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The Retreat  By  cover art

The Retreat

By: Sarah Pearse
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
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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

What listeners say about The Retreat

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Just felt boring

I couldn't get into this, kept going and doing other things. That's when I know it isn't good. Maybe a narrator that doesn't sound like a breathy whisper

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Slow and confusing

I enjoyed the Sanatorium, so was looking forward to this book. It started slowly but I kept with it hoping that I would become more engaged. I did not, but I still listened to the entire book. It was too slow moving throughout with too many characters, none of which seemed to react believably to the shocking events taking place. I also don’t think the narrator did the book any favors insofar as her reading pace and inflection did not vary much at all - very pleasant voice but sort of sleepy throughout. Sorry, but I dis not enjoy and would not recommend.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not a good story

The story it self had a lot of holes. The ending wasn’t so much a surprise as it was meh.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love the voiceover!!!

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Save your Credit.

Awful. Too many characters and just messy. I enjoyed Sarah’s first Elin book but this one was just too much.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Terrible

What did I just read? What a mismass of nothing. The ending was the worst. Don't waste your credit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Almost great!

I really enjoyed the story and setup of the island. A few of the details seemed a little much and I wished there was more explanation at the end. Overall I enjoyed the story and the narrator!

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