning.
—Tess Gerritsen
My Review
From the acclaimed author of the electrifying debut, THE BUSINESS TRIP, Jessie Garcia makes a thrilling return with her latest gripping domestic whodunit thriller, THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND. exploring the dark side of fame.
This suspenseful tale unfolds against the backdrop of Detroit, where the shocking disappearance and untimely death of beloved TV meteorologist Faith Richards sets off a whirlwind of intrigue.
As secrets surface and tensions rise, readers will find themselves enveloped in a labyrinth of deception, with a colorful cast of suspects that keeps the mystery alive and the pages turning. Prepare for a rollercoaster of unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
About...
Faith Richards, a popular local TV meteorologist, leaves work one evening during a dinner break and is never seen alive again, shocking her fans and the community. Who would want to hurt Faith?
Her fans are so captivated by her that they established an online fan club in her honor. She even wore weather-themed earrings, which her fans adored, providing a hint of the forecast with her collection.
POV past versus present. We learn Faith had a troubled childhood, and she was only interested in the weather since this was the one thing she shared with her dad. Some issues in college unveil another piece of the puzzle. It appears she did not always have the sunny disposition that she revealed to the outside world.
The story is told from various characters' viewpoints, including fans, colleagues, and former acquaintances, each offering a different, often unflattering, perspective on Faith's true character, contrasting sharply with her sunny on-air persona.
Characters...
Matthew:
A rival colleague at the TV station (weekend weather guy) who felt overshadowed by Faith's success. His fiancée Tara
Kelly:
A former college roommate. A woman Faith had wronged in the past, potentially leaving a long-standing grudge. Faith recently reached out to her for a weird meeting. (Boyfriend, Joel.)
Steve (The Stalker):
An unkempt, delusional man who showed up at Faith's vigil and insisted he was her boyfriend, revealing his true nature as a stalker. He is obsessed.
Carol:
A devoted fan of Faith's, who, along with her niece Olivia (an intern at the TV station), begins her own quiet investigation. Married to Jim
Olivia:
Carol's niece, an intern at Channel 9 who was the last person to see Faith alive, handed her a list to give to Tom, which she read, making her a key witness, but potentially also a person of interest.
Laura:
There is also the executive producer, Laura, and her husband, Elliott.
Hope:
Faith's sister, a voice from her past.
Faith:
We also hear from Faith (past/present voice)
As the investigation unfolds, a long list of potential suspects surfaces. Who killed Faith?
My reflections...
THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND unfolds as a slow-burning, multi-layered mystery, intricately weaving together complex characters and exposing long-buried secrets that reveal the hidden complexities and lurking darkness within Faith's life and her relationships.
From the very first page, the author crafts a narrative filled with unexpected twists and chilling turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as they grapple with the elusive identity of the true killer. The story culminates in a jaw-dropping finale that leaves us pondering the unsettling question: whom can we truly trust?
In this gripping twisty whodunit, the investigation into the shocking murder of Faith Richards unveils a richly diverse cast of characters, each harboring their own motives and contributing to a growing list of potential suspects.
What initially seems like a straightforward case spirals into a labyrinth of intrigue as it becomes evident that Faith, adored by the public, had many hidden "adversaries" lurking in the shadows of her private life. As the mystery unfolds, anyone who was even remotely close to her emerges as a tantalizing suspect in this twisting, wicked narrative.
Among the colorful characters, Steve the stalker stands out as a chilling figure —his delusions and obsessive behavior add a layer of unsettling tension that I found utterly captivating. His portrayal is a masterclass in creating a truly creepy character (loved the dark humor). The mom was witty as well.
The title, THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND, carries profound significance on multiple levels, serving not only as a literal descriptor for the victim but also as a central, ironic metaphor that encapsulates the novel's themes of superficiality and conditional loyalty.
The narrative delves deeply into the nature of Faith's relationships, revealing they were built on a shaky foundation of convenience and personal gain. When her life weathered "stormy" patches or when others faced their own tribulations, these so-called "friends" were conspicuously absent, mirroring Faith's own failings as a friend during their times of need.
The story expertly contrasts the bright, public facade that Faith maintained with the murky depths of her private life, where numerous adversaries and hidden complexities thrived. The title highlights the stark discrepancy between her seemingly dependable, cheerful persona and the unreliable nature of her true friendships.
As the investigation unfolds, it compels both the characters and the reader to sift through the murky waters of loyalty, discerning who among them were genuine friends and who were merely "fair weather friends"—those who appeared only when the sun shone brightly, and circumstances were easy. The murder serves as the metaphorical "bad weather" that tests these relationships, stripping away façades and revealing the raw, unreliable nature beneath.
The narrative is intricately layered, shifting frequently among various characters, each offering a unique insight into their thoughts and perceptions regarding the victim and the unfolding drama surrounding her tragic demise. Each character, with their own stories and hidden motivations, contributes a vital piece to this intricate puzzle, allowing the reader to engage deeply with the mystery at hand.
The Audiobook...
I recently had the delight of immersing myself in both the written pages of the book and the captivating audiobook, masterfully narrated by the exceptionally talented Gail Shalan, who is also a personal favorite of mine.
Her narration was nothing short of spectacular, as she skillfully brought to life a multitude of diverse characters, each endowed with a distinct voice that resonated with emotion and intensity. The way she imbued each role with such depth and nuance truly elevated the narrative, allowing the story to leap off the pages and envelop me in its thrilling grasp. I found it utterly impossible to set it aside.
I wholeheartedly recommend the audiobook for anyone seeking an engaging listening experience, as it delivers a gripping and suspenseful whodunit mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The author...
The author's expertise and experience as an award-winning sports journalist who has risen the ranks in television news, first as an anchor/reporter, then to newsroom management. This progression not only showcases her versatility but also adds a rich layer of authenticity and credibility to the storyline, drawing readers in with a sense of trust and authority.
Recs...
THE FAIR WEATHER FRIEND is a captivating read designed for fans of the author and those who revel in intricate narratives woven with multiple perspectives. This intriguing story delves into domestic suspense while examining the psychological complexities of its characters through unreliable narrators and hidden motives.
Similarly, it will attract readers who enjoy the captivating storytelling found in the works of Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Kubica, Shari Lapena, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell. Furthermore, fans of Apple TV's "The Morning Show" will be completely captivated by the complex relationships, manipulation, and revelation of secrets that keep them on the edge of their seats.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for sharing an ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub date: Jan 20, 2026
