The Storm: A remote retreat. A deadly storm. And nowhere to run.

This 17-point summary introduces the chilling debut novel from Midlands-based author Gemma Denham. If you love psychological thrillers, you won’t want to miss this.

1. The story follows Lizzy, who lives with her boyfriend Luke, in her flat in Manchester.
2. Lizzy is feeling suffocated—pressures at work are mounting and Luke has become controlling.
3. Luke is pushing for more commitment from Lizzy, which she isn’t sure she can give.
4. Lizzy decides she needs space and books a solo holiday to clear her head.
5. She tells Luke it’s a writing retreat so he’ll allow her to go alone.
6. Lizzy intentionally books the most remote hotel she can find—no phone signal or Wi-Fi—to escape his reach.
7. The story unfolds at an isolated hotel in the Lake District. It seems idyllic at first.
8. We’re introduced to fellow guests: couple Paul and Fiona with daughter Ellie, solo guest Deidre, Mr Franks, and another couple Jenny and Alex.
9. Suddenly, a guest is found dead just as the weather begins to turn ominous.
10. A violent storm descends, cutting the hotel off from the outside world—no one can enter or leave.
11. More guests begin to die, and Lizzy realises there’s a killer among them. But who?
12. The hotel manager insists on keeping the murders quiet to avoid panic—he’s convincing enough that Lizzy begins to doubt herself.
13. Lizzy forms a bond with Ellie as they try to cope with the unfolding terror.
14. Secrets start emerging from the other guests, and suspicions run high.
15. Terrified, Lizzy starts barricading herself in her room each night.
16. She tries to find a way out and call for help, but fails. They’re truly trapped and must wait out the storm.
17. The novel ends with a dramatic climax: a final confrontation, another death, and the shocking revelation of who the killer is—and why.

The Storm is now available on Amazon: Click here to buy on Amazon.