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A review by soobooksalot
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wintery locked-room mystery with a writer's theme? Obviously I had to have this book.
The Writing Retreat is a most claustrophobic thriller, with an eccentric author's stately mansion known as Blackbriar as the backdrop.
Envision touches of Clue and The Shining in this story.
A group of up-and-coming writers have been invited to a month-long writing retreat at the home of famed author Roza Vallo.
It's not long before things start coming off the rails for the five women; a snowstorm and lack of cell service ensures they can't leave.
There were some great elements in this debut novel from Julia Bartz, it's definitely one that was hard to put down. The pacing went a little off at times for me, but overall it was a tense, atmospheric and entertaining read.
Recommended!
For release on Feb. 21.
The Writing Retreat is a most claustrophobic thriller, with an eccentric author's stately mansion known as Blackbriar as the backdrop.
Envision touches of Clue and The Shining in this story.
A group of up-and-coming writers have been invited to a month-long writing retreat at the home of famed author Roza Vallo.
It's not long before things start coming off the rails for the five women; a snowstorm and lack of cell service ensures they can't leave.
There were some great elements in this debut novel from Julia Bartz, it's definitely one that was hard to put down. The pacing went a little off at times for me, but overall it was a tense, atmospheric and entertaining read.
Recommended!
For release on Feb. 21.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Sexual content, Outing, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Gun violence