Murder in the wind (Dell first edition)

This is John D. MacDonald's take on the Bridge over San Luis Rey. It concerns five different groups of characters who try to out run a hurricane. They seek refuge in an old house only to have the forces of nature settle their internal and external conflicts. MacDonald likes to use familiar landscapes. In this case, western central Florida. Some of the descriptions are a little dated - the book was published originally in the mid to late 1950's but the character development is excellent. The storm itself becomes a character and MacDonald bases the storm and its path on an actual hurricane that hit that part in the late 1940's. It's a shame this book is difficult to find. I think anyone who is interested in a fast paced mystery with good characters and a hurricane is missing a good time. I read this book everytime hurrican e season starts here in Florida just to get the feel of the wind.