She Started It

by Sian Gilbert

Psychological Thriller

Domestic Thriller

352 Pages

"She Started It brilliantly captures how toxic friendships can poison everything they touch."

Synopsis

When Poppy receives an invitation to her old friend Chloe's bachelorette party in the Bahamas, she's reluctant to go. Their university friend group fell apart years ago after a devastating incident, and Poppy has worked hard to move on from those toxic relationships. But guilt and curiosity compel her to accept, hoping for closure with the women who once meant everything to her. The reunion brings together five former friends: manipulative Chloe, ambitious Tanya, troubled Joni, and mysterious Annabel, along with Poppy herself. What begins as an awkward attempt at reconciliation quickly turns sinister as old resentments surface and accusations fly. When Chloe reveals she knows everyone's darkest secrets and threatens to expose them, the weekend takes a deadly turn. As the women are forced to confront the lies they've told themselves and each other, it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep the past buried. With no way off the island and trust eroding by the hour, Poppy must figure out which of her former friends has become a murderer before she becomes the next victim.

Our Take

Gilbert's debut thriller excels at exposing the dark underbelly of female friendships, particularly those forged in the intense crucible of university life. The author demonstrates a keen understanding of group dynamics and the way past traumas can fester when left unaddressed. Readers who enjoyed The Guest List by Lucy Foley or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty will appreciate Gilbert's skill at weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines to reveal the full picture. The isolated island setting creates genuine claustrophobia, while the flashbacks to university days effectively build tension and character depth. Gilbert doesn't shy away from exploring uncomfortable truths about privilege, complicity, and the ways women can wound each other. While some plot elements feel familiar to thriller veterans, the execution is solid and the character development nuanced. The author's background in psychology shows in her authentic portrayal of toxic relationship patterns and trauma responses. Perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that prioritize character over gore, and for anyone who's ever wondered what would happen if you were trapped with people who knew your worst secrets. She Started It is a promising debut that establishes Gilbert as a writer to watch in the domestic thriller space.