The Writing Retreat Audiobook By Julia Bartz cover art

The Writing Retreat

A Novel

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The Writing Retreat

By: Julia Bartz
Narrated by: Gail Shalan
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About this listen

In this instant New York Times bestselling and “utterly addictive thriller” (Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author), a young author is invited to an exclusive writer’s retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare.

Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend and current rival, is attending doesn’t dampen her excitement.

But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell—they must all complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal. Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate, including Roza’s erratic behavior, Wren’s cruel mind games, and the alleged haunting of the mansion itself. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. With the clock running out, she must discover the truth—or suffer the same fate.

A claustrophobic and “audacious psychological thriller debut” (Publishers Weekly), The Writing Retreat expertly explores the dark side of female relationships, fame, and the desire to have our stories told.

©2023 Julia Bartz Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.
Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Fiction Emotionally Gripping Scary Witty Thriller Writing Techniques
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I had the physical book and the audiobook while flying from Hawaii to California. I’m usually really hard on rating books, but this one deserves 5 stars. I enjoyed the small cast of characters and the twists she put in. Nobody had the same personality, even though they were all writers. I think some people get stuck because they aren’t trying to piece together the puzzle of what could happen in the end. I’ve never read a book that has me 100% obsessed the entire time. I think the author did a fabulous job and took her time to lay down what was happening without rushing through to the end or taking too long. I give it 5 stars, because this is so original and I really enjoyed it. Bravo. 👏🏻

Devoured this in one plane ride!

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I loved this book. REALLY DID. This is one of my favorite “can’t put it down” writers, and the audio version was great. I was so bought into the original story of the house that I wanted more of that and more from the ending. More of the main character having a bit more of an introspective revaluation. That being said, the main characters were writers, and I know they are a different kind of character that has to pour a lot of emotion into their stories. Makes them different than other central characters.

Loved this book but…

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I loved all the darkness and story twists that made this book an exciting read.

Dark

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I thought this was captivating throughout the whole story. Yes, it's a bit far fetched, but aren't most intriguing novels?

Great read

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I really loved this book. I liked the characters and the plot was very good. I didn’t see all the different twists coming either. Just overall, a solid pick.

Great story!

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I loved this book.. it was deliciously dark, kinda twisted and different just an all around great read!! I’d love to read it again like I’d never heard it before!!

Loved this so much

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It was good but idk I wanted more suspense but overall a good book and the reader was great.

Love it

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Perfect escape from the day to day. Enjoyed it while waiting for my flight . I picked up the book at the airport but when my phone recharged I switched to audible.

Fun easy listen

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Intriguing it was. I wanted to find out what happened to the characters. The plot and story was really good. Performance was great. I did not like the graphic sex so vividly written. I do think the story could have gone on without that but that it a personal opinion. Overall- yes, worth the credit. It was entertaining and kept my interest.

Entertaining

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One of those books that you can’t wait to read what happens next and how these normal loving characters are going to survive.

Wanted to hear every word ! Enthralling

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