Adventure Thrillers BREACH with Holly S. Roberts

Craving the vastness of the open sea, Kate and her family set out on a journey of forgiveness and healing aboard Ryan’s Gift, their newly remodeled yacht. After a tragic accident, it’s imperative that Kate returns to the ocean, the place she once called home, in an attempt to restore her spirit.

In the middle of their idyllic voyage, the nightmare begins. With no power or communication, a monster lurks below the surface and the family must find a way to defeat the darkness before it destroys them.

Holly S. Roberts recently sat down with The Big Thrill to discuss her latest adventure thriller, BREACH.

Holly S. Roberts

Can you pinpoint a moment or incident that sparked the idea for this book?

I was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico when a fin rose from the water. I froze and couldn’t move. Then another fin and another. I was in the middle of a group of dolphins. But what if it had been a shark? I love the ocean and I’m active in conservation. BREACH is a heart-stopping thriller for any Jaws, shark, or thriller enthusiast.

A novel is such a major undertaking; there’s the writing of it, of course, then you’re spending months and months revising, polishing, and then promoting it. How did you know this was the book you wanted to spend the next couple of years on?

I couldn’t sleep, I ate too much, and I was pushing my writing because in the back of my mind there was only one book I wanted to write. BREACH took me back in time to my childhood and my love of the ocean. I loved every minute writing and editing BREACH. I don’t think I can say that about my last 10 books. I’m currently editing and audio book and it’s brought it to life again.

Were there any particular books, movies, or songs that were knocking around in your head while you were writing this one?

Jaws, of course but so funny because I re-watch the movie religiously and haven’t wanted to watch it again until after BREACH releases. I also listened to Taylor Swift during editing and maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

When you first created your protagonist for this book, did you see an empty space in crime lit that you wanted to fill? What can you share about the inspiration for that character?

My hero, Kate, is in a wheelchair without the use of her legs. She’s based on a real person, Tiffany, a survivor I met through a homicide case I led. She’s the strongest woman I know and I hope Kate does her proud.

In addition to a great read, what do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I hope they let go of reality and were able to sink into the ocean with the Carter family and understand that no matter the circumstances, with perseverance, you can survive.

What can you share about what you’re working on next?

I’m adding another animal thriller to the mix. Sanctuary is about a group of girls who run from a horrible group home and escape to an island during a storm. The island is a large cat sanctuary and the cats have been released during the hurricane to fend for themselves. Wayward girls meet hungry lions and tigers but the real danger is man.