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About the Book

About the Book

The Writing Retreat

A young author is invited to an exclusive writer’s retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare --- in the vein of THE PLOT and PLEASE JOIN US.

Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend and current rival, is attending doesn’t dampen her excitement.

But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell --- they all must complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal. Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate, including Roza’s erratic behavior, Wren’s cruel mind games, and the alleged haunting of the mansion itself. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. With the clock running out, she’s desperate to discover the truth and save herself.

A claustrophobic and propulsive thriller that “will keep you up all night with its intriguing premise and gasp-worthy twists” (Kirthana Ramisetti, author of DAVA SHASTRI'S LAST DAY), THE WRITING RETREAT expertly explores the dark side of female relationships, fame and the desire to have our stories told.

Audiobook available, read by Gail Shalan

The Writing Retreat
by Julia Bartz