A thrilling debut from Julia Bartz revolves around Alex getting the opportunity of a life time - a month long writer's retreat held by her all time favorite author, Roza Vallo. Alex has been dealing with a year of writer's block after a falling out with her best friend Wren, who is also one of the five women participating in the retreat. As the retreat progresses, Alex has finally broken through her writer's block, however, things take a drastic turn when the retreat turns out to be something very different than what the participants anticipated.

A good debut effort, I would classify this book as a horror book (light horror) rather than myster/thriller, which is what I was expecting. Overall, the story was interesting but I struggled to connect to any of the characters. A lot of the conversations they had seemed very forced and at a bit excessive at times. The twist at the end was interesting but I was able to figure it out by the time I was halfway though.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Bartz, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Well. This was a rollercoaster of a writing retreat. The nefarious truth behind the retreat and the incredible drama that ensued left a bad taste in my mouth. I found I could relate to the characters about the very basics of writing and why a writer must write, and for that reason alone I enjoyed the book, but the story itself lost me right about the time the truth was revealed at the midpoint and all hell broke loose. Not to mention the LSD trip and weird sex dreams from the MC. Not necessary. I ultimately found the plot ridiculous and the ending absurd. I can’t recommend this one.

*I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 Stars

Mystery & Thriller books are not my thing, but I decided to try this when approached by a marketing email. It had some elements that attracted me like writers, an old Victorian mansion, and the uneasiness/remoteness of being snowed in.

The book centers on two young aspiring female writers (Alex and Wren) who had been the closest of friends, but had a cataclysmic falling out after a night of unexpected intimacy. Now they have both been invited to a "Writing Retreat" by a famous author in the dead of winter at her legendary mansion Blackbriar. It is a two-week writing contest for a prized book contract. There is no phone or internet service and they are snowed in- the roads impassable. The imposing mansion has a creepy legend and even the taxi driver that dropped the girls off keeps a wide berth to the dwelling.

The story held my interest- mostly because I was intrigued by the writing element and the setting of the old mansion. I love to read about grand environments and the help that serves its occupants. There were some terrifying moments involving a dark basement, sleepwalking, claustrophobia, and an LSD-triggered sexual encounter. However, I just don't personally enjoy blatant disrespect for human life and bloody moments. I suspect that most people who go for the genre of mystery & thrillers will like this book, but I am not its best audience.

Thank you to the publisher Atria Books / Emily Bestler Books for providing advance reader copies via NetGalley and Edelweiss.

Thriller gone wild! I don’t know if by definition a thriller can truly “go off the rails,” as that’s part of what you’re signing up for with the genre, but if any thriller is almost too much of a thriller, it’s this one. Seriously. It doesn’t just have plot twists, or an unreliable MC, an eccentric mysterious benefactor, or drinking, or sexual experimentation, or death, or ghosts. It’s got all of that PLUS demons, seances, and a book within a book!

This book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting a little drama, a lot of writing (and there is plenty of that!), and some mystery surrounding the reclusive writer. This book goes so far beyond that plot. I wish I could elaborate more but I don’t want to spoil anything. One thing I can say is that readers are sure to be glued to the page because they won’t believe what’s happening or coming next. Suspend any and all assumptions and buckle up for a crazy ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Emily Bestler Books/Atria Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

So this story started off so good. So, so good. The premise, albeit not original, had a lot of promise. Wannabe writers are secluded in a writing retreat with a famous author throwing down in a NaNoWriMo challenge - write 80,000 words.

All the characters at the retreat were women, as well as most of the staff. Our main character, Alex, was stuck at the retreat with her frenemy, Wren. So all these women under stress just have to get these books written. So much promise!

About halfway through the story it went off the rails and became unbelievable. I'm pretty open-minded and I don't typically judge characters when they are under duress because chances are they won't make good decisions. But Alex just ... I don't know ... while trapped and fighting for her life her head was not in the staying alive game, it was in wondering what her sexual orientation was. That's when I was like okay, I'm done.

I finished the book, but it was a trudge. I think the author tried to make the story a lot more complicated than it needed to be. I'm sure she was trying to give it an oompf to stand out from the other secluded, locked-room mysteries. If she had just stayed on the original course, it would have been an interesting story.

The last time a book felt so "off" and unbelievable for me was with Christina Lauren's latest "Something Wilder." Sometimes it's best to just stick to the formula.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me an e-copy of THE WRITING RETREAT to review.

I rate THE WRITING RETREAT two out of five stars.

Alex is an editor and up and coming writer who was honored to have a spot in the writing retreat of her idol, Rosza. She is distressed that her friend/former friend will also be there, but decides to go nonetheless. Once she gets to the retreat, she realizes it is not what she expected!
This a fun and twisty read. I loved the idea of the book and the atmospheric setting.

If you like the twistiness of Korelitz & Slaughter, but are only capable of comprehending Foley, this is a great book to pickup.

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.