A review by caikey11
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Well, here I am, let down by another Sarah Pearse book. As in the Sanatorium, the atmospheric nature of this book was on point. It was fast paced, and short chapters helped drive the story forward while making it seem cohesive. Where it fell flat was the multiple POV’s, designed to be red herrings that keep you distracted. While I figured it out before the end, it wasn’t too close to the end to annoy me. However, the multiple POVs were poorly executed and distracted from the tone of the overall book. I would have preferred everything to be from Elin Warners POV and drop the drama with the other narrative. It wasn’t fleshed out properly and detracts from the story overall. 

Spoilery info I guess?
Elin Warner sure knows how to pick an isolated spot in the middle of a massive weather event, eh? Please don’t let this be a trope in the third book. And yes, I’ll read the third book, because now we have Steed who is very likable and clearly a better fit for her than Will. But also, no affairs, please? That’s also a tired trope, especially with LEOs
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