This book kept me hooked from the cozy beginning to the final page. What should have been a dreamy retreat for aspiring authors turns into something darker and more sinister. Samantha Verant delivers a clever blend of murder mystery and suspense… blending secrets, betrayal and revenge. This story had everything I love in a good psychological thriller. Every twist kept me guessing whodunit until the chilling end.

As a writer myself, I can't express enough how much I loved this book! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend a private writing retreat in the Catskills with other writers and publishers? Part Mean Girls, part Gone Girl, The Writers Retreat keeps you guessing from beginning til the very end! So many twisty twistable twists, I couldn't put it down and read it in one day!

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

The irony of a book about writer(s) in which the actual writing is painfully stilted? *chef's kiss* Except not because emphasis on the painful.

3.5 ⭐️

Samantha Verant’s newest publication had me entertained by its luxurious secluded atmospheric setting and strong undertones of betrayal, ambition and obsession.

The Writer’s Retreat followed an aspiring author Liv Montgomery. She joined a prestigious, week-long writing retreat held at a secluded luxury estate in the Catskills. The retreat quickly turned dark when guest is murdered and Liz inexplicably ends up holding the knife.

The author retreat trope is a common theme and one I have read multiple times before. In fact, about four months ago I read “You Are Fatally Invited” and “When She Escaped”. Both centered on authors at a retreat in a desolate location. Needless to say, as soon as I started reading “The Writer’s Retreat”, I immediately drew on its similarities to these other two novels. Not only was the plot commonplace, I read Verant’s “The Lucky Widow” earlier this year and devoured it. Therefore my expectations for Verant’s The Writer’s Retreat was high and I had some reservations about reading this book. However, I knew I had to give it a read having loved the last book I read of hers and regardless of the conventional trope. I am really pleased I did because there were a few variables that led to my enjoyment.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was how the narrative shifted between past and present timelines, and unraveled the characters’ backstories. These components added depth to the story and gave it more intrigue. It also portrayed the characters in two different timeframes and how they were different in time and how they changed. And lastly, it provided more complexity to the rather simplistic dialogue.

Another favorite aspect was the pacing. Regardless of the slow to start pace during the character introductions, but the momentum began to pick up pace when the guests arrived at the retreat. From there the story progressed at a quicker speed and dark and twisted elements were revealed.

Lastly, I liked how the storyline had a distinct diversion from the other two author retreat books I’ve read. I’m not going to disclose what specifically they were as I don’t want to give away the details-you will have to read to find out- but they were intriguing enough to set this narrative aside for others in its genre with its similar premise.

As noted above, the trope in The Writer’s Retreat has been reenacted countless times, and therefore, wasn’t an original concept. Even so, the exchange of different characters and the conflict was enough for this narrative to have subtle divergence in making this story entertainingly twisted and engaging.

In all, Samantha Verant achieved an atmospheric and twisted psychological mystery thriller. In comparison to The Lucky Widow, I would recommend The Lucky Widow over The Writer’s Retreat. That said, The Writer’s Retreat may appeal to fans of psychological suspense and female‑driven thrillers and those who like the work of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.

Thanks to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5 this was so close to being a 4/5.

The only reason this is a 3.5 and not a 4 is because it was a touch slow to start for my taste. I like to be instantly drawn into a mystery/thriller kind of book.

This was very fun and the conclusion/reveal was so fast-paced and intriguing. I loved the sort of gasp/ah-ha moment when everything clicked into place. How it culminated really worked out so well.

This follows a group of people (but mainly our main character) at a writers' retreat and some spooky things happen, and some dark and mysterious pasts are revealed. Some characters are more entangled than they may seem at first glance.

There were so many layers to this book and to what was going on, I think that really added to the impact of certain moments, especially the ending.

Given the remote mountain retreat setting of this book, it almost has a locked-room feel to it. I thought that was a very cool way to add to the atmosphere and overall feel of the book.

I can definitely see myself rereading this book, I'm sure there's more I will notice with additional reads, little Easter eggs now that I know what's going on.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Writers’ Retreat follows Liv, an aspiring writer invited to a luxurious and remote retreat in the Catskills. She’s hoping for inspiration - and maybe her big break- but reality unfolds in a much more unpleasant way when she's faced with people from her past. Told in alternating timelines and multiple POVs, this thriller will appeal to fans of Jeneva Rose.

I really wanted to enjoy this one. The synopsis was so compelling and I love the current trend of “books about people writing books”. I went in expecting a tense, fast-paced thriller full of suspense and clever twists. I expected something atmospheric and creepy. Unfortunately, what I got felt more like a melodramatic story of mean-girl antics, with over-the-top plot developments that didn’t land for me.

The twists felt forced rather than shocking, and I struggled to stay engaged with the writing. The characters felt flat, and I found myself not really caring about what happened to any of them. Rather than mirroring the writing style of Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell, I think it has more in common stylistically with Jeneva Rose - so if you enjoy her voice in your thrillers, this might be a better fit for you than it was for me.

For me, this one just didn’t deliver the suspense or depth I was hoping for.

Is it ironic that I started June with a thriller I didn’t like, and now here I am, on the first day of July, kicking off the month with another disappointment? What a shame! I genuinely thought “The Writers’ Retreat” would be a hit for me–it had the perfect setup: a remote setting, a group of writers, buried secrets, and of course, murder. Unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver.

In this thriller, we follow Liv Montgomery, a struggling novelist who sees a secluded retreat in the Catskills as a chance to revive her career. But things quickly spiral when one of the guests is murdered, and Liv finds herself at the heart of the mystery. As secrets from her past resurface and tensions rise, Liv must uncover the truth before someone else becomes the next victim.

On paper, this sounded like the perfect beach read–tense, twisty, and atmospheric. I love isolated settings, especially in thrillers, and I was genuinely excited to dive into a story that promised suspense and psychological complexity. Sadly, the execution fell flat. I found myself surprisingly bored. The pacing dragged, and I never felt that pulse of intrigue or tension that I usually look for in a good thriller. The investigation barely gripped me, and much of the narrative felt repetitive and slow.
The novel also uses dual timelines–and occasionally different POVs–which can work really well when done right. While I’m not always a fan of that structure, I’ve come to appreciate how it can deepen a story and offer more insight into the characters.

But here, the dual timeline didn’t add much at all. Instead, it made the plot more confusing and, at times, harder to follow–especially when I was already struggling to stay engaged.

Overall, this one just wasn’t for me. It’s always frustrating when a book you were looking forward to turns out to be a letdown. The Writers’ Retreat had potential and a compelling setup, but it lacked the tension and narrative drive I expect from a thriller. I hope others enjoy it more than I did–but if you’re looking for something gripping and immersive, this might not be it.

The Writer’s Retreat is a thriller that delves into the complex world of cults that are obvious and those that are not quite seen but are in our everyday relationships. The characters all have an agenda but fight the good versus evil morale dilemma at every choice. The plot twist was not a surprise to me but it was what was needed to bring the story together.

"Write or Die" is an exhilarating ride into the world of creativity gone wrong, set against the stunning backdrop of a luxurious estate in the Catskills. As someone who’s often dreamed of the perfect writing retreat, I immediately felt drawn into Liv Montgomery’s experience. The premise is irresistible: a group of aspiring writers escaping the daily grind for a week of inspiration and camaraderie.

The author has crafted a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own quirks and hidden agendas. I found myself both intrigued and wary of them, which made the unfolding mystery all the more engaging.
What struck me most was Liv’s journey from a hopeful writer to a suspect in a murder investigation.

"Write or Die" delivers a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat mystery. If you’re looking for a gripping tale that blends humor, suspense, and a touch of literary rivalry, this one is a must-read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Publisher for this copy.

So much appreciation for this ARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.

I love a good thriller when I’m in a reading slump and this description sounded nothing short of intense. I struggled with the beginning and following the initial character introductions and the intricate webs weaved between the characters. The jumping of timelines took a few chapters to be able to follow. The POV jumping was random, and that needed getting used to.

The twist was amazing and I never saw it coming! I never would have guessed it. The ending was another surprise I never would have guessed.

Overall, it felt half-baked to read, like events were thrown together and a lot of it was far-fetched. I took detailed notes and highlights throughout the book, but it mostly felt like whiplash, following the changing timelines, POVs, betrayals and loyalties. It was difficult to push through after the first 70 pages. Excellent plot, great twist and an unexpected ending, though! Just very shallow characters and far-fetched events in some places.

While the plot sounds good (murder mystery, aspiring author), the resulting product was sophomoric at best. None of the characters seemed realistic and mostly a poor homage to the wealthy influencer elite. No one seems all that interested in the murder and frankly, neither was I. Parts seemed gimmicky with the text messages embedded in the text. I'd say that this would be the kind of book that will get made into a TV movie staring actors trying to make a comeback

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow start at first, but then it sped up and kept me reading. Lots of twists and turns, I enjoyed that part.

They say everyone has a book in them, and Liv Montgomery certainly does. She's desperate to get it published, and is thrilled to receive an invite to a writers' retreat in the Catskills mountains. There, she will attend workshops and be mentored. But all is not as it seems. 🖋
I loved this book. It was akin to a grown up version of Mean Girls, if the mean girls turned to blackmail and murder. 🗡
The story was well paced, with the narrative occasionally switching from now to then, thus enabling us to learn more about the primary characters and their backstories, as well as delivering some startling revelations. 🗡
The characters were quite a motley bunch. The primary characters, who mostly came from wealthy families, were a bitchy lot. I liked Liv though, and found myself rooting for her.
The secondary characters were on the periphery, there to make up the numbers at the retreat. 🖋
Twistier than a corkscrew, The Writers' Retreat is a gripping page turner, the perfect beach read. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I requested this because I loved this author's The Lucky Widow. This one is nothing like the description. It reads as very YA with a bunch of mean girls who I didn't care about at all, and at times it was hard to decipher who was narrating. They all seemed to be the same person. I found it had very little to do with writing or a writer's retreat. I was rolling my eyes way too much. This just wasn't for me. DNF at 38%.

Read in 2 hours and 12 minutes.

I was disappointed with this.
The ‘writers trapped in a remote area’ trope rarely drums up the suspense that the authors think it does, and sadly, this was no exception.

I’d describe the plot in more detail but, honestly, it’s all as murky as the pond water that Lat and Olivia love so much.

This book is not the serve that the author thinks it is.
A so-called cult where members label themselves goddesses and exhort money sounds like it would be interesting, if there was any substance to it.

The only plot to this book is Liv crowing about how she’s bested Kat again and her scheming makes her supreme.
Then Kat wriggles free of any revenge and declares that she’s the winner and what a twist it is.
But wait, Olivia has another trick up her sleeve!
Kat knows about that trick and has her own Bigger and Better trick!

It’s Keeping Up With The Jones’ for the vapid amateur detective and I’d clocked out long ago.

These characters were unbearable, the plot was a tangled mess, sinking under the weight of its own ego, and every “Gotcha” moment made me cringe.

These women obsess about something that happened to them at high school age because, mentally, they’ve never aged past that.

I kid you not: the best part of this entire story was the Great Catsby—a twenty-pound Russian Blue- who’s never mentioned again after page 12.

Slink back and redeem this writing, Catsby!

An honourable mention goes to (what I desperately hope is) a nod to Inventing Anna with a barked “I don't have time for this. I don't have time for you."

I need to go on my own retreat to heal from reading the contents of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for being able to read this in exchange for an honest review!
(As you can see, I was *very* honest)

Quick summary: Olivia, a bookstore manager and aspiring author, is invited to a prestigious writer’s retreat just as her ex-boyfriend turns up dead. But despite the setup, the story quickly pivots away from anything to do with writing. At its core, this is a novel about a group of female friends, a secretive cult-like past, and a tangled web of betrayal and murder.

Review: Despite an intriguing premise, The Writers’ Retreat didn’t work for me. The writing was underdeveloped, relying heavily on dialogue and telling rather than showing. The pacing felt unbalanced—the book started off very slow and then suddenly sped up, making it hard to stay grounded or fully engaged. Characters were difficult to follow, and it took too long to even identify Olivia as the protagonist. Kat, a secondary POV character, often felt like the actual lead.

The biggest disconnect is that the book simply isn’t about a writer’s retreat. The setting is mostly irrelevant, and the plot centers instead on cult dynamics and toxic female friendships from the past. That genre shift might be a deal-breaker for some readers.

The book attempted multiple twists, but they often came off as cheesy rather than clever. That said, the concept is interesting, and it was a fast read—I was never bored. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t match the potential.

The Writers’ Retreat is a slow burn at first, but once it finds its rhythm, it becomes a dark and twisty ride.

I really enjoyed the concept of a secluded writing retreat — the perfect eerie setting for secrets, tension, and, eventually, murder. The plot kept me engaged throughout. Some twists I saw coming, others surprised me, but overall, it was a compelling and satisfying thriller.

The mix of ambition, obsession, and mystery gave the story a strong psychological edge, and the pacing really paid off by the end. A solid, atmospheric thriller with just the right dose of drama and suspense.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Whoa! My head is still spinning from all the twists and turns of The Writer's Retreat. It reads like a soap opera storyline on steroids. It was a mix of "I didn't see that coming" moments and "I saw that one from a mile away" moments. Vérant gives us a lot of characters to keep our eyes on. And, if I'm honest, most of them aren't someone you'd like to have as a friend. This book is a definitely a case of bad things happen to bad people. There certainly aren't any dull moments in this one. It'll keep you turning the pages. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is not a genre I usually like, but liked the premise of the book. A cast of thoroughly unlikeable characters, too many failed murder attempts, a couple of murders that weren’t that relevant, a lot of people being something that they weren’t and kind of not caring at all led to a less than satisfactory response from me. Yes there were clever twists, but overall, despite wanting to know what the hell was going on, this book left me a little cold. Maybe I should stay in my comfort zone so that I can write a fair and balanced review. Thanks to NetGalley for indulging me in letting me read and review this book.

Liv is accepted to a writer's retreat that seems too good to be true. It's held at a gorgeous estate full of natural beauty and beautiful people. But that's all on the surface, and it's mostly a lie. She's not really there to work on her writing, and she wasn't accepted because of her writing, either. The whole story is a mess of half-truths, lies, and deception. As usual, not much is disclosed in the blurb, but let's just say she's hoping to reunite with a few old friends. Frenemies would be the most apt term, I suppose.

Honestly, you would think no female anywhere is capable of having a true friendship with any other woman after reading this story. It really goes off the deep end with characters not being who they seem and lying about what they know. It was just way too much for me. It got to the point where I felt the reader couldn't believe anyone about anything, and how is that an enjoyable story? It wasn't. It was so much cat and mouse that it was exhausting, all the way up until the end. I wish I could explain in greater depth. The bodies start piling up, and the biggest mystery is who is hiding and lying about the most. But that doesn't mean they are a killer. Or they could be. See what I mean? The whole story is like that, trust me.

If there were fewer duplicities around every corner, the story would have been more enjoyable. And fewer descriptions of wealthy people who can get anything they want whenever they want, making it convenient for the plot. Not everything has to be too realistic, of course, but there's a limit!


It’s every writer’s dream. The chance to get away for a while, to carve out time and space to focus on your craft in a small group of like-minded creatives. And where better to do it than in a sprawling luxury estate in the Catskills? Surrounded by nothing but rugged mountains and wilderness, where not a soul will hear you scream…

When Liv Montgomery is invited on an exclusive, week-long writing retreat, she can’t believe her luck. But some of her fellow novice writers are better at spinning a yarn than they seem. And Liv winning a place was certainly no accident. Then the plot takes a turn towards murder, and Liv is found holding the knife…