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THE WRITING RETREAT

by Julia Bartz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 21, 2023

A perfect winter night's haunting.

Five writers, four weeks, and a $1 million book deal for the lucky winner. Unless they disappear first….

Having just turned 30, Alex has to face up to some hard truths: She hates her job; she’s been miserable since breaking up with her best friend; and she’s mired in writer’s block, which makes it pretty hard to be discovered and published. Then, a call from the blue: A writer friend has finagled her a space at an elite writers retreat at the estate of the mysterious, glamorous novelist Roza Vallo. From the very first night at Blackbriar, though, it’s clear that this is no warm and fuzzy workshop, and Roza is no gentle mentor. Each writer must craft a proposal for a full-length novel, then crank out 3,000 words a day to be critiqued. Despite the trappings of luxury—food and wine and an unparalleled library—there’s no ignoring the fact that the writers are trapped; there’s no Wi-Fi or cell service to be found. For Alex, the sense of disquiet grows as her research deepens; with Roza’s urging, she has decided to write a novel about the original inhabitants of the house, a wealthy tycoon and his waitress-turned-medium wife who were both found dead after the wife apparently channeled a demoness named Lamia. When one of the other writers disappears, Alex can’t help but wonder whether occult history is repeating itself. Or is there a much more sinister (and human) plot behind this writing retreat? Despite Alex’s somewhat whiny nature, the book's pacing—a slow roll of dread and horror, especially in the first half—is exceptional. Bartz hits all the gothic highlights, but, far from feeling stale, they work .

Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-9821-9945-6

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Emily Bestler/Atria

Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023

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THEN SHE WAS GONE

by Lisa Jewell ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2018

Dark and unsettling, this novel’s end arrives abruptly even as readers are still moving at a breakneck speed.

Ten years after her teenage daughter went missing, a mother begins a new relationship only to discover she can't truly move on until she answers lingering questions about the past.

Laurel Mack’s life stopped in many ways the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left the house to study at the library and never returned. She drifted away from her other two children, Hanna and Jake, and eventually she and her husband, Paul, divorced. Ten years later, Ellie’s remains and her backpack are found, though the police are unable to determine the reasons for her disappearance and death. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel begins a relationship with Floyd, a man she meets in a cafe. She's disarmed by Floyd’s charm, but when she meets his young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is startled by her resemblance to Ellie. As the novel progresses, Laurel becomes increasingly determined to learn what happened to Ellie, especially after discovering an odd connection between Poppy’s mother and her daughter even as her relationship with Floyd is becoming more serious. Jewell’s ( I Found You , 2017, etc.) latest thriller moves at a brisk pace even as she plays with narrative structure: The book is split into three sections, including a first one which alternates chapters between the time of Ellie’s disappearance and the present and a second section that begins as Laurel and Floyd meet. Both of these sections primarily focus on Laurel. In the third section, Jewell alternates narrators and moments in time: The narrator switches to alternating first-person points of view (told by Poppy’s mother and Floyd) interspersed with third-person narration of Ellie’s experiences and Laurel’s discoveries in the present. All of these devices serve to build palpable tension, but the structure also contributes to how deeply disturbing the story becomes. At times, the characters and the emotional core of the events are almost obscured by such quick maneuvering through the weighty plot.

Pub Date: April 24, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5011-5464-5

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2018

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018

GENERAL THRILLER & SUSPENSE | SUSPENSE | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | SUSPENSE

More by Lisa Jewell

BOOK REVIEW

by Lisa Jewell

by Michael Crichton & James Patterson ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 3, 2024

Red-hot storytelling.

Two master storytellers create one explosive thriller.

Mauna Loa is going to blow within days—“the biggest damn eruption in a century”—and John “Mac” MacGregor of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory leads a team trying to fend off catastrophe. Can they vent the volcano? Divert the flow of blistering hot lava? The city of Hilo is but a few miles down the hill from the world’s largest active volcano and will likely be in the path of a 15-foot-high wall of molten menace racing toward them at 50 miles an hour. “You live here, you always worry about the big one,” Mac says, and this could be it. There’s much more, though. The U.S. Army swoops in, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff personally “drafts” Mac into the Army. Then Mac learns the frightening secret of the Army’s special interest in Mauna Loa, and suddenly the stakes fly far, far beyond Hilo. Perhaps they can save the world, but the odds don’t look good. Readers will sympathize with Mac, who teaches surfing to troubled teens and for whom “taking chances is part of his damned genetic code.” But no one takes chances like the aerial cowboy Jake Rogers and the photographer who hires him to fly over the smoldering, burbling, rock-spitting hellhole. Some of the action scenes will make readers’ eyes pop as the tension continues to build. As with any good thriller, there’s a body count, but not all thrillers have blackened corpses surfing lava flows. The story is the brainchild of the late Crichton, who did a great deal of research but died in 2008 before he could finish the novel. His widow handed the project to James Patterson, who weaves Crichton’s work into a seamless summer read.

Pub Date: June 3, 2024

ISBN: 9780316565073

Page Count: 432

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: June 20, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2024

SUSPENSE | THRILLER | SUSPENSE

More by Daniel H. Wilson

by Michael Crichton & Daniel H. Wilson

by Michael Crichton

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Inside the Best-Seller list

Julia Bartz Wrote a Thriller. Then She Found Her Voice.

The author of “The Writing Retreat” dreaded talking at book events, so she turned to a professional — and to her grandmother.

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This is a photograph of the author Julia Bartz standing in a thicket of greenery, wearing a sparkly black shirt.

By Elisabeth Egan

If your book is as buzzy as Julia Bartz’s debut thriller, “The Writing Retreat,” you know what’s in your future: Podiums. Microphones. Even worse, lavalier mics! And of course: people in folding chairs, quizzically wrinkling their foreheads.

Bartz shelved two unpublished novels before channeling her frustration into this dark story about a failed writer. (Perhaps unsurprisingly considering the universality of the subject, it was an instant best seller.) But, for Bartz, the ghosts of old rejections paled in comparison to the looming specter of public speaking, which is an important component of an author tour. In a phone interview, she described her fear as “particularly intense,” to the extent that her throat used to close up at the thought of talking in front of a group. Bartz knew she needed help, so made an appointment with Erika Ackerman, a somatic therapist and voice coach who works with actors and performers.

Ackerman helped Bartz tame her demons — by paying attention to her body, being honest and vulnerable with audiences, and approaching each book event as an opportunity for connection rather than as a performance. The pair also worked together to identify where these demons came from. “I unpacked growing up and being told not to speak, on many different levels,” Bartz said. “I grew up in a Christian environment and wasn’t allowed to share the problematic things I was seeing there.”

Bartz also found courage in the experience of her maternal grandmother, Marianne Denes, a Holocaust survivor from Budapest who now lives in Kalamazoo, Mich. In a memoir Denes wrote for her family, she described what it was like to live in a country that was controlled by the Hungarian Communist Party under Stalin. “We walked around in a mask for years, never saying what we really thought,” she wrote. “I am convinced that the hardest thing to endure had been the pressure caused by losing the right to say what one thought and repressing the ‘illegal’ thought one might have had.”

Bartz first read Denes’s account in 2000, when she was 15 years old. But her grandmother’s belief in the power of having a voice — and the importance of using it — took on new meaning as the author contemplated her slate of book talks. The circumstances and context were very different, of course, but Bartz knew the time had come to lift her own voice.

How’s it going so far? “People have been complimenting me about my public speaking after events to the point where it’s surprising and a little unnerving,” Bartz said. “I’ve been able to speak out and hopefully help people feel more empowered and less shame as artists or just as people. That’s given me a lot of confidence.”

Elisabeth Egan is an editor at the Book Review and the author of “A Window Opens.”

‘The Writing Retreat’ by Julia Bartz – Book Review

A Big Misfire

The Writing Retreat could have been a decent little thriller, and there’s definitely glimmers in here of a better book under the overwhelming amount of baggage that comes packed in the 400 or so pages this one operates with. Between the angst-filled characters, the laborious pace and a generous helping of the ludicrously incredulous, this one’s a massive let down, which is a real shame given what this has to work with.

The premise for Julia Bartz’s debut novel is enough to instantly hit the buy button but trust me, you may want to hold off on doing that. In its simplest form, five women are selected for a month-long writing retreat where they’re whisked off to a remote estate operated by a famous feminist writer called Roza Vallo.

Among those invited is Alex, a struggling novelist who has writer’s block and serious underlying issues with her old best friend Wren. As fate would have it, Wren is also selected to be part of this refuge and the pair are forced to work in the same area together. As they settle in and learn the rules of this little game, Alex soon realizes that there could be murderous intent running through the veins of the other ladies. Can she survive?

As mentioned above, this is one slow book and it takes a good 200 pages or so before anything significant happens beyond the ladies showing up at the retreat. Even then though, The Writing Retreat stumble into numerous missteps, not just from a logical perspective with the narrative but also with its characters and dialogue.

There’s a strange desire in this one to continue slipping back into graphic depictions of sex between women that really doesn’t work, the worst of which occurring during a “drug trip”. I use those words very loosely because anyone who has taken hallucinogens or has experience with drugs will find themselves rolling their eyes over the cliched descriptions that are very far removed from reality.

Speaking of clichés, this book throws up numerous tropes and contrivances right the way through its narrative, with the ending orchestrated early on in the book, even so far as the first few chapters. I do appreciate as a debut novel that these things can happen but to suss out the ending to your book and what will happen to your characters that early on, is never a good sign.

Unfortunately, even beyond the conventions of the story there are problems. No more so is that more evident that in the style of prose. It takes a talented writer to get that meta, satirical humour right, and The Writing Retreat almost becomes a parody of itself as a result.

At the halfway point of the book, Roza exclaims that her writers are “at the halfway point now” and hopes those in attendance aren’t too bored. Another time, Roza gives guidance to her writers (in particular Wren), mentioning how we need to empathize with the main character and lists out how to do that, including crafting her to be down and out rather than high-flying and rich. But yet, the irony here is that Julia Bartz doesn’t do a particularly good job of making her characters likable, despite following this protocol.

The characters of Alex and Wren are, quite frankly, just not all that likable. Wren in particular comes across as narcicisstic, greedy and opportunistic until very late in the game where that changes slightly. As for Alex, she spends most of her time obsessing over Wren, acting bitter, needy, weak and confused. To be fair, she does grow into becoming more of a “heroine” toward the end of the story but the journey there feels contrived.

With all this in mind, not to mention the numerous extracts of Alex’s makeshift novel peppered through, as if even Julia Bartz is desperate to get away from her own story, The Writing Retreat is a big misfire. It’s such a shame too because there’s definitely potential here. With extra editing, a revamped plot and more likable characters, this could have been a great read. Alas, this is not.

You can check out more of our book reviews here!

Verdict - 3/10 3/10

2 thoughts on “‘The Writing Retreat’ by Julia Bartz – Book Review”

My mother of 80years is reading this book from the local library in large print that is geared for the old generation. She asked me to write her comment. She finds the story line interesting and a good read. BUT the foul language is not necessary to maintain the good read. She would enjoy reading more of her books only if the foul language was cleaner.

hi– I found TWR fascinating on many levels that were not addressed in your review. Most importantly, the author subtly pointed out how women sabotage other women–not all oppression is a result of the patriarchy. Also, how easily women are prone to self-doubt and avoiding confrontation. They often “give away” their power to others, not realizing how difficult it is to get back. I question whether the sexual tension was necessary to the plot. The wardrobe/portals in Roza’s bedroom and in the basement were obviously borrowed from C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and dovetailed nicely with author’s POV that there are no new stories. I also liked the author’s premise that problems can be more perception than reality and not as soul-shattering as we fear (re Alex and Wren). I also liked writer’s premise that our best writing emanates from our deepest pain and how using our pain ultimately empowers us. The takeaways for me were that Roza represents the devil who demands pieces of our soul in exchange for success in this world and beware of granting others too much power over us.

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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, the writing retreat.

THE WRITING RETREAT, Julia Bartz's debut thriller, is set at an exclusive retreat where six talented, young female writers must dig into their pains, labor over their metaphors and write the best novels they can. Or perish?

More than 30 years ago, the literary world exploded when Roza Vallo published Devil’s Tongue , a lyrical and lush gothic horror that shocked readers with its content, then shocked them again when they learned that the author was only 19. Since then, she has become the idol of female readers and writers everywhere. Two years ago, Roza announced that she would hold a month-long writing retreat at her home, personally fostering and cultivating four up-and-coming writers under the age of 30. But there are no women who want to be admitted to the retreat more than Alex and her best friend of eight years, Wren. Or at least they used to be best friends.

"Full of twists, turns and devious female friendships THE WRITING RETREAT is a startling, intriguing locked-room thriller with a sharp, satirical bent: a chaotic look into the supposedly quiet, classy world of publishing."

It has been one year since Alex watched as her closest relationship blew up in her face when Wren abruptly “dumped” her. Soon after, a confrontation at a bar found Wren at the bottom of stone steps, impaled through the hand by her own wine glass. Since then, Alex has not been able to write a single word. Then she receives a life-changing phone call: another writer friend, Ursula, has a mutual connection to the Roza Vallo through her agent. A woman has just dropped out of this year’s retreat, and Roza, desperate to fill the gap, has decided to accept Alex after receiving one of her short stories through Ursula and her agent.

There’s just one catch: Ursula has grown tired of the inexplicable feud between Alex and Wren. Unable to choose one friend to champion, she submitted stories from both women. And both have been accepted. Even though she dreads running into Wren in such close quarters, Alex cannot deny that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So she sets off for the remote Blackbriar Estate, nestled deep in the woods of upstate New York.

When Alex arrives at Blackbriar and gets acquainted with the other guests, she is pleasantly surprised to learn that they’re all nervous about meeting Roza and showing her their work. Unlike Alex, however, none of them have been living with writer’s block for the past year. Adding a chilling air to the growing tension, the manor is decidedly creepy, and the story of its dark past sets the girls on edge. In the late 19th century, Horace, the owner of the manor, fell in love with Daphne, a local waitress and a secret occultist who claimed to come into contact with a demon who instructed her to paint masterworks that would change all of humanity. Before they could be completed, a storm set in. By week’s end, Horace was found viciously dismembered in his bed, and Daphne was burned to a crisp in the basement.

With the ghosts of the manor’s past lingering over every conversation and interaction, the young writers are already on edge. Then Roza makes a startling announcement: each woman must begin a brand new project and write 3,000 words a day to be workshopped and critiqued by the group the next day. Whoever writes the best novel by the end of the retreat will earn a million-dollar book deal, the opportunity to go on tour with Roza, and, of course, the kind of rise to stardom that only happens in books.

Although Roza claims to have set clear, explicit rules, she is also a bit of a wild card, toying with the girls and preying upon their insecurities. After Alex reveals to Roza the truth about what really ended her friendship with Wren, Roza encourages her to work through the pain to find the power to forgive --- and move on from --- her former friend. She believes that Alex must channel Daphne and write a fictionalized account of her dance with a demon. The premise is enticing, and the setting certainly lends itself to research. But as Alex starts to get into her protagonist’s head, she must wonder who, or what, she’s really channeling, and why Roza seems so set on her writing this story at this retreat with the person who hurt her the most.

As the women work on their novels, strange occurrences begin to pile up --- from painful encounters with Roza to vicious gossip and, finally, the disappearance of one guest after a drug-fueled evening of writing during a blizzard. With no cell phone service, no transportation, and no one to question Roza’s history or real intentions, the girls must work together to uncover the truth about Blackbriar, Roza and the competition they’ve been entered into…or play the game in hopes of finding life-changing success.

Full of twists, turns and devious female friendships THE WRITING RETREAT is a startling, intriguing locked-room thriller with a sharp, satirical bent: a chaotic look into the supposedly quiet, classy world of publishing. As the “healthy competition” proposed by Roza turns cutthroat, Bartz not only pushes her characters into dangerous mind games, she leads her readers into more than a few as well. The plot is riveting, but so too are the novels the women are writing and the stories they tell one another as they fight to the finish line, with “plot” becoming almost a character in and of itself.

Meanwhile, the character of Roza is as enthralling as she is sinister, yet the idea of living, dining and working with your idol is so alluring that you can’t help but look away. On top of crafting a clever mystery, Bartz has tapped into our love for and obsession with writers, the craft of storytelling, and the unbeatable feeling of settling into a new world for hours and days.

Perfect for readers of Jean Hanff Korelitz's THE PLOT and David Bell's KILL ALL YOUR DARLINGS, THE WRITING RETREAT announces Julia Bartz as a promising new suspense writer, one whose cleverness is equally matched by her obvious love of the written word. Bonus for readers of Andrea Bartz’s books: Julia is Andrea’s sister. Although they write compelling, fresh and original works incomparable to one another, it is clear that stellar talent runs in the family.

Reviewed by Rebecca Munro on February 24, 2023

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Genres: Fiction , Psychological Suspense , Psychological Thriller , Suspense , Thriller
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
ISBN-10: 1982199466
ISBN-13: 9781982199463

Reviews > Published on February 20th, 2023

"The Writing Retreat" by Julia Bartz

What would you do to make your dreams come true? Would you step over your friends on your path to fame and success? How far would you go?

These are some of the questions at the center of Julia Bartz’s The Writing Retreat (Atria/Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster ). The narrative follows Alex, an aspiring horror author who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: she’s accepted into a month-long writing workshop at the isolated estate of her favorite writer, the legendary and reclusive Roza Vallo. There are just two problems: for the past year, Alex has been suffering from a nasty case of writer’s block, and her ex-best friend Wren — with whom she had an explosive falling out that caused the aforementioned cessation of all her creativity — will also be in attendance, alongside three other women. As if that weren’t bad enough, upon their arrival Roza reveals that Alex and the other attendees will have to write a brand new novel over the course of thirty days, and on top of that, they’re in competition with one another for a top prize, million-dollar book deal.

Alex quickly learns, however, that the presence of her frenemy, writer’s block, and a tight deadline are the least of her worries. Strange dreams and stranger occurrences inside the mansion begin to plague her, and dark mysteries crop up. Moreover, are Roza’s teaching methods merely the result of an eccentric mind, or is she up to something ominous? Are there supernatural forces at play, or is paranoia only setting in, a symptom of the remote, wintertime setting? (If you’re thinking The Shining at this point, you’re not wrong — Bartz even makes a sly reference to it about halfway through the book — but things take a turn toward a different King narrative that shall go unnamed here.) It’s a little cliché, but it’s also one hundred percent true in this case: just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you don’t.

There is much to love about The Writing Retreat if you’re just a casual reader or fan of horror fiction. It is superbly plotted with a flawed, engaging protagonist and captivating characters, and Bartz is particularly adept at generating suspense. If you’re a writer, Bartz’s meta-narrative perfectly captures the simultaneous torture and the pure joy of putting words to the page. Given that the novel takes place over the course of an intense writing retreat (an understatement), there’s even a lot of solid writerly advice snuck into the story, like making yourself take big risks around the midpoint (which Alex does, and Bartz does too). But especially if you’re a woman trading in fiction, Bartz’s tale will no doubt strike a chord. She explores the rivalry, backstabbing, and cut-throat nature of the publishing world imposed upon women, who are forced to fight for book deal scraps in a field dominated by men. This undeniable fact makes everything that transpires in The Writing Retreat relatable, funny, and frightening.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about this book is that it’s Bartz’s debut. It feels like the author has been at this for years, maybe even decades. Within the novel, Roza opines that perhaps writers only have one true masterpiece in their system, but that seems doubtful in Bartz’s case. One suspects there will be nothing but great things from this first-time novelist.

Get The Writing Retreat at Bookshop or Amazon

About the author

Christopher Shultz writes plays and fiction. His works have appeared at The Inkwell Theatre's Playwrights' Night , and in Pseudopod , Unnerving Magazine , Apex Magazine , freeze frame flash fiction and Grievous Angel , among other places. He has also contributed columns on books and film at LitReactor , The Cinematropolis , and Tor.com . Christopher currently lives in Oklahoma City. More info at christophershultz.com

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“The Writing Retreat” by Julia Bartz – Book Review

She has been a life-long reader and her favorite author and mentor is Roza Vallo. When she wins a place at Roza’s month-long writing retreat in the New York Adirondacks, she is overjoyed – but apprehensive. Will she be able to write? And, more importantly will she be able to cope with seeing her ex-best friend there? For yes, Wren has also won a place there for the month.

The characters were not in the least likeable. Most of them acted frighteningly immature and displayed ‘mean girl’ tendencies. Anyone who is sensitive to profanity should be warned that this novel is laced with it.

Roza made high demands on her guests. She wants them to complete an entire novel in the month that they are there. They must submit 3000 words to her every day for her perusal. Meanwhile, when not writing, they must meet for meals and some unsavoury parlour games. Roza’s character was unpredictable, edgy, and cuttingly mean to the point of being almost predatory. And where there’s a predator, there is usually a victim…

The book’s premise was promising, yet, in my opinion, the execution fell short. Parts of the book were extraneous to the story and felt forced, yet there was an interesting plot twist.

With themes of rivalry, manipulation, plagiarism, ambition, lesbianism, duplicitousness, and power plays, “The Writing Retreat” was a twisted, suspense-fuelled thriller.

This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Atria/Emily Estler Books via Edelweiss .

ISBN: 9781982199456 – ASIN: ‎ B0B3Y84THW – 320 pages

Julia Bartz is a Brooklyn-based writer and practicing therapist. Her fiction writing has appeared in The South Dakota Review, InDigest Magazine, and more. The Writing Retreat is her first novel.

Connect with Julia Bartz via Twitter and/or Instagram .

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4 responses to “the writing retreat” by julia bartz – book review.

I have been worried about this one for awhile now. Profanity, especially if there is a lot of it, bothers me and I have closed a book because of it. I shall see how I do with this one. Thanks for the honest review, Lynne.

Like Liked by 1 person

A lot of readers loved this book Carla. Sadly, I wasn’t one of them… 😕

You’re definitely not the only one! I felt like it fell short, too – so, if it’s a minority opinion, I’m in it with you.

We are of like minds Sheree 📚😉

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THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz – Review

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The nitty-gritty: Five young writers get the chance of a lifetime in this high octane thriller debut with surprises around every corner.

The Writing Retreat is one of those thrillers that starts out strong and keeps you guessing, and then later in the story sort of goes off the rails with lots of over-the-top action and drama. But I really did have fun reading it, despite some of the ridiculous things that happen.

Alex works for a publishing agency, but her dream is to be a published author. It’s a dream that seems unattainable, until one day her friend Ursula—whose first novel has just been released—calls her with some amazing news. The reclusive Roza Vallo, Alex’s favorite author, is holding an exclusive writing retreat for four promising women writers, hand selected by Roza herself. Alex applied for the retreat and wasn’t one of the final four, but now someone has dropped out and there’s a spot available. And according to Ursula, Alex is in. Alex can’t believe her luck. Not only will she get to spend a month at Blackbriar, Roza’s remote Victorian mansion, but she’ll be mentored by her literary hero.

Alex arrives at Blackbriar, eager to meet her fellow writers and of course, Roza. She bonds right away with a girl named Poppy, and later meets Taylor and Kiera. But Alex is shocked when her ex-best friend Wren—who she hasn’t spoken to in over a year—shows up as a fifth member of the group. And when Roza finally makes an appearance, she lays out her rules for the retreat. Each woman must write three thousand words a day and complete an entire novel by the end of the month. Failure to turn in the requisite pages by midnight each day will result in banishment from the retreat. But the potential reward is worth it, since Roza will pick her favorite book at the end of the four weeks, which will get a publishing deal with a one million dollar advance.

But when Poppy goes missing after one of Roza’s “games,” Alex begins to suspect something isn’t quite right at Blackbriar.

The story gets off to a great start. Right away, we’re told that Alex is still hurting ever since Wren dumped her, although for a while the reader doesn’t know the reason behind it. When Wren shows up at Roza’s retreat, the emotions are running pretty high, as Alex and Wren have to figure out how to get along. Later, after events at Blackbriar start to spiral out of control, the two have no choice but to set their differences aside in order to survive.

And it doesn’t take long for the reader to realize that something is “off” with Roza, whose shocking mood swings seem merely eccentric at first, but later turn out to be menacing and dangerous. The scenes before the mystery is revealed were my favorite parts of the story, and I thought the author did a great job of creating tension and suspense. Roza pushes the women in some unconventional ways, but she’s making them better writers, isn’t she? There’s also a subplot revolving around the history of Blackbriar which I found fascinating. Alex discovers a book in Roza’s library that tells the true story of Daphne, a spiritualist who lived in the house more than a century before and supposedly contacted a demon named Lamia. Alex finds inspiration in Daphne’s story and decides to write about it, and excerpts from Alex’s book, called The Great Commission , are scattered throughout the story. I liked the way the themes in her story echo the events going on in the present day, and although the “book within a book” device doesn’t always work, I thought it did here.

And I did like the twist—the reveal about Roza and the reason she’s holding the retreat. While the idea was pretty far-fetched, I understand this is fiction and it’s meant to be a bit over the top. But this is also the point where the story started to lose me. What starts as a creepy mystery, complete with an old house, an encroaching snow storm and unreliable characters who are hiding secrets, turns quickly into a bloody mess. Alex starts having sexual dreams about the demon Lamia, which didn’t really fit the vibe of the story. Other elements just seemed silly to me, which I can’t talk about because of spoilers.

Despite these complaints, though, The Writing Retreat was a fast-paced, fun read. I also liked that the author added layers to her story with some thoughtful messages. Alex and the others are faced with the question “How far would you go for fame?” after they learn the truth about the retreat, and later Alex comes to the realization that in fact Roza has made her a better writer. Not only that, but she’s learned that she can still be a writer without a big publishing contract, and no one can take that away from her.

I really enjoyed the last chapter, which takes place six months after the climactic events at Blackbriar. There’s a hint of a mystery still unsolved, but most everything is wrapped up nicely. If you’re looking for a thriller with a literary element to it, and you don’t mind a story that’s overly dramatic at times, you should definitely give this book a chance.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

32 responses to “ THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz – Review ”

It’s a great idea for sure!

This does sound like fun! Not something I’m normally pick up, but I’ll make note of it for when I need a change!

It’s great when you just want to have fun reading:-)

Thanks Lisa! I’ll be curious to hear what you think if you decide to read it:-)

It is very common! But I’ve read some excellent thrillers that DON’T go off the rails, so I always end up using them as a benchmark for a really good thriller.

Excellent review Tammy! I thought it was a bit wild at the last. I found the books within a book had some good parts but mostly I skimmed it because I found it boring.

I’m glad we both had fun with it:-)

At first I was thinking this was the literary equivalent to the culinary-themed movie, The Menu, or at least what I’ve taken from the previews. An expert pulls guests to their secluded little get together, and then guests begin to die off because the host isn’t quite what they’d thought. Cool premise, even if unevenly realized in this one.

Actually, you could be right. I haven’t seen the Menu either but I know what it’s about, and this is similar. I just think the execution could have been better.

Thanks for stopping by!

I totally understand why. The beginning is pretty slow setting up the retreat.

Exactly, it was a good escapist read!

At the beginning of your review I thought I’d probably enjoy this, but by the end I was less sure! It sounds really interesting and I think it’s 50/50 on whether the more ridiculous elements would work for me! Great review

It’s great if you’re in the mood for something fun and crazy, but it’s hard not to laugh at some of the things that happen, lol.

I’m always a little bummed when thrillers like this start out so strong and then lose the plot a bit, but this sounds fun otherwise! I think I’ll still have to check this one out, but maybe I won’t make it a high priority, haha. Great review!

Thanks Jordan! It was fun and I’m glad I read it.

I’ve seen a few mixed reviews for this one, with over the top being the biggest complaint. I still want to read it but I think I’ll lower my expectations a bit so that I’ll hopefully be pleasantly surprised if I end up loving it, lol.

I think if you go into it knowing there’s going to be some over the top elements, you’ll have fun reading it.

I’m so curious to see what you think!

I was ready to read this one but after reading your review I am torn. I don’t like overdramatics in books. They usually make me roll my eyes LOL

This book was great up until a certain point. Oh well!

Thank you for an excellent review, Tammy:)). And it nicely sums up why this isn’t a genre that I read all that often. I HATE it when the story goes off-track and turns into a second-rate Hollywood script, because the author doesn’t trust herself to write a thriller convincingly. Or maybe it’s an editor who tells her that she needs to ‘up the tension’. That’s the point when the book goes flying across the room – metaphorically these days, as my precious Kindle won’t put up with the kind of treatment. But I’m glad you were able to keep at it and that the ending is satisfying.

It’s hard to find a thriller that doesn’t go off the rails these days, lol.

Julia Bartz | The Writing Retreat

The Book:

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz Published February 21, 2023 by Atria/Emily Bestler Books Date read: February 9, 2023

The Characters:

Buy it on Bookshop.org | Amazon

The Plot (from Goodreads ):

But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell—they must all 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 exploring the dark side of friendships and fame, The Writing Retreat is the unputdownable debut novel from a compelling new talent.

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The Reveal:

Wren and Alex’s falling out was because they slept together once and then Ren ghosted their friendship.

At the writing retreat, Roza was eccentric from the start. One night she laced the cocktails with LSD, so all the girls started tripping. Poppy told Alex that she had something to show her in the basement. Alex hallucinated that she had sex with the demoness that she was writing the book about, but really it was Taylor. When she woke up in bed, Poppy had disappeared.

While searching for Poppy, they found a door open in the basement with footprints in the snow leading outside. For some reason, Roza refused to call the police. The phone was out, the snowblower was broken, and Roza insisted that roads wouldn’t be plowed.

The girls continued to try to find answers. When Poppy had led Alex to the basement, she had said she found evidence that Roza wasn’t whom she pretended to be. Alex and Wren found a secret door in the basement and determined that it lead up to Roza’s room. Alex searched Roza’s room and found a surveillance room–Roza had been watching the girls’ every move. She found Poppy in a cell, and was knocked out with a syringe and locked up too.

Poppy was really a woman named Zoe, whose aunt had been killed by Roza. Roza had stolen Zoe’s aunt’s book and then killed her and published it as her own. Zoe was there for revenge, pretending to be the much younger Poppy. She told Alex all of this while they were locked up together. Shortly thereafter, Keira, Wren, and Taylor found them. Taylor locked the other girls in the cell too–she was in on it with Roza and her employees because she was Roza’s girlfriend. Zoe’s opinion was that Roza had lured all the girls to her house to kill them and steal their books.

Roza told them that if they continued to write, they’d be fed. If any one of them failed to write 3000 words per day, the whole group wouldn’t be fed the next day. At one point, Taylor came down with dinner. There was a scuffle when some of the girls tried to escape, and Zoe was shot and died.

Eventually Jana released Keira and Alex and told them to run, but Alex couldn’t leave Wren. She went back and tried to fight Roza, but she was recaptured. Roza said she’d have to kill Wren to be able to live. She also had Taylor kill Jana and Chitra, and Taylor died too. Keira returned to save Wren and Alex, but Roza maintained power. She locked up all three girls and escaped. (Why did Roza just let the girls go?? This whole “they got away, oh wait no they didn’t, they did again, now she caught them again” was disorienting and confusing, especially on audio).

The Ending:

In the epilogue, Alex has finished the book about Daphne. She was still friends with Keira and friendly with Wren. It wasn’t really explained how Keira got back or the picture of her dead, but she had somehow made it back to the garage, where Chitra took care of her until she was killed.

The Review:

Thank you to S&S Audio for this gifted ALC.

I loved closed-door thrillers in isolated resorts (especially in a snowstorm), and I love book-within-a-book stories. There was a lot of promise here!

The Writing Retreat felt to me like The Plot and The Villa meet Nine Perfect Strangers . I’m on the fence–there were parts I loved (Roza holding nothing back while encouraging these young writers to produce an award-winning novel) and parts I didn’t (the sex dream with the demon, which just felt a little out of place, but desired shock value was achieved!).

I don’t want to spoil anything, but I liked the reveal of who was playing which role in the strange happenings in the mansion. The ending, however, didn’t feel realistic. There was a lot of back and forth, and it was hard to keep straight.

I’m intrigued by Julia Bartz’s writing (if you didn’t know, she’s the sister of Andrea Bartz). I think with time she’ll refine her craft and just get better from here.

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The Writing Retreat

We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Julia Bartz, on your first book!

by Julia Bartz

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Pro-tip: read the fine print before a writer’s retreat lest you end up stuck with a kooky horror writer & your ex-BFF.

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Psychological

Writer's life

Free sample

These were the words that got me down the subway steps. I was going to Ursula’s book party, and if Wren was there, too, well, she could just go fuck herself.

But my fingers were shaking in the moment before I gripped the subway pole. So much for bravado. And I had to admit: this wild, frenetic energy coursing through me wasn’t rage, exactly. It was more like abject terror.

Friday night commuters filled the sweaty subway car. I stood over two seated girls who were maybe in high school, their mascara-laden eyes darting, hands pulling nervously at hair. One leaned in and said something into the other’s ear. She nodded sagely, and they regarded each other with smirks.

The interaction jabbed like a penknife in the ribs. Their shared world. Their undeniable certainty that they were a team. It reminded me of early days with Wren, holding hands as we rode out to Bushwick, wearing cheap pleather leggings, swigging from a shared plastic bottle of vodka and soda.

Stop . I curled my fist in my pocket, digging my fingernails into my palm. I couldn’t show up like this, with soft, pathetic yearning in my eyes. Wren and I were no longer best friends. Or friends at all. And that was fine. I was thirty years old. It didn’t make sense that I was still so broken up about a goddamn friendship.

The doors slid open. I followed a small stream of people out, throwing a final glance back at the teen girls. One stared directly at me, her gaze both curious and hostile.

Pete was waiting for me in the hotel lobby, a mishmash of leather couches, gleaming wood surfaces, and golden chandeliers.

“Alex, hello!” He jumped up, then stuck his hands in his pockets and grinned. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m definitely not cool enough to be here.”

I’d been more relieved than I’d let on that Pete, my one work friend, had agreed to come to the book party. Seeing him in his smudged glasses, loose jeans, and non-ironic running shoes caused my heart rate to slow.

“Careful.” I smiled, shrugging off my heavy coat. “They can smell your fear.”

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Why I love it

Megan Collins

Author, The Winter Sister

Clear your schedule. Turn off your phone. Guzzle some coffee right before bed—once you start this book, you won’t want to stop. I was beyond lucky to read an early copy of The Writing Retreat last year, and I have not shut up about it since. To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement.

Aspiring author Alex gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s invited to a writing retreat led by her favorite horror writer, Roza, at the author’s luxurious estate. So what if Alex’s ex-bestie is there too? It’s all about the writing, after all. In fact, it turns out that the retreat participants are all competing for a massive publishing deal . . . as long as they can write a novel within a month. That’s stressful enough, but soon the vibe in the house becomes deeply unsettling, even sinister. As tensions rise, Roza’s behavior grows increasingly strange, and it’s abundantly clear there are secrets hidden within the estate. And that’s all before someone disappears.

This masterful debut is packed with eerie atmosphere, suspicious characters, and shocking twists. It chilled me to the bone, and as a writer who previously found the idea of a writing retreat to be both appealing and idyllic (not anymore!) I will forever be haunted by this story.

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Book summary and reviews of The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

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The Writing Retreat

by Julia Bartz

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Readers' Rating:
Genre: Thrillers
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Book summary.

The Plot meets Please Join Us in this psychological suspense debut about a young author at an exclusive writer's retreat that descends into a nightmare.

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 must all 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 exploring the dark side of female friendships and fame, The Writing Retreat is the unputdownable debut novel from a compelling new talent.

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Reader reviews.

"[T]he book's pacing—a slow roll of dread and horror, especially in the first half—is exceptional. Bartz hits all the gothic highlights, but, far from feeling stale, they work. A perfect winter night's haunting." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Stomach-clenchingly thrilling from beginning to end... Highly recommended for fans of authors like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager." - Booklist (starred review) "[An] audacious psychological thriller debut...Boldly drawn characters complement Bartz's gleefully twisted plot. Excerpts from Alex's work-in-progress pepper her increasingly paranoid narration, underscoring her shifting mindset. Sara Gran fans, take note." - Publishers Weekly "Darkly satirical and action-packed, The Writing Retreat brings a breath of fresh air to the locked room mystery...The writing is flawless and the plot adeptly woven. An absolutely splendid debut!" - Wendy Walker, nationally bestselling author of Don't Look for Me "Julia Bartz's shrewd, suspenseful debut takes the typical writer's anxieties and obsessions and transforms them into a pulse-pounding, impossible to put down thriller. The Writing Retreat is bonkers in the best way, and it left me with a brutal case of author envy." - Layne Fargo, author of They Never Learn "A wild ride into the pressures of publishing that is equal parts nightmare and erotic fantasy as five would-be writers are pulled deeper into the secrets of Blackbriar and its inhabitants. In The Writing Retreat Julia Bartz captures the hunger to have our stories told and the desperate measures some will take to cut through the noise." - Jennifer Fawcett, author of Beneath the Stairs

Author Information

Julia bartz.

Julia Bartz is a Brooklyn-based writer and practicing therapist. Her fiction writing has appeared in the South Dakota Review , InDigest Magazine , and more. The Writing Retreat is her first novel.

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The Writing Retreat Summary, Charactes and Themes

The Writing Retreat is a debut novel by Julia Bartz, blending psychological thriller and horror elements. The story follows Alex, an aspiring writer who lands an invitation to a prestigious yet eerie retreat at the haunted estate of her idol, Roza Vallo. What begins as a chance for literary success spirals into a sinister competition among the participants, revealing dark secrets and testing their limits.

Bartz delves into themes of creativity, ambition, and the psychological toll of storytelling, crafting a chilling narrative that keeps readers on edge.

The Writing Retreat introduces Alex, an aspiring author struggling with writer’s block, who receives a surprising invitation to a writing retreat hosted by her literary hero, Roza Vallo. The retreat is held at Blackbriar, a secluded estate shrouded in mystery and rumored to be haunted.

Excited yet anxious, Alex accepts the invitation, despite knowing her estranged best friend, Wren, will also be attending. Their fractured relationship , stemming from a complicated romantic encounter, lingers over Alex, adding to her creative struggles.

Upon arrival, Alex meets the other participants: Poppy, Keira, and Taylor, each with their own ambitions. Roza, however, shatters any illusions of a peaceful retreat by revealing that the writers will be competing against each other. The challenge? To craft an entirely new novel during their stay.

The pressure mounts as Roza promises to publish and promote the winning manuscript, igniting fierce competition among the women.

Alex, initially stymied by her writer’s block, finds inspiration in the history of Blackbriar. The estate’s dark past, involving a 19th-century murder-suicide, becomes the backdrop for her new novel, The Great Commission .

As she delves deeper into the estate’s history, Alex’s creativity begins to flow, but so do strange and unsettling events. The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, with Roza’s manipulative tactics and the growing paranoia among the writers.

The retreat takes a darker turn when Roza drugs the group during a Valentine’s Day party, leading to hallucinations and heightened fears. Poppy, one of the writers, mysteriously disappears, triggering a wave of suspicion and fear. Alex, determined to uncover the truth, discovers that Poppy is actually Zoe Canard, a woman with a hidden agenda. Zoe reveals that Roza may be plagiarizing other writers’ work, raising the stakes even higher.

As Alex continues to investigate, she uncovers a hidden room in the estate, where she finds Zoe being held captive.

Before she can free her, Alex is drugged and imprisoned by Roza, who reveals her true intentions. Roza’s sinister plan is to steal the best manuscript for herself while silencing the writers with financial incentives—and threats. Alex and the others are forced into a deadly game where finishing their novels could mean their survival.

In a final act of defiance, Alex sabotages Roza’s plan by poisoning her and her accomplice, Taylor, during a confrontation. The ensuing chaos allows Alex and the remaining writers to escape, but not without enduring significant trauma.

Months later, Alex has published her novel and moved on with her life, though the horrors of the retreat still haunt her.

As she embarks on a new chapter, a chilling message from Roza suggests that the ordeal may not be over, leaving Alex to ponder what her future holds under the shadow of her former mentor.

Alex is the protagonist of The Writing Retreat , a character shaped by deep psychological complexities and emotional turmoil. At the start of the novel, Alex is a struggling writer plagued by a persistent writer’s block, which has been exacerbated by the traumatic dissolution of her friendship with Wren.

Her invitation to Roza Vallo’s writing retreat presents a tantalizing opportunity, not only to revive her writing career but also to confront the unresolved issues with Wren. Alex’s journey is one of self-discovery, fraught with internal and external conflicts.

As the retreat progresses, Alex’s character is revealed to be resilient, resourceful, and deeply introspective. Her initial timidity and self-doubt give way to a fierce determination to survive and protect those around her.

The novel also explores her complex relationship with creativity and authorship, particularly as she navigates the dark, manipulative world of Roza Vallo. Alex’s experiences force her to grapple with questions of identity, power, and integrity, ultimately leading to her growth as both a writer and a person.

By the novel’s end, Alex has emerged from the harrowing experience with a renewed sense of self, albeit scarred by the events at Blackbriar.

Wren is Alex’s former best friend and a fellow participant at the writing retreat. Their relationship is central to the novel’s emotional and psychological tensions.

Wren is depicted as confident, independent, and somewhat aloof, which contrasts sharply with Alex’s more introspective and insecure nature. The fallout between Alex and Wren, triggered by a confusing sexual encounter, is a source of significant tension and pain for both characters.

Throughout the retreat, Wren remains a complicated figure for Alex—both a reminder of past hurt and a potential source of reconciliation. Wren’s character serves as a foil to Alex, embodying the emotional distance and unresolved conflict that Alex must overcome.

By the end of the novel, Wren and Alex have mended their friendship, but the possibility of rekindling their previous closeness remains uncertain. Wren’s journey, much like Alex’s, is one of confronting past mistakes and finding a way to move forward, though her path is more about seeking forgiveness and understanding rather than personal transformation.

Roza Vallo is the enigmatic and manipulative author who orchestrates the writing retreat. As a character, Roza embodies the darker aspects of creative genius—her charisma and success are underpinned by a ruthless, almost predatory nature.

Roza is portrayed as a master manipulator, using her power and influence to control and intimidate the retreat participants. Her character is steeped in mystery and danger, often blurring the lines between mentor and tormentor.

Roza’s obsession with creativity and control drives much of the novel’s tension, as she pits the writers against each other in a high-stakes competition. Her backstory, particularly the suggestion that she has stolen others’ work and even murdered to maintain her success, adds a layer of horror to her character.

Roza’s relationship with Alex is particularly complex; she sees potential in Alex and attempts to seduce her—both creatively and psychologically—into becoming her protégé. In the end, Roza’s manipulations unravel as Alex and the others resist her control, leading to her downfall.

Roza remains a haunting figure in Alex’s life, symbolizing the perils of unchecked ambition and the darker side of creative inspiration.

Poppy (Zoe Canard)

Poppy, who is later revealed to be Zoe Canard, is initially introduced as a bright and enthusiastic writer. Her character, however, takes on a more sinister aspect as her true identity and motivations are uncovered.

Zoe’s presence at the retreat is driven by a desire to expose Roza Vallo for stealing her aunt’s work and passing it off as her own. This revelation adds layers to Poppy/Zoe’s character, showing her as someone deeply committed to justice, even at the risk of her own safety.

Zoe’s journey is tragic; her determination to confront Roza leads to her untimely death. However, her actions also serve as a catalyst for Alex’s own awakening and resistance against Roza.

Zoe’s character highlights the themes of deception, creative appropriation, and the dangerous lengths to which individuals will go to protect or uncover the truth.

Keira is one of the more enigmatic characters in the novel, portrayed as quiet and introspective. Her taciturn nature sets her apart from the other participants, making her seem aloof and detached.

However, Keira’s silence hides a deep well of resilience and determination, which becomes evident as the story progresses. She plays a crucial role in the novel’s climax, where her unexpected survival and intervention become pivotal to the escape of the other characters.

Keira’s character represents the quiet strength and resolve that contrasts with the more overt struggles of the other women at the retreat. Her actions in the final part of the novel, where she saves Alex and Wren by attacking Taylor, demonstrate her bravery and the hidden depths of her character.

Keira’s journey is one of quiet endurance, and her survival is a testament to her inner strength.

Taylor is portrayed as outgoing and charismatic, quickly becoming one of the more sociable members of the retreat. However, as the story unfolds, her true nature is revealed—Taylor is not only Roza’s lover but also her accomplice in the sinister machinations at Blackbriar.

Taylor’s character adds a layer of betrayal and danger to the narrative, as she shifts from a seemingly supportive participant to a treacherous antagonist. Her involvement with Roza and her willingness to go to extreme lengths to support her lover highlight the theme of manipulation and the corrupting influence of power.

Taylor’s betrayal is a pivotal moment in the novel, deepening the psychological tension and raising the stakes for the other characters. Her ultimate fate—being poisoned and killed—serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in blind loyalty and the consequences of becoming entangled in Roza’s web of deceit.

The Power Dynamics of Creativity and Authorship

One of the central themes in The Writing Retreat is the complex interplay between creativity, authorship, and power. The novel delves into the often predatory nature of the literary world, where established figures like Roza Vallo wield enormous influence over aspiring writers.

Roza’s manipulation of the retreat attendees highlights how power dynamics can corrupt the creative process. She pits the writers against one another, not just to inspire competition, but to exert control over them.

This mirrors the broader theme of how those in power can appropriate the creative works of others for their own gain, as seen in Roza’s alleged history of stealing manuscripts. The tension between genuine creativity and the exploitation of that creativity underscores the darker side of the writing industry, where recognition and success can be bought at the cost of one’s integrity and originality.

The Psychological Toll of Trauma and Isolation

The novel explores the psychological effects of trauma and isolation, particularly through the character of Alex. Her writer’s block, stemming from her unresolved issues with Wren, serves as a manifestation of her internal struggles.

The retreat at Blackbriar, with its eerie, haunted atmosphere, becomes a physical and psychological prison that exacerbates these issues. The forced isolation, the pressure to produce work, and the unresolved tension between the characters contribute to a growing sense of paranoia and fear.

As the retreat progresses, the characters’ psychological defenses begin to crumble, revealing deep-seated insecurities and past traumas. The novel portrays how isolation can magnify personal demons, leading to destructive behavior and breakdowns, and how trauma can become a powerful, though perilous, catalyst for creativity.

The Ambiguities of Sexuality and Identity

The Writing Retreat also delves into the complexities of sexuality and identity, particularly through the experiences of Alex and her interactions with Wren and Roza. Alex’s confusion and internal conflict following her sexual encounter with Wren highlight the fluid and often ambiguous nature of sexual identity.

The novel doesn’t offer clear resolutions to these issues, instead presenting sexuality as a spectrum where attraction and desire are not always easily categorized. Roza’s manipulation of sexual dynamics further complicates the theme, as she uses her allure and authority to control and exploit the other women.

This exploration of sexuality is intertwined with the characters’ identities as writers, suggesting that their creative output is deeply connected to their understanding of themselves. The novel challenges the notion of fixed identities, whether sexual or creative, and instead portrays them as fluid, shaped by experiences, relationships, and the pressures of the environment .

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The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Genres: Fiction , Psychological Suspense , Psychological Thriller , Suspense , Thriller
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
ISBN-10: 1982199466
ISBN-13: 9781982199463
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Writing on the Wall

Feb 12, 2023

Book Review: "The Writing Retreat" gets lost on the way to its ending

I have been itching for a thriller novel set in the writing space since reading “ Bunny ” by Mona Awad, and boy does Julia Bartz deliver that in her debut thriller “ The Writing Retreat .”

After giving up all hopes of being published, Alex is invited to an exclusive writing retreat run by the groundbreaking feminist author Roza Vallo. Despite her ex-best friend Wren attending the retreat, Alex refuses to let Wren bring her down.

When everyone arrives, the attendees find out they must all complete a novel from scratch during the month-long retreat, with the author of the best one receiving a million-dollar publishing contract. But things take a turn for the weird the more time Alex spends at the house until one of the writers goes missing during a blizzard. There’s more to the story than Roza, or the other attendees are letting on, and Alex must discover the truth or die trying.

For lack of a better term, Alex is ‘going through it’ and can’t seem to get a handle on her life or emotions throughout the novel. Understandably, her breakup with Wren is an emotionally-charged theme throughout the book, especially with the circumstances of the breakup. Still, Alex’s fixation on it felt obsessive. The entire time I read “The Writing Retreat,” I was hoping Alex would move on or, at the very least, set aside the petty gossiping and mind games. Still, her hot mess behavior stuck around till the end. Also, Alex’s point of view and chronic insecurities fell flat for me and ultimately made me not want to root for her survival in the last third of the novel.

The only character I truly enjoyed reading (and wished there was more of her) was Keira, the token, angry Black woman. Which could be interpreted as a subtle nod to the publishing industry’s minimal diversity and often harmful depictions of Black women, or was a blatant stereotype on behalf of the author––who knows.

But, the themes surrounding the writers, friendship, and fame were a delight to dissect. I sincerely enjoyed the barbed remarks about the publishing industry.

Additionally, Bartz wrote a book within a book––Alex’s novel about Roza’s haunted manor becomes the mirror for Alex’s experiences and emotions throughout the writing retreat and, more or less, spoils the ending for readers. The book with a book narrative isn’t new, and Bartz managed to incorporate it well. Still, Alex’s book was honestly my least favorite part.

Ultimately, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, letting Roza get away with her antics and no actual resolution for the events at the retreat.

Full of foggy twists and turns, “The Writing Retreat” is a dark, psychological thriller that loses sight of its own ending.

This ARC was provided by Atria and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Follow @bergreadstoomuch on Instagram for more!

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The Writing Retreat: A New York Times bestseller

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The Writing Retreat: A New York Times bestseller Kindle Edition

Print length 396 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher Magpie
Publication date February 21, 2023
File size 983 KB
Page Flip Enabled
Word Wise Enabled
Enhanced typesetting Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B6DQ95C6
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Magpie (February 21, 2023)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 21, 2023
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 983 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 396 pages
#23,826 in Crime Fiction (Kindle Store)
#35,719 in Suspense (Kindle Store)
#47,871 in Thrillers (Kindle Store)

About the author

Julia bartz.

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Customer reviews

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 27% 37% 25% 9% 3% 27%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 27% 37% 25% 9% 3% 37%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 27% 37% 25% 9% 3% 25%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 27% 37% 25% 9% 3% 9%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 27% 37% 25% 9% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the plot intriguing, scary, and fun to read. They also praise the writing style as exquisite, inventive, and insightful. Opinions are mixed on the female characters, with some finding them fully realized and others finding them blah.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the plot intriguing, frightening, and enchanting. They also say the action is exciting and the book is a classic locked room thriller with unique features. Readers also appreciate the multiple themes, twists, and turns that don't stop. They say the book has all of the complexity and layers, and is fun to read.

"...This was so suspenseful and just shocking! Go ahead and read it. It was fun awesome !" Read more

"...The story as a whole was intriguing and the concept was great, but I felt like the execution left a little to be desired...." Read more

"This was a mixed genre story . It could have been a great mystery. The frequent digressions to horror really dragged it down." Read more

"I loved this one! A classic locked room thriller with a few unique features- LOVE the all-female cast and the contemporary thriller package hiding..." Read more

Customers find the writing style exquisite, vivid, and a true page turner. They also describe the book as thrilling, fun, and scary.

"...The prose was lush , vivid, and heartbreakingly high-stakes...." Read more

"...Stick with it, it's a worthwhile, inventive , often insightful story that will make you keep reading until the very end." Read more

"...It definitely was not a dull read. I loved the writing , and will definitely read another of this author’s books. ...." Read more

"...While the premise could be interesting, the writing is not strong enough to carry it. I found the main character to be very blah...." Read more

Customers find the concept of the book spot on and intriguing. They also say the last 50 pages are exciting.

"...The story as a whole was intriguing and the concept was great , but I felt like the execution left a little to be desired...." Read more

"This book sounded amazing. The concept was spot on , however now in my early 50’s I have outgrown using foul language to express myself, it seems lazy..." Read more

"...But the set-up was intriguing , and the last 50 pages were pretty exciting." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the female characters in the book. Some find them good, while others find them blah.

"Started as an amazing, cozy, spooky, mysterious retreat with great characters . Ended in a rushed, silly free-for-all full of guns and nonsense...." Read more

"...Some action and twists, yes, but also weak female characters besides one, which I just don’t appreciate weak females anymore in Hollywood" Read more

"...Another strong point for me was that the characters were developed really well . I loved Alex, Wren, and Poppy...." Read more

"...Such a crazy twisted story of toxic female relationships! I loved the characters , the setting and I thought the story was very original...." Read more

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COMMENTS

THE WRITING RETREAT
Despite Alex's somewhat whiny nature, the book's pacing—a slow roll of dread and horror, especially in the first half—is exceptional. Bartz hits all the gothic highlights, but, far from feeling stale, they work. A perfect winter night's haunting. 10. Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-9821-9945-6. Page Count: 320. Publisher: Emily ...
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Julia Bartz. 2 books958 followers. Julia Bartz is a Brooklyn-based writer and practicing therapist. Her fiction writing has appeared in The South Dakota Review, InDigest Magazine, and more. The Writing Retreat is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter @JuliaBartz and Instagram at @JuliaBartz.
Julia Bartz Wrote a Thriller. Then She Found Her Voice
March 9, 2023. If your book is as buzzy as Julia Bartz's debut thriller, "The Writing Retreat," you know what's in your future: Podiums. Microphones. Even worse, lavalier mics! And of ...
'The Writing Retreat' by Julia Bartz
A Big Misfire. The Writing Retreat could have been a decent little thriller, and there's definitely glimmers in here of a better book under the overwhelming amount of baggage that comes packed in the 400 or so pages this one operates with. Between the angst-filled characters, the laborious pace and a generous helping of the ludicrously ...
The Writing Retreat
Although they write compelling, fresh and original works incomparable to one another, it is clear that stellar talent runs in the family. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro on February 24, 2023. The Writing Retreat. by Julia Bartz. Publication Date: January 9, 2024. Genres: Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller.
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
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.
"The Writing Retreat" by Julia Bartz
She explores the rivalry, backstabbing, and cut-throat nature of the publishing world imposed upon women, who are forced to fight for book deal scraps in a field dominated by men. This undeniable fact makes everything that transpires in The Writing Retreat relatable, funny, and frightening. But perhaps the most impressive thing about this book ...
The Writing Retreat: A Novel
THE WRITING RETREAT is the very definition of a page turner, and a remarkable debut from a gifted writer." -- Kirthana Ramisetti, author of GMA Book Club pick DAVA SHASTRI'S LAST DAY "NIGHT FILM meets THE SECRET HISTORY in Julia Bartz's bold, brilliant, and genuinely scary debut.
The Writing Retreat: A Novel Kindle Edition
"Darkly satirical and action-packed, The Writing Retreat brings a breath of fresh air to the locked room mystery. . . . The writing is flawless and the plot adeptly woven. An absolutely splendid debut!" -- Wendy Walker, nationally bestselling author of DON'T LOOK FOR ME "The book's pacing—a slow roll of dread and horror—is exceptional . . . A perfect winter night's haunting."
The Writing Retreat: A Novel
Simon and Schuster, Feb 21, 2023 - Fiction - 320 pages. In this instant New York Times bestselling and "utterly addictive thriller" (Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author), a young author is invited to an exclusive writer's retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare. Alex has all but given up on her dreams of ...
"The Writing Retreat" by Julia Bartz
ISBN: 9781982199456 - ASIN: ‎ B0B3Y84THW - 320 pages. Published February 21, 2023 - available now! Julia Bartz is a Brooklyn-based writer and practicing therapist. Her fiction writing has appeared in The South Dakota Review, InDigest Magazine, and more. The Writing Retreat is her first novel. Connect with Julia Bartz via Twitter and/or ...
Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Writing Retreat: A Novel
As The Writing Retreat unfolded, it felt a lot like my old favorite author's book. This one is like the grown-up, not-so-haunted version of Down a Dark Hall. Every author gets their inspiration from somewhere, so I have no doubt that at some point, Julia Bartz was also a Lois Duncan fan.
a book review by Jim Motavalli: The Writing Retreat: A Novel
"The book, told in . . . first person, is heavily plotted and—like the house—full of secret passageways and red herrings." All would-be authors dream of invitations to subsidized writing retreats, but Alex wins the lottery: She scores a one-of-four ticket to a month-long encounter with her favorite author in the world, bestselling Roza Vallo.
THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz
THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz - Review. I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. Published by Atria/Emily Bestler Books on February 21 2023. Genres: Adult, Thriller. Pages: 313. Format: eARC.
Julia Bartz
The Review: Thank you to S&S Audio for this gifted ALC. I loved closed-door thrillers in isolated resorts (especially in a snowstorm), and I love book-within-a-book stories. There was a lot of promise here! The Writing Retreat felt to me like The Plot and The Villa meet Nine Perfect Strangers. I'm on the fence-there were parts I loved (Roza ...
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Synopsis. 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.
Summary and reviews of The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Book Summary. The Plot meets Please Join Us in this psychological suspense debut about a young author at an exclusive writer's retreat that descends into a nightmare. 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 ...
The Writing Retreat Summary, Charactes and Themes
Summary. The Writing Retreat introduces Alex, an aspiring author struggling with writer's block, who receives a surprising invitation to a writing retreat hosted by her literary hero, Roza Vallo. The retreat is held at Blackbriar, a secluded estate shrouded in mystery and rumored to be haunted.. Excited yet anxious, Alex accepts the invitation, despite knowing her estranged best friend, Wren ...
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
The Writing Retreat. by Julia Bartz. 1. At the start of the novel, Alex sees a pair of high school friends on the subway. Viewing them makes her feel the loss of her friendship with Wren like "a penknife in the ribs," and she feels sad at seeing the high schoolers' "shared world. Their undeniable certainty that they were a team" (3).
Book Review: "The Writing Retreat" gets lost on the way to its ending
Still, Alex's book was honestly my least favorite part. Ultimately, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, letting Roza get away with her antics and no actual resolution for the events at the retreat. Full of foggy twists and turns, "The Writing Retreat" is a dark, psychological thriller that loses sight of its own ending.
The Writing Retreat: A Novel|Paperback
In this instant New York Times bestselling and "utterly addictive thriller" (Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author), a young author is invited to an exclusive writer's retreat that soon descends into a pulse-pounding nightmare. Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a ...
2 Day Writing & Self Publishing Solo Retreat Palm Beach, FL,US
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Qualitative Analysis to Explore the Impact of a Writing Retreat to
All participants reported positive emotions and productivity during the retreat with sustained benefits 4-6 weeks afterwards. Five themes were identified, including the impact of emotions and mindset on writing, challenges around maintaining focus, specific ideas about the writing process, and critically, the importance of social connection.
The Writing Retreat: A Novel
The Writing Retreat: A Novel. Paperback - February 21, 2023. 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 ...
Book Review
What an artfully deejayed book Tricia Romano has spun for us, the (mostly) oral history The Freaks Came Out to Write: The Definitive History of The Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture (Public Affairs, 2024).This 571-page doorstop of a volume covers the full history of the Voice, from its founding by Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, and Norman Mailer in 1955 to its demise in 2018.
The Writing Retreat: A New York Times bestseller Kindle Edition
'A five-star read that's intelligent, accomplished and exciting. I dare you to put it down.' Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal The dark, atmospheric, feminist offspring of Squid Game, The Hunting Party and Misery A book deal to die for. Five attendees are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the remote estate of Roza Vallo, the controversial high priestess of feminist horror.
Book review: The world class writing of Grant Wahl
"World Class: Purpose, Passion, and the Pursuit of Greatness On and Off the Field" by Grant Wahl, Ballantine Books, 368 pages, $30. "World Class" is a posthumous collection of journalist ...

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