What do you think?
Rate this book
Reader's Retreat
Seven thriller fans. One remote island. A dream retreat turned deadly.
Kalah loves her job as a poison control hotline operator. She helps strangers through the worst moments of their lives—without ever putting herself in danger.
But when she wins a contest from a mysterious new author, everything changes.
She and six other readers are invited to a secluded island in the Florida Keys for an exclusive retreat to preview the author’s debut thriller. At first, it's paradise—until the island’s caretaker vanishes without a trace.
Then one of her fellow readers disappears.
As the group searches for the missing people, Kalah’s paranoia grows. Soon, she believes that someone is hunting them—a deranged psychopath who could be hiding in plain sight.
To survive, Kalah must confront her darkest fears, outwit a killer, and uncover the truth before she becomes the next chapter in a real-life horror story.
Welcome to Isla Tumbas—where every page turned could be your last, and survival is the ultimate plot twist.
For fans of The Guest List and Final Girls, Reader’s Retreat is a chilling psychological thriller about isolation, obsession, and the price of survival.
Kalah loves her job as a poison control hotline operator. She helps strangers through the worst moments of their lives—without ever putting herself in danger.
But when she wins a contest from a mysterious new author, everything changes.
She and six other readers are invited to a secluded island in the Florida Keys for an exclusive retreat to preview the author’s debut thriller. At first, it's paradise—until the island’s caretaker vanishes without a trace.
Then one of her fellow readers disappears.
As the group searches for the missing people, Kalah’s paranoia grows. Soon, she believes that someone is hunting them—a deranged psychopath who could be hiding in plain sight.
To survive, Kalah must confront her darkest fears, outwit a killer, and uncover the truth before she becomes the next chapter in a real-life horror story.
Welcome to Isla Tumbas—where every page turned could be your last, and survival is the ultimate plot twist.
For fans of The Guest List and Final Girls, Reader’s Retreat is a chilling psychological thriller about isolation, obsession, and the price of survival.
- GenresThriller
299 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2025
67 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Michael Layne
3 books19 followersMichael Layne lives in Ashburn, VA where he writes psychological and other thrillers. He also writes under M.W. Layne
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 8, 2025
What starts off as a dream getaway for seven thriller fans quickly turns into a nightmare in “Reader’s Retreat” by Michael Layne. Invited to a private island by a mysterious new author for an exclusive preview of a new thriller, the guests expect a fun, bookish escape—but instead, they’re thrown into a real-life suspense story when people begin disappearing… and then turning up dead.
With a killer on the loose and danger around every corner, the suspense and intensity never let up. I was hooked from the first chapter and constantly guessing who was behind it all.
If you're a fan of twisty, locked-room mysteries, this one is a must-read.
With a killer on the loose and danger around every corner, the suspense and intensity never let up. I was hooked from the first chapter and constantly guessing who was behind it all.
If you're a fan of twisty, locked-room mysteries, this one is a must-read.
October 15, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up.
I’m really torn about this one, so I would recommend reading it for yourself to see what you think about it.
Seven mystery and thriller book fans are told that they have been selected by an up-and-coming author to preview his first full-length book at an exclusive retreat on an isolated Caribbean island. Each day, they will receive chapters to read and reflect on while enjoying the island’s tropical atmosphere for a week. But things quickly feel off when the accommodations are severely lacking, and the only contact person on the island is a mysterious guide named Leon. Soon, a group member goes missing and that’s when the real terror begins.
This book is told along two timelines: one takes place one year ago, when the main character, Kalah, is dealing with problems at work; and one takes place in the present day as the characters are on the readers retreat.
Without giving away too much, things start to unfold at a very quick pace in this one, and some of the twists are easy to recognize. I guessed one of the major ones, but it wasn’t that big of a deal because it was revealed about halfway through, so there were still plenty of time for more twists and turns to come about. And there were definitely some that I had did not see coming at all. This really was a book where anything could happen, and no character was safe at any given time.
But the ending was a little predictable, though I only guessed it about a chapter before it was revealed. There were some major red flags that started to show leading up to it, and therefore when it happened, I wasn’t totally surprised. But I do have to say the author did a really good job with it and by that point I was hooked and needed to see how everything was going to end.
The very end of the book is where I have a little more trouble, because it’s more open ended. And if you read my previous reviews, you know that I’m not a huge fan of the major open endings, unless they are done super super super well, and this one was like a huge crater. So, if you’re into that kind of ending, then you’ll be fine with this ending, but if you’re like me and like a more definitive ending, this on might be a little more controversial for you.
But like I said, you’re going to have to read this to decide for yourself. Because at the end of the day, it is a pretty good book, and I do recommend reading it to decide for yourself how you feel about everything.
I’m really torn about this one, so I would recommend reading it for yourself to see what you think about it.
Seven mystery and thriller book fans are told that they have been selected by an up-and-coming author to preview his first full-length book at an exclusive retreat on an isolated Caribbean island. Each day, they will receive chapters to read and reflect on while enjoying the island’s tropical atmosphere for a week. But things quickly feel off when the accommodations are severely lacking, and the only contact person on the island is a mysterious guide named Leon. Soon, a group member goes missing and that’s when the real terror begins.
This book is told along two timelines: one takes place one year ago, when the main character, Kalah, is dealing with problems at work; and one takes place in the present day as the characters are on the readers retreat.
Without giving away too much, things start to unfold at a very quick pace in this one, and some of the twists are easy to recognize. I guessed one of the major ones, but it wasn’t that big of a deal because it was revealed about halfway through, so there were still plenty of time for more twists and turns to come about. And there were definitely some that I had did not see coming at all. This really was a book where anything could happen, and no character was safe at any given time.
But the ending was a little predictable, though I only guessed it about a chapter before it was revealed. There were some major red flags that started to show leading up to it, and therefore when it happened, I wasn’t totally surprised. But I do have to say the author did a really good job with it and by that point I was hooked and needed to see how everything was going to end.
The very end of the book is where I have a little more trouble, because it’s more open ended. And if you read my previous reviews, you know that I’m not a huge fan of the major open endings, unless they are done super super super well, and this one was like a huge crater. So, if you’re into that kind of ending, then you’ll be fine with this ending, but if you’re like me and like a more definitive ending, this on might be a little more controversial for you.
But like I said, you’re going to have to read this to decide for yourself. Because at the end of the day, it is a pretty good book, and I do recommend reading it to decide for yourself how you feel about everything.
July 7, 2025
A STRONG 4.5 (rounded to 5)⭐️ for me!
If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers with a touch of classic whodunit charm, Reader’s Retreat should be on your list. This book gave me Agatha Christie vibes in the best way. A remote, isolated setting, a cast of characters that kept my intrigue (& one that kept my angst), and secrets that slowly unravel made for an experience that kept me turning the pages.
The pacing was strong, and the tension built steadily throughout. I especially appreciated the immersive setting. I felt like I was right there at the retreat, trying to piece things together along with the characters. There were just enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I found this highly enjoyable from start to finish.
Michael has a clear talent for storytelling; I’ll definitely be checking out more of his work. If you like mystery, isolation, and slow-burning suspense, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you to the author, Michael Layne, for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. It was a wonderful reading experience. 🫶🏽
If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers with a touch of classic whodunit charm, Reader’s Retreat should be on your list. This book gave me Agatha Christie vibes in the best way. A remote, isolated setting, a cast of characters that kept my intrigue (& one that kept my angst), and secrets that slowly unravel made for an experience that kept me turning the pages.
The pacing was strong, and the tension built steadily throughout. I especially appreciated the immersive setting. I felt like I was right there at the retreat, trying to piece things together along with the characters. There were just enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I found this highly enjoyable from start to finish.
Michael has a clear talent for storytelling; I’ll definitely be checking out more of his work. If you like mystery, isolation, and slow-burning suspense, this one needs to be on your TBR!
Thank you to the author, Michael Layne, for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. It was a wonderful reading experience. 🫶🏽
November 4, 2025
Interesting storyline because I love a good isolated island setting with a killer! But I didn't like how the story felt disjointed. Certain parts didn't fit into the story.
July 23, 2025
"You'd be surprised what people think they can get away with way out here, so far away from their regular world."
I have a weakness for any premise that mentions a remote location, a killer on the loose and multiple suspects to side-eye. This thriller delivers on all of those points, and executes (pun intended) them well.
We mainly follow Kalah, who goes from the daily horror of having to answer phone calls all day (too relatable) to being invited to a remote island in order to read an advanced copy of a thriller author's debut. But events are set into motion quickly when the murders mentioned in the book actually seem to start happening on the island.
"Then again, if characters in novels behaved like rational adults, there would be far fewer books to read."
Kalah is an AMAZING main character. Does she make stupid decisions? YES, frustratingly so. But she is clever when she needs to be.
Some of the chapters are from her perspective, but from a year before the story at the centre of this book. These chapters were so intriguing to me. What is the point? How are these things connected? It was a lot of fun and paid off well. I love the red herrings and all the little clues strewn about. You can definitely figure some things out before the reveal, but I'm sure what's actually going on and how it will be resolved will surprise you plenty.
This is a great thriller for everyone who loves fast-paced reads with plenty of twists and turns. And it's a good warning to read ARCs from the comfort from your own home, and not on an island with strangers! You have been warned.
---
Thank you to Netgalley and Writer Layne Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
Reader’s Retreat is a taut, chilling psychological thriller that grips from the first page and refuses to let go. It’s a story where isolation, obsession, and escalating paranoia converge, turning what begins as an idyllic escape into a pulse-pounding fight for survival.
At the heart of the novel is Kalah, a poison control hotline operator whose professional calm is put to the ultimate test. Winning a contest to a remote island retreat initially feels like a dream, but the suspense escalates quickly as the island’s caretaker disappears, followed by other participants. Layne masterfully builds tension, using the confined setting of Isla Tumbas to heighten the stakes, while weaving in Kalah’s growing paranoia and instinctive intelligence.
The narrative’s strength lies in its careful balance of character-driven suspense and unpredictable plot twists. Every moment feels charged, and every disappearance or clue deepens the sense of danger. Fans of The Guest List and Final Girls will find themselves racing through the story, desperate to uncover the truth before the killer claims the next victim.
Reader’s Retreat is perfect for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy psychological tension, isolated settings, and smart, resourceful protagonists facing deadly stakes. It’s suspenseful, atmospheric, and relentless in its build-up of fear and intrigue.
At the heart of the novel is Kalah, a poison control hotline operator whose professional calm is put to the ultimate test. Winning a contest to a remote island retreat initially feels like a dream, but the suspense escalates quickly as the island’s caretaker disappears, followed by other participants. Layne masterfully builds tension, using the confined setting of Isla Tumbas to heighten the stakes, while weaving in Kalah’s growing paranoia and instinctive intelligence.
The narrative’s strength lies in its careful balance of character-driven suspense and unpredictable plot twists. Every moment feels charged, and every disappearance or clue deepens the sense of danger. Fans of The Guest List and Final Girls will find themselves racing through the story, desperate to uncover the truth before the killer claims the next victim.
Reader’s Retreat is perfect for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy psychological tension, isolated settings, and smart, resourceful protagonists facing deadly stakes. It’s suspenseful, atmospheric, and relentless in its build-up of fear and intrigue.
July 28, 2025
Layne has done it again. This book has everything I could ask for in a psychological thriller. It’s well detailed enough that I’m able to see the characters and background as I read.
The book is similar to Christie’s “And Then There Were None” but more updated and with a twist that was totally unexpected. The story follows a poison control worker who is also obsessed with reading and is chosen to go on a retreat to beta read for a new author. Once she arrives on the island, Kalah is faced with several different challenges and has to survive a week on the abandoned island. Kalah is a strong main character and is relatable. The other characters descriptions are just enough and not too much which can sometimes be distracting from the story line. While this book covers the fictional story within the novel, it is easy to follow which story is being discussed at the time.
I highly recommend this one and any of Layne’s other books to a reader who enjoys thrillers and mysteries.
I appreciate Layne giving me the opportunity to beta read his next best seller!
The book is similar to Christie’s “And Then There Were None” but more updated and with a twist that was totally unexpected. The story follows a poison control worker who is also obsessed with reading and is chosen to go on a retreat to beta read for a new author. Once she arrives on the island, Kalah is faced with several different challenges and has to survive a week on the abandoned island. Kalah is a strong main character and is relatable. The other characters descriptions are just enough and not too much which can sometimes be distracting from the story line. While this book covers the fictional story within the novel, it is easy to follow which story is being discussed at the time.
I highly recommend this one and any of Layne’s other books to a reader who enjoys thrillers and mysteries.
I appreciate Layne giving me the opportunity to beta read his next best seller!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Y’all, this book is like a dream vacation that takes a sharp turn into nightmare territory. Picture warm salt air, sand clinging to your legs, and the creeping realization that someone on this island might be plotting your murder. Michael Layne drops you onto Isla Tumbas and dares you to look over your shoulder.
Kalah, a poison control hotline operator, wins a golden ticket to a private Florida Keys retreat with six other readers and a mysterious new author. At first, it’s pure paradise—until the caretaker vanishes, a guest goes missing, and the soft rustle of palm trees starts sounding like a death rattle. Layne nails the creeping paranoia; I could practically hear footsteps crunching in the sand behind me.
The twists are sharp, the tension is real, and while a few moments nudged my “would this really happen?” meter, I devoured it like a thriller-flavored beach snack.
Seven readers enter paradise. Not all of them leave.
Kalah, a poison control hotline operator, wins a golden ticket to a private Florida Keys retreat with six other readers and a mysterious new author. At first, it’s pure paradise—until the caretaker vanishes, a guest goes missing, and the soft rustle of palm trees starts sounding like a death rattle. Layne nails the creeping paranoia; I could practically hear footsteps crunching in the sand behind me.
The twists are sharp, the tension is real, and while a few moments nudged my “would this really happen?” meter, I devoured it like a thriller-flavored beach snack.
Seven readers enter paradise. Not all of them leave.
October 6, 2025
Seven readers. One island. Zero escape!
Thriller fans, pack your bags, and get ready for a trip of your life!
Reader’s Retreat hooked me with its premise—seven thriller fans on a remote island? Yes, please! Imagine winning a dream getaway to preview a new thriller, all expenses paid by the author. Sounds amazing, right? We all know paradise is quickly turning into a page-turning nightmare, as soon as they land.
The tension builds like a slow poison (fitting, given Kalah’s day job), and when things go wrong, they go very wrong.
The line between fiction and reality starts to blur.
Kalah is a fascinating lead: cautious, observant, and quietly brave. Watching her try to unravel the mystery while confronting her own fears was deeply satisfying. The setting is lush and eerie, the pacing relentless, and the ending? Totally unexpected.
If you love isolation thrillers this one’s for you. I’m already lining up Michael’s other books—if they’re anything like this, I’m in for a wild ride.
Thriller fans, pack your bags, and get ready for a trip of your life!
Reader’s Retreat hooked me with its premise—seven thriller fans on a remote island? Yes, please! Imagine winning a dream getaway to preview a new thriller, all expenses paid by the author. Sounds amazing, right? We all know paradise is quickly turning into a page-turning nightmare, as soon as they land.
The tension builds like a slow poison (fitting, given Kalah’s day job), and when things go wrong, they go very wrong.
The line between fiction and reality starts to blur.
Kalah is a fascinating lead: cautious, observant, and quietly brave. Watching her try to unravel the mystery while confronting her own fears was deeply satisfying. The setting is lush and eerie, the pacing relentless, and the ending? Totally unexpected.
If you love isolation thrillers this one’s for you. I’m already lining up Michael’s other books—if they’re anything like this, I’m in for a wild ride.
July 27, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for this ARC! This book was wild! So much going on but it all tied in-together perfectly! The first part of the book I was a little worried because it felt very slow moving! But it definitely picked up around 45% in and was good from there on out! Spoilers ahead! I was completely shocked when i found out Ruth was the killer! Completely blew my mind, and all because of her dead cheating husband! She definitely was crazy! The only part I didn’t like was when they found the severed finger on the path and they kind of freaked out but then didn’t really have emotions towards it after. Id be freaking out if i found a damn severed finger on an island I was stuck on! Loved this book though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
A group of book lovers wins a stay at a remote island retreat to read and review a debut novel… but things aren’t what they seem. No way off the island. No one to trust. And the suspense? Unrelenting.
💥 Short chapters
���️ Eerie isolation
👀 Suspicious characters
😱 Stalker vibes
🔪 A twist you won’t see coming
This is my second read by Michael Layne and I’m officially hooked. He’s now on my auto-buy list. Reader’s Retreat even pulled me out of a serious reading slump—and that’s no small feat!
If you love fast-paced thrillers with tension, mystery, and a killer setting, don’t miss this one.
💥 Short chapters
���️ Eerie isolation
👀 Suspicious characters
😱 Stalker vibes
🔪 A twist you won’t see coming
This is my second read by Michael Layne and I’m officially hooked. He’s now on my auto-buy list. Reader’s Retreat even pulled me out of a serious reading slump—and that’s no small feat!
If you love fast-paced thrillers with tension, mystery, and a killer setting, don’t miss this one.
August 12, 2025
Excellent horror novel that grabbed me right from the beginning and held on tight until the ending. A group of strangers are brought to an island by an author to read and review his new novel without the distraction of the outside world. However, people start to go missing only to turn up murdered and the remaining few have no way to reach help. They can only wait for the author, and possibly help, to show up in a few days. If they live that long....
Highly recommend this one for fans of horror and thrillers.
Highly recommend this one for fans of horror and thrillers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
What a great read!
I loved the creepy atmosphere, the creepy strangers, the dangers that lurked on the island! One by one, people start dying/going missing. Who is taking them out? Who can Kalah trust? I will say. I did eventually figure out who it was on my own & why, but it took me quite a bit!
Kalah was an excellent FMC. She was witty! I loved how she started to mentally review the book in the beginning as well. Talking about how some plot holes didn’t make sense, spots were predictable, and the author described someone vomiting in vast detail. She was so real for that!
I loved the twists in this book and Kalah”s back story. Extremely entertaining read!
I loved the creepy atmosphere, the creepy strangers, the dangers that lurked on the island! One by one, people start dying/going missing. Who is taking them out? Who can Kalah trust? I will say. I did eventually figure out who it was on my own & why, but it took me quite a bit!
Kalah was an excellent FMC. She was witty! I loved how she started to mentally review the book in the beginning as well. Talking about how some plot holes didn’t make sense, spots were predictable, and the author described someone vomiting in vast detail. She was so real for that!
I loved the twists in this book and Kalah”s back story. Extremely entertaining read!
August 7, 2025
Readers Retreat literally has me side eyeing the characters and I'm only 20% into the story. Its mysterious and intriguing from the start. 15 chapters in and I'm on the edge of my seat anticipating what's to come. The past and present within the story is a good add as it allows insight of the main character and helps to paint a better picture. It does take the writer sometime to pull out a twist or even hint at one which brought it into the category of suspenseful for me. The writer was very detailed making this a great who dun it. Its packed with twist and gasp moments. The story did feel a little long but the chapters weren't so it balanced out. This was my first Michael Layne read but definitely not the last.
Thank you Netgalley, Writer Layne Publishing and Xpressobooktours for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
Thank you Netgalley, Writer Layne Publishing and Xpressobooktours for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
August 30, 2025
Such an exciting ride. You think you’ve got it figured out and then sometimes else happens. Layne has created a vivid landscape of suspense and thrill.
Kalah has had her own share of societal problems so she prefers the company of her cat to people. But winning a contest for a weeks stay at an exclusive retreat to preview a debut novel is just something a book lover cannot turn down. But there something sinister is happening to the retreat goers.
Kalah has had her own share of societal problems so she prefers the company of her cat to people. But winning a contest for a weeks stay at an exclusive retreat to preview a debut novel is just something a book lover cannot turn down. But there something sinister is happening to the retreat goers.
July 14, 2025
This was a really good book that kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat. The book felt similar to a couple others I have read but that didn't take away from my experience. The idea of a dream Getaway vacation to read a new author's book? Count me in! I did guess one of the twists but didn't see the ending coming. Thank you to Netgalley and Writer Layne Publishing for the ARC.
July 16, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was so fun! The premise was so interesting to me and I was so excited to read, and it didn’t disappoint. The writing style sucks you in quick, and I think the pacing was really good and kept you focused. I think the story was fairly predictable, but the ending was a true twist!!! I ate up every second! Also Kalah is such a badass??
August 19, 2025
Wow!!!
The suspense had me intrigued from the beginning to the end.
Just when I thought I figured out who the culprit was, I was thrown through a loop.
This book made me strongly consider deleting my social media account.
Well written!!!
The suspense had me intrigued from the beginning to the end.
Just when I thought I figured out who the culprit was, I was thrown through a loop.
This book made me strongly consider deleting my social media account.
Well written!!!
December 15, 2025
couldn’t have cared less about these characters, the plot was lame, the story line lacked so much, the twist i saw from a mile away. really disliked this book and do not recommend. i only finished it because it was a short read and im trying to meet my reading goal!!! 🍅🍅🍅
August 30, 2025
Hell YES. I rarely get to read from a nurse main character who is incredibly smart/clever - as well as likeable! Loved the twists and turns, the setting was such a vibe and so atmospheric!
September 15, 2025
This was simply okay. For such a long time nothing really happened, and I wasn't reading anything intriguing or even interesting. The story just dragged. It's not a new premise in anyway either.
September 19, 2025
What seven thriller readers think is going to be a relaxing getaway for a readers retreat are totally wrong. What a great suspenseful thriller of wondering who is going to survive! A must read!
January 2, 2026
I love me an island isolation thriller!
August 16, 2025
Reader’s Retreat by Michael Layne had such a promising premise: seven horror fans flown to a private island to read an exclusive new novel by a mysterious author. What could go wrong? Well… everything.
From the moment they arrive, the dream getaway turns into a nightmare. The resort is run down, clearly abandoned, and the “accommodations” are barely livable. The group is confined to small huts with only the bare essentials and told they can only read five chapters of the book per day. Before long, eerie occurrences start happening, and one by one, the guests begin to vanish. What happened on this island and who can you trust?
The beginning absolutely hooked me when I started reading late one night and it creeped me out in the best way, but as the story went on…it unraveled. The suspense gave way to predictability, and the plot started to feel like a disorganized slasher flick with more chaos than cohesion. It lost the unique edge it started with, and by the end, I was forcing myself to finish.
This one had potential, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver for me.
From the moment they arrive, the dream getaway turns into a nightmare. The resort is run down, clearly abandoned, and the “accommodations” are barely livable. The group is confined to small huts with only the bare essentials and told they can only read five chapters of the book per day. Before long, eerie occurrences start happening, and one by one, the guests begin to vanish. What happened on this island and who can you trust?
The beginning absolutely hooked me when I started reading late one night and it creeped me out in the best way, but as the story went on…it unraveled. The suspense gave way to predictability, and the plot started to feel like a disorganized slasher flick with more chaos than cohesion. It lost the unique edge it started with, and by the end, I was forcing myself to finish.
This one had potential, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver for me.
July 28, 2025
This book had amazing summer vibes. I loved the premise of the story, inviting out a few thriller lovers to read an ARC of an author's book. But what they don't realize is that they will be soon living out the books chapters in real life! I thought I knew the answers to the plot twists, but I was wrong each time. I didn't absolutely love the ending, but I can see where it leaves the book open for the possibility of a sequel. Would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, Michael Layne, and Writer Layne Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Michael Layne, and Writer Layne Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
December 20, 2025
Very suspenseful
October 4, 2025
4.5 ☆ I wasn't sure I'd get into this book when I first started reading it. I feel like it started off a bit slow or something, and introduced too many characters at once had me wondering if I'd remember who they all were.. (It didn't really matter in the end), but I was really interested to see where it went. I'm glad I stuck with it because I actually really enjoyed it! This is the first book I've read by Layne, and I'm definitely keen to read his other books.
The location description was great. It was really immersive and creates a great atmosphere. I feel like I have a good mental map of the island.
I had a few moments of thinking I knew whodunit, but of course, the twists had me second guessing, and by the end, I was completely off.
Thanks so much for this ARC. It was a pleasure and a truly gripping and fun read!
The location description was great. It was really immersive and creates a great atmosphere. I feel like I have a good mental map of the island.
I had a few moments of thinking I knew whodunit, but of course, the twists had me second guessing, and by the end, I was completely off.
Thanks so much for this ARC. It was a pleasure and a truly gripping and fun read!
July 18, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Writer Layne Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Michael Layne’s “Reader’s Retreat” is a gripping, meta-psychological thriller that starts like a classic whodunit and escalates into a high-stakes survival story with a sharp, modern edge. Set on a remote island ominously named Isla Tumbas the book creates the eerie atmosphere of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” with the intensity of a locked-room thriller and just enough tongue-in-cheek commentary to delight die-hard mystery fans.
The story follows Kalah, a poison control hotline operator with a haunting past. When she wins an invitation to a private retreat for readers hosted by an anonymous debut author, she joins six other guests, including bloggers, influencers, and a literary agent, on an isolated island in the Florida Keys. Their task: read and review a never-before-published thriller. But as they begin reading, unsettling parallels between the manuscript and their own surroundings start to emerge. When people begin disappearing and turning up dead, it becomes clear that this retreat is anything but relaxing.
Told mostly from Kalah’s perspective, with strategic flashbacks from the past year when Kalah was being stalked, the story skillfully builds suspense. Kalah’s background as a poison control specialist proves unexpectedly vital, making her a refreshingly capable and layered protagonist. She embodies classic “final girl” energy where she is mentally scarred but smart, cautious but resilient. Her inner commentary, especially as a reader and mystery lover herself, adds a self-aware, even humorous, tone to the book that’s both clever and cathartic. It’s a delightfully meta nod to the genre: the characters are not just in a thriller—they read thrillers, and so do we.
Layne’s writing shines in crafting a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. The island setting is vivid, menacing, and well-utilized, not just in terms of isolation, but as an active threat. From dangerous wildlife to suspiciously missing caretakers, every detail builds a sense of dread. Flashbacks to Kalah’s past with a stalker add an extra psychological layer, helping you understand her mistrust and trauma while ramping up the tension.
The plot walks a fine line between mystery and thriller. Early on, it's a classic whodunit: guests begin to suspect each other, secrets bubble to the surface, and paranoia spreads like wildfire. Later, the book shifts into pure survival horror as the killer is revealed and it becomes a brutal one-on-one showdown. The final act is especially intense, offering alternating perspectives between Kalah and the killer in a high-stakes, deadly confrontation.
Not all the character choices make sense (there’s a lot of classic horror-movie splitting up), and while the killer’s identity is intriguing, it's not entirely unpredictable. And though the ending brings resolution, it leaves some threads dangling, perhaps intentionally, which not all readers may appreciate but it was definitely unique.
Overall, “Reader’s Retreat” delivers where it counts: it’s suspenseful, well-paced, and deeply immersive. With themes of obsession, revenge, survival, and literary escapism gone wrong, it’s a love letter to thrillers wrapped in a chilling cautionary tale. For fans of locked-room mysteries and survival thrillers with a self-aware twist, “Reader’s Retreat” is a smart, sinister treat. Michael Layne has written a story that both celebrates and subverts the genre and keeps you turning pages long into the night.
Michael Layne’s “Reader’s Retreat” is a gripping, meta-psychological thriller that starts like a classic whodunit and escalates into a high-stakes survival story with a sharp, modern edge. Set on a remote island ominously named Isla Tumbas the book creates the eerie atmosphere of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” with the intensity of a locked-room thriller and just enough tongue-in-cheek commentary to delight die-hard mystery fans.
The story follows Kalah, a poison control hotline operator with a haunting past. When she wins an invitation to a private retreat for readers hosted by an anonymous debut author, she joins six other guests, including bloggers, influencers, and a literary agent, on an isolated island in the Florida Keys. Their task: read and review a never-before-published thriller. But as they begin reading, unsettling parallels between the manuscript and their own surroundings start to emerge. When people begin disappearing and turning up dead, it becomes clear that this retreat is anything but relaxing.
Told mostly from Kalah’s perspective, with strategic flashbacks from the past year when Kalah was being stalked, the story skillfully builds suspense. Kalah’s background as a poison control specialist proves unexpectedly vital, making her a refreshingly capable and layered protagonist. She embodies classic “final girl” energy where she is mentally scarred but smart, cautious but resilient. Her inner commentary, especially as a reader and mystery lover herself, adds a self-aware, even humorous, tone to the book that’s both clever and cathartic. It’s a delightfully meta nod to the genre: the characters are not just in a thriller—they read thrillers, and so do we.
Layne’s writing shines in crafting a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. The island setting is vivid, menacing, and well-utilized, not just in terms of isolation, but as an active threat. From dangerous wildlife to suspiciously missing caretakers, every detail builds a sense of dread. Flashbacks to Kalah’s past with a stalker add an extra psychological layer, helping you understand her mistrust and trauma while ramping up the tension.
The plot walks a fine line between mystery and thriller. Early on, it's a classic whodunit: guests begin to suspect each other, secrets bubble to the surface, and paranoia spreads like wildfire. Later, the book shifts into pure survival horror as the killer is revealed and it becomes a brutal one-on-one showdown. The final act is especially intense, offering alternating perspectives between Kalah and the killer in a high-stakes, deadly confrontation.
Not all the character choices make sense (there’s a lot of classic horror-movie splitting up), and while the killer’s identity is intriguing, it's not entirely unpredictable. And though the ending brings resolution, it leaves some threads dangling, perhaps intentionally, which not all readers may appreciate but it was definitely unique.
Overall, “Reader’s Retreat” delivers where it counts: it’s suspenseful, well-paced, and deeply immersive. With themes of obsession, revenge, survival, and literary escapism gone wrong, it’s a love letter to thrillers wrapped in a chilling cautionary tale. For fans of locked-room mysteries and survival thrillers with a self-aware twist, “Reader’s Retreat” is a smart, sinister treat. Michael Layne has written a story that both celebrates and subverts the genre and keeps you turning pages long into the night.
August 12, 2025
★☆☆☆☆
Seven horror fans. One remote island. A dream retreat turned deadly.
Kalah, a poison control hotline operator and avid horror reader, jumps at the chance to join six other book lovers for an all-expenses-paid retreat on Isla Tumba. The lure? To preview a debut novel said to be so terrifying it could scare readers to death. But when one guest vanishes without a trace, paradise turns sinister. As more disappear, paranoia runs high—someone on the island is a killer. Kalah must navigate fear, secrets, and the island’s dark past before she becomes the next victim.
Unfortunately, while the premise hooked me, this book was a huge struggle to finish. I only pushed through in hopes something would redeem it. Character development was almost non-existent—particularly for the male characters, who felt like interchangeable plot devices. Oddly, one character’s name switched between Dwight and Dwayne around the 40% mark, which was distracting. I never understood why everyone immediately assumed Leon was the killer when there were other, more obvious suspects. I guessed the culprit after the first disappearance, which killed the suspense.
Kalah herself was hard to root for—judgmental, unfriendly, and not particularly engaging. The writing felt overly simplistic for the intended demographic, more suited to YA than adult horror. I quickly grew tired of repetitive travel scenes around the island, and wanted more depth to the backstory—especially as the subplot involving “Sean” felt implausible and unconvincing. The ending didn’t make sense and the tension gave way to predictability, leaving the plot feeling like a messy slasher flick without cohesion.
I usually enjoy a “story within a story,” but here it didn’t work. It almost felt like the author was mocking slasher tropes, yet inadvertently delivered exactly the kind of story it was poking fun at.
Thank you to the author, Writer Layne Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Seven horror fans. One remote island. A dream retreat turned deadly.
Kalah, a poison control hotline operator and avid horror reader, jumps at the chance to join six other book lovers for an all-expenses-paid retreat on Isla Tumba. The lure? To preview a debut novel said to be so terrifying it could scare readers to death. But when one guest vanishes without a trace, paradise turns sinister. As more disappear, paranoia runs high—someone on the island is a killer. Kalah must navigate fear, secrets, and the island’s dark past before she becomes the next victim.
Unfortunately, while the premise hooked me, this book was a huge struggle to finish. I only pushed through in hopes something would redeem it. Character development was almost non-existent—particularly for the male characters, who felt like interchangeable plot devices. Oddly, one character’s name switched between Dwight and Dwayne around the 40% mark, which was distracting. I never understood why everyone immediately assumed Leon was the killer when there were other, more obvious suspects. I guessed the culprit after the first disappearance, which killed the suspense.
Kalah herself was hard to root for—judgmental, unfriendly, and not particularly engaging. The writing felt overly simplistic for the intended demographic, more suited to YA than adult horror. I quickly grew tired of repetitive travel scenes around the island, and wanted more depth to the backstory—especially as the subplot involving “Sean” felt implausible and unconvincing. The ending didn’t make sense and the tension gave way to predictability, leaving the plot feeling like a messy slasher flick without cohesion.
I usually enjoy a “story within a story,” but here it didn’t work. It almost felt like the author was mocking slasher tropes, yet inadvertently delivered exactly the kind of story it was poking fun at.
Thank you to the author, Writer Layne Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 18, 2025
A secluded island
Exclusive to a new book
Read uninterrupted
Food
Resort
ALL FOR FREE....
Kalah wins a dream reading retreat all expenses paid. All the author asks for is honest review of his new book. Kalah along with 6 strangers are swept away to a beautiful island. Well that's what they have in their minds until they arrive. They quickly learn they won't just be reading the story but living it....
The island is the perfect backdrop for a creepy whodunit. The story becomes more than just that as it turns into a fight to survive.
Each character brings a bit of a different background. Five are the typical spotlight book/movie reviewers. Making for some rival competition. One is a book editor. And there is Kalah who just got lucky and won a contest. She needs this time away to heal from her past. For me as a reader she became the most relatable.
Michael Layne paints a picture through words. Captivating the very essence of the island to add to his inventive storyline. He does well building up the suspense with each page.
Right from the start I was intrigued. As a reader I'd easily fall for this sort of thing. Well maybe not now 😳. I liked the whole atmosphere of the book. Just the right amount of characters and clues to give you red flags making it hard to guess what will happen. Some shocks, turns, and twists. A bit of everything that makes a good thriller. It didn't end at all like I thought it was leading to. It left me with some questions and needing a second book 😁.
Exclusive to a new book
Read uninterrupted
Food
Resort
ALL FOR FREE....
Kalah wins a dream reading retreat all expenses paid. All the author asks for is honest review of his new book. Kalah along with 6 strangers are swept away to a beautiful island. Well that's what they have in their minds until they arrive. They quickly learn they won't just be reading the story but living it....
The island is the perfect backdrop for a creepy whodunit. The story becomes more than just that as it turns into a fight to survive.
Each character brings a bit of a different background. Five are the typical spotlight book/movie reviewers. Making for some rival competition. One is a book editor. And there is Kalah who just got lucky and won a contest. She needs this time away to heal from her past. For me as a reader she became the most relatable.
Michael Layne paints a picture through words. Captivating the very essence of the island to add to his inventive storyline. He does well building up the suspense with each page.
Right from the start I was intrigued. As a reader I'd easily fall for this sort of thing. Well maybe not now 😳. I liked the whole atmosphere of the book. Just the right amount of characters and clues to give you red flags making it hard to guess what will happen. Some shocks, turns, and twists. A bit of everything that makes a good thriller. It didn't end at all like I thought it was leading to. It left me with some questions and needing a second book 😁.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews