The Retreat

Written by Mark Edwards

Narrated by Simon Mattacks

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

A missing child. A desperate mother. And a house full of secrets.

Two years ago, Julia lost her family in a tragic accident. Her husband drowned trying to save their daughter, Lily, in the river near their rural home. But the little girl’s body was never found—and Julia believes Lily is somehow still alive.

Alone and broke, Julia opens her house as a writers’ retreat. One of the first guests is Lucas, a horror novelist, who becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Lily. But within days of his arrival, the peace of the retreat is shattered by a series of eerie events.

When Lucas’s investigation leads him and Julia into the woods, they discover a dark secret—a secret that someone will do anything to protect…

What really happened that day by the river? Why was Lily never found? And who, or what, is haunting the retreat?

From the bestselling author of Follow You Home and The Magpies comes his most terrifying novel yet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543663914

Mark Edwards

Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people. He has sold 4 million books since his first novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013, and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, The Retreat, In Her Shadow, Because She Loves Me, The Hollows and Here to Stay. He has also co-authored six books with Louise Voss. Originally from Hastings in East Sussex, Mark now lives in Wolverhampton with his wife, their children and two cats. Mark loves hearing from readers and can be contacted through his website, www.markedwardsauthor.com, or you can find him on Facebook (@markedwardsauthor), Twitter (@mredwards) and Instagram (@markedwardsauthor).

Reviews for The Retreat

[tina1969_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Katie Manning, former child star goes to The Retreat with her brother's fiance Ellie and two friends Carmen and Ariel. The highlight of the weekend is the drinking of the h ayahuasca tea. The weekend however does not go entirely to plan.I was interested in this book and was lucky enough to win a copy in an Instagram giveaway. However the book turned out nothing like I was expecting. The story follows the four women and what happens to them at The Retreat. All four have their own back story and what issues each of them bring with them. I initially thought this book was going to be about a cult which was the attraction, but the retreat is just what it claims to be. The story for me was very character driven with the main action taking part at the end of the book. At times during the story I was getting bored then something would happen to regain my interest. I didn't really like any of the characters so didn't really feel a connection with them.A disappointing read for, annoying characters and an ending which was like a slasher movie. I enjoyed small snippets in the book but overall really struggled to get on with it.

[Cari · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Twists and turns. Mark kept me guessing the whole time. Not sure if the story would take a paranormal turn our if there would be a logical explanation in the end.

[Nina Quartuccio · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thriller not horror. Very good who done it with a supernatural overtone. Keeps you guessing but too vanilla in its flare, if it were a movie I would rate it PG13. Great narration though, he made it more exciting for me. Worth the listen to, it will keep you listening.

[cat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy listen well narrated and a good twist! I enjoyed it.

[Misty Walters · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I have ever read! It really needs to be a movie. Very descriptive, captivating and it keeps you guessing through the end. The ending was very satisfying and I really enjoyed the narrator.

[Kristin Thompson Carlisle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Couldn’t put this one down, great story! Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Cheryl Morrell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well this was certainly different ... I didn’t figure it out ... what a crazy ending.

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

Great read/listen! Ordinarily, I do not like books, which go between the past and present, BUT that method was absolutely core to this storyline being so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and how well the author tied things together. It kept guessing. Just as I would think I had it figured it out....Nope! Also, the paranormal aspect was just enough to keep me on edge. The two main characters are truly likable. I can’t end this review without saying what an excellent job the narrator did. Perfect inflection and brought the story and characters to life. He has a wonderful voice!! I am off to find more authored and narrated by the talent behind this audiobook.

[Phyllis Shore · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW, a super gripping on the edge thriller. It was spell binding to the end thanks to the author.

[Sharon Czudak · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Quite good, kept me interested. It was quite sweet in a way, like an old fashioned mystery.

[Lindsey Nicole Blume · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was so hard to put down. I loved it! It had so many twists and turns.

[Rainy McKnight Fincher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Slow burn long story but interesting throughout. I had figured out some of the twist but there were still some surprises.

[Lydia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it from beginning to end. The narrator was great.

[K G · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. Small towns, folklore, family secrets and tragedies - a compelling mix that keeps you guessing and entertained. There was something I can’t put my finger on that left me a bit wanting… I enjoyed other works by this author a bit more - a few pieces of this one just didn’t seem to completely fit in together. Would still recommend. Solid narration.

[Lindsay Jardine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this was a brilliant book that kept me hooked for beginning to end anyone looking for a good thriller then this is the book for you .

[Dawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very slow start- I actually stopped reading a few times in the first part, but I’m glad I came back to it. Lots of twists and the ending made my jaw drop! It’s definitely a good read, you just have to have the patience to get through the beginning.

[Melanie Beaulieu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Lots of twists and well written. I’ve discovered this author and am looking forward to reading more books of his.

[KIMBERLY MOORE · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was definitely worth the read. I liked it a lot. Not my all time favorite, but good nonetheless.??

[Sarita Kolhatkar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such an interesting book! So many twists and turns, I was just engrossed in it. One of the best stories I’ve come across in a while!

[RichardKevinWilson · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It started out okay...but then when I can figure out the story before getting half way through....that is going to be a disappointment. This I thought was going to have some kind of twist, and or something to make it a 'Horror' novel....nope. Cannot recommend this one. I can't help to think that when you look at all his book covers; they are really all the same. Fog or blur with just a single person on the front.....? hmmmm? Won't be reading this author's works.
2 Zzzzz's

[speckledpup · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Complicated plot. enjoyed Trying to figure out the guilty party

[Silas Botwin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not as dark as i thought, but i enjoy the cosy vibe, some humour along the way, and still mysterious, not boring at all (skip this if you looking for something extremely scary)

[nadia · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book dragged on and on. I would not recommend.

[veronica.sparrow · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Retreat by Sherri Smith is a blend of mystery/thriller genres. I like cozy mysteries and this reminded me of those books but with a suspense twist. It was a predictable and easy read to enjoy over a cup of tea. The atmosphere was well done but I absolutely hated the main characters. I found it hard to connect to any of them but then that is not the point or focus of the book. Overall, I found it to be worth reading and I look forward to reading more by this author.