Floundering in her writing aspirations and stuck in an unhappy job, Alex gets the opportunity of the lifetime when she is selected for an exclusive retreat hosted by her author idol, Roza Vallo, at her isolated estate. Things get complicated when she learns her ex-bestie, Wren, has also been selected. Their history is complicated to say the least. However, these interpersonal issues become secondary as Roza’s true intentions begin to come to light. Bartz wrestles with a lot of threads and themes: complicated friendships, musings on writing and inspiration, questions of identity and sexuality. At times it feels like the novel might have been better served zeroing in on just one of these themes. The pacing was a tad uneven and the reveals a little clunky, but it was still readable and compelling. There will definitely be psychological thriller readers who love this book, and it would be a welcome addition to any public library collection.

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz was a crazy, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat ride, and I highly recommend it!

This was recommended as a must-read summer book and I highly agree. Love the plot twists and the darkness of the book.

I really liked this book, however the beginning was incredibly slow to me. I really wish it picked up a bit faster because I almost put it down at certain parts. That being said, I do think it paid off in the end and it is a worthwhile read.

This story started off a little on the slower side for me but then it built up to a lot of suspense and action. I thought that the plot to the story was overall a great plot but there was a lot of extras that for me were not necessary. There wasn't a character that I connected with, but I did enjoy the twists in the book. Overall, I would say this is a solid first book and I would like to see where the author goes for her next book.

*Arc provided by Netgalley and Atria books in exchange for an honest review.*

Five star read for me. I loved this book so much I ordered a physical copy immediately. This will be one of those books I add into the read every pile. The twists and turns were unexpected and kept me on my toes.

Five attendees are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the remote estate of Roza Vallo, the controversial high priestess of feminist horror. Alex, a struggling writer, is one of the attendees. Upon their arrival the group discovers they must complete an entire novel from scratch. The best one will receive a seven-figure publishing deal. Alex’s lifelong dream is within reach. BUT one by one though the women begin to die…

This was a thrilling, creepy fun read. I loved the isolated setting for the writing retreat and the progression of the story. There were times that the story got more and more outrageous, but I liked it.

This was a fantastic debut and I am looking forward to what comes next for this author.

I want to thank NetGalley, Julia Bartz and Atria Books, Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

I was immediately drawn into this book. The plot was so fun and I loved the isolated setting. Creepy houses and being cut off from the rest of the world always get me excited. There were a few times I found myself drifting out of interest. There seemed to be a lot effort thrown into side stories that started feeling a little too unrealistic, but overall I did enjoy it.

I'd like to thank Net Galley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I happen to be a sucker for books on writers and writing, but this is obviously more than that. It's about writing, yes, but it's also got plot-twists and thrills galore, and I will be waiting for Julia Bartz's next release.

This book started out slow, but I powered through because I really wanted to love it. The ending picked up and I was very into the plot.

my new favorite thriller - if you love queer romance and discovery, books about books, and unhinged women, this is for you!!

Okkkk this book went in directions I was not at all expecting and honestly I didn't hate it? There were parts in the middle that dragged but I was really interested in the book's exploration of female friendships (and ex-friendships) within this creepy and tense setting. A little time has passed since finishing this book so I'm already forgetting a lot of the plot details, but do vividly remember the unsettled feeling I had while reading it which I always enjoy in a thriller.

Going on a writing retreat hosted by your favorite author with your ex best friend… what could possibly go wrong?

Alex and five other women attend a month-long writer’s retreat hosted by bestselling author Roza Vallo in her secluded mansion. They’re told they must complete an entire novel for the chance to win a million dollars and publishing deal. It’s every writer’s dream. Quickly, things begin to turn sour, and Alex begins to wonder if this retreat is as good as it seemed.

I enjoyed this story’s overall setting, atmosphere, and characters. It was all extremely well done and captivating. The only issue I had was I wish the book summary didn’t give away what would eventually happen. If that was left out, it would have had more shock factor and had a higher rating from me. I wish I didn’t spend most of the book wondering when the big event would happen. Thus, I will only be giving this book a 3.5/5 stars rounded up to a 4.

I’m honestly floored that this is a debut novel. It was so well written, and I loved the mystery. I found myself still thinking about the book the next day. I was so impressed. I would recommend this novel if you enjoy reading suspenseful books with isolation. I would also recommend to not read the synopsis of the book since it ruins the reading experience.

There were definitely some of course or I knew it moments but otherwise it was really enjoyable and exactly what you want reading a thriller.

I had some “idea” of how it might go but not all was 100 percent for me. I started reading the ARC a while ago and couldn’t get into it but this time I grabbed the audio from my local library and that’s what really did it for me. I was able to listen faster than I would read and while I was doing other tasks and once I got past that first part where I thought this is slow it picked up and got super interesting. I loved all the twists and turns throughout the way and honestly at one point I was seriously thinking it would all turn out completely different but I am so glad of the journey this book took.

The story was superb! A fast paced thriller. I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop reading it. This book was definitely a page turner and the ending was completely a shock to me! It’s perfect for all readers, especially thriller lovers.

"The Writing Retreat" by Julia Bartz offers an enticing premise of a month-long writing retreat where attendees must complete a novel from scratch, with the promise of a lucrative publishing deal. The story follows Alex, a struggling writer, who sees the retreat as an opportunity to revive her fading dreams. Set at the remote estate of Roza Vallo, a controversial figure in feminist horror, the retreat takes a chilling turn when the attendees discover that their lives are at risk. As they are trapped and women begin to die, Alex must confront her own demons and finish her novel to save herself.

One of the strengths of "The Writing Retreat" lies in its atmospheric setting. The remote estate and the sense of isolation create a palpable tension that keeps the reader engaged. The concept of completing a novel under such intense circumstances adds an intriguing layer of pressure and suspense.

Overall, "The Writing Retreat" presents a promising premise and a chilling atmosphere, but falls short in fully capitalizing on its potential. While the setting and initial suspense draw the reader in, the pacing and character development suffer, ultimately diluting the impact of the story. Fans of closed-door thrillers may find enjoyment in this novel, but may also be left wanting more depth and consistency in its execution.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy of this read in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a lot of fun. I found it to be a little slow moving in certain places. Overall it was a good thriller! I will definitely try another book from Julia Bartz.

Not sure what I had expected when I first started reading it but I as in for a surprise. So many twists and turns it kept me on my toes until the end. It wasn’t my cup of tea in terms of the story line but very well written!

I’m a mood reader, and I haven’t been in the mood for thrillers lately (I blame my romcom kick).

But when my brain was craving something twisty recently, I grabbed THE WRITER’S RETREAT (thanks for my copy @atriabooks!) and I’m so happy I finally picked this one up.

THE WRITING RETREAT follows Alex, an aspiring writer who’s given the opportunity to attend a retreat with her favorite horror novelist, at that novelist’s remote mansion. Unfortunately, her ex-best-friend is there, too. When the women are told they’re competing for a book deal, Alex struggles with writer’s block and the interpersonal relationships among the contestants.

And then, the other women begin to die.

This story was thoroughly entertaining, if a little weird / not what I was expecting. The author is the sister of Andrea Bartz (WE WERE NEVER HERE, THE HERD) and I think both sisters are fantastic story tellers, although Julia’s book leans a little more horror than Andreas.’

THE WRITING RETREAT reminded me of THE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins. Both are about writers and complicated friendships and a remote mansion with a spooky, murderous past. It didn’t work quite as well for me as THE VILLA, but I think if you liked that book, you should give this one a shot!

What’s the best thriller you’ve read so far this year?

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A very fresh, clever and imaginative rollercoaster ride of a read, this was an outstanding and uniquely captivating first novel is one of my favorite books of the year, so far. This is definitely "an author to watch!"

Until next time, dear readers, stay safe!