3.75/5
Thank you @williammorrowbooks @harperaudio #partner for the gifted copies of this book!

Okay, I’ve apparently been on an “at sea” book binge lately, and let me just say — there’s nothing like being trapped in the middle of the ocean to send my anxiety-o-meter into overdrive. I Did Warn Her drops you onto a yacht full of billionaires, shady characters, and bad decisions bobbing just beneath the surface.

This is the kind of book packed with characters you love to hate — my absolute favorite when it comes to rich people behaving badly. And let’s be honest… we know in real life, yacht people have drama for days. Since I’ll never get an invite to one of those parties, it’s a blast to peek behind the life vests (see what I did there?) and soak up all the chaos safely from my reading nook.

The book’s got plenty of action, loads of secrets floating around, and a solid cast of characters, each with their own POV. I didn’t have any trouble keeping track, but it’s worth noting in case you prefer a simpler crew manifest.

It’s bingeable, it’s gossipy, it’s drama on the high seas. So grab your popcorn (or sunscreen), watch your back, and get ready to sail straight into a storm of secrets.
Highly recommend if you’re into twisty, sea-soaked thrillers with characters you can gleefully root against. Anchors aweigh, friends.

Juicy locked room thriller on the high seas!

Sasha is a last minute hire for a weeklong passage crossing the Atlantic on a billionaire’s super yacht. When she is introduced to the other stewardesses, she immediately notices that they all look alike. All of the girls are blonde, and model beautiful…strange! She also discovers that a stewardess on the last charter died under mysterious circumstances and there was little to no investigation. As they get further out on the high seas, jewelry starts to go missing and one crew member is found dead the night after some serious partying. Tension is high and suspicion develops among the crew and passengers. Finger pointing doesn’t produce any answers because everyone has brought their secrets on this trip. The isolation of the deep, wide ocean and forced proximity of the passengers on this luxurious yacht is anything but glamorous, it’s deadly!

I devoured this book in a day, it completely captivated me!

The audio narration was fantastic performed by a full cast including Fiona Hardingham, Imogen Church, Emma Feeney, Sara Novak, and Jodie Harris.

Thank you Netgalley, HarperAudio Adult, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on June 17, 2025

I always feel so guilty when I'm forced to DNF a book, but I really did try with this one! Set on a luxury chartered yacht, the plot of I Did Warn Her revolves around the ship's staff, who are repeatedly described as being eerily similar in appearance to one another. Unfortunately, this bled over into their personalities and storylines as well.

With each chapter switching between different characters' POVs, I continually found myself confused about who was narrating at any given point. Some characters even have multiple names, which only made it harder to follow the different plot lines (I basically had no idea who had been murdered when a crew member turns up dead). The audiobook production is great, and while I appreciated that different narrators were used for each character, it just wasn't enough to make this comprehensible.

I listened to the audiobook, which had a full cast narration. That setup can be hit or miss for me, and in this case it was tough to tell the stewardesses apart, especially since they shared similar features. The plot had plenty of drama and gossip, and some twists I didn't see coming. That said, the pacing felt a bit sluggish, and I think it could’ve been trimmed down a bit. If you're in the mood for a light, drama-filled summer read wrapped in a murder mystery, this could be a good pick for you!

Rounded up from a 2.5 star review.

I was very excited about this book because I thought it might hit really close to the mark for the kind of thriller/horror I've been enjoying. So it's not entirely the book's fault I didn't enjoy it. This is a locked room mystery but I didn't really find it terribly mysterious or thrilling. But might be enjoyed more by someone who is more fond of this specific kind of mystery.

All of the characters were horrible in their own ways and I didn't particularly care what happened to any of them at all throughout the story. I also had a hard time keeping track of whose POV it was and still can't decide if that was done intentionally to add to the way all of the stewardesses were meant to be identical, or the writing just wasn't clear enough.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

It doesn't always work to have such unlikeable characters, but this was fun because some of them were fun to dislike. I will forever be a fan of locked room mysteries and this was an interesting setting, a yacht with several blonde stewardesses and not many other people. It was confusing having so many points of view but thanks to NetGalley, I got to listen to the audiobook, and I enjoyed some of the voices and different ways of speaking. Someone turns up dead, and nobody knows who did it, but it turns out there's another mystery behind everything.
This was lively and the mystery was good, although I wasn't crazy about the resolution.

A High-Stakes Voyage with a Killer Crew!

Imagine embarking on a luxurious cross-continental journey aboard a super yacht, only to discover the entire crew consists of identical, stunning blonde women. And by identical, I mean intentionally so—the stewardesses share the same hair, makeup, and uniforms, making it nearly impossible to tell them apart.

Despite their uncanny resemblance, each stewardess possesses a distinct personality and a unique motive for being on board. We uncover these differences through their individual first-person narratives, offering a fascinating glimpse into their complex inner worlds.

These aren't your typical amiable crew members. In fact, they're anything but nice, exhibiting a brutal dynamic with one another, even their head stewardess, Jade. Two in particular—Effie and Imogen—are so ruthlessly mean that you'll find yourself loving to hate them.

The voyage takes a dark turn midway through when a stewardess dies. Yet, the journey continues, and as secrets unravel, we learn that while some of the crew are indeed dreadful, a few aren't entirely beyond redemption. The tension builds relentlessly until the killer is finally revealed. My worst nightmare then materialized: the super yacht, stranded in the middle of nowhere, begins to take on water.

This was a truly wild ride, culminating in a deeply satisfying ending. I highly recommend the audio book version; the distinct narrator for each stewardess proved incredibly helpful in keeping track of the characters, preventing what could have easily become a confusing experience.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins Publishers for this ARC version of I Did Warn Her!

Did Warn Her starts off with serious promise — dark, moody, and filled with tension that hooks you from the beginning. The audiobook narration is strong and adds an extra layer of drama, pulling you into the secrets, gossip, and slow-burn suspense.

But while the setup is gripping, the momentum begins to waver midway, and by the time the ending arrives, it feels a bit too neat and underwhelming. The emotional punch I was waiting for never quite landed, and what started as a compelling story gradually flattened out instead of building to something explosive.

Still, it’s an enjoyable listen with a solid premise — it just didn’t fully deliver on the potential it teased early on.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Although the "we're stuck here" trope isn't necessarily my favorite, this was a refreshing and fun read. I think the character development was very interesting.

"I Did Warn Her" is a thrilling mystery set on the luxurious billionaire yacht, the Ophelia. The story follows Sasha, a stunning last-minute hire among a team of equally beautiful stewardesses, all drawn to the yacht by high salaries and the promise of escape. However, beneath its opulent surface, the Ophelia is shrouded in dark events: a previous stewardess died mysteriously, expensive jewelry is disappearing, and tensions rise among the crew. When the yacht's owner brings aboard his friends, including two more beautiful women with hidden agendas, chaos ensues. Following a night of partying, a crew member ends up dead, turning everyone into suspects.

What a wonderfully tangled, slow-burning mystery thriller filled with lies and deceit! While the pace may be leisurely, it’s undeniably gripping and suspenseful—I found myself compelled to uncover the truth!

The book is divided into five parts, introducing us to a cast of intriguing characters: Sasha, Jade, Lola, Effie, Imogen, and Jasmine (who also goes by Tessa). I often struggle to keep track of multiple points of view, but the author masterfully brings each character to life with distinct personalities. With every chapter, we peel back the layers of each character, showcasing impressive development that keeps the pacing just right.

This read is a delightful mix of claustrophobia, suspense, and unpredictability. For a slow burn, it was surprisingly hard to put down, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment! The setting was vividly described, and the emotional intensity was palpable—I felt as if I were right there on the yacht, witnessing the drama unfold.

I was fortunate enough to receive both the audiobook and eBook, which truly enhances the experience. The narrators are fantastic, expertly capturing the pacing and emotional nuances of the story. Their voice changes made it easy to follow each character, and I absolutely loved the accents they brought to life. A stellar choice for the audio format!

This book would make the perfect beach read or listen. It’s suspenseful enough to keep you on your toes, and while you’ll need to pay attention to the various characters, the unpredictable ending is well worth the effort. I enjoyed the author’s first book, but I must say, this one takes the cake! If you enjoy unraveling secrets, captivating whodunits, and exploring the concealed lives of the ultra-wealthy, this read will grab you.

Thank you, Harper Audio and William Morrow, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

*ARC review*

“I Did Warn Her” is a fun thriller that is giving Below Deck vibes. Secrets, whispers, lies and unease all help make the storyline engaging and intriguing. The characters were deliciously flawed and entertaining. Loved this book from start to finish!

This was fun! I requested it for two reasons. 1. One of the very few "fluff" TV shows I will occasionally watch is Below Deck. There's something so unique about it compared to other reality shows. And it's certainly my only exposure to the world of luxury superyachts. And 2. I devoured Gilbert's last book, She Started It. So I was pretty sure going in that I'd like the topic and like the author.

It did not disappoint! It felt a bit slower-paced than She Started It, but a lot of that was background on how the yacht staff functioned. There were multiple mysteries happening on board and plenty of twists to keep me guessing.

I read the first 65% or so and then saw that the audio was available for request on NetGalley. I listened to the last several chapters and the narration was fantastic. I already knew that I could listen to Imogen Church all day long, but the rest of the narrators were equally enjoyable. Having it cast by multiple narrators was helpful in keeping track of the different crew members and who was telling the story at any given time.

Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and HarperAudio for the advanced copies.

Sian Gilbert, author of “She Started It,” is back with another snarkily-titled thriller, “I Did Warn Her.” This time we’re aboard a superyacht with sea-faring mean girls who distinguish themselves only by the secrets they’re hiding and their gossipy rivalries. But not all is well. We know from the prologue that there’s a floating blonde in the ocean, and a couple of stewardesses from previous charters have gone missing.

There are six POVs (one more than “She Started It”): all the identical Barbie stewardesses Sasha, Jade, Lola, Imogen, Effie, and — surprise! — a lookalike escort Jasmine (there for “primary” guest Benjamin’s pleasure). Jasmine is also accompanied by her own body double, Eva, who is accompanying other rich guy Digby. Only chief officer Melinda and chef Runa don’t fit the mold. There are assorted male crew, including Captain Howard. Initially the story is mostly gossipy and it could be a chore to keep track of who is allied with who and who is sleeping with which deckhand (at least the escorts have assigned bed partners), but if you get the mostly full cast audiobook, the six POVs all have distinct voices (even Jasmine as she switches between first person dragon girl and sickly sweet escort Jasmine). The male voices, however, are tad cartoonish when the various female narrators take them on. In any case, the audio makes it very easy to separate all the Ocean Barbies.

The story, as expected, is mostly Final Girls on Below Deck, but it’s sarcastic, smarmy fun. Two of the main characters with POVs earn your empathy, but it takes time. Reactions are over the top (why does every character feel the need to retch when something horrible is divulged?) Everyone (yes, absolutely EVERYONE) is hiding something, and the twists and reveals are also never-ending. I usually have some disdain for a bunch of unreliable narrators, but (and I credit the fun group of narrators) I truly enjoyed the romp across the Atlantic, whether or not the life jackets mysteriously went missing (of course). 4 stars for the story; 5 stars for the audio (although a male voice would have improved things). This will be a good beach read/listen.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES One of Melinda’s eyes is green.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We’re at sea and the crew is hard-pressed to borrow the mums that they did for a memorial.

Thank you to HarperCollins, HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for an advanced copies!

This book was awesome! A mix of Below Deck and Squid Games, everyone is a suspect and nobody is safe. The narrators were amazing and really made it seem like you were there on the boat. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and allowing me to review this

I Did Warn Her started off strong but the petty drama between the characters got old and I couldn’t wait to finish the book. There were too many characters and I didn’t like any of them.

I liked the plot just not the execution. I will check out future books by Sian Gilbert. All the narrators - Fiona Hardingham, Imogen Church, Emma Fenney, Karen Cass, Sara Novak & Jodie Harris a
did an excellent job.

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperAudio Adult for letting me read this ARC.

Um…this was SO fun! A locked room mystery set on a billionaire’s luxury yacht? I ate this up!

This one had about 7 different POVs so that took my mind a little bit to get used to all the characters, who was who, and the information given; but once I did I was sucked in. These characters were almost all unhinged and this stewardess crew gave MEAN GIRLS to the max.

You couldn’t really believe or trust anyone, and this kept me guessing to the very end who dunnit. Some of the characters lived even connected together. There was so much drama, so many secrets and lies, it made for a deliciously chaotic plot 😂 if you are someone who can’t see past this ridiculousness for what it is, a good time, you may need to sit this one out.

I gotta say….this book was solid and entertaining…but the cherry on top is it kept you on your toes to basically the very last page. Just when you think the story is wrapped up in a nice little bow…sike!

As far as the audiobook specifically, I loved the different narrators and the accents. It definitely enhanced the book for me!

If you loved her book She Started It, like I did, then I’m certain you’ll love this too!

Thank you @williammorrowbooks for my gifted advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own.

Lots of luxury, lots of wealth and LOTS of mean girl drama! This was a devious locked room mystery set on a billionaire’s yacht. This was the second novel written by Sian Gilbert, the first I have yet to read. Not having any expectations going into reading her newest release, I Did Warn Her, I was attracted to the book’s synopsis. Having loved the reality show, Below Deck and all the drama of the show and other reality shows such as The Real Housewives, I was hopeful this would be a solid read. Of course, the pacing was quick and focused on a murder on a yacht, which was a unique premise, but sadly this fell short on the execution.

What mainly didn’t work for me was the mean girl drama. It was a bit too over the top. The characters were way too elementary in nature and their immaturity was far too annoying, leaving me connecting with none of them.

Contrary to what didn’t work,
what did work was the short cliffhanger chapters and the luxury ambiance illustrated throughout.

Collectively the overall premise combined with the fast paced dialogue made for an entertaining and engaging story. Although this not being a favorite read in the mystery thriller genre, this will not stop me from reading more books by Sian Gilbert. I would recommend this to those that like mean girl drama and locked room mysteries.

Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you William Morrow for my gifted copy! And thank you HarperAudio for my gifted ALC!

What I learned from I Did Warn Her: Do not, under any circumstances, travel on a yacht.

There was so much drama in this book. Catty drama. And a lot of it confused me. Mostly because there was just too much going on, without anything actually happening. I *loved* Sian Gilbert’s previous novel, She Started It. It blew me away! So I was eagerly anticipating her sophomore thriller, and am kind of bummed it didn’t work out for me. Her writing is stellar, though, so I will definitely read whatever she puts out next.

I Did Warn Her is an entertaining story worth reading! For being written from multiple perspectives it is easy to follow. Bonus they are a fun and catty ensemble of characters!
You follow along from the perspective of different stewardesses and an escort brought on board by a yacht guest. When a stewardess dies a lot of secrets become exposed.
An out at sea whodunit!

I Did Warn Her by Sian Gilbert is a gripping and immersive psychological thriller set aboard the luxurious yet mysterious yacht, The Ophelia. The story skillfully explores the dark underbelly of wealth, beauty, and deception as the crew of young stewardesses navigates a high-stakes environment riddled with secrets and suspicion. Gilbert keeps readers guessing with a series of twists and turns, expertly unraveling the tension among the crew as they grapple with past traumas and lurking dangers. The atmosphere on the yacht is vividly described, creating an almost claustrophobic feeling that heightens the suspense. The character development is solid, particularly with Sasha and Jade, whose perspectives add depth to the unfolding mystery. While the plot is engaging and the pacing well-maintained, some readers might find certain twists predictable or the ending slightly rushed. Nevertheless, this book delivers a compelling blend of glamor and menace, making it a highly enjoyable read for fans of nautical thrillers and psychological suspense. Overall, I Did Warn Her is a well-crafted, atmospheric novel that will keep you hooked until the very last page.