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The Writers' Retreat
Stunning views.
Solitude.
Murder.
It’s every writer’s dream. The chance to get away for a while, to carve out time and space to focus on your craft in a small group of like-minded creatives. And where better to do it than in a sprawling luxury estate in the Catskills? Surrounded by nothing but rugged mountains and wilderness, where not a soul will hear you scream…
When Liv Montgomery is invited on an exclusive, week-long writing retreat, she can’t believe her luck. But some of her fellow novice writers are better at spinning a yarn than they seem. And Liv winning a place was certainly no accident. Then the plot takes a turn towards murder, and Liv is found holding the knife…
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell, The Writers’ Retreat is a pulse-pounding tale of obsession, ambition and the dangerous power of the past that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Solitude.
Murder.
It’s every writer’s dream. The chance to get away for a while, to carve out time and space to focus on your craft in a small group of like-minded creatives. And where better to do it than in a sprawling luxury estate in the Catskills? Surrounded by nothing but rugged mountains and wilderness, where not a soul will hear you scream…
When Liv Montgomery is invited on an exclusive, week-long writing retreat, she can’t believe her luck. But some of her fellow novice writers are better at spinning a yarn than they seem. And Liv winning a place was certainly no accident. Then the plot takes a turn towards murder, and Liv is found holding the knife…
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell, The Writers’ Retreat is a pulse-pounding tale of obsession, ambition and the dangerous power of the past that will keep you guessing until the final page.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2025
75 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Verant
9 books461 followersSamantha Vérant is a travel addict, a self-professed oenophile, and a determined, if occasionally unconventional, at-home French chef. Over the years, she’s visited many different countries, lived in many places, and worked many jobs— always on the search for the one thing that truly excited her. Then, one day, she found everything she’s been looking for: a passion for the written word and true love. Writing not only enabled her to open her heart, it led her to southwestern France, where she’s now married to a sexy French rocket scientist she met over twenty years ago, a stepmom to two incredible kids, and the adoptive mother to one ridiculously adorable Charteux cat. When she’s not trekking from Provence to the Pyrénées, tasting wine in American-sized glasses, or embracing her inner Julia Child while deliberating what constitutes the perfect boeuf bourguignon, Samantha is making her best effort to relearn those dreaded conjugations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
July 11, 2025
ARC for review. To be published July 22, 2025.
2 stars
Liv Montgomery is an aspiring writer who is invited, for no real reason as far as I can see, on a writing retreat at the Nyx resort in the Catskills. Just before she leaves her ex is killed and Liv is a suspect (why does autocorrect keep wanting to capitalize “LIV”? Is it that LIV golf thing which is no more, right? My golf loving husband boycotted that. But I digress.)
Liv’s current boyfriend (and brother of one of her long time enemies) shows up as well as pretty much everyone from Liv’s past (yep, the sister.) No one ever evolves past being a mean girl, I guess.
This is all really dumb. And the fact that all these idiots fall for….SPOILER!…..is even dumber.
2 stars
Liv Montgomery is an aspiring writer who is invited, for no real reason as far as I can see, on a writing retreat at the Nyx resort in the Catskills. Just before she leaves her ex is killed and Liv is a suspect (why does autocorrect keep wanting to capitalize “LIV”? Is it that LIV golf thing which is no more, right? My golf loving husband boycotted that. But I digress.)
Liv’s current boyfriend (and brother of one of her long time enemies) shows up as well as pretty much everyone from Liv’s past (yep, the sister.) No one ever evolves past being a mean girl, I guess.
This is all really dumb. And the fact that all these idiots fall for….SPOILER!…..is even dumber.
July 24, 2025
Convoluted mostly with some crazy ladies!
Be careful when you receive an invitation to a retreat that comes out of the blue for it can mean trouble for you and murder.
For Liv Montgomery, this is a dream being with other writers in a beautiful secluded Catskill estate surrounded by gorgeous scenery and then the worst happens. Slightly before Liv leaves for the retreat her ex boyfriend is killed and then her current boyfriend shows up at the retreat as well as a plethora of nasty ex friends and the "party's on".
Unfortunately the story goes downhill from there and makes a whole lot of silly sense. There is some really toxic conditions happening and then of course there is murder, a lot of murder.
Sadly, I didn't find a character worth of my interest as this seemed like an episode of Mean Girls who write.
A very generous 2.5 stars for this one. (and because I was a former math teacher, it gets rounded up to 3 stars....:)
Be careful when you receive an invitation to a retreat that comes out of the blue for it can mean trouble for you and murder.
For Liv Montgomery, this is a dream being with other writers in a beautiful secluded Catskill estate surrounded by gorgeous scenery and then the worst happens. Slightly before Liv leaves for the retreat her ex boyfriend is killed and then her current boyfriend shows up at the retreat as well as a plethora of nasty ex friends and the "party's on".
Unfortunately the story goes downhill from there and makes a whole lot of silly sense. There is some really toxic conditions happening and then of course there is murder, a lot of murder.
Sadly, I didn't find a character worth of my interest as this seemed like an episode of Mean Girls who write.
A very generous 2.5 stars for this one. (and because I was a former math teacher, it gets rounded up to 3 stars....:)
June 27, 2025
They say everyone has a book in them, and Liv Montgomery certainly does. She's desperate to get it published, and is thrilled to receive an invite to a writers' retreat in the Catskills mountains. There, she will attend workshops and be mentored. But all is not as it seems. 🖋
I loved this book. It was akin to a grown up version of Mean Girls, if the mean girls turned to blackmail and murder. 🗡
The story was well paced, with the narrative occasionally switching from now to then, thus enabling us to learn more about the primary characters and their backstories, as well as delivering some startling revelations. 🗡
The characters were quite a motley bunch. The primary characters, who mostly came from wealthy families, were a bitchy lot. I liked Liv though, and found myself rooting for her.
The secondary characters were on the periphery, there to make up the numbers at the retreat. 🖋
Twistier than a corkscrew, The Writers' Retreat is a gripping page turner, the perfect beach read. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
I loved this book. It was akin to a grown up version of Mean Girls, if the mean girls turned to blackmail and murder. 🗡
The story was well paced, with the narrative occasionally switching from now to then, thus enabling us to learn more about the primary characters and their backstories, as well as delivering some startling revelations. 🗡
The characters were quite a motley bunch. The primary characters, who mostly came from wealthy families, were a bitchy lot. I liked Liv though, and found myself rooting for her.
The secondary characters were on the periphery, there to make up the numbers at the retreat. 🖋
Twistier than a corkscrew, The Writers' Retreat is a gripping page turner, the perfect beach read. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
July 3, 2025
THE WRITERS RETREAT BY SAMANTHA VERANT.
Release date set for the 22nd of July 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my 3rd book by Samanatha and my 2nd time ARC reading for her.
I first read The Private Chef and I was instantly hooked by her work.
Since reading that one she became a auto read author for me and now one of my favourite writers.
It is one of my top books in the last two years. I've rated all 3 books 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s and would of rated them higher if I could.
The Writers Retreat drawn you in straight away and holds on tight until the very end.
Her writing style is one of the best and her pacing is always bang on for me personally.
If I had my own way I'd have Samanatha bringing out a book every week 😂.
Samantha Verant knows how to write the perfect Psychological thriller 👌
Release date set for the 22nd of July 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This is my 3rd book by Samanatha and my 2nd time ARC reading for her.
I first read The Private Chef and I was instantly hooked by her work.
Since reading that one she became a auto read author for me and now one of my favourite writers.
It is one of my top books in the last two years. I've rated all 3 books 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s and would of rated them higher if I could.
The Writers Retreat drawn you in straight away and holds on tight until the very end.
Her writing style is one of the best and her pacing is always bang on for me personally.
If I had my own way I'd have Samanatha bringing out a book every week 😂.
Samantha Verant knows how to write the perfect Psychological thriller 👌
July 22, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ | An ok read overall, the story just didn’t connect with me. I did enjoy the authors writing style, and still interested in more of her work.
This story dives into toxic relationships, and manipulations amongst female friendship groups. Liv & Kat’s pettiness was truly unmatched, and their refusal to let the past stay buried had deadly consequences. The cult aspect was a nice touch and addition to the story. Although this story didn’t resonate with me, it could possibly be a good read for others, especially since the authors writing style overall was enjoyable. Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 07.22.25
This story dives into toxic relationships, and manipulations amongst female friendship groups. Liv & Kat’s pettiness was truly unmatched, and their refusal to let the past stay buried had deadly consequences. The cult aspect was a nice touch and addition to the story. Although this story didn’t resonate with me, it could possibly be a good read for others, especially since the authors writing style overall was enjoyable. Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 07.22.25
July 8, 2025
An Absolutely Gripping, Unforgettable Thriller!
Hands down my favorite of all of Samantha Verant's books! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The plot is packed with jaw-dropping twists and turns. The mean girl tension, the dark and disturbing cult backstory, and the psychological mind games were perfectly layered and executed with razor-sharp precision. The setting is breathtaking—isolated, atmospheric, and so vividly described. It added such an eerie beauty that made the suspense all the more intense. I couldn’t put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. This is the kind of thriller that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Creepy, clever, addictive—Verant’s storytelling is at its finest here. If you're looking for your next obsession, this is it.
A fantastic read.
Hands down my favorite of all of Samantha Verant's books! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The plot is packed with jaw-dropping twists and turns. The mean girl tension, the dark and disturbing cult backstory, and the psychological mind games were perfectly layered and executed with razor-sharp precision. The setting is breathtaking—isolated, atmospheric, and so vividly described. It added such an eerie beauty that made the suspense all the more intense. I couldn’t put it down, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. This is the kind of thriller that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Creepy, clever, addictive—Verant’s storytelling is at its finest here. If you're looking for your next obsession, this is it.
A fantastic read.
July 6, 2025
Liv Montgomery is a writer. She is invited to attend a writer’s retreat in the Catskills in order to meet with a publisher about her next book. But is it what it seems? Who will she encounter? Will she get her next book deal?
This book drew me in from the beginning! A slow-burn thriller that builds up with anticipation until all is revealed. The lies and deceit will keep you turning the pages! Definitely a highly entertaining read! A perfect book to take on vacation or to read by the pool!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book drew me in from the beginning! A slow-burn thriller that builds up with anticipation until all is revealed. The lies and deceit will keep you turning the pages! Definitely a highly entertaining read! A perfect book to take on vacation or to read by the pool!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 12, 2025
This is a VERY illogical read.
I mean, it's fast so it won't take much of your time. But you also find yourself scratching your head over and over at the utter lack of believability.
The plot is a bit convoluted. It is supposed to be some sort of psychological cat-and-mouse thing, but you just end up not believing any of it.
Not to mention the author just pulls stuff out of thin air. For example, out of nowhere a character is suddenly some sort of Krav Maga expert. Another, the homeschooled culty chick, is suddenly a master hacker. And there is no build up to these things. It's weird.
I didn't love this one - not even as brain candy.
* ARC via Publisher
I mean, it's fast so it won't take much of your time. But you also find yourself scratching your head over and over at the utter lack of believability.
The plot is a bit convoluted. It is supposed to be some sort of psychological cat-and-mouse thing, but you just end up not believing any of it.
Not to mention the author just pulls stuff out of thin air. For example, out of nowhere a character is suddenly some sort of Krav Maga expert. Another, the homeschooled culty chick, is suddenly a master hacker. And there is no build up to these things. It's weird.
I didn't love this one - not even as brain candy.
* ARC via Publisher
July 22, 2025
⭐️ARC-review⭐️
A story with a lot of twists and plots, and I absolutely enjoyed it! From the epilogue until the end, the book had al my attention. Couldn't lay it down.
How the writer is combining the story of the girls and their history with the story of the girls now and murders that take place, os so well-written. This story keeps you on a manhunt for the murderer, but who is it? Or are there multiple killers? Who can you trust? Your mind is going all the ways, until you discover the truth at the end.
A story with a lot of twists and plots, and I absolutely enjoyed it! From the epilogue until the end, the book had al my attention. Couldn't lay it down.
How the writer is combining the story of the girls and their history with the story of the girls now and murders that take place, os so well-written. This story keeps you on a manhunt for the murderer, but who is it? Or are there multiple killers? Who can you trust? Your mind is going all the ways, until you discover the truth at the end.
July 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own ❤️
The Writers’ Retreat follows Liv, an aspiring writer invited to a luxurious and remote retreat in the Catskills. She’s hoping for inspiration - and maybe her big break- but reality unfolds in a much more unpleasant way when she's faced with people from her past. Told in alternating timelines and multiple POVs, this thriller will appeal to fans of Jeneva Rose.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. The synopsis was so compelling and I love the current trend of “books about people writing books”. I went in expecting a tense, fast-paced thriller full of suspense and clever twists. I expected something atmospheric and creepy. Unfortunately, what I got felt more like a melodramatic story of mean-girl antics, with over-the-top plot developments that didn’t land for me.
The twists felt forced rather than shocking, and I struggled to stay engaged with the writing. The characters felt flat, and I found myself not really caring about what happened to any of them. Rather than mirroring the writing style of Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell, I think it has more in common stylistically with Jeneva Rose - so if you enjoy her voice in your thrillers, this might be a better fit for you than it was for me.
For me, this one just didn’t deliver the suspense or depth I was hoping for.
The Writers’ Retreat follows Liv, an aspiring writer invited to a luxurious and remote retreat in the Catskills. She’s hoping for inspiration - and maybe her big break- but reality unfolds in a much more unpleasant way when she's faced with people from her past. Told in alternating timelines and multiple POVs, this thriller will appeal to fans of Jeneva Rose.
I really wanted to enjoy this one. The synopsis was so compelling and I love the current trend of “books about people writing books”. I went in expecting a tense, fast-paced thriller full of suspense and clever twists. I expected something atmospheric and creepy. Unfortunately, what I got felt more like a melodramatic story of mean-girl antics, with over-the-top plot developments that didn’t land for me.
The twists felt forced rather than shocking, and I struggled to stay engaged with the writing. The characters felt flat, and I found myself not really caring about what happened to any of them. Rather than mirroring the writing style of Lucy Foley and Lisa Jewell, I think it has more in common stylistically with Jeneva Rose - so if you enjoy her voice in your thrillers, this might be a better fit for you than it was for me.
For me, this one just didn’t deliver the suspense or depth I was hoping for.
September 4, 2025
THE WRITERS’ RETREAT by Samantha Vérant
Storm Publishing
A luxury estate in the Catskills, with a handful of ambitious writers, and a retreat that promises inspiration and maybe a body or two. Sounds like the setup for a binge-worthy thriller, right? That’s exactly what pulled me in.
Liv Montgomery thinks she’s hit the jackpot with her invite to this exclusive retreat. Only, the vibe shifts fast. The other writers are suspiciously good at spinning tales, and Liv starts to wonder if her golden ticket is more of a trap. Secrets stack up, tension builds, and before you know it, Liv is the one holding the knife. Oops.
The premise had me hooked, and the opening delivered the right amount of intrigue. Unfortunately, somewhere around the halfway mark, the spark fizzled. The whodunnit kept my attention, but it didn’t bring anything fresh to stand out in a crowded genre. By the end, it was fine, just not the kind of book I’ll be raving about. Take my review with a grain of salt. This may be just the thriller for you!
This was my first Samantha Vérant book, and while it didn’t blow me away, I’m not giving up on her yet.
Thank you to the author and Storm Publishing for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Storm Publishing
A luxury estate in the Catskills, with a handful of ambitious writers, and a retreat that promises inspiration and maybe a body or two. Sounds like the setup for a binge-worthy thriller, right? That’s exactly what pulled me in.
Liv Montgomery thinks she’s hit the jackpot with her invite to this exclusive retreat. Only, the vibe shifts fast. The other writers are suspiciously good at spinning tales, and Liv starts to wonder if her golden ticket is more of a trap. Secrets stack up, tension builds, and before you know it, Liv is the one holding the knife. Oops.
The premise had me hooked, and the opening delivered the right amount of intrigue. Unfortunately, somewhere around the halfway mark, the spark fizzled. The whodunnit kept my attention, but it didn’t bring anything fresh to stand out in a crowded genre. By the end, it was fine, just not the kind of book I’ll be raving about. Take my review with a grain of salt. This may be just the thriller for you!
This was my first Samantha Vérant book, and while it didn’t blow me away, I’m not giving up on her yet.
Thank you to the author and Storm Publishing for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2025
I received advance readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review which I am leaving voluntarily
The writer's retreat by Samantha Vérant
I never understood this saying, “Those that know your secret, hold an invisible power over you.” Until I read this novel.
This saying applies here to every part of this book, when a young woman named Olivia gets invited to a writes retreat, her past resurfaces, her friends are back, her past life is being brought back to her.
When her ex-boyfriend gets murdered, and he leaves everything to her, she becomes a prime suspect in his murder, but don’t be mistaken, Olivia is not who everyone thinks she is.
In this game of cat and mouse, follow Olivia on her journey to find out who is out to get her, uncover her darker side and uncover twists that will leave you asking for more.
I loved and enjoyed every part of this book, every relationship, every secret left me asking for more, and I would recommend to every person out there that loves a great thriller novel.
The writer's retreat by Samantha Vérant
I never understood this saying, “Those that know your secret, hold an invisible power over you.” Until I read this novel.
This saying applies here to every part of this book, when a young woman named Olivia gets invited to a writes retreat, her past resurfaces, her friends are back, her past life is being brought back to her.
When her ex-boyfriend gets murdered, and he leaves everything to her, she becomes a prime suspect in his murder, but don’t be mistaken, Olivia is not who everyone thinks she is.
In this game of cat and mouse, follow Olivia on her journey to find out who is out to get her, uncover her darker side and uncover twists that will leave you asking for more.
I loved and enjoyed every part of this book, every relationship, every secret left me asking for more, and I would recommend to every person out there that loves a great thriller novel.
July 4, 2025
Being based in Upstate NY, a book that dealt with a writing retreat in the Catskills and a mystery with an author at the forefront of the story had me already intrigued. I knew that I would love this book right away, just from the description, and I was right I loved it.
I loved how the book shifted between the past and present, so you learned what happened before that was leading up to what was currently going on in the book. The cult aspect was interesting and really added to this story because it made the story. It was the perfect choice to have a cult be in the mountains and the premise around it was even more interesting. I wasn’t expecting some of the twists and turns we got, and some of them really did shock me!
I loved the characters and their development, I just wish we got more out of Mouse, she was one of my favourites. I’m excited to read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the book shifted between the past and present, so you learned what happened before that was leading up to what was currently going on in the book. The cult aspect was interesting and really added to this story because it made the story. It was the perfect choice to have a cult be in the mountains and the premise around it was even more interesting. I wasn’t expecting some of the twists and turns we got, and some of them really did shock me!
I loved the characters and their development, I just wish we got more out of Mouse, she was one of my favourites. I’m excited to read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2025
[NetGalley Read #43]
3.5 ⭐️
"But she'll be all alone in her narcissistic misery."
Quite good with a few flaws.
This story went in so many directions. From a woman working at a bookstore to going to a writers' retreat. Then a murder. At this point, I was expecting something along the lines of a classic Mystery/Thriller story. Something like Agatha Christie. Then the whole backstory with Kat, Sienna, and the cult and the twists and turns completely changed the complexion of the whole thing.
Some things worked. The whole cult storyline, the stolen manuscript, the murders and Kat's obession. All these things worked and were well written.
Other things didn't work quite so well. The whole subplot with Liv and her mother just... happened. Felt like it came out of nowhere. And, without giving any spoilers, the similarity between Kat doing something that's revealed in the middle of the story to Liv doing something similar at the end and then the consequences of both those actions being similar requires some serious suspension of disbelief. Nobody in the world, real or fictional, can think or plan ahead that much (maybe in fantasy or Sci-fi with prophecies and three-eyed ravens and whatnot).
Characters are very good. Slightly uneven sometimes. But still fun to read. The vulnerability, shyness, anxiousness, and fears of Liv are contrasted greatly against the confident, manipulative, scheming character of Kat (and Tobias, to some extent, even though he appears for the briefest amount of time while leaving a lasting impact on the story).
While I found some story choices odd and pretty unbelievable, I really liked the prose, the style. It had a smoothness to it. Whether it's describing a storm or a crow bleeding on a carpet, the blood seeping into the rug, the atmosphere of a cult environment, the life draining from piercing blue eyes, or just describing the city of New York, I found it really captivating.
Easy to read. Short-ish (250+ pages).
Recommended.
3.5 ⭐️
"But she'll be all alone in her narcissistic misery."
Quite good with a few flaws.
This story went in so many directions. From a woman working at a bookstore to going to a writers' retreat. Then a murder. At this point, I was expecting something along the lines of a classic Mystery/Thriller story. Something like Agatha Christie. Then the whole backstory with Kat, Sienna, and the cult and the twists and turns completely changed the complexion of the whole thing.
Some things worked. The whole cult storyline, the stolen manuscript, the murders and Kat's obession. All these things worked and were well written.
Other things didn't work quite so well. The whole subplot with Liv and her mother just... happened. Felt like it came out of nowhere. And, without giving any spoilers, the similarity between Kat doing something that's revealed in the middle of the story to Liv doing something similar at the end and then the consequences of both those actions being similar requires some serious suspension of disbelief. Nobody in the world, real or fictional, can think or plan ahead that much (maybe in fantasy or Sci-fi with prophecies and three-eyed ravens and whatnot).
Characters are very good. Slightly uneven sometimes. But still fun to read. The vulnerability, shyness, anxiousness, and fears of Liv are contrasted greatly against the confident, manipulative, scheming character of Kat (and Tobias, to some extent, even though he appears for the briefest amount of time while leaving a lasting impact on the story).
While I found some story choices odd and pretty unbelievable, I really liked the prose, the style. It had a smoothness to it. Whether it's describing a storm or a crow bleeding on a carpet, the blood seeping into the rug, the atmosphere of a cult environment, the life draining from piercing blue eyes, or just describing the city of New York, I found it really captivating.
Easy to read. Short-ish (250+ pages).
Recommended.
July 2, 2025
This book kept me hooked from the cozy beginning to the final page. What should have been a dreamy retreat for aspiring authors turns into something darker and more sinister. Samantha Verant delivers a clever blend of murder mystery and suspense… blending secrets, betrayal and revenge. This story had everything I love in a good psychological thriller. Every twist kept me guessing whodunit until the chilling end.
September 10, 2025
An easy and quick read. This was okay for a mystery/thriller. The story is very surface; not much depth or meaning or even thinking on the reader's part. So, if that's what you're looking for this is great.
July 13, 2025
*thank you to netgalley and storm publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review*
I quite liked this one. It’s been a while since I last read a thriller with such an unsettling vibe. I’ve read stories set in snowed-in chalets or remote forest cabins, but never one in a secluded retreat with a breathtaking view and ominous weather. The story is gripping and the buildup is engaging, making me eager to find out what the characters are hiding from one another.
One thing I didn’t enjoy as much was the frequent shifts in point of view and timeline. I felt it could have been organised a bit more smoothly. Still, it was an enjoyable read with some genuinely surprising twists!
I quite liked this one. It’s been a while since I last read a thriller with such an unsettling vibe. I’ve read stories set in snowed-in chalets or remote forest cabins, but never one in a secluded retreat with a breathtaking view and ominous weather. The story is gripping and the buildup is engaging, making me eager to find out what the characters are hiding from one another.
One thing I didn’t enjoy as much was the frequent shifts in point of view and timeline. I felt it could have been organised a bit more smoothly. Still, it was an enjoyable read with some genuinely surprising twists!
July 2, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I really loved the beginning of this book so much! I felt like it had super great potential but the ending had a lot of random twist and turns that made it a bit hard to follow.
I loved the characters and the setting and loved the writing style!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I really loved the beginning of this book so much! I felt like it had super great potential but the ending had a lot of random twist and turns that made it a bit hard to follow.
I loved the characters and the setting and loved the writing style!
June 29, 2025
The beginning was a bit slow for me, but once the story picked up — I was hooked. The mix of isolation, ambition, and secrets bubbling beneath the surface made for such an engaging read.
I loved the eerie setting (a luxury retreat in the middle of nowhere — what could go wrong? 👀), and the tension steadily built with every chapter. While I did catch on to some of the twists, it didn’t take away from the experience — it was still fun, wild, and full of suspense.
If you enjoy locked-room-style thrillers with creative tension and a touch of madness, this one’s for you!
I loved the eerie setting (a luxury retreat in the middle of nowhere — what could go wrong? 👀), and the tension steadily built with every chapter. While I did catch on to some of the twists, it didn’t take away from the experience — it was still fun, wild, and full of suspense.
If you enjoy locked-room-style thrillers with creative tension and a touch of madness, this one’s for you!
June 25, 2025
When Liv Montgomery is invited on an exclusive, week-long writing retreat, she can’t believe her luck. It’s every writer’s dream. But Liv winning a place was certainly no accident. Is someone out to get Liv and ruin her dream of becoming a writer?
I had previously read The Lucky Widow and The Private Chef so I assumed I would enjoy this book by the same author. I was right! I was hooked from the beginning. It was very easy reading, very descriptive, and I loved the way it went from “Now” to “Then” for the backstory to catch up on what was happening at the present time. It had everything a great thriller should have – murder, backstabbing, twists – I loved it!
I had previously read The Lucky Widow and The Private Chef so I assumed I would enjoy this book by the same author. I was right! I was hooked from the beginning. It was very easy reading, very descriptive, and I loved the way it went from “Now” to “Then” for the backstory to catch up on what was happening at the present time. It had everything a great thriller should have – murder, backstabbing, twists – I loved it!
July 10, 2025
This is one of the best thrillers I have read this month. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It has cults, MLMs, an exclusive writer's retreat, and mean girls. Seriously what more could you ask for. There is so much going on between the current timeline and the flashbacks that it was really hard to figure out exactly where they story was going. I love a thriller that I can figure out 10 chapters in. There were a few things that were a little annoying. One of which was the number of times the word "growled" was used when referring to how someone was talking to someone else. It was enough that I made a note of it and noticed it every time. I also think that the story might have gone on a little too long once the "ending" was reached. But those are really nitpicky things.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 14, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author Samantha Vérant for providing me with the eARC of “The Writers’ Retreat”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: 22nd July 2025
Liv is an aspiring author living in New York, who gets invited to a Writers’ Retreat by an agent who might be interested in representing her. As she is leaving for the retreat, she finds out that her ex-fiancé, who cheated on her with her best friend, Kat, is dead and he has left everything to her in the will. The retreat is also being held at a property which was previously used as the home of a cult, a cult that Kat was a member of.
After reading this, warning bells already started going off in my head regarding the retreat. Was this set up by her best friend, who we are led to believe is not the nicest person? The retreat seems almost too good to be true, so what is the real reason for Liv being invited?
The story jumps between multiple timelines, Liv’s stay at the retreat as well as enquires surrounding the murder; Kat’s time as a teenager joining and being a part of the cult; the beginning of the friendship between Kat and Liv leading up to the betrayal.
This was easy to read and had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed the multiple timelines and found that it did help with understanding the behaviours of each of the characters.
I had two theories as to who was behind the murder, as well as all of the other craziness in the novel. Neither of these were right and I was honestly blown away by the twist.
Another thing that I did really enjoy about this story is that the plot twist came in at about 70% of the book, and did not feel rushed, as is often the case with books in this genre. This was a true highlight of the book and I felt really made the ending a standout one, although it was one rollercoaster of a ride.
Publication date: 22nd July 2025
Liv is an aspiring author living in New York, who gets invited to a Writers’ Retreat by an agent who might be interested in representing her. As she is leaving for the retreat, she finds out that her ex-fiancé, who cheated on her with her best friend, Kat, is dead and he has left everything to her in the will. The retreat is also being held at a property which was previously used as the home of a cult, a cult that Kat was a member of.
After reading this, warning bells already started going off in my head regarding the retreat. Was this set up by her best friend, who we are led to believe is not the nicest person? The retreat seems almost too good to be true, so what is the real reason for Liv being invited?
The story jumps between multiple timelines, Liv’s stay at the retreat as well as enquires surrounding the murder; Kat’s time as a teenager joining and being a part of the cult; the beginning of the friendship between Kat and Liv leading up to the betrayal.
This was easy to read and had me hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed the multiple timelines and found that it did help with understanding the behaviours of each of the characters.
I had two theories as to who was behind the murder, as well as all of the other craziness in the novel. Neither of these were right and I was honestly blown away by the twist.
Another thing that I did really enjoy about this story is that the plot twist came in at about 70% of the book, and did not feel rushed, as is often the case with books in this genre. This was a true highlight of the book and I felt really made the ending a standout one, although it was one rollercoaster of a ride.
July 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this arc!
This is my first read from Samantha and I absolutely loved it! A fast-paced thriller with twists I never saw coming! This thriller was definitely unique and nothing like I’ve read before
The story follows Liv an aspiring new author who is looking to publish her new book. Liv signs up for a writers retreat in hopes it will help her to kickstart her career but the retreat is not as it seems and some familiar faces from her past are also on the retreat. Then the story takes a murderous turn.
This is my first read from Samantha and I absolutely loved it! A fast-paced thriller with twists I never saw coming! This thriller was definitely unique and nothing like I’ve read before
The story follows Liv an aspiring new author who is looking to publish her new book. Liv signs up for a writers retreat in hopes it will help her to kickstart her career but the retreat is not as it seems and some familiar faces from her past are also on the retreat. Then the story takes a murderous turn.
July 18, 2025
Kat, Sienna and Morgan all attend an exclusive boarding school as teenagers and get sucked in to a nearby cult. Things happen which shape and haunt the rest of their lives. When Liv- an aspiring writer- falls into their circle as a university student she seeks to make sense of their world - but is everyone who they seem? After two murders the pressure increases to unmask a killer in the group. A twisty, turny thriller with constantly moving goalposts. I enjoyed it but it also confused me in places too! Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
July 11, 2025
I love this book! The writing retreat setting sold me, but the backstory and the mystery kept me reading until the very end. I don't want to give away too much, but the different points of view and the relationships of the characters, both platonic and romantic, make the book a page-turner. I want to go back to the Catskills now!!
July 28, 2025
Okay I did NOT see that plot twist coming.
Overall, a quick and easy read. I always enjoy books with culty vibes. I loved the short chapters, I absolutely flew through this book.
Overall, a quick and easy read. I always enjoy books with culty vibes. I loved the short chapters, I absolutely flew through this book.
July 3, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4
The beginning was a bit slow for me. The premise is there, the story is good. The layout was more complicated than it needed to be, in my opinion. I'm a sucker for a good multiple POV but having multiple POVs mixed within multiple timelines got a bit overwhelming.
Good twists, once passed the slow start it is engaging. A quick read.
The beginning was a bit slow for me. The premise is there, the story is good. The layout was more complicated than it needed to be, in my opinion. I'm a sucker for a good multiple POV but having multiple POVs mixed within multiple timelines got a bit overwhelming.
Good twists, once passed the slow start it is engaging. A quick read.
July 12, 2025
Thanks, Storm Publishing, for the eARC!
It took a minute for me to get into the plot, but once I got sucked in, I couldn't stop reading. Perfect book for my road trip!
It took a minute for me to get into the plot, but once I got sucked in, I couldn't stop reading. Perfect book for my road trip!
July 31, 2025
*2.5 Stars*
Liv Montgomery has always dreamed of being a writer. When she is invited to a writer's retreat to be mentored by one of her favorite publishers at a luxury estate in the Catskills, she can't believe her luck. But once Liv arrives, she quickly finds that not everything is what it seems. The retreat soon turns deadly, and it looks like someone wants Liv to take the fall.
I was looking forward to this book, but I was left disappointed. I thought a murder in a secluded resort would be fun to read, but this book mainly focused on the toxic relationships between the main characters. It made it difficult to connect with any of the characters or care what happened to them in the end. The twists were predictable, and the ending was anticlimactic. The Writers' Retreat had enough mystery not to DNF, but overall, this book was not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review The Writers' Retreat. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Liv Montgomery has always dreamed of being a writer. When she is invited to a writer's retreat to be mentored by one of her favorite publishers at a luxury estate in the Catskills, she can't believe her luck. But once Liv arrives, she quickly finds that not everything is what it seems. The retreat soon turns deadly, and it looks like someone wants Liv to take the fall.
I was looking forward to this book, but I was left disappointed. I thought a murder in a secluded resort would be fun to read, but this book mainly focused on the toxic relationships between the main characters. It made it difficult to connect with any of the characters or care what happened to them in the end. The twists were predictable, and the ending was anticlimactic. The Writers' Retreat had enough mystery not to DNF, but overall, this book was not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review The Writers' Retreat. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
Release: July 22, 2025
Author: Samantha Verant
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Rating: 3 ★
This book takes the classic "dream retreat turns into a nightmare" trope and gives it a fresh, twisty spin. When aspiring author Liv Montgomery gets the golden ticket to a remote, high-end writing retreat in the Catskills, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime—seclusion, inspiration, and a chance to finally focus on her craft. But it quickly becomes clear that not everyone is there just to write, and not everything is as it seems.
The setting is atmospheric and eerie—luxurious yet isolated, the kind of place that seems perfect for creativity… or crime. As the week unfolds, tensions build, secrets unravel, and suddenly Liv is thrust into the center of a real-life murder mystery, literally holding the knife. It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of characters you’ll constantly question. Who’s really there to write, and who’s hiding something darker?
This is one of those thrillers that plays with the idea of storytelling itself—where fact and fiction start to blur, and every twist makes you second-guess what you thought you knew. If you enjoy locked-room mysteries, creative settings, and unreliable narrators, this is one to add to your list.
A retreat designed to spark creativity becomes a fight for survival—and the real story may be more twisted than anything the writers could imagine.
The Writers’ Retreat hooks you with its deliciously sinister premise—an exclusive escape for aspiring authors at a remote luxury estate in the Catskills, where isolation and ambition turn deadly. But this isn’t your average murder mystery; it’s a layered, twist-heavy story about toxic friendships, long-held grudges, and the way people rewrite their pasts to fit their present.
At the center is Liv Montgomery, a struggling writer whose invitation to the retreat feels more like fate than luck. As old connections resurface and secrets from her college years begin to crack open, the story veers into cult territory, tangled betrayals, and a body count that climbs almost as fast as the tension.
This is not just a thriller—it’s a full-blown psychological chess match between women who once called each other friends, now locked in a battle of lies, manipulation, and revenge. The dual timelines (past and present) slowly unravel a dark web of history, deception, and ambition. No one is innocent, and everyone has something to hide.
On the plus side: the pacing picks up hard after a slow burn start, the setting is atmospheric and cinematic, and the twists come at you fast. Some are jaw-dropping, others predictable, but all keep the pages turning. It's easy to read in one sitting and offers a satisfying blend of high drama and suspense.
But it’s not for everyone. The characters are often more “frenemies” than friends—petty, immature, and sometimes indistinguishable in tone or motive. The cult subplot adds intrigue but doesn’t always feel fully fleshed out. And if you're expecting a book about writing, think again—this retreat has very little to do with actual craft.
Favorite quote:
"You have to write the book that wants to be written."
Author: Samantha Verant
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Rating: 3 ★
This book takes the classic "dream retreat turns into a nightmare" trope and gives it a fresh, twisty spin. When aspiring author Liv Montgomery gets the golden ticket to a remote, high-end writing retreat in the Catskills, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime—seclusion, inspiration, and a chance to finally focus on her craft. But it quickly becomes clear that not everyone is there just to write, and not everything is as it seems.
The setting is atmospheric and eerie—luxurious yet isolated, the kind of place that seems perfect for creativity… or crime. As the week unfolds, tensions build, secrets unravel, and suddenly Liv is thrust into the center of a real-life murder mystery, literally holding the knife. It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of characters you’ll constantly question. Who’s really there to write, and who’s hiding something darker?
This is one of those thrillers that plays with the idea of storytelling itself—where fact and fiction start to blur, and every twist makes you second-guess what you thought you knew. If you enjoy locked-room mysteries, creative settings, and unreliable narrators, this is one to add to your list.
A retreat designed to spark creativity becomes a fight for survival—and the real story may be more twisted than anything the writers could imagine.
The Writers’ Retreat hooks you with its deliciously sinister premise—an exclusive escape for aspiring authors at a remote luxury estate in the Catskills, where isolation and ambition turn deadly. But this isn’t your average murder mystery; it’s a layered, twist-heavy story about toxic friendships, long-held grudges, and the way people rewrite their pasts to fit their present.
At the center is Liv Montgomery, a struggling writer whose invitation to the retreat feels more like fate than luck. As old connections resurface and secrets from her college years begin to crack open, the story veers into cult territory, tangled betrayals, and a body count that climbs almost as fast as the tension.
This is not just a thriller—it’s a full-blown psychological chess match between women who once called each other friends, now locked in a battle of lies, manipulation, and revenge. The dual timelines (past and present) slowly unravel a dark web of history, deception, and ambition. No one is innocent, and everyone has something to hide.
On the plus side: the pacing picks up hard after a slow burn start, the setting is atmospheric and cinematic, and the twists come at you fast. Some are jaw-dropping, others predictable, but all keep the pages turning. It's easy to read in one sitting and offers a satisfying blend of high drama and suspense.
But it’s not for everyone. The characters are often more “frenemies” than friends—petty, immature, and sometimes indistinguishable in tone or motive. The cult subplot adds intrigue but doesn’t always feel fully fleshed out. And if you're expecting a book about writing, think again—this retreat has very little to do with actual craft.
Favorite quote:
"You have to write the book that wants to be written."
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