I have heard amazing things about this book. I was thrilled to receive an arc. I feel this book matched up to the hype for me. It was eerily suspenseful. I knew it was going to be good but it is a 5 star for me!

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…

This was different. But I enjoyed it quite a bit! This kept me turning pages from the very beginning. I'm always game for a story about books, authors and writing retreats, and this was an engaging read!

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This story started out with a strong voice. My only complaint was the overuse of similes and metaphors. As it continued, it dragged. There was not any tension, the story became far fetched, and the character development was like whiplash. Towards the end, the conversations felt forced and I was just interested to see how it ended. This author has potential, but needs a more polished editor.

Definitely felt more like a Mean Girls, but with adults instead of a thriller, but that is what made it a fun read. None of the characters were hugely likeable, mostly rich and spoiled, but it worked well with the plot line. Lots of twists though, right until the very end.

Thank you Netgally for the eARC of this book


⸻

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars

The Writers’ Retreat has a great setup—a secluded writing getaway in the Catskills that turns dark and twisty. The premise hooked me right away: an exclusive retreat, hidden secrets, and a murder that flips everything upside down. It had all the ingredients for a gripping, atmospheric thriller.

There were definitely some good twists, and I liked the overall vibe of mystery and isolation. But for me, the story dragged on too long. The pacing was uneven, and by the time the ending rolled around, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to the buildup. I kept hoping for a stronger payoff.

This book would appeal to fans of slower-burn thrillers and stories about writers with something to hide. It wasn’t a standout for me, but it wasn’t a total miss either—just somewhere in the middle.

Thank you to NetGalley, Samantha Vérant, and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

The Writer’s Retreat is a fast paced thriller that leaves you wondering what the next twist will be. The MC, Olivia “Liv” Montgomery is an aspiring writer who has been working for years on a novel based on her own life story/trauma. This novel showcases interesting displays of toxic friendships, betrayal, family drama, cults, and plagiarism in the world of writing. Liv signs up for a last minute spot at an expensive writer’s retreat that’s hosted on the land of a cult from the past. On her way to the retreat her current boyfriend calls her to notify her that her ex boyfriend was murdered. Once she arrives at the retreat strange things begin happening and she has to navigate various lies, betrayals, and plot twists to figure out what is going on.

I found the book a tad slow and confusing to get into, but once I got mid-way the twists start to spiral and the pacing of the book really picks up. The book features chapters from the present (2 POVs) and past (MC POV). Although I found the consistent plot twists at times a bit too much and found it hard to really connect with the main characters, I appreciate the idea of a story being told within a story and found the book overall a really interesting concept.

I stuck it out and read the entire book but this just wasn’t for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review The Writer’s Retreat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review | The Writers’ Retreat – Samantha Verant

This one’s a tough one to rate—but only because I’ve been completely hooked. It’s a gripping, intense read, and Verant clearly knows what she’s doing. She paints the world of Nyx and its cult-driven past so vividly, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere.

At times, I did struggle to keep track of all the characters and their storylines—it felt a little muddled early on. But once I pushed through, things became clearer, and I was fully immersed again. I just wish the character development had been a bit sharper throughout. Mark and Stephen especially—I wanted more from their story, more emotion, more depth. There was so much potential there.

That said, this book doesn’t just twist—it turns, it spins, it does a full-on loop-de-loop and you’ve got to hold on tight. Verant knows how to keep you guessing.

Favourite quote:
“It’s just a story. One we keep telling ourselves because we’re too afraid to write a new one.”
—Chilling, clever, and oddly beautiful.

Final thoughts? 4 stars from me. With just a bit more clarity around the characters, this easily could have been a 5. I’ll definitely be reading more of Verant’s work in the future.

So grateful to have been chosen to ARC read and review this one!

This was so good ! First off thank you for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review!

The atmosphere, the characters, the story… EVERYTHING about this kept me entertained and I blew through the book within 2 nights. I have a young daughter that keeps me on my toes so I’m only able to read before bed and I just could NOT put this down! I lost out on sleep for it but it was totally worth it. This was my first book by Samantha verant but I’m looking forward to more

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc before the release date (22nd July).
All opinions are my own.

The Writers' Retreat follows Liv, an upcoming thriller author, who unexpectedly gets invited to a week long writers retreat, with nothing but mountains and nature, no internet access and many secrets.
We follow Liv after her ex fiance is found murdered, she might be a prime suspect, and she thinks escaping to this retreat will help her clean her head and finally get her book published, and possibly get some answers too.
The book contains of past and present chapters, and different POV's, which really helped getting the whole picture of what really happened in the past, that lead to the events happening now, especially when we meet people from Liv's past in this retreat (Sienna, Kat, Mimi and more).
There were quite a few different characters involved in the story, and I found myself slightly lost at times. I was convinced I guessed the twist, but only a part of it, and the main twist really had me staring at my screen mouth wide open...but then also got me thinking how 'realistic' it actually was? And does it have to be?
The whole vibe was eery and slightly creepy, I found myself uncomfortable at certain scenes, especially through Kat's chapters, and wanting to find out what's going on, which is what I love about reading thriller books.
Overall, it is a solid, fast paced and engaging thriller book, perfect for those who read and loved Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley's work.

It’s billed as a writer’s retreat and Liv Montgomery is a last minute addition. But when she arrives at Nyx Sanctuary, a resort and spa “nestled on the tranquil edge of a sparkling pond…with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains”, she feels the something is off, something is is hidden. She’s right. Everyone attending the retreat, authors, agents, a publisher, a critique partner, everyone is hiding something. And that’s before a summer storm traps the guests at Nyx, And before the murders begin.

The Writer’s Retreat, told by multiple narrators, moves seamlessly between the past and present. The plot is multilayered and complicated. None of the characters are likeable but they, and their manipulations, are fascinating. Its hard to review The Writer’s Retreat without spoilers but the twists will keep you turning the pages as fast as possible and the unexpected ending is a total surprise. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Samantha Vérant for this ARC.

Liv has always dreamed of being a writer. When she is given a last-minute opportunity to participate in a writers’ retreat she doesn’t question it. With interest in her novel Liv believes this retreat will be her opportunity.
It’s clear from the outset that Liv is a skilled manipulator. We see the way she interacts with those around her, and it should come as no surprise to learn that she is manipulating us as well as those around her.
Upon arrival at the retreat we learn it’s the site of a major news story featuring a cult. Liv’s behaviour suggests she knows more than she lets on, and as other characters from her past come out of the woodwork it’s obvious that this is just another playing piece in a much bigger game.
None of the characters were particularly likeable, but the cat-and-mouse game played out in front of us is definitely intriguing.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this in advance of publication.

Liv, an aspiring writer, is invited to an exclusive retreat in the Catskills mountains of NY. Right as she is about to leave she found out her ex-finance was killed and left everything to her. Once she gets to the retreat and hoping to get some inspiration and writing accomplished, things start to go haywire. People are getting hurt, power outages are happening due to the huge storm that came out of nowhere and you can't be sure who to trust. Each of the main characters have an agenda and it's not to help those there to get their books published. So many twists and turns in this story, you are left wondering what the heck is going on. Some things were predictable but others will shock you!! Who can you believe? Who is really a friend or foe?

Samantha Verant did it again with another brilliant thriller!! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.

The third book by Samantha Bryant I have read and enjoyed. Some for me original ideas in the plot for this book. Stolen manuscript, murders and more make for a gripping tale. Another book with two time frames interestingly referred to as now and then works well on this occasion and does not detract from the focus of the storyline.Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

The Writers Retreat by Samantha Verant is my first by this author and I’m so glad that I was sent this advanced copy.
Liv Montgomery go to a writers dream, week long retreat, but didn’t expect her past to show up there as well. This book has twists and turns and kept me flipping the pages because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
I want to thank NetGalley and of course Storm Publishing for sending me this eARC.

I made it through the first 24 chapters 📚 before deciding to set this one aside — and honestly, this feels more like a “me” issue than a reflection of the book itself.

The premise is super creative ✍️ and has so much potential, but I found myself getting confused and a bit lost in the storyline. I think I just wasn’t in the right reading mood for it 🤯📖. The writing style didn’t quite work for me personally, but I can absolutely see how this could be a great fit for others who enjoy layered plots and mysterious vibes 🔍✨

Not every book is for every reader, and that’s okay 💕 If you’re after something twisty and different, this might still be worth a shot!

I enjoyed this one! The twists and turns kept me guessing and my oh my some of the revelations are not what I would have expected at all!!!!

The Writers Retreat is a book about friendship, deceit and re-writing history.

I was captured by the premise of the book, however it didn’t seem to live up to the suspense promised. Although I was intrigued to find out how the story ended, I felt the twist and turns weren’t natural and felt forced.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Storm Publishing for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars. The book had a good storyline & writing style, however, some parts were a little predictable. I did enjoy Liv’s story and learning about her life but wish it had more suspense & excitement. The ending was a bit anticlimactic & open ended but could lead to a sequel by the author (which I would read!). Thank you for the book - overall, it was a good beach read!

They say everyone has a book in them. And that was certainly true for Liv Montgomery. An aspiring author, Liv is invited to a secluded writers retreat in the Catskills, where she hopes to really work on her manuscript and maybe even become inspired to write more.
Only, the retreat was once a cult, and Liv getting her place there was no accident.

The premise for this one sounded amazing. An author finding herself in the middle of the plot to a thriller? A secluded retreat? A cult? Check, check and check. Yes please.
So I went in expecting a fast-paced, exciting thriller. But what I really got was a story about a bunch of mean girls who never really grew up, with a couple murders thrown in.
Don't get me wrong, the writing was great. The parts of the story where we were reading about the cult, were interesting and honestly I wish there was a little more. The rest of it was just filled with a bunch of unlikeable characters who were just playing mind games with one another. I feel like there was a lot of potential here, but unfortunately it just didn't hit the mark for me.
This was my first from this author, and I will definitely give her books another try.