A review by michelles_book_nook
The Retreat, by Sarah Pearse

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

⚠️ TW: murder, PTSD, harassment, stalking, mentions of historical child abuse ⚠️ Wow Sarah Pearse has done it yet again by writing such an eerie and atmospheric thriller that had me hooked until the very end! This book follows DS Elin Warner as she investigates a seemingly tragic death on Reaper's Rock island at an idyllic wellness retreat that has recently opened with the hopes of laying to rest the island's dark past of once being the playground of a serial killer. However, the longer Elin stays on the island, the more secrets she uncovers. And when another body is found she starts to wonder if history is repeating itself and if the remaining guests will make it home alive. This book really got my heart racing with its unnerving writing that is full of suspense and tension throughout and just when you think you've guessed it yet more information comes to light that completely throws you and makes you question every single character and their motives. I absolutely loved the main plot but also really enjoyed getting into Elin's mind more following on from The Sanatorium and seeing her development especially surrounding her childhood trauma. Overall, I honestly cannot recommend this book highly enough and it's definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year. I can't wait to see what Elin gets up to next.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings