As soon as I read the synopsis for The Writing Retreat, I rubbed my hands together in anticipation for a thrilling reading experience.

Five aspiring female authors have received the chance of a lifetime. They have been selected to attend a month-long writing retreat at the estate of none other than Roza Vallo, an eccentric, world-renowned horror author. As the participants arrive, Roza delivers the news that they will have to write an entire novel in the span of that one month, under her professional guidance, of course. The writer whose novel is the best will win a seven-figure publishing deal.

Trust no one. That was my motto while I was reading this novel. Once the retreat was turned into a competition, I knew that it was only time before it turned cutthroat. Add to that the fact that Roza Vallo is unpredictable, to say the least, likes to play mind games, oh, and her estate in upstate New York is believed to be haunted. I was quite enjoying my time reading along and getting to know each of the participants of this retreat, but my suspicions were constantly on high alert as I didn’t trust the characters or, well, anything. I had very good reason, too.

The Writing Retreat was an entertaining debut novel. I am always drawn to books that claim to be “claustrophobic.” The premise of a group of people trapped somewhere off the beaten path where one of them dies or goes missing is always going to get my blood pumping and my hackles up. This novel had a lot going for it: the setting was creepy, the storyline kept my attention, the characters were intriguing, and it was suspenseful. I will admit that a few times I wanted to scream at the characters not to go down in the basement or in one of the rooms. I didn’t actually want them to heed my warning, though. Where would the fun be in that.

All in all, I enjoyed my time reading The Writing Retreat. It was a strong debut novel that already has me anticipating Bartz’s next book.

*4 Stars

THE WRITING RETREAT is a fast-moving, unhinged, atmospheric thriller that had me repeatedly saying WHAT.IS.GOING.ON!!

At just over 300 pages, this book covers a lot of topics. There are supernatural elements, locked room elements, literal writing retreat elements. It felt longer than it was, and not in a bad way. I love books that keep me on the edge of my seat and make me want to cancel everything in order to finish, and this book delivered.

Told through Alex’s perspective, as she gets the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime writing retreat at the famous author Roza Vallo’s notorious estate, Blackbriar. We quickly learn everything is not as it seems. Roza’s unorthodox methods begin to reveal secrets about the retreat’s attendees, Blackbriar and Roza herself.

I think this is a book you want to go into somewhat blind, so you can just enjoy the ride.

You’ll love THE WRITING RETREAT, if you love:
* Secluded, locked room mysteries
* Atmospheric, or spooky, vibes
* Supernatural elements
* Sapphic romance (some open door spice)
* Books about books

Thank you Simon and Schuster for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How is this a debut? I can't wait to see if this continues as a series!
Please tell me that Jordan Peele will be making the movie. This story was every writer's dream turned horror story turned an author's dream bestseller. It has a haunted castle, a month-long writing retreat in a very remote location, luxury, egos, dead bodies and books. This was a fun and quick read. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opp for the ARC.

Very dark indeed!

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I did NOT guess where this was going. The writer's retreat utterly DEVOLVED....

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That jaw-dropping twist was gooooood!

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You begin to suspect that you are surrounded by evil Pscyho Crazy People!
But never underestimate a woman who has already been to hell and back!

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I felt that it was clever of the author to juxtapose women's historical bondage and abuse (in Daphne's story line) - both socially and physically - with the present day setting of the writer's retreat. Everything changes and yet nothing changes: history keeps repeating itself, regardless of gender.... are we doomed?

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Or will we live to fight another day? I still don't know how to feel about that ending.... should we care about justice being done, or was justice even an issue in this story?

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To go any further would be to reveal unpardonable spoilers. Highly recommended, although I had to deduct a point for that "get thee to a nunnery" bit, and the graphic descriptions of human torture and suffering. (I'm a tad squeamish these days!) My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

1.5 Stars. Yikes! That was crazy (and not in a good way). Recommended for those who can tolerate books containing crude language and cringe-worthy, graphic sex scenes (one between the narrator, Alix and another woman and one with a demon). She is unsure if she dreamed the first encounter, while the second may have been the result of unknowingly taking LSD). The f- word was scattered throughout, along with other crude language. Maybe I am the wrong age to enjoy this type of book but cannot recall any stage of my life where it would entertain me.

One of my favourite types of suspense thrillers centre around a group of people stranded at a remote dwelling during a snow blizzard. They become helpless when ominous events take place, giving an atmosphere of dread and fear. What happens here raises the story to an over-the-top level, and suspending disbelief and one's common sense is necessary.

Five young and promising female writers are thrilled to be invited to an exclusive month-long retreat. They hope to improve their skills and complete their stay with a lucrative book deal. The retreat is to be held at a remote, creepy Gothic mansion owned by best-selling horror writer Roza Vallo.
Roza is their idol, and all seem excited to have the opportunity to improve their writing under her mentorship. They are told that each one must begin and finish a new book within the month. The writer of the book Roz deems to be the best will receive a million-dollar publishing deal with fame in store. We soon learn that Roz is controlling, overbearing and quite unhinged. She has devised a series of challenges and weird games. In addition, the aspiring writers face daily exhaustive writing sessions and critiques of their work. The retreat becomes an ordeal due to Roz's weird, authoritarian demands. It explores how far one would go to be a successful best-selling writer with malevolent team dynamics and the supernatural thrown in.

The huge house has a creepy atmosphere, strange noises, and the aura of unseen spectres. Alix has had writer's block for a year. To add to her apprehension, an old friend, Wren, is attending. There was a nasty breakup, and Alix is dreading any encounter. The gathering shows a grim literary future, as Roz has selected these young women as the most promising future writers in the country. The women act and talk like adolescent brats. Passages of Alix's book in progress are included and is considered a good chance to be chosen as the winner. Sorry, I must be missing something, as it seems like nothing I would ever willingly read.
During a raging storm, one of the aspiring writers vanishes, and it becomes apparent that the others are trapped and cannot leave willingly.

There are some very appreciative reviews with high ratings. My impressions should not deter prospective readers. I am rounding my 1.5 stars up to 2 for originality. I had never read anything like it before and hope to never again!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for my honest review. I regret that this book just wasn't for me, but I can see that others have rated it highly. Publication on February 21st.

Happy to include this book in my latest “Thrills and Chills” round-up for Zoomer magazine, highlighting winter’s best suspense and mystery reads. Loved the insider take and culture of using the publishing industry milieu. (see mini-review at link)

Wintery locked-room mystery with a writer's theme - obviously I had to have this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon &Schuster Canada/Atria Books for my eARC for review.
The Writing Retreat is a claustrophobic thriller, with an eccentric author's stately mansion known as Blackbriar as the backdrop.
Envision touches of Clue and The Shining in this story.
A group of up-and-coming writers have been invited to a month-long writing retreat at the home of famed author Roza Vallo.
It's not long before things start coming off the rails for the five women; a snowstorm and lack of cell service ensures they can't leave.
There were some great elements in this debut novel from Julia Bartz, it's definitely one that was hard to put down. The pacing went a little off at times for me, but overall it was a tense, atmospheric and entertaining read.
Recommended!
For release on Feb. 21.

Alex and her former bestie and rival win a once in a lifetime writing retreat with their favourite horror author. But once they arrive, things are not what the seem and Alex realizes she may not get out of there alive.

I wasn’t able to predict anything, which I loved! I found it started off slow, but once they were settled at the mansion it picked up. I would definitely read Julia Bartz next novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me review this story. My opinions are entirely my own.

The Reading Retreat had me hooked from the first page. There were some parts that seemed a bit long winded, especially when setting up the story, but the rest of the book was magnificent therefore made up for it.

I'm excited to read the next Julia Bartz novel.

3.5 stars

I couldn't put this book down and if it wasn't for notnbeing able to stay awake it would have been a one sitting kind of read.

Unfortunately, the ending of this really fell apart IMO and was too over the top.

Huge thank you to NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The book was very good.. I never suspected the ending and perp. I didn’t like the main character at times . She needed to move on and accept the friendship wasn’t going to be the same .

If you’re looking for a book that includes:

~A secluded mansion
~Eccentric characters
~A locked door mystery
~Blood

Then this one is for you!

The Writing Retreat was a wild ride. I thought I knew what was coming but I absolutely did not! The turn that this book takes caught me completely off guard and is very different than any thrillers I’ve read recently. At first I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it, but now that we’re a few days out from when I finished the book and it’s still been on my mind regularly, I’d say Julia Bartz did a great job with the twists on this one.

One thing I really loved about this book was the setting. The majority of the book takes place at a secluded mansion in upstate New York decades ago, a murder took place. And when I say secluded, I mean SECLUDED. As in, if a large storm comes, you are cut off from the outside world until it has stopped and there is time to clear the road. And guess what happens during the writing retreat…. Needless to say, the atmosphere of this book was perfect. Add in the suggestion of paranormal activity throughout the book and it’s just *chef’s kiss*. It was creepy, it was chilling, and it made me want to keep reading. I truly wish that I was able to binge read this during an actual snowstorm because it would have really enhanced the whole reading experience.

If you haven’t picked your February BOTM yet, I highly recommend picking The Writing Retreat. I was so excited when I saw that it was a February pick! The cover is stunning and the BOTM edition would be a great addition to your shelves.

Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Writing Retreat is a a book within a book. I liked the premise of it, but it started off on a difficult note for me. I think maybe the author was looking for shock value, but the vibe continued throughout the book.

There were a lot of things thrown in this book, kind of a mixed genre type ride. I found the pace to be kind of all over the place, and a lot of plot points to follow.

The premise of the book is that Alex is wins a contest to go to a writers retreat hosted by the famous Rosa Vallo. A snowstorm ensues, someone goes missing, they need to figure out what's going on before they bite the dust as well.

The sex scenes were too weird and graphic, I skimmed past them.

It was a big of an odd/strange book, and I found it to be not for me.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

YES! YES! YES!

I’ve been waiting for a locked room style book to sweep me off my feet and this one FINALLY did the trick! The retreat premise gave me the heebie jeebies from the start - off the grid creepy mansion owned by a recluse author?? Something just wasn’t sitting right, and was I ever correct… things got crazy and I couldn’t stop reading!

The characters were all so interesting, (albeit, fairly unlikeable) and I loved how all of their secrets and connections unfolded. I also really enjoyed how we got a book within a book, I really loved reading Alex’s novel as she was actively completing it!

I’m so excited about this book and can’t wait for everyone else to get a chance to experience it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Writing Retreat is Julia Bartz’s first novel.

Alex and her best friend, Wren had a huge falling out a year ago and now they no longer talk.

Alex is a young author, who is about to give up on her dreams, when she gets a last minute invite to a writing retreat. An author that she absolutely loves, is holding it at her secluded estate for only a select few young authors. Only to find out that Wren is joining them.

I didn’t read the entire synopsis before starting this novel, and I’m so glad I didn’t. It made all the suspense more intense.

Disasters unfold, a little at a time. I was able to picture all the creepy details. I was engrossed! But closer to the end it took a turn. I really wasn’t expecting all of what happened, to happen. I found it to be a bit much.

80% of the book had me right hooked, but the ending though…It was a solid 4 stars at first but I’m giving it a 3.5, rounding down. The beginning was so strong but the way it ended I didn’t love, which made my rating lower.

I will definitely read more from the author though.


Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy. The Writing Retreat is available February 21!

I really loved this one. I read a lot of titles in this genre but this one was different enough to keep me interested and on my toes! Loved the twists and turns, the characters and the setting! I also really enjoyed the author's writing style!

Imagine, you have hit the jackpot and have been given the best opportunity possible. You HAVE to take it right?

Alex has been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a writing retreat with her favourite author and several other hopeful authors in the beautiful secluded hillside, away from all distractions. Alex of course jumps at the opportunity and sets off for the mansion where the retreat will take place. Several other girls are also in attendance including Alex’s ex best friend Wren. The girls are bright eyed and bushy tailed about writing in this beautiful setting until Roza Vallo- a world renowned horror writer and the leader of this retreat drops the catch on them. The girls all must write an entire novel while in attendance of this retreat. Each day they are required to submit 3000 words, meet with Vallo and work all day and night on this book. The best book will win a 6 figure publishing deal. This retreat goes from being an innocent writing retreat to a high stakes competition. Creepy noises, cruel jokes, secret passages and very odd coincidences keep these girls questioning whether or not they should stick it out or get out of there before it's too late.

The Writing Retreat is action packed and full of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book and the claustrophobic nature of the mystery. Julia Bartz does a great job at setting the scene and creating a well interwoven story that will keep you guessing until the very end. Overall this one gets 3.5 stars for me I felt that it started off really strong but the end became a little too convoluted. I loved the setting and the overall story and the way it was written.

Thank you to Julia Bartz, Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. This one hits shelves on February 21st and I highly recommend it if you like a good claustrophobic mystery and thriller.

ugh i did not like this. It felt far too much - trying tooooo hard. The opening line being "fuck her" - please. I thought the characters felt super immature and the entire plot line was faaaaaaaaaaaaar too over the top. I want my thrillers believable and this was no that.

I’ve been seeing this book around a lot lately and I couldn’t wait to read it for myself. The cover alone is perfection and it was giving off all of those perfect thriller vibes that I know and love so well.

I’m actually surprised there’s not more hype around this one. I loved it so much! Roza was the perfect villain. So creepy and ominous while maintaining an immense sense of power. And the way she would lovingly call people “dear” just messed with my head. Is it crazy that I loved her?

The rest of the characters had me intrigued as well, and I don’t think there was a single person that I disliked. I mean, I disliked some of them because they were terrible people, but I loved how they were written and what they brought to the story.

A portion of the story is a book that Alex (the MC/narrator) is writing, and I will say that I wanted more out of that. I didn’t much care for her book and it didn’t have much of an impact. I longed for something darker and creepier to match the vibe of the rest of the novel. In saying that, it was still an incredible thriller and I enjoyed every second of it!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted copy.

This was such a fabulous debut novel. First, I just want to say that as a writer, this premise is horrifying. The idea of going to a writing retreat, being forced to write 3000 words a day, and have shady things going on (plus the twist at the end)? Horrifying. I hate it. But as a plot? So good. So satisfying. This drew me in from page one and didn’t let me go until I’d read the final words. I definitely would not have made some of the choices in here, but it also definitely made for a good story. I loved the book within a book and how that fit into what was going on. I also see potential for a sequel maybe and I wouldn’t say no to that.