The Writing Retreat

This made me look at the publishing industry and authors a bit differently for a minute.

Alex is struggling. She and her best friend are no longer friends, one could even call them enemies perhaps. She is in a job that she truly hates. She has had writers block for almost a year and is just all together in a funk. So when she is chosen to attend a writing retreat she jumps at the chance. And this isn't just any writing retreat, it's the famous thriller writer Rosa Vallo's writing retreat located at her remote, gothic mansion. Her and the four other authors attending the retreat soon realize that this isn't any regular retreat and they are in serious danger.

This was definitely one of those books that I couldn't put down but when it was over I had to really think “how much did I like this book”? First, the FMC is very easy to relate to. She has a bit of mystery to her. And then the surmounting mystery of what is happening on this estate and this strange character Rosa Vallo and her odd staff keeps your attention. The twist is predictable but done in such a great way.

However, at the end I thought “this is a bit of a stretch in believability” but that doesn't really bother me. For a split second it did but the more I think about it the more I just realized how much I enjoyed the experience of reading it. And honestly, I can't say this couldn't be a real story - honestly, I've heard stranger stuff when I really think about it.

Overall, I think this is a fun, quick thriller and recommend it. Though it will really make you look at those uber-famous authors a bit closer.