I have read several of Mark Edwards books including the well known Magpies & Follow You Home. I found his previous work to be well constructed & complex thrillers full of suspense. This book is no exception.

Set in rural Wales, Lucas comes to stay at Julia's home which is a writer's retreat. Lucas has one bestseller under his belt and is desperate not to be a one hit wonder. Julia is attempting to recover from the terrible loss of her husband and daughter (Lily) whilst Lucas has his own personal loss to deal with. All is not totally quiet in the farmhouse - who sings during the night & is author Ursula as psychic as she would lead you to believe? Did Julia's daughter die as is generally believed or was something more mysterious at work?

This is quite a complex book which is well constructed. It doesn't pay to take your eye off the ball as a throwaway comment may just be the clue you need to solve the mystery. The setting is a quiet village full of secrets and steeped in folklore. Not everyone is proud of their past & not everyone is keen to answer questions about Lily's disappearance.

The characters in this book have interesting personalities & the author takes great care to make them three dimensional. The supporting cast - villagers and other writers at the retreat - are also well written leaving no clues as to who is important & who isn't.

The ending of this book is excellent. All of the threads come together and everything makes sense. Then there is a little added twist which was the icing on the cake.

An excellent all round read that I struggled to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley

My first Mark Edwards book! I've heard so many wonderful things about his books, that I could'nt contain myself when I recieved this title. It did not dissapoint!

In The Retreat we follow author Lucas, who desperately needs to write a new book. To get that done, he goes back to the town where the inspiration for his first book came from. He stays at a writers retreat run by Julia. A widow who, after a while, opens up to Lucas and trusts him with what bothers her the most; her missing daughter and dead husband.
Shit hits the fan pretty quickly when Lucas feels the need to help Julia get some closure; they must find Lily's body. While he hires a private detective to figure stuff out and he gets to writing his book some strange stuff happends in and around the house..

I loved the way the storyline evolved.. I never saw it coming, and I definitely love it when a story does that! The characters were great, there were some great plottwists and overall,.. the whole book was set up pretty neatly.

No complaints whatsoever, I really hope to read more of Mark Edwards in the future!

As always Mark Edwards entertains and leaves the reader wanting more. This book contains everything you can want in a scary novel. However I did find the ending a bit contrived.l. Still a good read for those fans of a Magic Cottage by James Herbert.

This is not my first book by Mark Edwards and so I was looking forward to reading it. The book starts with the disappearance of Lily who is abducted by an unknown person while her parents are busy having an argument. Moving forward two years Lucas returns to the area of his birth to a retreat for writers and from there the plot takes off at a great pace. Whether Lily's disappearance is straightforward or whether she was taken by a many hundred year old Red Widow to appease her is the question!! Well plotted with a twist or two in the tale. Definitely worth reading.

Many thanks to Mark Edwards/Netgalley/Amazon Publishing UK for a digital version of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Mark Edwards is a great story teller and he has done it again with The Retreat. A retreat for writers to come to to relax and write.. although there is no relaxing at this retreat! A spooky and suspenseful tale that will keep you on your toes and guessing until the end!

The Bottom Line:

The Retreat has an intriguing storyline and hits all the right notes on suspense, thrill, eerieness, setting, and pace, making for a fast, engaging read.

My take:

What I liked the least about The Retreat was Julia. Although you do feel for her after everything she’s been through, she comes across as a little too annoying, too often. Of course, the woman lost her husband and her daughter and is living in a state of limbo. So you can understand the irritating attitude. But what I couldn’t understand about it was how Lucas seems to be oblivious to her flaws. The dynamic between them, for that reason, didn’t make all that much sense to me. Still, it wasn’t the worst, could be written off as the result of the experiences they’d had in life, and was the only slightly irritating part about the book. And the rest of it more than makes up for this.

The story is quite intricate, with a lot of things happening across decades, leading up to the events of the present. The characters are all well defined and have a good real-ness to them. They are all incredibly human in their arrogance, humility, successes, and failures, and in their good and bad. That is what makes the story so relatable – you can actually imagine everything that happens really taking place in a similar setting. It’s also got great suspense and a great setting. It pulls you in right from Page 1 and keeps you hooked throughout.

The best part about the book, though, was its thrill. The Retreat isn’t one of those books where scary faces look out at you from the dark. The thrill it evokes is more subtle and, consequently, incredibly effective. It’s one of those books where the creepiness is brought on by that feeling that you’re being watched, when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, but when you turn around there’s no one there. Yet, you know that someone, or something, was there. It’s the kind of thrill that gets under your skin and stays there, making you a little jumpy at sudden sounds and dark areas. That’s why it stays with you longer and really makes you experience everything that’s happening in the book.

I received The Retreat from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It’s the second Mark Edwards book I’ve gotten from them and although the first one I’d read – The Lucky Ones – was quite good (you can read the review for that here), this one was definitely better. Edwards, who I’d started following after The Lucky Ones, is definitely one of the better (newer) thriller writers and I would love to read more from him. What really makes his work interesting is the variety he brings. It’s not just serial killer thrillers. Edwards writes different stories that just come to him, and while all are of the thriller genre, each of them has a different take on the category. The Retreat, especially, does more than enough justice to the psychological thriller genre under which it’s pitched, which is quite refreshing because (lately) too many books are sold as psychological thrillers when just ‘thriller’ would be more suitable a tag.

I’d strongly recommend The Retreat to:

fans of thrillers and crime fiction novels
anyone who wants to try out a new thriller author (I’m sure you’ll enjoy Edwards’ style)
those who want a thriller with a twist

I’ve read all of Mark’s books to date. Some of them I've loved and a couple I’ve felt lukewarm about. Sadly, for me, The Retreat was more the latter than the former. That said, I’m sure I will be in the minority and many people will enjoy it.

There has been a glut of missing children thrillers lately and I was hoping that this one would be more original, but unfortunately I found the plot lacking in credibility at times.

The writing was still good and at times the story was creepy, but the characters seemed one-dimensional and forgettable.

I will continue to read Mark’s books when they come out because I think he’s a good writer and I’ve loved some of his books (especially The Magpies), but, for me, this one was just mediocre.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I have read everything Mark Edwards has released to date so was excited to find a new book on the horizon. Unfortunately this book didn't quite hit he mark for me. It took me a lot longer to read than it would have normally and I can only think this is because I wasn't engaged enough in the story. I could easily have put it down unfinished.

The characters were uninspired and the hints at witchcraft and sinister folk stories, while tried to add to the spooky and suspenseful aspect of the story, just dragged it out unnecessarily.

I'm sorry, but I was bored within the first few chapters and this never improved for me. I have higher expectations from Mark Edwards and he just didn't deliver this time.

I had a really hard time with this novel. I kept reading because I wanted to know what was happening but at the same time it was just trudging on and on with no real significant direction. Lots of characters being thrown into the mix, which I'm okay with. It worked in this story but I felt more and more people were just there to distract you from nothing happening.

I would have DNF but I ended up pushing through and the only reason I'm going with three stars instead of one is because of the epilogue.

I did like the eerie aspect.. the old spooky retreat where writers go to work on their novels. Creepy things DID happen, I just wanted more. I expected to be scared and that's not what this is. So if you like a good slow burn of surprise, then this one is probably a go for you.

When I think of a retreat it conjures up images of somewhere quiet , an oasis where you can rest and reflect or write, somewhere you feel safe, well that was until I picked up The Retreat by Mark Edwards, who turns an idyllic setting into something far more sinister. Steeped in atmosphere and disturbingly creepy The Retreat is a reminder of why I’m such a fan of Mark Edwards writing. Lucas, a horror novelist, arrives at the retreat hoping to write his next book, but within days of his arrival, the peace of the retreat is shattered by a series of strange events, are the events linked to Lily a missing child? And who, or what, is haunting the retreat?

It’s great that the author doesn’t conform to a specific genre, with elements of the supernatural, horror and psychological running through its veins you are never quite sure where the author is heading with an unpredictable plot. Mark Edwards maintain the overwhelming sense of suspense and unease throughout. The tale is shrouded in local folklore, and spooky ghost stories, the author does a fabulous job in evoking the horror, the fear and trepidation around such tales.

Told in the present peppered with chapters told from the missing child Lily’s POV you get a feel for Lily, her fears that are grounded in the folklore tales, her worries about her family, it was these chapters that I found the most intriguing and also the most creepy. These chapters were the ones that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, made me jump at every noise, and kept me reading long into the night (with the lights on of course!)

Steeped in atmosphere with a backdrop of creepy settings, and an array of characters who as the reader you can’t help but mistrust, Mark Edwards has written another outstanding book. I never thought the author could top The Magpies one of my favourite books ever, well until now but The Retreat is definitely his best book yet, it’s unpredictable, engaging with one of the most deliciously satisfying endings I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommend.

This was a damn good spooky story! Lucas, a horror novelist goes away to a writers retreat in hopes of finishing his latest book and becomes enthralled with Julia, the owner of the house whose husband drowned on the property the same day her daughter went missing. Lucas is determined to help Julia find out if in fact her daughter is missing or has died. Strange happenings both in and out of the house begin to interfere with the investigation and add to the overall creepiness of the story. Great ending too! I thank Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. Highly recommend!

Excellent book. A page-turning thriller that was hard to put down. Urban Myth and Folklore intrigue.
Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well written Psychological Thriller.

Brilliant from start to finish. I read this book in one sitting. I was gripped from the start. A really intriguing story about folklore and fear set in a very atmospheric Welsh village. The characters are so believable. I could visualise everything in my head. It is a really good thriller with a touch of horror. I still have chills down my spine. I have read most of Mark Edwards books and I thoroughly recommend them all.

I have spent the last few days with Mark Edwards at The Retreat. Not in real life may I add but in between the pages of his latest release.

The Retreat is my first Mark Edwards book and I feel I have been looking for a thrilling read like this for a long time.  Like a fly to a spider I was caught, stunned and well not eaten thank goodness but consumed in great length by the story.

When a widow opens a getaway writing retreat, the guests have no idea for the unique and creepy hospitality they are signing up for. Lucas is our leading protagonist and as he tries to find inspiration for his next best seller he is distracted by an array of startling events and he gets caught up in a whole host of drama that could change his life forever.

Mark Edwards has a startling ability to build a scene perfectly. You will find yourself in an emotionally driven scene and then jumping out of your skin the next. I am not too proud to admit that I did have to get out of bed and put the ‘big light’ on.

I must be extremely careful with my review today because I enjoyed the plot and the fact that it was so twisty turny I didn’t know what was going to happen and I want my readers to have the same read.

But what I can say is I was so impressed by the writing, I was never bored or skim read. I cared about the characters and was very eager to see what would happen. So much so that I feel I have a book hangover and whatever I read next will have to be so good to compete with the journey I have just been on.

So, book into The Retreat today by buying your own copy.  I can guarantee you will never forget your stay.........

This was my first Mark Edwards book and I absolutely loved it. Wow...from the first page right to the very last, this book captured my full attention and sucked me in. I had thought at around 15% that this book was a little creepy and I wasn't sure where it was going to go. The writing was flawless though and as I continued the story grew and grew and I had no idea how it was going to end. Lucas and Julia's characters were great and I loved the chapters we got from Lily's point of view every so often.

The story revolves around Julia who lost her husband and daughter two years ago. She decided to open a writers retreat and this is how we meet Lucas. He's grieving the death of his girlfriend and is on a deadline to write his next bestseller. There are others at the retreat too, Karen, Max, and Suzi, and soon enough strange and spooky things start happening. When Lucas decides to hire a private detective to help uncover what really happened to Julia's daughter Lily, things really start to heat up and it seems most of the village is in on it. The finger of suspicion points to one man in particular, but is he really the one to have carried out the deed?

This book takes the reader on one hell of a journey and I wasn't expecting things to be revealed the way they were. I was on tenterhooks as the story played out, trying to figure out who the murderer was. I really wasn't expecting things to turn out the way they were. At times I gasped out loud, at times I held my breath, and when I got to end, I didn't want to close the book. This is a story that devoured me whole and I know I will definitely be reading more of Mark's work. He sets the scenes beautifully and I felt like I was right there with Lucas as he scoured the woods and tried to unravel the mystery surrounding Lily's disappearance. Fantastic book that I know will stay with me for quite some time.

Never fails to disappoint- I was very much looking forward to reading the new book by Mark Edwards and it kept me gripped from the get go. Clever writing and great characters.
We see Julia opening her home to writers following the death of her husband and the disappearance of her daughter Lily - the story is fast paced and you just want to keep turning the page to see what happens next - highly recommended!!!

I'm a huge fan of Mark's writing already, so I was incredibly eager to read his new book. This felt quite different from his other books, it was spooky and eerie in places but I absolutely adored it. I loved the character of Lucas, and even the other guests at the retreat. It left me guessing right up to the last sentence. Overall my favourite Mark Edwards book! 5*

Omg this book was so creepy....chills, no one wants to hear about missing children. Shudders. Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. Lovely creepy cover and outstanding blurb.

Lucas Radcliffe is a huge success after his first horror novel but he has writers block when it comes to his next book. Deciding to go back to his roots he returns to where he grew up and got an idea for his first book. He decides to attend a retreat for writers, which is basically a B&B that hosts for writers since much of the place isn't fully finished. In a town where superstition and secrets run deep, Lucas stumbles on some missing children coincidences. The farther he goes into the mystery the more the plot thickens. Once you start this book it almost compels you to continue.

Loved it, I couldn't put it down. You ever read a book that chills you and then you have to take a step back to absorb it. This was that book for me. After I finished I had to go to bed, I just couldn't think about this book. What makes this book so creepy? That everything in this book could be a shadow of truth. Superstition is a very huge thing for some people and communities in the world. People will stop at nothing, even murder to prevent bad juju. I gave this book five stars for entertainment! I would definitely read from this author again.

I am a massive fan of Mark Edwards and for me this has to be his best book to date. Set in wales

with an OMG prologue this book grabs you right from the start where we follow one chilling and

eerie story where we meet Lucas who has gone to the Retreat to write a horror story. Who actually

finds himself in the center of a real horror story after he finds out that Julie Marsh husband

drowned in a search her eight year old daughter who went missing two years ago and is still missing

and delves into the disappearances.



The Retreat is told in three parts and alternates back to what happened before. I knew just five


percent into this story that it was going to be a corker of a read. and I certainly wasn't wrong.

Mark weaves a well crafted,chilling and creepy story that will make the hairs on the back of your

neck stand up. I loved everything about this book from the story line to the author's writing. It is a

quick and easy read with a story that flows and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.



Julie and Lucas are very intriguing characters and I loved learning about his

writing journey with references to being a self published author. The more Lucas wanted to know

about what happened with Julie's daughter the more I wanted to know. This is an excellant

who done it story. Which is full of mystery and suspense and keep you guessing until the every end.



Did I mention that horror is favourite genre?! so here we have a crime story with a twist of horror!

This book is simply perfect with references to urban legends and witches...I freaking loved it.

And highly recommend it giving it 5 massive stars.

Mixed feelings on this one... a good story,some creepy goings on,nice bits of tension and times where you weren't really sure what was going on.
But the whole plot centres around a witch taking a child every 35 years,and I struggled at how easily a whole village accepted this with so very little to back it up.
A lot of slightly nuts people,and a twisting path to the villains kept me entertained enough.