The Writing Retreat: A Novel

Written by Julia Bartz

Narrated by Gail Shalan

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Sex, suspense, and the supernatural fuel this propulsive debut.” —People

A young author is invited to an exclusive writer’s retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare—in the vein of The Plot and Please Join Us.

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 propulsive thriller that “will keep you up all night with its intriguing premise and gasp-worthy twists” (Kirthana Ramisetti, author of Dava Shastri’s Last Day), The Writing Retreat expertly explores the dark side of female relationships, fame, and the desire to have our stories told.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797151762

Julia Bartz

Julia Bartz is the New York Times bestselling author of The Writing Retreat, a practicing therapist, and a creative coach. Her fiction writing has appeared in The South Dakota Review, InDigest Magazine, and more. She lives in Brooklyn. Connect with her on social media @JuliaBartz.

Reviews for The Writing Retreat

[D Jones · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

What did I just listen to? So much wrong that takes away from a decent plot. Characters are all unlikable, good mystery and suspense can't save them.

Part of my distaste for the story could be the audiobook performer giving the main character a breathy childish voice.

[Nicole · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A little too over the top and not for me.

[Trisha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Finished in 2 days. Nothing can prepare you adequately for this one. Talk to your therapist about it post haste. Ps. Can I borrow your therapist?

[Halley Riley · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Pretty bad, but was especially confused by the idea of the narrator’s mom being a Holocaust survivor who escaped when she was 2, which would make her at least 80, while the narrator is 30. Lol, unnecessary and nonsensical detail to add.

[Kanina Miller · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book has a heavy mysterious tone and sexual undertone, not completely unpredictable but still exciting with many twists. It has around three particularly short sex scenes with multiple mentions of sexual thoughts that are clipped all of which are just bolsters to plot points and in my opinion couldn't constitute the book as smut. Well written and the voice actor does a good job with accents and setting the tone with narrator having a gravel quality for the majority of the book.

[Kara Citarella · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Total waste of time, terrible main character, justifies abusive behavior, occult stuff that didn’t even fit the story, and trigger warnings for sexual assault. Nothing like you think it will be.

[Jay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. What an intense read! Looking forward to what this author writes next ?

[Eliot Graeme · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That beginning was rough. Nothing but insecurities from the main character was making me hate her perspective. Second half very action packed and fun

[Danneika Graise · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I went in on a whim reading this book. I made it a buddy with my husband, and I both enjoyed it. Kinda predictable, BUT overall, it's enjoyable. That lady Rosa is super crazy and deranged. To write a one hitter and then to come up with a "writers retreat." Seems very suspicious to me oh and to find out this retreat was to help Rosa with her writing career (stealing stories) and MAYBE a new and upcoming writer.

[Shawna · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW. First read from this author, and I'm a fan. Alex is trying to overcome a serious case of writers block. While attending a launch party for a friend of hers new book, she sees her ex best friend. That sets off a chain of events that pretty much encompasses her life. The next morning hungover, sick and regretful, the author friend calls and has an amazing opportunity for her. She has a spot in the Writers Retreat being offered by her reclusive favorite author. One catch the ex beastie will be there as well, but it's an amazing opportunity. She meets the other ladies attending and living in this home for the next month. How rhat n3xt month unfolds with leave you shocked and gasping at each new development. Just when you think you see where the story is going. Well. JUST READ IT.

[Kelsea Moore · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story was so well written that even the story inside the story was amazing. This mystery doesn’t turn out like you think and it keeps getting crazier. Not only is it about the twists and turns but the dark aspect, which is terrifying. The nonchalant attitude of the antagonist is truly frustrating and fascinating. Plus I love the message of women do not need to be nice and sweet. We can be sex positive and passionate. Give this book a try if you like mystery and trying to figure out what’s going to happen next.

[Nicole Fante · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was so engaged and immersed in the story. I couldn’t wait to get back to it when I had to stop. I hope the author writes more novels and soon.

[Jenn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Didn't see that twist coming! Was never bored listening to this one! Loved it!

[Courtney Winningham · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read the premise of this book and I was intrigued. It took me some time to get into the story but once I did I was hooked!

[Virago Reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The novel started off slow but picked up within the first 75 pages. We follow Alex, an aspiring writer who received a last-minute chance to participate in a writing retreat held by her favorite author, Roza Vallo, at her estate...in the middle of nowhere.

The story was a slow build, but good. I enjoyed the characters and trying to figure out what was actually happening in the background. There were subtle hints and twists that kept me hanging on. The characters were all interesting and unlikeable at the same time. Everyone was a hot mess. I was never really rooting for anyone, not even the FMC, I mostly wanted to know what was going on. The story kept me intrigued, and I enjoyed the ending. I liked that it was an unhappy, happy ending.

[Theo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Alex is a writer, or, at least, she used to be a writer. She's been suffering from severe writer's block since an intense falling out with her best friend (there may have been blood involved). But, another writer friend has just scored her a spot at a highly competitive writing retreat in rural upstate New York hosted at the home of Alex's favorite writer, Roza Vallo. Now Alex is facing an incredible challenge for a writer in top form: write a novel in 28 days. There are four other women at the retreat and the one who writes the best novel over the next four weeks will win a highly lucrative book contract. Miles away from civilization with no cell service or internet access, the lush estate might prove to be a gilded cage, especially as the snow falls, the power goes out, and one writer vanishes. The pacing started out a little slow for my tastes, but by the halfway point, I was invested in what was going to happen, even if the plot seemed far-fetched at times. Alex, our first-person narrator, took some time to warm up to, but I appreciated the growth that I saw in her character over the course of the novel. A solid, but heavy-handed thriller.

[Danielle McBride · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked the overall storyline but the sexual relationships were so unnecessary and really distracting.

[Kim Bergen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was an entertaining listen. Love all the voices. The story line kept you listening.

[Makenzie Jean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Three for the story bumped up to four because I loved the narrator

[Destiny Fountain · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was okay, more thoughts to come at a later date.

[Kaylen Shorey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was just okay. I had high hopes and feel a little let down. Not much of a twist, I didn’t find myself shocked by the ending. It took about 15 chapters to really get going.

[Teresa Terstegge · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is a lot going on with this book. Quick changes within from the current story line to last history and onto a book being written. Lots of twists and turns.

[Rhiannon Johnson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I would call this horror not thriller. Slow start, crazy ending. Kind of gorry.

[Summer Connors · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book. It started out strong. I liked the protagonist and found her backstory intriguing. However, with every twist and turn, this book went somewhere unexpected and not in a good way. I felt frustrated because the plot started to feel empty, and the characters waned. It was a thrill ride of a book, but it left me wanting so much more than it gave.

[Tara Hetrick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great story, didn’t expect the spice, took me by surprise. I expected a different twist. I was hoping that I was right but I wasn’t sadly.

[Monique Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very suspenseful and witty with crazy turns throughout. It’s a must read if you love mysteries and or thrillers!

[jessica · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

it's good, I like the accent of the narrator and the switching of her voice is good.

[Jessica · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

DNF'ED to much woke agenda for my taste. Flat story

[Carah Marquez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good! I was worried early on that it was going to be formulaic, but it was not. Good twists and turns and I actually finished it - many times I bail on books as the endings are so obvious or silly - not this one - read it today!!

[Noha Nabil · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Awful. Whats with all the s6xual fantasies the main character kept having about other women around her? It was flat out WEIRD & appalling ?