Picture a British storyteller who turned a sun-soaked Caribbean bachelorette party into a chilling tale of revenge—meet Sian Gilbert! This Bristol-born thriller author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, She Started It, a twisty psychological thriller that hooked readers worldwide. With a knack for crafting complex female characters and plots that keep you guessing, Gilbert’s work is as addictive as a beachside cocktail.
From teaching history to weaving suspenseful narratives, Gilbert’s journey is a testament to chasing dreams with grit and passion. Her love for history and human relationships shines through in her stories, making her a rising star in the thriller genre.
The Making of Sian Gilbert
Born in Bristol, UK, Sian Gilbert grew up with a passion for history, studying at the University of Warwick before teaching at a Birmingham comprehensive school for nearly five years. A self-proclaimed history nerd, she devoured historical texts and visited sites like Hever Castle to see treasures like Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours. Her life took a pivotal turn when her partner’s PhD scholarship led them to Cambridge, giving Gilbert the chance to pause teaching and pursue her lifelong dream of writing.
Gilbert’s writing journey wasn’t instant success. Her first manuscript didn’t land an agent, but she immersed herself in craft books and joined Twitter’s writing community. There, she discovered Pitch Wars, a mentorship program that transformed her career. With a killer one-sentence pitch about bridesmaids and revenge, she drafted She Started It in just three months, catching the eye of mentor E. A. Aymar and securing representation with the Helen Heller Agency.
Sian Gilbert’s Unforgettable Stories
Gilbert’s debut, She Started It (June 2023), is a psychological thriller that blends Instagram-era drama with the sinister vibes of Lord of the Flies and And Then There Were None. Set on a private Bahamian island, it follows four childhood friends invited to a bachelorette party by Poppy, a former classmate they bullied. Packed with secrets, betrayals, and a revenge plot that unfolds with prosecco-fueled chaos, the novel was a Book of the Month Main Selection and an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense.
Her sophomore novel, I Did Warn Her, slated for June 2025, promises more of Gilbert’s signature style: intricate plots, morally gray female leads, and tension that crackles. While details are scarce, early buzz suggests it will delve deeper into themes of consequence and betrayal, cementing her reputation for crafting stories that linger.
Gilbert’s writing stands out for its exploration of female friendships—how they twist from teenage loyalty to adult reckoning. Her characters are flawed, complex, and unapologetically human, making readers root for them even as they spiral. Her historical influences add depth, grounding her modern thrillers in timeless questions of guilt and redemption.
Why Sian Gilbert Matters
Sian Gilbert’s impact lies in her ability to spin escapist thrillers that resonate on a human level. Her debut captivated readers with its fresh take on revenge, earning praise from outlets like Library Journal for its “clever tale” akin to Liane Moriarty’s work. By centering women who are both villains and heroes, she challenges stereotypes in the thriller genre, offering stories that feel raw and real.
As a former teacher turned bestselling author, Gilbert inspires aspiring writers to persevere. Her Pitch Wars success story shows that community and mentorship can open doors, making her a beacon for those navigating the publishing world. With I Did Warn Her on the horizon, Gilbert is poised to leave a lasting mark on psychological thrillers.
- Born: Bristol, UK
- Key Works: She Started It (2023), I Did Warn Her (2025)
- Notable Achievements: Book of the Month Main Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick
- Social Media: Follow @sianmgilbert on Instagram and Twitter
About Sian Gilbert
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag She Started It and dive into Sian Gilbert’s world of secrets, suspense, and unforgettable women!