tl:dr Review:
Dark thriller that combines queer identity, the writing process, and some supernatural phenomena.
Full Review:
This book is honestly hard to sum up easily in a review. It was a thriller for sure, touching on topics ranging from the supernatural to queer identities, to what it means to be a writer.
And though each of these elements were critical to the story, they also stood on their own.
I definitely don’t want to give too much away, but you can viscerally feel the tension from the moment you begin reading. The atmosphere inherent in the story also fits perfectly with this time of year.
I really enjoyed the way the author kept the story’s pace and while I felt like I could predict some of the “surprises,” I still enjoyed the full plot.
The protagonist’s questioning of both her queer identity and her abilities as a writer weren’t overdone and felt honest and nuanced.
If you need a dark, atmospheric thriller with a strong plot and a well-written story, then I highly recommend The Writing Retreat.
I give it 4 out of 5 thumbs up.
This Advance Reader Copy of the book is courtesy of NetGalley and the book’s publishers. I am not receiving any financial or additional benefit from either group for posting this review other than the opportunity to read this book before it’s released publicly.