Sounds relaxing, right? Maybe even a bit of a snooze-fest?
Well, I’ll admit, I almost thought this book had been mis-marketed as a thriller. For a good chunk of it, it reads like solid women’s fiction. You’ve got the personal dramas, the friendship dynamics, and Katie’s train wreck of a life, all wrapped up in a setting that screams “self-discovery” more than “danger.”
But let me tell you, when the thriller side of this book hits, it hits hard. I was lulled into a false sense of security, purring along as the story meandered through the lives of these women. And then—BAM!—out of nowhere, the claws come out, and the blood starts to spill.
But let me tell you, when the thriller side of this book hits, it hits hard. I was lulled into a false sense of security, purring along as the story meandered through the lives of these women. And then—BAM!—out of nowhere, the claws come out, and the blood starts to spill.
I’m not exaggerating when I say the gore caught me totally off guard. I found myself wide-eyed and on the edge of my comfy perch.
Sherri Smith masterfully plays with tone in this book, using the gossipy vibe of the wellness retreat and the slow unraveling of secrets to set up the real thrill. It’s this contrast that makes the sudden plunge into darkness so much more jarring—and effective. You think you’re safe, and then you’re not. It’s the kind of book that makes your fur stand on end, in the best possible way.
The story’s told from the perspectives of the three college friends and Katie’s almost-sister-in-law, which keeps things interesting and lets you really get inside their heads. Katie, especially, is a fascinating character—a former child star with money but no direction. She’s a mess, but she’s a mess you can’t stop watching. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about confronting the demons that have been chasing her for years.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that sneaks up on you and then doesn’t let go, The Retreat is your book. Just be ready for that shift when it comes. You’ll go from sipping milk to claws out in no time.
The story’s told from the perspectives of the three college friends and Katie’s almost-sister-in-law, which keeps things interesting and lets you really get inside their heads. Katie, especially, is a fascinating character—a former child star with money but no direction. She’s a mess, but she’s a mess you can’t stop watching. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about confronting the demons that have been chasing her for years.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that sneaks up on you and then doesn’t let go, The Retreat is your book. Just be ready for that shift when it comes. You’ll go from sipping milk to claws out in no time.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
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