The Retreat

A Novel

By: Sarah Pearse

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Sanatorium, a Reese’s Book Club pick, here, Detective Elin Warner uncovers the truth behind the suspicious deaths on a stunning island getaway

“Devilish and deliciously twisty.”
—People

“The suspense inexorably builds to a stunning climax.”
—David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Shadows

They couldn’t wait to stay here.

An idyllic wellness retreat has opened on an island off the English coast, promising rest and relaxation—but the island itself, known locally as Reaper’s Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it’s rumored to be cursed.

But now they can’t leave.

A young woman is found dead below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But Detective Elin Warner soon learns the victim wasn’t a guest—she wasn’t meant to be on the island at all.

And they would do anything to escape.

The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving incident, Elin begins to suspect that there’s nothing accidental about these deaths. But why would someone target the guests at this luxury resort? Elin must find the killer—before the island’s history starts to repeat itself.

Most came to recharge and refresh. But someone’s here for revenge.

©2022 Sarah Pearse (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A riveting, twisty page-turner . . . Readers of Pearse’s earlier book or Ruth Ware’s suspense novels will be hard-pressed to put down this atmospheric, sometimes creepy novel.”
—Library Journal (starred review)

“Full of foreboding and high-stakes tension, Sarah Pearse's latest is a page-turner. The past doesn't stay buried for long, at sea or on land, and what comes to the surface is both shocking and chilling.” —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

“Pearse goes from strength to strength in The Retreat. The suspense inexorably builds to a stunning climax. An added treat is the return of Elin Warner, who is a fascinating character one can only root for.” —David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dream Town

Love the voiceover!!!

Better than the first book!! I’m so looking forward to listening to the next one!

Don't make sense

The story is good all along, but the narrator is a bit choppy and boring. It was difficult to stay tuned to the story. I think I like to see a movie of the Prequal instead. The part where she swims 50 meters with injuries and still fights off a gunman all by herself don't make sense.

Fun listen!

I enjoyed this book and the reader did a great job. The basic plot line is really similar to this author’s previous book.

Sarah Pearse is amazing

It is hard to say too much without giving any spoilers. If you have read the Sanatorium this is a must listen. I will also leave this warning....sometimes the devil you should fear most is the one you see in the mirror.

Delightfully suspenseful

I’m already looking forward to her next novel! Even though I didn’t read the first in this series, I still really enjoyed The Retreat! Unanswered questions demand answers though!

Good, but was left wanting more

Lots of characters introduced right at the get go. Made it hard to keep up. If you didn’t read The Sanatorium recently then this might be hard to follow too. The book stands alone, but makes references back to the first book. So if you didn’t read it recently it’s a struggle to catch those references. Performance was great, but was just left wanting more.

Elin’s a badass Will is okay

I’ve never been a fan of Will, he just annoedShe really found her confidence more in this book.

Great Thriller!

I really enjoyed this book, this is my favorite genre! I enjoyed all the twists and turns not only in the plot but in the characters. No one was who they seemed. Based on how the author chose to end the book, I am hoping there will be another with the main character. The author does a superb job of creating complex characters and weaving intricate storyline without confusing the reader. Highly recommend.

Entertaining

I was looking forward for The Retreat as I had enjoyed The Sanatorium, the book started with lots of potential but I found the storyline a bit all over the place and far-fetched. Regardless, it was still an entertaining listen and worth the credit.

Just ok

Narration was very good but the story was a little lacking. So many characters to try to remember and it’s not clear on their level of significance. Kind of a boring “twist”. Not a very satisfying ending. Good enough to finish but don’t waste a credit on it