Alex is a struggling writer – or at least, she was, until a traumatic falling out with her best friend Wren upended her life and left her with a killer case of writer’s block. But then she gets the unexpected opportunity to attend a one-month writing retreat with her favorite author ever, Roza Vallo, at her secluded and allegedly haunted mansion. She thinks this could be the break she needs - though unfortunately, Wren is one of the other participants. But that problem goes on the back burner when one of the other writers goes missing – the first pebble in an avalanche that reveals some very dark secrets about Roza Vallo and her writing retreat.

The Writing Retreat is a dark and twisted novel with interesting and complex characters - Alex can be frustrating at times but she’s also easy to root for, and shows true character growth over the course of the book. It also has a propulsive plot that keeps you turning the pages (especially once things start getting weird) and twists in directions I didn’t see coming. This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read all year, and I had a hard time putting it down! It’s kind of amazing that this is the author's first book. First novels sometimes have a clumsiness to them, but I didn’t get that feeling from this book at all. Highly recommended (though I’ll say it again just in case: this is a pretty dark read.)

Representation: POC characters, queer characters

CW: mind games and manipulation, codependent and emotionally abusive friendships, sexual acts with dubious consent, explicit mentions of sex, drug use (including nonconsensual drugging of drinks), forced captivity, blood and gore

If you haven't added The Writing Retreat to your 2023 TBR list, do so immediately. This book was insane. The plot twists were incredible, the characters were wonderfully developed and I loved how flawed they all were it is a completely one-of-a-kind story. Not to mention, while reading, all I could think about was how much I want to write my own book.

The Writing Retreat is one of those books you won't be able to put down. The twists and tension start immediately and with every new chapter comes another crazy new twist. The best part? The ending is left in a way that really will make you wonder if more could follow.

Thank you Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the #gifted eARC!

The Writing Retreat is a stunning succession of twists and surprises. Alex is accepted into a writing retreat at the home of her favorite author. When she arrives she learns that her ex best friend is also in attendance. Despite the discomfort of being at a retreat with her frenemy for the next month, the retreat and setting allow Alex to break through her writer’s block. There’s something off about the retreat but then a fellow writer disappears during a blizzard and things quickly escalate into chaos. This is truly a roller coaster ride with twist after twist after twist. I appreciated the pacing of the story and that twists showed up before the halfway point of the book and not just at the end. The Writing Retreat is exceptionally written and I can’t wait for more books by Julia Bartz!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review!

My thanks to #NetGalley and #AtriaBooks for the advance copy ebook of #TheWritingRetreat by Jula Bartz. Fast paced with a gothic feel, this book was unexpected in the best possible way. Five women are chosen to attend a month-long writing retreat in the remote estate of a famous horror author but it soon turns deadly. This novel was chilling and creepy and I loved it! Enthusiastically recommend!

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz was a thrilling yet creepy ride pretty much the whole way through. It was a very enjoyable read that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put it down because I wanted to see what secrets would be revealed. There is such an air of mystery throughout, as there is so much obscurity happening and you have to sift through clues to get to what’s going on behind the scenes. This made for a very engaging read because I just wanted to know what was really going on, who was hiding what, and what was real and what wasn’t.

And you just know things are about to get really creepy when there’s no Wi-fi in the location the characters are at and barely any signal. That’s a recipe for insidious things to start happening. On top of that, a couple weeks in there’s a giant snowstorm which results in everyone being snowed in, and this is where the tension and mystery really amps up. From mysterious disappearances to hints that more is going on behind the scenes than any of the writers knew before signing up for the retreat.

To rewind a bit, the background of this story is that five people have won the opportunity to work with a famous author, all of them writers themselves, and they must work on a novel for a month at this retreat where they also get feedback from Roza, the author. However once they arrive, Alex the main character, there seems to be more going on with the retreat than initially revealed. Furthermore, Alex is dealing with having to face her once best friend, now nemesis as Wren has been accepted to the retreat as well. Though I do understand the plot and tension this adds to this story, I will say at points I felt their conflict was super petty and childlike and it didn’t really enhance the story for me. However, not enough for it to ruin the experience.

As the story progresses there is uncertainty and paranoia for Alex as she no longer knows who to trust, who might be in on the happenings going on at the retreat, or whether it’s all in her head. Not wanting to go in depth into the story and risk spoilers, let me just say you are in for a ride because holy moly does it ever get intense. This book was so good and I was absolutely on the edge of my seat, unable to stop reading. I even enjoy how it ended, with everything well wrapped up yet this hint of a possibility of something more. I recommend this one for the thriller lovers out there, because it is a more than worthwhile read.

Attend a month-long writing retreat at the estate of a famous horror writer, complete a novel from scratch, and win a life-changing publishing deal? Alex , the protagonist of Julia Bartz' 'The Writing Retreat.' jumps at the chance. But when strange things start happening and it becomes clear that something sinister is afoot Alex finds herself living the sort-of thriller she wanted to write. This continues the trend of amazing stories set among the world of writers. Like 'The Plot' and 'Last Resort' we have another unputdownabble thriller.

Thanks so much for this great novel, Atria books! This book was the best that I have read so far for 2023 and I think it will hold a high spot for the rest of the 2023 as I read more novels. This book was well written, great characters. Julia Bartz created times of reality in this book where the reader can really see themselves in these types of situations of everyday life. The description of the mansion was everything. All I could think was that place was huge. Thanks for this read Julia Bartz.

I am conflicted about this book and am giving it 3.5 stars. I thought it was a really original idea (not people being trapped somewhere in a snowstorm) but other elements of the plot. I think the story the main character Alex was writing about could have been left out altogether- I felt like it took away from the rest of the plot. Regardless, I was intrigued to read to the end, thought the idea was really fresh and a new twist on an old locked room mystery tale. Unfortunately the plot just kept getting more and more unbelievable...as an author myself, I had to chuckle at how many people got amazing book deals, film rights, glamorous parties, etc by the end of the book. Overall, not bad!

In "The Writing Retreat" we meet Alex, a writer in her early 30s who has been struggling with writer's block for a year - in fact, ever since she got into a brutal argument with her best friend Wren. Fortunately for Alex, she is about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime - or so she thinks. She is offered a coveted spot on a writing retreat run by her literary hero - Roza Vallo. Unfortunately for Alex, Wren has been invited too.

At first, the retreat seems like a lovely opportunity. Sure, some of Roza's rules are challenging - a tight writing schedule with mandatory meetings. The requirement to peer review the other writer's pieces, but if, in the end, Alex writes a book, won't it all be worth it?

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A bit torn about how to review this book. It started out strong, sucking me into the setting. I loved the idea of writers on a retreat where the stakes were high. There was a certain gothic feel, with little elements that kept me hooked. It was unsettling and creepy, but in the most delicious way. There was also the interpersonal drama between the characters as well as Alex's own self-identity that she is battling with. Unfortunately, near the end of the book, there is a twist that I found disappointing. Things go off the rails in a way that feels too over-the-top for me to thoroughly enjoy it. But, I was in a bit of a reading slump, and this book did get me out of it. So, kudos for that.

✨Book Review - The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ STARS

REVIEW: I loved this book! It was edgy, dark & had me wanting to keep reading so I could figure out what was going on. The setting was creepy but felt oddly right for December. It does get a bit bizarre in the last third of the book, a little far fetched, but I thought it went with the mood of the novel. Can’t wait to see what Julia writes next!

SYNOPSIS: Aspiring author, Alex, has about given up on ever getting published. That is until she gets invited to attend a once-in-a-lifetime, month long writing retreat hosted by her favorite author, Roza Vallo. The fact that her ex-best friend, Wren, is also attending doesn’t stop Alex from going. When they arrive, Roza tells them they must all write a brand new novel, from scratch, in that month, and the best novel will get published with a hefty advance. Determined to win, Alex tries to put aside all the strange occurrences and weird vibes from Wren and the other writers, but, when one of the writers vanishes, Alex wants to uncover the truth and save herself.

This book comes out February 21, 2023. So, be sure to add to your TBR list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the synopsis alone so going into The writing retreat I knew I was going to like it, also the cover 😍!! I loved the plot of the book and thoroughly enjoyed up until 75-80% but then we took a turn and it just didn’t work for me, I wasn’t fond of the ending. Though of so many ways how it could’ve ended but I was left thinking that’s it?? I also think this book could’ve been so much better with more true horror/paranormal elements.

Alex's dream of becoming a published author seems to be coming true when she wins a place at an exclusive writing retreat hosted at the gothic mansion owned by her idol, the feminist horror icon Roza Vallo. Alex's ex-best-friend Wren will also be participating in the retreat (drama!), but there are much worse things ahead for Alex than dealing with her nemesis. Possible hauntings, people disappearing, and psychological torment abound.

I really enjoyed this book. Did it go off the deep end....? 100% YES, but I'd recommend a commitment to suspending your disbelief so you can just enjoy the bonkers rollercoaster because it's worth the ride. I read this during a blizzard, so I was able to really sink into the claustrophobic world Bartz created and loved where she took the story (even if it was BANANAS).

I'll be recommending this book and am already looking forward to reading whatever she writes next!

4 stars for this action-packed novel full of psychological suspense. The plot moved along at a nice pace and I enjoyed all of the characters. Things did take a turn for the strange in the second half, but even though it was far-fetched, it was still enjoyable. The setting makes for a great winter read and I'd recommend for anyone looking for
an exciting and unique story.

4.5 stars : I had such a great time reading this first novel by Julia Bartz!

I loved the blurb and the premise so I was really happy when I received an ARC. I love books-about-books, especially when it's about the writing process. I was hoping The Writing Retreat would meet my expectations, and it did! I was disappointed to put it down each time I had to attend to a Christmas dinner! 😅

I enjoyed following the women participating to the writing retreat with the famous author Roza Vallo in her mysterious mansion lost in the middle of the woods. I thought the characters were well drawn-out and it was really interesting to read about their relationships while they had to write an entire novel under pressure. Mrs Vallo certainly wasn't an easy mentor to work with!

Why not 5 stars? The last third of the book was a bit different and I wasn't as enthralled as I was while reading the parts before, but thankfully it didn't drag too much.

I'm glad I read some of the reviews beforehand, but you could also go blind (so I won't disclose any additionnal details here). I highly recommend to try this book and I'm really curious to see what Julia Bartz will write next!

Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley.
Publication date: 21 Feb 2023

The pros - strong female leads and characters. Great premise. Appropriate twists at the right time. I read this one very quickly.

Cons - the development of the story made me mad. Challenged my view of how books like this should progress. Perhaps not really a con but more of a - everyone should judge this book for themselves

As soon as Roza Vallo outs a fellow author for plagiarizing his latest novel in front of hundreds of fans, you know she is a force to be reckoned with. A famous author known for feminist horror, Roza is known for several hits but is now looking for her next inspiration, so invites 5 up and coming writers to a retreat at her Adirondack mountain home, Blackbriar estate. It's a fierce competition to get accepted, and some of the attendees are more qualified than others. Several also have some bad blood between them. Their task is to complete an entire book during the month long retreat and the girls are quickly pitted against each other. As a record snowstorm strands the residents at Blackbriar, you'll wonder who will end up surviving at the end, as the competition gets more cutthroat with outrageous daily requirements. I would call this a mix between 'The Plot', and 'One by One', a locked room mystery. It has a haunted house, gothic vibes, sexual tension, and a fast paced plot that will keep you glued to the pages until the end. The main character, Alex, overcomes lots of obstacles to get to where she is, and summons more strength than she thought she had to keep going and change her life. She was my favorite character of the bunch. An amazing debut that I'm sure has already been optioned for the big screen!

What a unique and interesting read! I devoured this book in a day. The synopsis was intriguing before I started but I wasn't prepared for how engrossed in the story I would get.

I enjoyed this one, especially the haunted mansion aspect and the backstory that explained the supposed haunting... And how that intertwined with the present-day story of the writing retreat.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I had really high expectations for this one and it ended up being fifty fifty for me.
While I did enjoy it. I like retreat mystery books. Or retreat murder books. This one however was quite bizarre. A lot of gaslighting and almost two separate storylines together.
The one with Wren that happened before the retreat and then what is going on at the retreat.
Some interesting connections between characters as well.
So this wasn’t a bad read for me but it did not meet my expectations either.

I love books about writing and academia - had high hopes! This one fell flat for me - I tried to let go and resist rolling my eyes but I couldn’t stop myself. Characters weren’t very believeable - or likeable. Their backstories seemed silly and superfluous. The author seemed to throw SO MUCH on the page that nothing felt complete or satisfying. What a bummer. I’m grateful for the advanced copy and appreciate the IDEA of the book. Onward!

I don’t even know where to start with this one.

My journey through this book went something like this:

Slow start, I wasn’t hooked and I didn’t really get a sense of the characters, and that never really improved.

At about half way I was getting a bit more excited, things became a bit more of a puzzle, there were some good dynamics amongst the characters, I felt confident the book was headed in a fun direction.

Then the second half of the book became ridiculous, and the execution amateur.

One of the characters in particular grated on my nerves, a seemingly best selling literary author using terms like “get in losers” was, just no, the language she continued to use was so juvenile that she felt like a thirteen year old girl not an apparent master manipulator.

The entire end of this book just did not work if the author had executed and stuck to more simpler plot revolving around the initial mystery of the writers retreat I think there could of been a really great book in their.

Honestly I really didn’t like this and my dislike grows as I think more about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC all opinions are my own