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A review by excavatingmytbr
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Retreat is the second of Sarah Pearse’s Elin Warner series, and it is another fabulous notch in her belt. This book sees Elin solving a series of baffling crimes at the atmospheric retreat Lumen which is on an isolated island(already a great setting to start). There is also a mystery tied with the island’s history and the creepy, natural rock formation in the shape of a grim reaper.
I love the Dual POV the author uses to weave two narratives to the same events, so you’re chasing details throughout and end up with two twists in the end. The characters for this one were all interesting, and as intended for the story, my least favorite was Jo. Pearse designs her baddies to be so easily disliked, it’s like you pull someone out of your own world. The ending for the main mystery with Elin was satisfying, but the ending for the other group of guests… was NOT expecting that but I’m so glad it went down like that!
I love the Dual POV the author uses to weave two narratives to the same events, so you’re chasing details throughout and end up with two twists in the end. The characters for this one were all interesting, and as intended for the story, my least favorite was Jo. Pearse designs her baddies to be so easily disliked, it’s like you pull someone out of your own world. The ending for the main mystery with Elin was satisfying, but the ending for the other group of guests… was NOT expecting that but I’m so glad it went down like that!