The Writing Retreat

A Novel

By: Julia Bartz

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Sex, suspense, and the supernatural fuel this propulsive debut.”—People

A young author is invited to an exclusive writer’s retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare—in the vein of The Plot and Please Join Us.

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 must discover the truth—or suffer the same fate.

A claustrophobic and propulsive thriller that “will keep you up all night with its intriguing premise and gasp-worthy twists” (Kirthana Ramisetti, author of Dava Shastri’s Last Day), The Writing Retreat expertly explores the dark side of female relationships, fame, and the desire to have our stories told.

©2023 Julia Bartz Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wanted to hear every word ! Enthralling

One of those books that you can’t wait to read what happens next and how these normal loving characters are going to survive.

Entertaining

Intriguing it was. I wanted to find out what happened to the characters. The plot and story was really good. Performance was great. I did not like the graphic sex so vividly written. I do think the story could have gone on without that but that it a personal opinion. Overall- yes, worth the credit. It was entertaining and kept my interest.

Too predictable

Reader helped but the book unfortunately was too predictable. The ending was not all that great; it felt like a large leading up then the ending was rushed.

Devoured this in one plane ride!

I had the physical book and the audiobook while flying from Hawaii to California. I’m usually really hard on rating books, but this one deserves 5 stars. I enjoyed the small cast of characters and the twists she put in. Nobody had the same personality, even though they were all writers. I think some people get stuck because they aren’t trying to piece together the puzzle of what could happen in the end. I’ve never read a book that has me 100% obsessed the entire time. I think the author did a fabulous job and took her time to lay down what was happening without rushing through to the end or taking too long. I give it 5 stars, because this is so original and I really enjoyed it. Bravo. 👏🏻

Loved this book but…

I loved this book. REALLY DID. This is one of my favorite “can’t put it down” writers, and the audio version was great. I was so bought into the original story of the house that I wanted more of that and more from the ending. More of the main character having a bit more of an introspective revaluation. That being said, the main characters were writers, and I know they are a different kind of character that has to pour a lot of emotion into their stories. Makes them different than other central characters.

Dark

I loved all the darkness and story twists that made this book an exciting read.

Fun listen/read

I really enjoyed this book. It’s fun and captivating. It’s very “with the times” and can come off as a little extra. But overall I enjoyed it a lot.

Meh.

Cool story but the ending drug out way too long. It was just ok for me.

What did I just read?

This book was everything I hoped for; crazy, surprising, jaw dropping, and wonderfully told by the audiobook narrator from audible. So many twists and turns. I was hooked from the 3 rd chapter. Slow beginning but once the retreat starts, hold on! Incredible for anyone looking for something new and unlike anything you have read. Solid 5 stars and one of my favorites of the year so far!

Riveting

This story was very well woven into a scary tale of deception, jealousy, manipulation, greed, and murder. With those ingredients this book was spellbinding.