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