We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
My February book of the month review is The Writing Retreat a psychological suspense debut about a young author at an exclusive writer’s retreat that descends into a nightmare.
Goodreads Description:
Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend, and current rival, is attending doesn’t dampen her excitement. But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell—they must all complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal.
Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate, including Roza’s erratic behavior, Wren’s cruel mind games, and the alleged haunting of the mansion itself. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. With the clock running out, she’s desperate to discover the truth and save herself.
A claustrophobic and propulsive thriller exploring the dark side of friendships and fame, The Writing Retreat is the unputdownable debut novel from a compelling new talent.
My Review
I love when I get to choose a new author’s debut novel. I love it even more when it’s a thriller. Julia Bartz did an amazing job with her first piece of work. This book is perfect for any thriller reader. It’s a perfect book for anyone in a reader slump or anyone wanting to start reading more. It’s on the shorter side but is jam-packed. Alex finds herself at a once-in-a-lifetime retreat. A month-long writers’ retreat with her idol and favorite author Roza.
All seems to be going great except for the fact that her ex-best friend is there also. There are five aspiring writers all competing for a huge publishing deal. Hard enough as that is, Roza is about to make it even harder. Games are done, secrets are kept, sides are taken, and things go bump in the night. I did not see the character storyline changing as drastically as it did. You will never expect it until you are there. Will Alex and the rest of the writers make it through the retreat?
Overall I give The Writing Retreat five stars.
Find your copy here: https://shopstyle.it/l/bTa2h
Join the Book of the Month Club here: https://www.bookofthemonth.com/referCode?referCode=qk4lt1ekmrl
Leave a Reply