The Writing Retreat

Talk about a suspense thriller which will seriously mess with your head! This one is right up there with the best and marks a talented newcomer to the crowded scene as Julia Bartz debuts with a fast-paced, twist-a-minute debut that throws everything at you. A locked room mystery – check. Mean Girls reboot- check. Haunted house – check. The Final Girl trope – check. Book within a book framing device – check. Mind games galore as five would-be novelists are invited to spend a month at a famous horror writer's mansion in the isolated Adirondacks. The one who completes a full-length novel and wins the competition will be offered a seven-figure publishing deal certain to make their reputation. The only thing they have to do is impress Roza Vallo, their host, and – oh, yes – survive. The pace is frantic, the writing well-done, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It lacked the in-depth characterizations I prefer, but once I got on board for the ride, it was hard to put down and I enjoyed the over-the-top style. This writer made some bold and unpredictable choices and I look forward to her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.