A review by themysterymaven
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse

3.0

3.5

This book provided me with a great dose of escapism. The author has, for the second time, created such a unique setting in which to immerse myself - first, with the sanatorium set in the mountains and now, an island expanse beset with a new retreat, recognized for it’s reaper-shaped rock cliff and its namesake curse. The story becomes a sort-of locked room mystery as guests start dying in a crescendo of momentum, leaving you to wonder if it’s the land’s past at work or something new, awakened.

I sincerely hope Sarah Pearse continues crafting these creative places. And I strongly sense Elin Warner will return. There remain pieces of her history we have yet to fully solve, and I’m excited to see where she next lands.

As for The Retreat, it’s a who-dunnit on vacation, mixing forth a fun concoction of family dramas, past tragedies, and a lot of possible suspects and motives. At times, I felt a bit overwhelmed at the sheer number of avenues shooting off, which equally work to keep you guessing. Overall, I enjoyed my stay on the island, trying to outrun and outwit the reach of The Reaper!