Thank you for to net galley and the publisher for the advanced copy. This book had a really great plot, I like how it really went there and wasn’t afraid to be dark and twisted. For a debut mystery thriller, it was densely plotted, unpredictable and bold. However, I found the characters to be one dimensional though I did enjoy the all female cast. Additionally there was so much opportunity in the setting—an old potentially haunted mansion stuck in a snow storm all the makings of a great creepy Gothic atmosphere. I would have loved if the book took on more of a creeping and sinister tone instead of just moving from point to point. I really wish more of this had been explored and was a larger element of the story. Overall the plot was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down but I wish we saw more from the characters, tone and setting.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the copy of The Writing Retreat. I was blown away by the incredible writing. Add a cast of all female main characters and an unexpected story and this book is a winner! Once the story starts popping it will be impossible to stop reading this book until the end. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in good writing and intriguing characters, do not miss this book.

Writing this review immediately after finishing because WHAT DID I JUST READ?! I did NOT expect this book to get so dark and twisted!!

I'm always a sucker for people being stuck somewhere together where there's a mystery, and horrible things start happening (I'd like to thank Agatha Christie for that). But I especially loved that this was still so, so unique even with that semi-common setting/theme. This had all the perfect elements for a great mystery/thriller, and I especially liked how crazy some of the characters were. I was getting severe heart palpitations towards the end of the book because of how stressed I was starting to feel (always a great sign that things are going well with the book). However, I will say that it could have been heightened more in the earlier parts of the story when they first arrive at the house. The tension and creepiness levels were insane in the book's later half, but I think there could have been more added in that earlier 40-50% to raise the stakes a little more. I still enjoyed that earlier section, but it didn't feel so much like a mystery as it could have. I would have wanted to feel a little more suspicious about things, but it was still enjoyable and managed to bring me in.

The thing with this book is that once things start happening in the house, they really start happening. Julia Bartz gave it her all in the later half of this novel. I was essentially speed reading after the 60% mark. The number of twists and turns in this section does not disappoint. I was starting to feel claustrophobic along with the characters. It really felt like there was no way out. I kept thinking, that's it, right? There's no more? But there was always more! And I know Bartz did a great job because I hated some of the characters in this. LOATHED. I was seriously starting to get agitated reading the last 20%. It was so frustrating to read some of the sections and not be able to do anything to help Alex. It felt like I couldn't escape it along with the characters, which is something I LOVE to experience when reading. And, yes, I think it has a satisfying ending, which I always struggle with in mysteries/thrillers. There's one small thing I was slightly disturbed/frustrated with, but I understand why it needed to be done.

I also just loved how layered this book was. There was so much darkness in it. I loved how twisted it got and how it revealed how evil and deranged some characters were. It was so frustrating in so many ways, but I liked that it didn't hide those darker elements that people have. It felt sincere and realistic with how it showed those darker human emotions and thoughts we all have but don't all act on. I also liked that it touched on other elements like creativity, artistry, and rivalry, especially in groups of women. There was this tension and complexity that I don't think is touched on very often, which I appreciated reading.

Overall, I think this is an incredible debut. It was engaging, thrilling, and very, very surprising. And even if you catch on to it earlier than I did, I think the level of how bad things are will still shock you! I'm very happy with how many secrets, lies, and twists this story had. It was both chilling and entertaining. 5 stars! Is it too early to say I can't wait to read what Julia Bartz has next??!

As always, thank you, Netgalley and Atria, for the chance to review this early! It was such a good one!!

Ho.ly. Shit. This as incredible. The second I picked it up, I couldn’t stop. The twists and turns were unexpected and beautifully executed. It was fast-paced but not in such a way that you’re wondering what is going on. It keeps you guessing the whole time. It’s a perfect mix of mystery, thriller, horror, and paranormal. Highly recommend. 5 stars from me! Thank you @NetGalley and @AtriaBooks for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Holy canoly! What a crazy crazy story!! But very very entertaining! This book had heavy suspense, intrigue, action, murder, kidnapping, mystery and a kind of crazy who done it! With so Many many twists and turns!! The storyline was freaking crazy interesting and had me glued to my Kindle and yelling at my Kindle too! Lol I highly recommend reading this book! It was so worth reading! This one has got to be in my top favorite! It was that good for me! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! And introducing me to a new to me author! I will be looking for more from this author! Thank you!

This a book about 5 woman who are given an opportunity to go on a writer’s retreat with a famous author. While they are writing their books, it becomes clear that nothing is what it seems. Alex is the protagonist and we follow her through as she solves a mystery and finds herself.

I was in the mood to be pulled into a thriller for the evening — and The Writing Retreat delivered. Julia Bartz did a great job of layering oddities and suspense, which held my attention the entire time. While there was no shocking twist for me, the way the plot unfolded was really gripping. However, it felt like the lead-up to arriving at the house was really drawn out. I think the entire first part ("The City") could have been removed, and this book would have been just as effective.