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abbitha1108's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ianrosales08's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Retreat is a suspenseful crime mystery set in a unique location with well-built characters at the center. The story follows Detective Elin Warner as she uncovers the truth behind suspicious deaths on a stunning island getaway. The book is filled with suspense from beginning to end and keeps the reader curious.
One of the highlights of the novel is the well-built characters. The author takes the time to develop each character, allowing the reader to get to know them and see their personalities come to the surface throughout the story. Detective Elin Warner, in particular, grows as a person and her relationships with other characters, such as Farrah and Steed, develop over the course of the novel.
The setting of the island adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. The island has a dark history, with a string of gruesome murders and a notorious school known for abuse. The author vividly describes the island and its surroundings, creating a menacing and eerie atmosphere that adds to the suspense.
While the twists in the story were not particularly hard to guess, the book still manages to keep the reader engaged. The suspenseful nature of the plot and the well-developed characters make up for the lack of mind-blowing twists. It is worth noting that if you are new to the thriller genre, this book could be a perfect introduction.
Overall, The Retreat is a pleasant read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful crime mysteries and are looking for a book with a unique setting and well-developed characters.
One of the highlights of the novel is the well-built characters. The author takes the time to develop each character, allowing the reader to get to know them and see their personalities come to the surface throughout the story. Detective Elin Warner, in particular, grows as a person and her relationships with other characters, such as Farrah and Steed, develop over the course of the novel.
The setting of the island adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. The island has a dark history, with a string of gruesome murders and a notorious school known for abuse. The author vividly describes the island and its surroundings, creating a menacing and eerie atmosphere that adds to the suspense.
While the twists in the story were not particularly hard to guess, the book still manages to keep the reader engaged. The suspenseful nature of the plot and the well-developed characters make up for the lack of mind-blowing twists. It is worth noting that if you are new to the thriller genre, this book could be a perfect introduction.
Overall, The Retreat is a pleasant read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful crime mysteries and are looking for a book with a unique setting and well-developed characters.
stephalirt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hillarylynch's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
finedanddandy's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vanessab78's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
madeleinebaird5's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It was quite good at the start but unfortunately it tailed off for me
julittleton's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I realised this gem was still in my TBR pile when I received the ARC for the final book in the trilogy out this summer - The Wilds. I'm saving that one for my holiday in a couple of weeks, but this one has been on my wishlist since its release. I love the depth of characterisation Sarah Pearse brings to the Elin Warner series - her characters are layered and carefully woven into each other's history. Warner remains a complicated protagonist - torn between her career, her health and her relationships. In particular, I liked her connection to Farrah. The eerie history of the island really helps ramp up the tension throughout - along with a hefty body count. Enjoyed this & very much looking forward to the conclusion.
joviravioli's review against another edition
1.0
This book was worse than The Sanatorium. I already knew who the murderer was in the first chapter. That says a lot. I didn’t care for the rest of the book and “finished” the book at 1%. That’s really sad. I don’t think I’ll be reading an another locked mystery book for a while…