Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - The Retreat

I really hope no one is using my reviews of mysteries as recommendations. Are you? Stop it. I am wildly subjective and willing to ignore big flaws if the positives are what I need in the moment.
So. I didn't love the first book, but I think this one is better. I had a headache and a storm was coming, and I just wanted to listen to a story about some sad sacks stuck on an island, and that is what I got.
That said, I spent the last ~20% waiting for one more twist to reveal that the murderer was who I'd determined it must be, not for the story but for the characters. There was some disappointment. I just have to repeat the lesson I learned from Pike and Stine in middle school... just because he's not the killer, does not mean he's a good boyfriend. May we all learn that lesson.

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alisonannk's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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ashleyvharris's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

Not super compelling. Didn’t hold my interest. Forgettable characters. Literally cannot remember their names as I write this. Connection between the guests and the island’s past seemed flimsy at best. Setting felt a bit out of place. Felt a bit like The Chestnut Man but not as suspenseful.

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_terah_hansen_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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what_heather_loves's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"Despite her earlier dismissal, for a moment she can't help imagining that the rock was responsible; as if it had thrown a piece of itself down in anger. Once again, the Island is letting her know, loud and clear. 'We don't want you here.'"

Cary Island, off the coast of Devon has a dark past. It has previously housed Rock House, a school for troubled children and played host to an outward bound course where a serial killer, the Island caretaker, murdered a group of teenagers. The island's reputation is helped by a rocky outcrop that looks like the Grim Reaper, causing the locals to call it Reaper's Rock. But LUMEN, a luxurious, retreat for those seeking peace and wellness , designed by architect Will Riley and managed by his sister, Farrah, hopes to change that and start afresh with its clean and modern design and ethos.

The Leger family, sisters studious Hana, outgoing Jo (and boyfriend Seth) and capable Bea (and boyfriend Caleb) and cousin, bohemian Maya, are staying at the retreat; Jo booked for them to spend time together and 'mend some fences' in their strained relationships. Hana is still grieving the loss of boyfriend Lucas in a biking accident and Maya is still grieving the loss of sister Sofia when they were young, in a house fire.

When a body is found, seemingly from a balcony fall, police DS Elin Warner and her colleague DC Steed arrive that the island to investigate. A further body tells them all is not well on Cary Island again, but is it anything to do with the island's tragic past? With outside help delayed and a storm coming, will Elin and Steed uncover the truth in time?

This is the second in the Detective Elin Warner series, following The Sanitorium, her as she regains her confidence. The reader gets Elin's and Hana's perspectives as the bodies pile up in this isolated and atmospheric setting. Everyone is keeping secrets and theor relationships are complex and dysfunctional. Pacy and involving, the action doesn't let up as Elin's confidence in her abilities rises or falls with each incident (making me wish she would seek some progressional help, bearing in mind the trauma she's experienced), but her character has developed from some of her previous vulnerabilities, which IMHO are not helped by her manipulative boyfriend. Seriously creepy and tense, there are plenty of cliffhangers and red herrings before the conclusion of this great, locked room thriller.

Thank you to Holly at Penguin Random House for access to an advanced copy.

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