This is a quite creepy psychological thriller, set on an isolated island.

Our protagonist Kate is attending an unusual, 10-day writers' retreat, hoping to clear her writer's block and continue her novel. As the retreat goes through a series of daily activities, she gradually uncovers hidden memories that threaten her understanding of her past, particularly her relationship with her (missing) husband.

It's not clear whether what she's remembering is real. We can't tell who on the island can be trusted. Strange things keep happening, and the other guests are going through their own discoveries and traumas.

The remote island is a great character in the story. It offers a moody gloominess and interesting environmental settings for retreat activities. I certainly wouldn't want to be stuck out there with a few people and my thoughts!

The ending was, I think a bit weak, though it certainly was dramatic.

Overall, a good psych thriller that I read fairly quickly and definitely too late into the night.

This was a really solid suspense read. I was quickly hooked on this book and it held my usually-sporadic attention. I could barely put the last half down.

I love an isolated location vibe and this one delivered plenty of atmosphere. Loved the Celtic mythology woven into the story, adding to the sense of otherworldly-ness and delusion felt by the main character.

The slowly revealing aspects of the MCs memory was done really well and kept you hooked on wanting to know the truth. The depiction of coercive domestic abuse was masterful, demonstrating how the victim gets twisted up until they no longer trust their own mind or judgement.

I think it wrapped up pretty well and I liked how the MC got to take her power back at the end.

There are some pretty heavy traumatic themes that may not be for everyone, so check content warnings if you feel you need to.

Overall a gripping remote-location psychological suspense read that keeps you turning pages.

Content warnings (may be slight spoilers): coercive domestic abuse, forced abortion, infant death, scenes of dubious sexual consent, animal death

This was quite the read - I found myself having to stay with this novel until the last page was read. I really had no idea where it was going to end up - but I certainly was engaged with the story. Kate, a writer who can't seem to finish her book, finds herself at an extraordinary ten day writer's retreat on the island of Rathlin in the Irish Channel. This retreat, she hopes, will break through and release memories of a marriage that has ended without her really understanding why, so that she may then finish the romantic story she appears to be trying to write. Only a select few of writers are invited to attend this retreat which guarantees to bring the breakthrough they all desire - to be able to finish their work. I cannot believe the incredible twist and turns that Brooke Hardwick has been able to build into her debut novel. There were times when I didn't particularly like Kate or feel overly sympathetic towards her, yet at other points I wanted to hug her tightly and tell her it would all work out. The island was the perfect background to this story - you could feel the bleakness saturating and supporting the grim reality of Kate's world as she moves through not only the ten days on the island but also flashbacks of the life she has been desperately trying to remember. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to read this - thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity.

Thank you NetGalley for this book, it delivered.

If suspense is what you’re after this is a book for you.
The writing was excellently executed to keep the reader in a constant state of intrigue and engagement. I was in a constant state of trying to figure it all out.

I have to admit I was not overly fond of the fmc and I wanted to shake her out of pure frustration, but her character personality had its place in the story.
Overall it was atmospheric, at times spooky and an enjoyable read. 4 stars

Wow, how do I express myself?.
I used to do a lot of NetGalley reviews, but then I had some serious health issues and spent a few years not being able to read or write. This book came through my email to review and for some reason I was compelled to request it.. Turns out that I’ve had a similar experience with a narcissist.(certainly not to this extent) Maybe it was fate that told me to read it..
The book is extremely well thought out and written. The characters are all multi dimensional.. the description of the location is intense.
There are many things in the book that a person can relate to, but there is also a rather unique story that pulls you in
I ended up reading this in about 24 hours.
It just grabs a hold of you and won’t let go.
If you have trauma in your past, read this book and listen to the characters And hopefully,, just like I did, It will help you find yourself and your voice. Because we all have a right to trust and believe in ourselves, and when it’s not working to acknowledge that.