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The Storm Within
The ocean Breeze sails to breathtaking locations around the Mediterranean while providing passengers with gourmet cuisine and a dazzling entertainment line-up.
But behind cabin doors, all is not as it would seem. When a young woman is murdered onboard, cruise director Jake Bateman finds himself stuck in a nightmare as accusations start running high between crew and passengers.
Jake’s lover Claire has become suffocatingly possessive and Vincent, who covets Jake's position, sees the murder as an opportunity to ruin Jake’s reputation, hoping it will pave the way for his promotion as the new cruise director.
Passengers Richard and Belinda find themselves caught up in a web of betrayal, secrets, courage, and finally redemption.
As tensions mount, the authorities conduct interviews with the suspects, Each alibi is scrutinised, revealing hidden layers of deceit and betrayal amongst the passengers.
Claire's jealousy, Vincent's manipulation, and Richard's fear all intertwine, creating an explosive conclusion where everyone has something to lose.
But behind cabin doors, all is not as it would seem. When a young woman is murdered onboard, cruise director Jake Bateman finds himself stuck in a nightmare as accusations start running high between crew and passengers.
Jake’s lover Claire has become suffocatingly possessive and Vincent, who covets Jake's position, sees the murder as an opportunity to ruin Jake’s reputation, hoping it will pave the way for his promotion as the new cruise director.
Passengers Richard and Belinda find themselves caught up in a web of betrayal, secrets, courage, and finally redemption.
As tensions mount, the authorities conduct interviews with the suspects, Each alibi is scrutinised, revealing hidden layers of deceit and betrayal amongst the passengers.
Claire's jealousy, Vincent's manipulation, and Richard's fear all intertwine, creating an explosive conclusion where everyone has something to lose.
- GenresThriller
264 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2025
20 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Gill D. Anderson
5 books88 followersGill was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and immigrated to Adelaide, South Australia in 2004 with her husband and two daughters. Gill studied at Flinders University in South Australia and has a double degree in Social Work and Social Planning. Gill currently works as a Social Worker for the state government.
DISCLAIMER -Trigger warning
Gill would like to warn readers about the themes of trauma, violence , abuse and sexual deviance which are weaved throughout her debut novel Hidden From View.
Her second novel The Chosen Seven depicts a siege situation in a city restaurant and whereby the characters are forced to have a life review and reconsider what matters in life while being held hostage by a psychopath.
Melita is a story about a mother and daughter who find themselves entangled in a strained and painful relationship which leads to their estrangement. It taps into the psychology of each character allowing the reader to feel their pain from both points of view.
Primed for Vengeance is about a troubled young man who seeks revenge on those he feels have wronged him during his childhood. A chilling psychological thriller that will leave you thinking long after you finish the book.
Gill's strength is creating strong believable, colourful characters that intrigue the reader and draws them in.
Gill's novels tend to have confronting themes that tap into the psychology of human behaviour (based on their trauma backgrounds) and touches on the impact that the character's choices have on others.
DISCLAIMER -Trigger warning
Gill would like to warn readers about the themes of trauma, violence , abuse and sexual deviance which are weaved throughout her debut novel Hidden From View.
Her second novel The Chosen Seven depicts a siege situation in a city restaurant and whereby the characters are forced to have a life review and reconsider what matters in life while being held hostage by a psychopath.
Melita is a story about a mother and daughter who find themselves entangled in a strained and painful relationship which leads to their estrangement. It taps into the psychology of each character allowing the reader to feel their pain from both points of view.
Primed for Vengeance is about a troubled young man who seeks revenge on those he feels have wronged him during his childhood. A chilling psychological thriller that will leave you thinking long after you finish the book.
Gill's strength is creating strong believable, colourful characters that intrigue the reader and draws them in.
Gill's novels tend to have confronting themes that tap into the psychology of human behaviour (based on their trauma backgrounds) and touches on the impact that the character's choices have on others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 12, 2025
#ad mad love for my copy @bookwormbookspr #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🅼 🆆🅸🆃🅷🅸🅽 🛳️
< @gillyanderson71 >
ALL ABOARD the OCEAN BREEZE! Only this isn’t a cruise you’d want to be on! The Storm Within by Gill D Anderson is a fast-paced suspense thriller that’ll have your heart beating and your palms sweating.
I loved the locked-room feel of the ship. It made everything feel like it was closing in on you. While this was my first book by this author it will not be my last. Oof can she write! The way she describes things is just amazing. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
There’s so many lies being told and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing. It’s a fun one with lots happening. So thrilling!
I mostly enjoyed this one - there were some parts I had to skip over but that’s just me. I think people will enjoy this one. It’s a wild one guys, so buckle up. And enjoy the cruise. 🚢
🆃🅷🅴 🆂🆃🅾🆁🅼 🆆🅸🆃🅷🅸🅽 🛳️
< @gillyanderson71 >
ALL ABOARD the OCEAN BREEZE! Only this isn’t a cruise you’d want to be on! The Storm Within by Gill D Anderson is a fast-paced suspense thriller that’ll have your heart beating and your palms sweating.
I loved the locked-room feel of the ship. It made everything feel like it was closing in on you. While this was my first book by this author it will not be my last. Oof can she write! The way she describes things is just amazing. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
There’s so many lies being told and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing. It’s a fun one with lots happening. So thrilling!
I mostly enjoyed this one - there were some parts I had to skip over but that’s just me. I think people will enjoy this one. It’s a wild one guys, so buckle up. And enjoy the cruise. 🚢
September 25, 2025
There is something irresistible about a mystery set at sea, where the horizon stretches endlessly yet the suspects have nowhere to run. ‘The Storm Within’ takes full advantage of that tension, delivering a murder on a Mediterranean cruise ship that feels both glamorous and claustrophobic.
The story kicks off when a young woman is murdered aboard the Ocean Breeze. From there Gill D. Anderson creates a web of suspicion that reaches into every corner of the ship. Jake Bateman, the cruise director, finds himself right in the middle, and the author makes you feel both his professional pressure and his personal doubts. I also liked how Claire’s perspective and Vincent’s resentment added to the tension. Nobody feels like filler, everyone seems to have a storm of their own to hide.
The atmosphere is one of the highlights. The novel moves between sun-drenched Mediterranean ports and the claustrophobic hallways of the ship, and the contrast really works. It reminded me of the golden age tradition of the closed-circle mystery, where the suspects are confined together, but Anderson has her own style, more contemporary and a touch more psychological. As a recent writer of the mystery genre I appreciate Anderson’s take on the Christie formula, updating it with modern depth and emotional realism.
At times I had to keep track of quite a few names, but the payoff was worth it. The finale ties the strands together with satisfying neatness, and I found myself reflecting on the theme that we never truly know what lies inside other people.
If you enjoy mysteries that combine an exotic setting with layered character work, ‘The Storm Within’ will scratch that itch. It is a solid modern whodunnit that plays fair with the reader while still surprising you along the way.
The story kicks off when a young woman is murdered aboard the Ocean Breeze. From there Gill D. Anderson creates a web of suspicion that reaches into every corner of the ship. Jake Bateman, the cruise director, finds himself right in the middle, and the author makes you feel both his professional pressure and his personal doubts. I also liked how Claire’s perspective and Vincent’s resentment added to the tension. Nobody feels like filler, everyone seems to have a storm of their own to hide.
The atmosphere is one of the highlights. The novel moves between sun-drenched Mediterranean ports and the claustrophobic hallways of the ship, and the contrast really works. It reminded me of the golden age tradition of the closed-circle mystery, where the suspects are confined together, but Anderson has her own style, more contemporary and a touch more psychological. As a recent writer of the mystery genre I appreciate Anderson’s take on the Christie formula, updating it with modern depth and emotional realism.
At times I had to keep track of quite a few names, but the payoff was worth it. The finale ties the strands together with satisfying neatness, and I found myself reflecting on the theme that we never truly know what lies inside other people.
If you enjoy mysteries that combine an exotic setting with layered character work, ‘The Storm Within’ will scratch that itch. It is a solid modern whodunnit that plays fair with the reader while still surprising you along the way.
December 18, 2025
A dark, intelligent psychological thriller that refuses easy morality
This novel is not interested in comfort or clear heroes.
It explores manipulation, violence, and moral responsibility with unsettling honesty.
What impressed me most was the psychological depth of its characters—especially Kayla. The story does not ask the reader to sympathize blindly, but to observe, question, and judge. The narrative gradually peels away layers of justification and denial, revealing how intelligence and trauma can intertwine into something dangerous.
The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the moral ambiguity intentional. While some internal reflections in the final chapters could have been more tightly edited, the overall impact remains powerful and thought-provoking.
This is a book for readers who appreciate psychological complexity, flawed characters, and stories that linger long after the final page.
This novel is not interested in comfort or clear heroes.
It explores manipulation, violence, and moral responsibility with unsettling honesty.
What impressed me most was the psychological depth of its characters—especially Kayla. The story does not ask the reader to sympathize blindly, but to observe, question, and judge. The narrative gradually peels away layers of justification and denial, revealing how intelligence and trauma can intertwine into something dangerous.
The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the moral ambiguity intentional. While some internal reflections in the final chapters could have been more tightly edited, the overall impact remains powerful and thought-provoking.
This is a book for readers who appreciate psychological complexity, flawed characters, and stories that linger long after the final page.
April 2, 2025
I absolutely loved my time on board Ocean Breeze. It was such a great read. The premise is was excellent and well researched. As it was predominantly set on a cruise ship it gave a little bit of a luxuriously claustrophobic vibe. It was excellent.
The book was very well written and it flowed excellently. The story was tied up nicely by the end. There were no unanswered questions or plot holes.
The book had a very interesting cast of characters. It followed the voyages of passengers such as Belinda, Richard, Tia, Kayla, Alex and Tony. We also follow the staff including Jake, Vincent and Claire. These characters all make for a very interesting and volatile environment! I loved them all!
The book was written in third person from multiple points of view. This worked well as we got to follow the individuals concerned see how their time on the ship integrated with other characters.
I highly recommend this. It was a great read, it was twisty and an absolute page turner.
The book was very well written and it flowed excellently. The story was tied up nicely by the end. There were no unanswered questions or plot holes.
The book had a very interesting cast of characters. It followed the voyages of passengers such as Belinda, Richard, Tia, Kayla, Alex and Tony. We also follow the staff including Jake, Vincent and Claire. These characters all make for a very interesting and volatile environment! I loved them all!
The book was written in third person from multiple points of view. This worked well as we got to follow the individuals concerned see how their time on the ship integrated with other characters.
I highly recommend this. It was a great read, it was twisty and an absolute page turner.
May 25, 2025
Wow. Anderson has outdone herself.
The Storm Within has everything you want in a gripping thriller. Likeable characters, unlikeable characters, a unique setting, a fast-paced plot and a convincing list of suspects that makes this one of the best ‘whodunit’ thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
As a reader of all Anderson’s work, I can proudly say that for me, this is her best book. The pace, shorty punchy chapters and the constant guessing game made me swallow the entire thing in a day. The characters were authentic and true to Anderson’s style, had the usual trauma and muddied pasts expertly weaved into their stories. What I love about Anderson’s books is the layers of the human condition that makes each character unique: the childhood trauma, the dysfunctional relationships, the narcissism and the things that ultimately make her characters… real.
Anderson juggles plot and character development exceptionally well. She doesn't give more than she needs to of either, making for a read where the pages seem to turn themselves. The murder was bloody, the sex was hot and the suspense was stronger than a triple shot latte. Gill D. Anderson has made independent authors proud with this fantastic novel. Bravo.
The Storm Within has everything you want in a gripping thriller. Likeable characters, unlikeable characters, a unique setting, a fast-paced plot and a convincing list of suspects that makes this one of the best ‘whodunit’ thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
As a reader of all Anderson’s work, I can proudly say that for me, this is her best book. The pace, shorty punchy chapters and the constant guessing game made me swallow the entire thing in a day. The characters were authentic and true to Anderson’s style, had the usual trauma and muddied pasts expertly weaved into their stories. What I love about Anderson’s books is the layers of the human condition that makes each character unique: the childhood trauma, the dysfunctional relationships, the narcissism and the things that ultimately make her characters… real.
Anderson juggles plot and character development exceptionally well. She doesn't give more than she needs to of either, making for a read where the pages seem to turn themselves. The murder was bloody, the sex was hot and the suspense was stronger than a triple shot latte. Gill D. Anderson has made independent authors proud with this fantastic novel. Bravo.
June 12, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I found it to be an enjoyable read. The Ocean Breeze luxury cruise ship promises its passengers gourmet cuisine and an exciting programme of entertainment as it cruises the Mediterranean. However, behind the scenes, all is not well as the members of the crew bicker among themselves, and the passengers are caught up in acts of betrayal and secrecy. With colourful characters and an intriguing plot, this is a great who-dun-it tale.
March 18, 2025
WOW!
What else can I say? This book is just incredible in so many ways, it will have you hooked from the first line & you won’t want to put this book down.
If you’re iffy about picking up this book, this is your sign to PICK IT UP NOW!!!
What else can I say? This book is just incredible in so many ways, it will have you hooked from the first line & you won’t want to put this book down.
If you’re iffy about picking up this book, this is your sign to PICK IT UP NOW!!!
March 31, 2025
This book had so many fantastic elements! I especially enjoyed the "whodunit" aspect, with a great selection of characters to suspect. Just when you think the author has convinced you of the killer’s identity, a new revelation shifts the focus, keeping you guessing until the end.
The cruise ship setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, immersing us in the lives of both guests and staff as their journey unfolds. I also appreciated the glimpses into the characters' inner monologues, which provided deeper insight into their decisions and motives.
I would love to read a prequel to explore the backstories of these compelling characters even further!
Great read - fully recommend.
The cruise ship setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, immersing us in the lives of both guests and staff as their journey unfolds. I also appreciated the glimpses into the characters' inner monologues, which provided deeper insight into their decisions and motives.
I would love to read a prequel to explore the backstories of these compelling characters even further!
Great read - fully recommend.
August 16, 2025
This week I stepped out on my fantasy and romance reads with an incredible mystery thriller, The Storm Within.
We find ourselves aboard a luxury cruise around the Mediterranean, the opening chapter hooking the reader in immediately with a brutally gory murder. From there, it's a wild ride of pushing together clues, learning who our suspects are and wondering if people are as innocent as they proclaim or have the heart of a murderer.
There is Jake, the gorgeous commitment-phobe cruise director, his jealous lover Claire, his viciously irate second in charge, Vincent, who is intent on taking Jakes position. Then there are the cruise passengers, gorgeous and damaged Tia, her partner in crime Tony, Richard and Belinda a middle aged couple who get caught in a web of deceit and lies and finally Alex and Kayla a new couple with their share of demons. But we are also introduced to smaller characters as the story unfolds.
One thing I will say, is that Gill has a fantastic way of giving every single character full and robust dimensions, they all leap off the page, their own voices strong and compelling and it leaves you feeling like you really understand and know these people. But... are you inside the mind of a killer?
With tense moments and characters unravelling at the seams - you'll be hard pressed not to read in one sitting. If you love:
- suspense
- murder mystery
- intrigue
- morally grey characters
- betrayals
- fleshed out characters
- cruise ship setting
- multiple POV
- unreliable narrators...
Then you'll devour this one!
We find ourselves aboard a luxury cruise around the Mediterranean, the opening chapter hooking the reader in immediately with a brutally gory murder. From there, it's a wild ride of pushing together clues, learning who our suspects are and wondering if people are as innocent as they proclaim or have the heart of a murderer.
There is Jake, the gorgeous commitment-phobe cruise director, his jealous lover Claire, his viciously irate second in charge, Vincent, who is intent on taking Jakes position. Then there are the cruise passengers, gorgeous and damaged Tia, her partner in crime Tony, Richard and Belinda a middle aged couple who get caught in a web of deceit and lies and finally Alex and Kayla a new couple with their share of demons. But we are also introduced to smaller characters as the story unfolds.
One thing I will say, is that Gill has a fantastic way of giving every single character full and robust dimensions, they all leap off the page, their own voices strong and compelling and it leaves you feeling like you really understand and know these people. But... are you inside the mind of a killer?
With tense moments and characters unravelling at the seams - you'll be hard pressed not to read in one sitting. If you love:
- suspense
- murder mystery
- intrigue
- morally grey characters
- betrayals
- fleshed out characters
- cruise ship setting
- multiple POV
- unreliable narrators...
Then you'll devour this one!
July 2, 2025
Intriguing murder mystery
This book draws the reader into a fast-paced murder mystery on a cruise ship that involves staff and passengers. The characters are seriously flawed with problems including anger issues, jealousy, mid-life crises, childhood trauma, and more. The story involves betrayal, infidelity, and sexual exploitation in addition to murder. The ending is unexpected. Overall, the author does a very good job of character and plot development that keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. (There is some explicit language and sexual content.)
This book draws the reader into a fast-paced murder mystery on a cruise ship that involves staff and passengers. The characters are seriously flawed with problems including anger issues, jealousy, mid-life crises, childhood trauma, and more. The story involves betrayal, infidelity, and sexual exploitation in addition to murder. The ending is unexpected. Overall, the author does a very good job of character and plot development that keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. (There is some explicit language and sexual content.)
August 1, 2025
I found this book on Instagram, it set the scene - a murder mystery on a cruise ship. Needless to say, I was intrigued. The synopsis sounded enticing, breathtaking locations and sinister goings on behind closed doors, I was in. It was hook, line and sinker, when I read that this book was inspired by people watching from a cruise the author had been on. It made the potential read even more tantalising; could this be real people?
The prologue sets the book up well. The fact that the victim can recognise her killer created an added excitement to the book and that little tidbit that the reader can keep hanging on to on their journey to guess who the killer is.
At first I was slightly disappointment with the character descriptions and depth. Some was great and others not so much. Some descriptions were so physical you could see the character but the others were more about the emotion and demeanour. A little more physical descriptions of the characters would have been a nice little addition but it did not take away from the book on a whole. By the end of the book, I think I loved almost every character, except maybe one, which I felt to shallow and needy. Besides that, all the characters were so complex and you were so attached to them, the physical descriptions did not matter as much.
After the prologue, by page 12 the reader is starting to try and work out who the murderer is. The set up of each character and their story is well done. Each of the characters feels so relatable, you can just picture them as if you were sitting in the same room. This continues all through the book and the constant guessing who the killer is makes it so much fun. This isn’t a wait for the end reveal which I liked. There was a depth to the story of the murderer which I liked and each characters story was wrapped up nicely so the reader isn’t left guessing what happens next. The Reader is left with a feeling of satisfaction once they have finished the book.
It is important to note here that this book, whilst the pace is a fairly consistent medium. For the first 100 or so pages, the foundation is being laid. It is not until the last 100 or so pages that things really get juicy. Please dear reader, do not lose heart here, keep going for the results are definitely worth it.
The thing I loved most about the book was the depth of the disturbance of many of the characters. I love the evilness yet at the same time, you can understand them and not hate them because Gill provides the back story of each character. You understand their pain and trauma that they are acting out. With this there are a number of very subtle life lessons and educational moments on trauma and family violence. If you are triggered at all by any series themes such as this, I would not recommend this book. If these are not an issue for you, dive right it, it is definitely worth it. This darkness is a complete contrast to the beauty of the cruise and the destinations that passengers visit which adds to the reading experience.
I give this read a 5 star rating.
The prologue sets the book up well. The fact that the victim can recognise her killer created an added excitement to the book and that little tidbit that the reader can keep hanging on to on their journey to guess who the killer is.
At first I was slightly disappointment with the character descriptions and depth. Some was great and others not so much. Some descriptions were so physical you could see the character but the others were more about the emotion and demeanour. A little more physical descriptions of the characters would have been a nice little addition but it did not take away from the book on a whole. By the end of the book, I think I loved almost every character, except maybe one, which I felt to shallow and needy. Besides that, all the characters were so complex and you were so attached to them, the physical descriptions did not matter as much.
After the prologue, by page 12 the reader is starting to try and work out who the murderer is. The set up of each character and their story is well done. Each of the characters feels so relatable, you can just picture them as if you were sitting in the same room. This continues all through the book and the constant guessing who the killer is makes it so much fun. This isn’t a wait for the end reveal which I liked. There was a depth to the story of the murderer which I liked and each characters story was wrapped up nicely so the reader isn’t left guessing what happens next. The Reader is left with a feeling of satisfaction once they have finished the book.
It is important to note here that this book, whilst the pace is a fairly consistent medium. For the first 100 or so pages, the foundation is being laid. It is not until the last 100 or so pages that things really get juicy. Please dear reader, do not lose heart here, keep going for the results are definitely worth it.
The thing I loved most about the book was the depth of the disturbance of many of the characters. I love the evilness yet at the same time, you can understand them and not hate them because Gill provides the back story of each character. You understand their pain and trauma that they are acting out. With this there are a number of very subtle life lessons and educational moments on trauma and family violence. If you are triggered at all by any series themes such as this, I would not recommend this book. If these are not an issue for you, dive right it, it is definitely worth it. This darkness is a complete contrast to the beauty of the cruise and the destinations that passengers visit which adds to the reading experience.
I give this read a 5 star rating.
March 16, 2025
This book was a captivating read. The characters were clearly well thought out, intriguing and I was hooked in right away.
I liked the formulation of who did it and how everything connected.
The only criticism would be there was an inner thought (of the character who was the culprit) at the beginning of the story that was inconsistent with an explanation from the character at the end. It was something the character had said to someone it could be seen as having been said to throw them off but it was their inner thought relayed so you’d expect that to be accurate (can’t go into specifics of what it was without spoiling the mystery). In any case it didn’t detract from how enjoyable the story was to read.
I did think some of the speech was a bit formal at times for everyday chats amongst people but this is me nit picking as it was overall a great read.
I found myself interested in every single character, which is rare. I like that every piece got a conclusion. I like that the ending wasn’t super predictable but clearly there were clues along the way so it’s like an activity for the reader as well as just a passive read.
Definitely a book I would recommend giving a go. The length of it was perfect too; nothing dragged on but it was still rich with a story, in which every part was relevant to the ultimate ending.
I liked the formulation of who did it and how everything connected.
The only criticism would be there was an inner thought (of the character who was the culprit) at the beginning of the story that was inconsistent with an explanation from the character at the end. It was something the character had said to someone it could be seen as having been said to throw them off but it was their inner thought relayed so you’d expect that to be accurate (can’t go into specifics of what it was without spoiling the mystery). In any case it didn’t detract from how enjoyable the story was to read.
I did think some of the speech was a bit formal at times for everyday chats amongst people but this is me nit picking as it was overall a great read.
I found myself interested in every single character, which is rare. I like that every piece got a conclusion. I like that the ending wasn’t super predictable but clearly there were clues along the way so it’s like an activity for the reader as well as just a passive read.
Definitely a book I would recommend giving a go. The length of it was perfect too; nothing dragged on but it was still rich with a story, in which every part was relevant to the ultimate ending.
March 31, 2025
The story unfolds with someone being murdered on a luxurious cruise. We soon meet the victim and all the people who had a clear reason to want them dead!
There were some very unlikeable characters on board and it was hard to feel sympathy for them. I thought the author did a great job of evoking an emotional response to the characters. I really liked Belinda and Jake. I wanted a good outcome for them.
The story was an entertaining, enjoyable read. The only thing I didn't like was the identity of the killer, but that was because I wanted others to be responsible. No spoilers! I also liked that we got everything wrapped up at the end, no dreaded ambiguous endings.
I loved the setting of a cruise ship...nowhere to hide!
If you like a twisty whodunit, I highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
There were some very unlikeable characters on board and it was hard to feel sympathy for them. I thought the author did a great job of evoking an emotional response to the characters. I really liked Belinda and Jake. I wanted a good outcome for them.
The story was an entertaining, enjoyable read. The only thing I didn't like was the identity of the killer, but that was because I wanted others to be responsible. No spoilers! I also liked that we got everything wrapped up at the end, no dreaded ambiguous endings.
I loved the setting of a cruise ship...nowhere to hide!
If you like a twisty whodunit, I highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
April 27, 2025
Gill has done it again with this brilliant murder mystery that takes place on a lavish Mediterranean cruise ship. Each chapter welcomes a mixture of flawed and messed up characters who slowly become tangled in a web of lies and deceit. Soon enough this luxury liner becomes a small city of chaos and everyone is a suspect. Hidden truths are slowly revealed and the passengers masks are cautiously peeled away, to solve this senseless murder. This book had me guessing the entire way through and I was pleasantly shocked with the brilliant ending I never saw coming ! If you love drama and twisted characters, then step on board the Ocean Breeze.
March 11, 2025
When you think about going on a cruise, you normally think about having a wonderful time. Murder and treachery isn't normally on the menu. However, The Storm Within is a thriller that will make you rethink cruises and make you wonder how well you actually know someone.
This all starts with a man named Richard who gets backmailed by a young lady named Tia. Gil then introduces a set of different characters on the ship. From there, the story turns dark, ranging from jealousy to those unable to get over their past demons. There's a bit of everything going on, which kept me reading. To spoil a little bit, someone gets killed on the cruise. I won't say who as you'll just need to read the story to see who it is.
However, the suspect was not who I thought it would be. All I can say is that all the world-building and character development is worth understanding as it'll help you understand the events that take place on this ill-fated cruise. This might be Gill's best work yet. It has that classic murder mystery feel that I tend to enjoy when reading thrillers. This was a fun and thrilling read that rewards you at the end despite the head-hopping between the different characters.
Well done, Gill!
This all starts with a man named Richard who gets backmailed by a young lady named Tia. Gil then introduces a set of different characters on the ship. From there, the story turns dark, ranging from jealousy to those unable to get over their past demons. There's a bit of everything going on, which kept me reading. To spoil a little bit, someone gets killed on the cruise. I won't say who as you'll just need to read the story to see who it is.
However, the suspect was not who I thought it would be. All I can say is that all the world-building and character development is worth understanding as it'll help you understand the events that take place on this ill-fated cruise. This might be Gill's best work yet. It has that classic murder mystery feel that I tend to enjoy when reading thrillers. This was a fun and thrilling read that rewards you at the end despite the head-hopping between the different characters.
Well done, Gill!
March 21, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable whodunnit!
Complex relationships, flawed characters, deception, crime … each chapter building the picture, changing your perspective … adding a motive, a sub-plot, an alibi, or otherwise mixing the parameters.
Gill D Anderson excels at plate-spinning … trickle-feeding information, allowing you to guess as you digest … right up to the point it all unravels before your eyes, and you think ‘oh yeah, of course!’
The Storm Within is a wonderful read, but it’s made me wary of pretty girls on cruise ships! : - )
Complex relationships, flawed characters, deception, crime … each chapter building the picture, changing your perspective … adding a motive, a sub-plot, an alibi, or otherwise mixing the parameters.
Gill D Anderson excels at plate-spinning … trickle-feeding information, allowing you to guess as you digest … right up to the point it all unravels before your eyes, and you think ‘oh yeah, of course!’
The Storm Within is a wonderful read, but it’s made me wary of pretty girls on cruise ships! : - )
March 30, 2025
Loved this. Have always wanted to go on a cruise but nobody would be murdered.
There are a mix of characters in this and a few particularly nasty who have good motivation for murder. It doesn't help that the victim asked terrible choices and is incredibly manipulative. It's a tough one though as the victim could perhaps be seen as a victim of circumstance too given her history. The same goes for the murderer!!
Definitely not a little hearted adventure where this cruise is concerned but evenly paced and with a good twist thrown in for good measure!!
There are a mix of characters in this and a few particularly nasty who have good motivation for murder. It doesn't help that the victim asked terrible choices and is incredibly manipulative. It's a tough one though as the victim could perhaps be seen as a victim of circumstance too given her history. The same goes for the murderer!!
Definitely not a little hearted adventure where this cruise is concerned but evenly paced and with a good twist thrown in for good measure!!
June 30, 2025
The Storm Within is a great whodunnit set on board the Ocean Breeze cruise ship, currently on a voyage around the Mediterranean. There are 4,000 souls on board as well as staff and crew. And one body.
The main cast consists of around ten people—passengers and crew. Each one has a secret, and all are connected to the dead woman. But which one of them did it?
I love a good murder/mystery. I love trying to figure it out but Anderson is such a good author, she had me stumped. There were twists and turns, red herrings and water-tight alibis. Then, when the killer was finally unmasked, it made perfect sense.
This is an excellent locked-room mystery, or should that be locked-ship? It kept me turning the pages and that’s the measure of a good story.
The main cast consists of around ten people—passengers and crew. Each one has a secret, and all are connected to the dead woman. But which one of them did it?
I love a good murder/mystery. I love trying to figure it out but Anderson is such a good author, she had me stumped. There were twists and turns, red herrings and water-tight alibis. Then, when the killer was finally unmasked, it made perfect sense.
This is an excellent locked-room mystery, or should that be locked-ship? It kept me turning the pages and that’s the measure of a good story.
March 7, 2025
The author has a real talent for creating diverse, believable characters with rich backgrounds. She uses sharp psychological insight to shape their relationships and actions, making them feel authentic. The story is gripping from the start, full of suspense and unexpected twists that keep you hooked. Her writing is immersive, with vivid scenes and natural dialogue. I simply can’t put it down—it’s the kind of book that stays with you. Definitely worth a read!
April 20, 2025
You won't look at cruises ever the same after this wild tale.
This is a phenomenal murder mystery with all the classic elements and uniqueness that makes it distinctly Anderson. I was hooked from the first page. Despite all the clues, I still didn't know who the culprit was until it was revealed.
Absolutely loved this story!
This is a phenomenal murder mystery with all the classic elements and uniqueness that makes it distinctly Anderson. I was hooked from the first page. Despite all the clues, I still didn't know who the culprit was until it was revealed.
Absolutely loved this story!
April 24, 2025
Just what the cruise enthusiast needs to read especially if your into mystery and thrillers.
Hop on The Ocean Breeze and see what your journey will be. Find the storm and what storm happens aboard not just the weather. These characters will help you along the journey to discover the storm on board and find the mystery unravel. No spoilers no chance to get a hint just grab a copy and read this.
Hop on The Ocean Breeze and see what your journey will be. Find the storm and what storm happens aboard not just the weather. These characters will help you along the journey to discover the storm on board and find the mystery unravel. No spoilers no chance to get a hint just grab a copy and read this.
September 20, 2025
Ocean Breeze is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that transforms a luxury Mediterranean cruise into a claustrophobic stage for murder, jealousy, and betrayal. With cruise director Jake Bateman at the center of a spiraling investigation, the novel deftly explores the unraveling of relationships and reputations as secrets surface and loyalties fracture. The confined setting amplifies the tension, while characters like Claire, Vincent, Richard, and Belinda bring depth and complexity to a story that crescendos into a gripping, redemptive finale
October 22, 2025
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The synopsis of The Storm Within by Gill D. Anderson really intrigued me, a murder mystery on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise ship named Ocean Breeze. Loved the cover too!
With a cast of flawed characters I was hooked, I love a good locked room murder mystery and The Storm Within kept me guessing.
You’ll find an entertaining read where there are many suspects and a wave of interesting characters with secrets, motives for murder and/or psychological trauma which the author expertly explores in detail. Do we ever really know someone, ‘The Storm Within’ explores what a person is capable of if pushed too far!
Jake is the ambitious cruise director along with Vincent his assistant who wants his position and Claire is Jake’s lover who is becoming possessive. We also meet some of the passengers who have their own issues.
I loved some of the cruise stops along the way and I would have liked to have explored that more.
The Storm Within is a fabulous mystery/psychological drama that you won’t want to put down.
Publication Date 28 February 2025
Book available at https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Within-G...
Thank you so much Gill D Anderson for a copy of your book.
The synopsis of The Storm Within by Gill D. Anderson really intrigued me, a murder mystery on a luxurious Mediterranean cruise ship named Ocean Breeze. Loved the cover too!
With a cast of flawed characters I was hooked, I love a good locked room murder mystery and The Storm Within kept me guessing.
You’ll find an entertaining read where there are many suspects and a wave of interesting characters with secrets, motives for murder and/or psychological trauma which the author expertly explores in detail. Do we ever really know someone, ‘The Storm Within’ explores what a person is capable of if pushed too far!
Jake is the ambitious cruise director along with Vincent his assistant who wants his position and Claire is Jake’s lover who is becoming possessive. We also meet some of the passengers who have their own issues.
I loved some of the cruise stops along the way and I would have liked to have explored that more.
The Storm Within is a fabulous mystery/psychological drama that you won’t want to put down.
Publication Date 28 February 2025
Book available at https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Within-G...
Thank you so much Gill D Anderson for a copy of your book.
March 19, 2025
This book certainly had its twists and turns that keep you wanting to flip and read to the end. The story and the depth of the characters were written perfectly, and it came together amazingly. Definitely a must read that is absolutely enjoyable 🥳🥳🥳
May 30, 2025
A highly entertaining read! The characters had a lot of depth, and I was kept in suspense right until the end. I could not put this book down once I started!
June 15, 2025
I have to say Gill you’ve done it again.Another great read keeping me up until all hours as i couldn’t put the book down! Hope you’ve started writing your next book
September 25, 2025
I read this book on a vacation and I felt like the story gripped me even more!
The author Gill creates a story whereas you feel like you are anorher passenger aboard the Ocean Breeze and feel like you are witnessing interactions between the characters that you shouldn’t be seeing. Gill had me loving characters, hating characters and shocked with characters, which speaks to writing abilities. As someone working within Child Protection it was so great to see how Gill captured environmental factors and our own childhoods and how this plays a massive effect on the trajectory of our lives. It was a brilliant reminder that we never know what someone is going through, or has been through, and what they are capable of.
I can’t wait for more, Gill Anderson!
The author Gill creates a story whereas you feel like you are anorher passenger aboard the Ocean Breeze and feel like you are witnessing interactions between the characters that you shouldn’t be seeing. Gill had me loving characters, hating characters and shocked with characters, which speaks to writing abilities. As someone working within Child Protection it was so great to see how Gill captured environmental factors and our own childhoods and how this plays a massive effect on the trajectory of our lives. It was a brilliant reminder that we never know what someone is going through, or has been through, and what they are capable of.
I can’t wait for more, Gill Anderson!
March 12, 2025
Tension and plot twists at every turn
A murder mystery with subplots of betrayal, blackmail, domestic violence and love lost and found, The Storm Within draws us into a wonderful web of the diverse passengers and their relationships aboard a Mediterranean cruise.
A murder mystery with subplots of betrayal, blackmail, domestic violence and love lost and found, The Storm Within draws us into a wonderful web of the diverse passengers and their relationships aboard a Mediterranean cruise.
April 3, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for my Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.
I am not a big cruise person but after Gil Anderson's latest novel of murder and mayhem, I'll definitely stay on land. In all seriousness though, this novel grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. You go down a rabbit hole of all the 7 deadly sins and still manage to hate a character and feel sorry for them all at once. As usual, the ending was the last thing I would have expected. A fantastic read!
I am not a big cruise person but after Gil Anderson's latest novel of murder and mayhem, I'll definitely stay on land. In all seriousness though, this novel grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. You go down a rabbit hole of all the 7 deadly sins and still manage to hate a character and feel sorry for them all at once. As usual, the ending was the last thing I would have expected. A fantastic read!
May 5, 2025
The Storm Within, by Gail D. Anderson.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and what an enjoyable story it was.
The story takes the reader on the travels of a luxury cruise ship, Breeze, for a behind the scenes glimpse at the crew embroiled in endless squabbles, insecurities and tangled love affairs that the passengers are unaware of.
Entertaining to read with the interest shifting to a crime committed aboard ship.
A marvellous ‘who done it,’ that will have you glued to the book to find out who committed the dastardly deed.
A well written imaginative tale of a holiday gone wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Recommended.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and what an enjoyable story it was.
The story takes the reader on the travels of a luxury cruise ship, Breeze, for a behind the scenes glimpse at the crew embroiled in endless squabbles, insecurities and tangled love affairs that the passengers are unaware of.
Entertaining to read with the interest shifting to a crime committed aboard ship.
A marvellous ‘who done it,’ that will have you glued to the book to find out who committed the dastardly deed.
A well written imaginative tale of a holiday gone wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Recommended.
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