I genuinely had no idea where it was headed and who I could trust – including our troubled and secretive narrator, Alex. Now, admittedly, the Writing Retreat is a bit bonkers, but in a way that totally works for the setup and teeters just on the edge of too crazy. It’s got everything I enjoy in a thriller: a killer setting dripping with atmosphere, a compelling plot that makes me want to know more and a truly crazy cast of characters. I just had to read one more chapter of this propulsive, eerie and seriously addictive thriller. I’ve been seeing this book a lot on bookstagram and the premise had me super intrigued – so I jumped at the chance to read and review The Writing Retreat – and it did not disappoint! This is one of those books that I found myself unable to put down for the evening and go to sleep. This unhinged, propulsive, claustrophobic closed-door thriller will pull you in and spit you out… Alex must confront her own demons – and finish her novel – to save herself. Trapped, terrified yet still desperately writing, it is clear there is more than a publishing deal at stake at Blackbriar Estate. Alex’s long-extinguished dream now seems within reach. Upon arrival, they discover they must complete an entire novel from scratch, and the best one will receive a seven-figure publishing deal. Five attendees are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the remote estate of Roza Vallo, the controversial high priestess of feminist horror.

The writing retreat by julia bartz