The Alpine Retreat

by Sarah Goodwin

Relax. Recharge. Run for your life.

High in the secluded Swiss Alps, Élan Peak Wellness Retreat promises luxury, rejuvenation, and exclusivity — an influencer’s paradise. A select group of celebrities, corporate bosses and social media stars arrive, eager to detox, meditate, and document their curated journey to enlightenment.

But when they arrive and have their technology confiscated, they're horrified. To make matters worse, an avalanche traps them in the remote lodge overnight. When they awake in the morning, one of their own has vanished, and the idyllic retreat turns into a nightmare. With the dangers of mother nature to contend with, wolves waiting outside and the only ski lift down the mountain broken, tensions are high. As paranoia sets in and dark secrets unravel, they realize the retreat isn’t what it seems.

Someone is watching. Someone is hunting. And not everyone will make it out alive.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

Also writing as Amy Cunningham (The Serial Killer's Party) and Amelia Wildwood (rom-com coming in summer 2026)

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 2 out of 5]

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2.5 Stars

I have heard of this author but have never read her before. Her books seem to have high ratings and plenty of good reviews, so I thought I'd give this one a try. It's about a luxury wellness retreat in the Swiss Alps that turns into survival of the fittest. The retreat was designed as an exclusive one for celebrities and influencers. It starts to feel like a prison when the guests' technology is taken away and an avalanche traps them. With a broken ski lift and wildlife dangers outside, the group starts to show their basic instincts in a not very nice way. Then one of the guests vanishes, and the remaining ones realize this isn't much of a sanctuary and maybe one of them is a threat.

I really wanted to like this locked-room thriller, but I have an issue with the technology being taken away and these social media addicts going along with it. I am not addicted to my phone as some people are, but I would never give it to someone else to hold onto, ever. If I am going to be away, I want people to be able to get a hold of me in case of an emergency. I also want to be able to get in touch with people in case I need them.

I loved the basic premise and the isolated alpine winter setting. Goodwin does a magnificent job setting up the atmosphere. The plot itself is pretty basic, and your conventional thriller tropes prevail. The characters are all insufferable, self-absorbed, famous people, and I was hoping they'd all be put to rest as they offered little to no depth, so I wasn't invested in what happened to them.

The book is fast-paced but very, very repetitive, and the whodunit and why were predictable. There is tension, and the author did a good job building it up, but the reveal and conclusion were both very formulaic. Overall, this was just an okay read with good pacing that delivers the atmosphere and tension well. It was a halfway decent way to spend a couple of weekend afternoons, but it was lacking any originality to make it truly memorable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you, Avon / Harper Collins, for the chance to read this advanced copy.

Now, this book is going to get compared to Nine Perfect Strangers and The White Lotus, BUT it really shouldn't as it's a great stand-alone thriller. I was gripped and enthralled by the story, and yes, we all know they're going to get trapped, and a murder will happen, but it's written in a very witty and captivating way.

I disliked Chloe at the start. She really seemed like a one-dimensional corporate cow, but honestly, as soon as Chapter 2 started, I was enjoying her 'adventure' and her a lot more.

The best line in the whole book "Tell me where you got the gun or I am going to push you right outside that door and let the wolves enjoy a new enrichment game of twat on a chair" made me actually laugh out loud.

A good read indeed!

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been loving my spooky season reads, but I am soooo excited to get into winter thriller season 😫😫😫😫😫 there’s something that just hits so hard in reading a winter thriller, once it starts going dark at 5pm, you’re freezing cold wrapped up in layers of blankets and you begin reading a thriller that involves extreme weather, isolation, snow aesthetic and chaos.

Sarah Goodwin is a PRO at writing unlikeable characters, there is a devious sense of smugness that comes from watching everything go from bad to worse when you already wish the character will get a harsh reality check.

I enjoyed watching the events unfold, from avalanches to unalived bodies to all hell breaking loose.

Thank you for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again not one of her best. it seemed to be following the same story as her others and I really didn't like the characters.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

I absolutely loved Stranded by Sarah Goodwin, so eagerly grabbed this one.

The premise was good: a PR "fixer" (think Olivia Pope) is tired of bailing out spoiled celebs and takes some time of at The Sorgente, a luxury wellness hotel in Switzerland. Her fellow guests are boy banders, pop stars, politicians, and other high profile people who are none too happy about having their electronics confiscated upon check-in.

When an avalanche hits the hotel, there are casualties and injuries and the guests and staff are cut off from the world. Me, picturing Anna Paquin as Robyn in Flack (a MUST WATCH) as Chloe Wallace takes charge and helps the staff keep all the celebs in line.

But I must be honest and say that after that, the book seemed to fizzle and deflate a little bit. The staff blurred together for me. Chloe just ran from crisis to crisis, body to body without the Caroline (Robyn's boss played by Sophie Okonedo whose character is EVERYTHING) swagger. The reveal wasn't as exciting as I hoped. It felt more Sanatorium than Caroline/Robyn kicking ass in a crisis.

If you haven't read anything by Sarah Goodwin, start with Stranded, a book so gripping that I had to put it down repeatedly because I was so stressed out. I'll happily try her next book even if this one wasn't a fit for me.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!


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[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I loved the idea of this book. Celebs, recovering addicts, jilted wives and those just needing a break from reality are all ensconced in a beautiful alpine retreat where their every need will be met. They have all had to turn over all of their electronics, flashy clothes and jewelry and makeup in order really be present and level the playing field. On the very first night an avalanche destroys part of the hotel, trapping many under the snow and cutting off all power and means of communication. Then come the murders.

I was so excited and invested early on. However the book started to drag a little and become somewhat predictable. That said I did really enjoy it and got through it quickly. Like a tasty snack that could be devoured in one sitting.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

There’s something about a remote, snow-covered setting that I can’t resist, and The Alpine Retreat delivered that eerie, locked-in suspense I love.

This was my first read by Sarah Goodwin. It was a chilling thriller about a group of guests snowed in at a remote Swiss wellness lodge. When an avalanche trapped them and one guest went missing. Once the paranoia set in, they realized someone among them was dangerous.

I was immediately drawn to The Alpine Retreat because I can never resist a snowed-in, isolated setting in a psychological thriller. There wasn’t anything about the plot that particularly stood out to me, probably because I’ve read so many remote-setting psychological suspense thrillers; however, Goodwin’s writing made this story one that I was completely immersed in. Her writing was quick, tense, and easy to fall into. I loved the tense, fast-paced plot and the eerie, snow-covered Alpine setting. It was gripping and hard to put down. The twists, short chapters, and atmospheric vibe kept the suspense high and made it a quick, binge-worthy read. Unfortunately, a few twists were predictable, certain characters lacked depth, and a couple of moments stretched believability.

Overall, The Alpine Retreat was a tense and atmospheric winter thriller that kept me turning the pages. I loved the isolated mountain setting, the simmering paranoia, and the steady twists that kept me guessing. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys locked-in, snow-storm suspense stories with a chilling edge.

Thank you Net Galley and Harper 360 for this advance copy in exchange for my review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
3.5 stars This was fun. Atmospheric with good surface-level characters. I wish it was a little deeper and that more of the mystery was possible to guess before the end but I enjoyed it. Fans of Sarahs other books will enjoy this one.

[The Cookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.1/5

Sarah Goodwin's earlier books used to frustrate me. There was usually a solid premise and the novels would start strongly and pique my interest. Then, sadly, there was a tendency for the storylines to tail off in the second half. Thankfully, those earlier traits now seem to have been addressed by the author and her more recent offerings have built on the promise of her earlier works, but now deliver captivating reads throughout.

Her latest, "The Alpine Retreat", is set in a high-end wellness centre, The Sorgente, in the Swiss Alps. The first person narrator and central protagonist is Chloe Wallace. Chloe has decided to treat herself to a break from her lucrative, but stressful, life as a PR crisis manager - or, if you prefer, a fixer - the person celebrities call upon to salvage their careers when they have, ahem, committed something of an indiscretion. Apart from sharing her time at the retreat with the kind of people whom she is normally called upon to dig out of the mire, all appears to be well. Then disaster strikes when an avalanche completely cuts off the already secluded location. To add to the peril, the avalanche has also damaged the electric fence that keeps the wolves at bay and, as if that weren't enough, there now appears to be some malevolent individual at large who threatens the lives of the avalanche survivors.

Sarah Goodwin isn't the first writer to set a story in a wellness retreat, nor is she the first to choose an isolated and snowbound location as the backdrop, but there is a reason why a number of authors have chosen similar settings and that is because it creates great atmosphere. Obviously, there is also the potential risk of producing something that is far too similar to books that have gone before, but Sarah Goodwin succeeds in avoiding that potential pitfall. This is due, in no small part, to the strength of Chloe as the central character. The skills gleaned from her day job come to the fore as the narrative develops and the tension mounts. If you like a book that moves along at good pace, with well-drawn characters, action, mystery and suspense all bundled up into a neat package, then "The Alpine Retreat" could be just what you are looking for.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into The Alpine Retreat expecting a fairly familiar premise, but it very quickly proved to be something far more intense. From the opening chapters, the sense of unease is immediate, and once the major catastrophe hits near the beginning, everything escalates dramatically. It’s not a slow burn into danger either – the scale of what happens is huge and instantly raises the stakes, making it clear that no one is truly safe.

What impressed me most was how sustained the tension felt. There was never a lull where things settled or felt comfortable. Even during quieter moments, there was a constant pressure hanging over the story, as though something else was waiting to go wrong. The author did a great job of layering multiple threats at once, so it wasn’t just the environment causing fear, but the people trapped within it as well.

The claustrophobia was particularly effective. The remote setting, harsh conditions, and enforced proximity all combined to create a suffocating atmosphere that felt very real. I could almost feel the walls closing in as tempers frayed and trust eroded. It’s the kind of book where you can sense how quickly rational thinking starts to unravel when fear takes over, and that psychological element really strengthened the story for me.

I did feel slightly conflicted about the handling of the antagonist. Once they were revealed, it seemed as though the author pulled back from fully embracing their darker side. The softening of their character reduced some of the threat that had been built up so carefully beforehand, and I found myself wishing she had been bolder there. A stronger commitment to that role might have made the final sections even more powerful.

Even with that reservation, this was a very enjoyable read. It was fast-paced without feeling rushed, immersive without becoming confusing, and incredibly hard to put down. I devoured it in no time at all, constantly telling myself I’d stop after one more chapter. Overall, this is a gripping thriller that delivers sustained suspense and a strong sense of atmosphere, and it left me keen to read more from the author.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sarah Goodwin’s books; each one is an adventure filled with crazy people and situations. This one involves Chloe, a fixer for the wealthy and powerful, who’s a pro at managing crises. She’s on a much-needed break at The Sorgente, a retreat also for the wealthy and powerful, when disaster strikes. Honestly, I’m surprised this book wasn’t titled ‘Avalanche’ because that’s what sets everything in motion. And because it’s a wellness lodge for peace and relaxation, everyone had their phones and technology taken when they first arrived, so there’s no way to get help. The clients make a big deal about this, but you’d think they’d be used to reading the fine print. Or at least their agents and lawyers would.

So a bunch of demanding and overpampered guests are trapped and confined up in the mountains with the few roads in and out blocked. The building housing the generator was destroyed, and you see where this is going. All options for rescue are out, and it’s going to get nuts. Especially when the first murder victim is found. Can anyone control the chaos and ensure that people are still alive to be rescued when help finally arrives?

What this author does brilliantly is create unlikable characters that don’t prevent you from enjoying the story. She’s literally the only one seemingly capable of this, as that’s normally a deal breaker for me. Chloe’s pretty terrible and self-involved, but she slowly changes throughout the course of the story. She manages this crisis like she would any other, except it's actually life and death this time. Twice over, because if they don’t die of injuries, hypothermia, or starvation, they may very well be the next victim of the murderer hiding somewhere in the lodge, taking out people one by one.

Sure, the plot may stretch credibility here and there, but really, who cares when you’re too busy enjoying the ride?

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a little undecided as to whether to rate this book 2 or 3 stars. I generally enjoy this author's work and was really interested in the premise of The Alpine Retreat--I love a good survival struggle atop a mountain--but the execution of the plot and characters was a little on the disappointing side.

For one, the characters were a tad bit insufferable, with the exception of a couple of the retreat's staff who are just...there. But rather than sympathizing or relating to main character Chloe's quest for survival, I found myself saying more than once "who does she think she is?" as she continually inserted herself into a main role post-avalanche. I can't quite put my finger on why, but she just rubbed me the wrong way. The others were fairly one-dimensional and I was a bit confused on the whole setup of the resort itself. When Chloe first arrives, she makes it seem like this is an extremely exclusive place and that the guests she arrives with would be the only ones there with her. But after the avalanche hits it's mentioned how many dozens of other people are there. And there's a distance between all these characters and the reader and so I didn't particularly feel any emotional pull to them. They're all just either nameless patients of the conveniently placed doctor or faceless hordes hiding in different rooms. Even ones who are named (the Emmitts and Carris, etc.) failed to draw me in.

The setting was great and there there was a perfect sense of the bleakness of the cold, but as far as the plot went I found it slow and plodding and overly repetitive. It felt like I was reading forever and getting nowhere. It all just felt bit not quite fleshed out.

Special thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚The Alpine Retreat
✍🏻Sarah Goodwin
Blurb:
High in the secluded Swiss Alps, Élan Peak Wellness Retreat promises luxury, rejuvenation, and exclusivity — an influencer’s paradise. A select group of celebrities, corporate bosses and social media stars arrive, eager to detox, meditate, and document their curated journey to enlightenment.

But when they arrive and have their technology confiscated, they're horrified. To make matters worse, an avalanche traps them in the remote lodge overnight. When they awake in the morning, one of their own has vanished, and the idyllic retreat turns into a nightmare. With the dangers of mother nature to contend with, wolves waiting outside and the only ski lift down the mountain broken, tensions are high. As paranoia sets in and dark secrets unravel, they realize the retreat isn’t what it seems.

Someone is watching. Someone is hunting. And not everyone will make it out alive.
My Thoughts:
The Alpine Retreat is a fast paced thriller that will have you second guessing everyone around you. This book is perfect for people who love thrillers set during the winter.. The Alpine Retreat drops readers into a wintry mountain getaway where the snow piles up fast and the trust evaporates even faster.

A small group of strangers arrives seeking calm, quiet, healing, and maybe a scenic moment. Instead, the weather locks them in, the paths vanish under snow, and one guest disappears as abruptly. From there, the atmosphere shifts from mildly awkward to deliciously paranoid, with every glance turning suspicious and every silence stretching a little too long.
Thanks NetGalley, Avon Publishing and Author Sarah Goodwin for the advanced copy of "The Alphine Retreat" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#AvonPublishing
#TheAlphineRetreat
#SarahGoodwin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retreat spa in the Swiss Alps sounds like heaven, doesn't it? A chance to relax, unwind, recharge, be pampered, and detox! But this little slice of heaven comes with a price. It's a steep one. The resort caters to the wealthy, celebrities, and social media influencers. They must turn over their smartphones and anything else deemed unhealthy. What they get in return is an AVALANCHE! This little slice of heaven just became a nightmare!!!!!!!!

Chilling, mysterious, and dangerous. Those who survive the avalanche will need to rely on the resources at the retreat, each other, and themselves. The avalanche isn't the only danger. There are wolves in the woods surrounding The Alpine Retreat, and mother nature has already unleased her worst upon the retreat guest, but mother nature and the wolves are the least of the survivors' worries. One amongst them is even more dangerous!!!!!

This book has that trapped feeling that I like in books. Plus, it is set in a cold unforgiving setting which I also enjoy in books. As the guests do their best to survive, the tension and mounting danger begins to build. So why three stars? While I enjoyed the setting, the atmosphere, and the chilling vibe of this book, I found the book to be slow in parts and I struggle with slowness in books. I also didn't feel a connection to the characters. With an avalanche and mounting danger, one would expect more tension and suspense. I didn't quite feel it.

Others are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the author so i was really looking forward to diving into the alpine retreat and i once again enjoyed every moment of this read.

The Alpine Retreat is a locked room mystery that follows Chloe, a fixer AKA someone who fixes the problems of the high and mighty and makes them go away. Tired and needing a break, she decides to book a much needed vacation to de-stress and relax at The Sorgente a highly known wellness retreat situated in the Swiss alps. Alongside her are other well known celebrities, influencers and big names but behind everyone's perfect story is something well hidden. As a rule technology and expensive property of those staying are to confiscated which doesn't go down well for some. Tension is already brewing between the guests and what else could go wrong apart from an avalanche that bursts through the windows and cutting off all communication to the outside. Wolves are scouting out the place, the heating is gone and there is not enough food. If you thought that was the worst of it, no a member of staff is soon found murdered and now they are stuck with a murderer on the loose that seems to of just gotten started.

All of the characters were well written and each different, i thought i had an idea who was behind everything but i was proven wrong. A fair amount of twists that i didn't see coming and the full read is full of mystery and suspense as you don't know who to trust. I really enjoyed this read and think it would be a must winter read for those who enjoy a who did it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a wild ride that was. I loved it. What an outrageous adventure I have just had at an Alpine Retreat in Switzerland. I should have been there for the health, wellbeing and relaxation. Instead I have been pulled from brilliant but crazy situation to the next.

We meet Chloe, a fixer for the wealthy and powerful, who’s a pro at managing crises. She’s on a much-needed break at The Sorgente, a retreat also for the wealthy and powerful, when disaster strikes. Avalanche! The demanding and overpampered guests are trapped and confined up in the mountains, freezing cold, the few roads in and out blocked. All options for escape and rescue are out of the question. And there's a killer on the rampage. It's a recipe for chaos, utterly brilliant chaos!

The author has very skillfully created characters that are mostly unlikeable and untrustworthy, but it doesn't prevent you from enjoying the story. For me it can enhance a story when you meet unsavoury and unpleasant characters, especially when a book is full of them.

From the opening chapters, the sense of unease is immediate, and we are quickly thrown into the catastrophe that is unfolding around us and everything escalates dramatically. It was a really engaging, quick read. Full of tension and twists and turns. And quite a dark side to the story to get to grips with too. The story was elaborate and stretched credibility - but it was such a great read that it was impossible not to just go with it.

A really fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Many thanks to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Amber Boos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Goodwin had me right from the beginning with the description of her main character. Chloe Wallace describes herself as "an expensive little snake". Love it! And I also loved her! Chloe is a "fixer" for the rich and famous. Needless to say, her moral character is extremely grey. And her snarky comments and observations were hilarious! Her assistant's opinion on Twitter/X had me rolling. Chloe is super-stressed with work, so she decides to take a much-needed vacation at The Sorgente, a remote luxury wellness retreat located high in the Swiss Alps. Upon arrival, guests, including influencers and famous entertainers, are stripped of their worldly goods. This includes phones and all forms of communication. What could possibly go wrong? Well, an avalanche that busts a huge hole in the side of the resort and knocks out all power for starters. Then the dead bodies begin piling up and it's a quick downhill ride from there! Not only does Chloe have the elements to contend with, but she also has to step up and figure out who is killing the remaining guests and why. Oh, and wolves. Did I mention wolves? That's a fun addition you don't see much of in locked room stories! As it turns out, Chloe's job experience is perfect for the situation. I really enjoyed this book and at the end is a description of each of the author's previous stories. I realized that I have read and liked almost all of them! Need to go back and read the remaining one, for sure!

Thank you to Sarah Goodwin, #NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat follows Chloe Wallace, a high-end PR fixer who desperately needs a break from her stressful career. She heads to The Sorgente, a luxurious, ultra-exclusive retreat high in the Swiss Alps—perfect snowy escape, right? Not quite. Guests’ technology is taken, an avalanche traps everyone inside, and survival suddenly becomes the priority. With wolves outside and secrets piling up inside, Chloe has to navigate both the elements and the paranoia building around her.


I loved the premise—a locked‑group thriller in a snowbound luxury retreat with danger around every corner. The Swiss Alps setting at The Sorgente is perfectly atmospheric, cozy yet chilling, and the snowy isolation was exactly the winter vibe I wanted. Chloe as a PR fixer is fun and engaging—her career, stress, and snark add personality, and the locked group with secrets keeps the tension high. By the end, the story lost a bit of steam, but I still enjoyed it overall; a few more layers to the mystery and characters would have made it perfect.


Read This If You Like:
• Locked groups or isolated thrillers
• Snowy, wintry settings with a claustrophobic feel
• Luxurious retreats where things slowly unravel
• Character-driven psychological suspense
• Themes of isolation, public image versus private truth, secrets and lies, power and privilege
• Psychological tension
• Nature as an uncontrollable force

Rating: 3.45 out of 5


Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this eARC that will be released January 15 2026.

[Madeline Church · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat was a let-down thriller for me. I have never read Sarah Goodwin, so I did not know what to expect.

The plot stood out to me, as I find thrillers set in resorts, ski lodges, etc. entertaining. Also, they always make for a good, chilly day read. I liked the mystery and locked room aspect. However, the setting could not make up the points I disliked.

Books with influencers included as characters are always a hit and miss, but I want to give them a try. I did not like the inclusion of them in this thriller. At times, it felt as if the author was trying too hard to give it a Gen-Z feel, which ultimately makes it cringey. I hated some of the things the characters were saying. For example, there was a line towards the very end where a character stated, "I want my vape, and a cup of coffee. In that order." That sealed the deal for me in terms of my rating.

The predictability was at an all time high. As the chapters went on, it started to feel as if I could predict everything that would come in the following chapter. Nothing stood out to me with this read, and I think thrillers really need to do that. It's a hard genre to be memorable in. Since it was predictable, it felt repetitive and slow. I can't even point out a favorite character because they all just meshed together for me. This book had a plethora of characters too.

Thank you NetGalley, Avon, & Sarah Goodwin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodwin’s thrillers are always suspenseful and a lot of fun. This time it’s set in a spa-resort in the Swiss Alps, where Chloe goes to decompress. She feels guilty about lying for a living, covering up the mistakes of the rich and powerful at the expense of the most vulnerable. Upon arrival, she finds herself surrounded by the most despicable characters. When things go very (VERY) wrong, these are the people she will have to rely on, so basically, she’s mostly on her own. Good thing she’s a fixer, so she’s always several steps ahead of everyone else. They are isolated, with no way to contact the outside world and, on top of everything else, there is a killer on the loose. I loved how the author reveals the suspects and motives. She uses a few tricks from Dame Agatha’s playbook to great effect (although I figured out a few of the twists). The writing is descriptive and atmospheric but never slows down the action. The cast of victims/suspects is a little over the top, but since I don’t know anyone at that level of wealth, it may be accurate. All I know is that Chloe is amazing, likable despite her flaws, and easy to root for. I do have a huge bone to pick, wolves are demonized and hunted enough, they don’t attack humans for no reason. Except for that, I loved this novel.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Harper 360.

[Shannon Tuttle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chole Wallace, a successful PR crisis manager, decides to treat herself to a trip to The Sorgente, a luxury wellness center in the Swiss Alps. What Chole thought would be a relaxing trip to unwind from her stressful job turns into a nightmare when an avalanche crashes through The Sorgente. Always good in a crisis, Chloe is forced to navigate injuries, disgruntled retreat goers, and a murderer on the loose while also trying to cope with the harsh elements and wolves that make their home in the Swiss Alps. With more casualties lining up, Chloe’s only wish is for a cup of coffee and to make it out alive.

The story is told from Chloe’s point of view. I found her a little off putting to start but she grew on me. She is super competent and makes smart decisions which I appreciate in a character. It would have been nice to get to know her background a little more throughout the story. This book was fast paced but I found myself getting lost because of the sheer number of characters that you have to keep track of. I am not good with names so that made the story especially difficult to follow for me. I thought the ending was very well done and while this isn’t my favorite book by Sarah Goodwin, I will continue to read her work and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next :)

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandal meets Survivor in Sarah Goodwin’s best novel yet!Those who enjoyed Stranded or The Island will definitely dive right into The Alpine Retreat and be hooked from the beginning. The story follows an interesting group of characters who get stranded at an exclusive luxury retreat - both elite celebrities as well as the staff who work there are featured as they navigate the aftermath of an avalanche, cut off from rescue until a safe escape route can be made by officials. Our main charatcer is a “fixer” who is looking for a true escape from handling crises of the 1%, only to find herself in the biggest crisis yet of a natural disaster in a secluded location. As usual, Sarah Goodwin does a fantastic job weaving in interesting characters with depth while avoiding obvious or boring stereotypes. The novel explores socioeconomic, gender, and class issues and relations within the plotline that make the reader consider various perspectives without pushing any agenda and adds to the story.

I was hooked throughout and couldn’t put it down once I started! I definitely recommend picking up this book for anyone who likes interesting characters and mystery/suspense!



Disclosure: Thank you Harper 360 for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Ingraffea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Harper 360 via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. It seems Ms. Goodwin really likes locked room mysteries and snow!

This was a pretty solid thriller and I didn't guess the outcome. Though to be fair, I don't think there was any way at all to guess it. No foreshadowing. Also, I did get a bit confused as to who was who - mostly among the security team - so that could also have contributed to not knowing what was to come. In parts where the author was describing the rooms/ layout of the resort (like the back hallway to the vault, the foyer, etc.) I had a hard time picturing the exact scene. I have read some books with drawings/ maps of the location, and I think that might work well in this book also.

The descriptions of the resort's isolation and its luxury were very well done. A tram to a mountain top surrounded only by wolves? But then where you get an enormous soaking tub and new cozy clothes. I might be interested!

I could see Chloe starring in future books - she was feisty, spunky, and relatable. And I also think this book would make a fantastic movie!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat is a snowbound thriller steeped in isolation, suspicion, and the quiet unraveling of trust. Sarah Goodwin delivers a chilling tale set high in the mountains, where the air is thin and the secrets run deep.

When a group of strangers gathers at a remote retreat, the promise is peace, healing, and a break from the noise of the world. But as the snow begins to fall and the paths out disappear, tensions rise—and one guest vanishes without a trace. What follows is a slow, simmering descent into paranoia, where every glance feels loaded and every silence stretches too long.

Goodwin’s prose is crisp and quietly evocative, capturing the eerie stillness of the alpine setting and the emotional claustrophobia of being trapped with people you’re not sure you can trust. The characters are layered, flawed, and compelling, each carrying their own shadows into the snow.

This is a story for readers who love their thrillers with a touch of the gothic, where the landscape is as much a character as the people, and the real danger lies not just in what’s out there—but in what’s been brought in.

My thanks to Sarah Goodwin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a “I can’t put it down”read for me because I got so invested in the story I simply had to know what happened. What a great locked room thriller!

Chloe Wallace is a fixer but she’s tired of the rat race and needs a vacation and rejuvenation. She finds an exclusive wellness retreat in the Swiss Alps where she meets up with some pretty unique “celebs” and socialites who could use some “fixing.” The retreat starts out with a refined “healthy” dinner when an avalanche occurs. From then on it’s keeping warm, waiting to be rescued and hoping not to get killed by man/woman or wolf! Without electricity, computers and phones, it’s anyone’s guess how the outside world will find them.

The author does a nice job of creating psychological tension and suspense as employees and guests seek to find out who’s killing them. There’s lots of scary moments as the bodies go down.

Chloe’s a crackerjack character - she’s whip smart, wisecracking and daring. I loved her.

This is my first book by the author but it won’t be my last. Sarah Goodwin knows how to write a thriller!

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the character development in this book, especially the main character, Chloe. I felt like I got a clear sense of who she was and could easily picture her personality and motivations throughout the story. The setup of the mystery made me think of the game “Clue'' with a group of people in an isolated setting, secrets unfolding, and a sense that anyone could be guilty.

However, while the concept was interesting, the story became quite repetitive as it went on. The same ideas and tensions kept circling back without much new development, and I eventually found myself losing interest because of it. Overall, it had potential and strong characters, but the pacing and repetition kept it from being as gripping as it could have been. It was just an okay read for me. I didn't love it but didn't hate it either.

Thank you to the author Sarah Goodwin. Harper360, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat by Sarah Goodwin is a tense, atmospheric thriller that pulls you into its snowbound setting and doesn’t let go. The isolation of the mountains is palpable—you can almost feel the cold creeping in through the pages—and the claustrophobic sense of mistrust among the characters makes for a genuinely chilling read.

I loved how Goodwin built the suspense slowly, letting secrets and tensions simmer beneath the surface before everything began to unravel. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and full of uneasy quiet moments that make you second-guess everyone.

That said, a few parts dragged slightly, and I wished the ending had hit just a little harder—but overall, this was a gripping, wintery thriller perfect for fans of The Sanatorium or The Hunting Party.

Would definitely recommend curling up with this one on a cold night—just maybe not if you’re staying in a remote cabin.

Thank you to NetGally and Harper360 for this ARC!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat by Sarah Goodwin is an engaging survival thriller told entirely from Chloe's point of view.
The story moves at a medium pace, and while I felt there were a few plot holes, I was able to overlook them for the overall enjoyment of the story. The writing was very immersive, thanks to the several smaller threats the characters faced beyond just the killer on the loose, which really added to the tension. The twist was refreshingly unique and interesting - I didn't see it coming.
What really set this book apart from other survival stories was the character dynamics. The large cast of characters didn't show great distrust for one another and generally did as they all pleased instead of trying to stay together.
My only complaint is that after the big reveal, the story felt a bit boring as it took several chapters to wrap everything up in a neat bow.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves survival thrillers. #NetGalley#TheAlpineRetreat

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpine Retreat is Sarah Goodwin doing what she does best—trapping a group of people somewhere deadly and watching everything unravel. This time, it's a luxury wellness retreat high in the Swiss Alps. Chloe, a burned-out crisis manager, arrives at the exclusive Sorgente retreat with celebrities and social media stars, expecting rest and rejuvenation. Instead, they're faced with murder and mayhem, including wolves prowling outside, a broken ski lift, mounting paranoia, and the creeping realization that someone among them is hunting.

The pacing is relentless, and the twists kept me guessing--and when the truth about the retreat finally came out, it was both shocking and somehow inevitable.
If you're a fan of locked-room mysteries, survival thrillers, or books where nature and humans are equally terrifying, this is the book for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A locked room mystery set at a resort located in the Swiss Alps. It starts off with a bang when an avalanche cuts off the resort. No power, no supplies and no communication to emergency services.

Paranoia quickly sets in among the guests. But Chloe is a fixer, and she steps up to help. However, she soon discovers that there is something more sinister going on as they discover a member of the security team dead. Then another, and another. It feels like no one is safe.

The book moves at a fast-paced with the ending ramped up with high suspense. Not only is the danger coming from the humans, but with the electric fence knocked out, the wolves near the resort start moving in. A great winter thriller!

*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review*