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The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel
An undercover journalist goes to expose an exclusive psychological wellness clinic where women go to recover from heartbreak, with dire consequences, in this creepy thriller from The Bachelorette Party author Camilla Sten.
Welcome to Himlafall Clinic, where we use revolutionary therapy techniques to heal you from heartbreak. Whether you are going through a devastating breakup, or can’t seem to stop picking the wrong partners, we are here to help you change your life, once and for all…
Isobel Anderssen has heard rumors. Nestled deep in the Swedish woods, there is a retreat. Primarily aimed at helping women who have gone through devastating break-ups, the Himlafall Clinic is meant to heal your mind and help you move on.
Sometimes people are never heard from again.
Armed with a fake story and a contraband phone to record interviews, Isobel is ready to expose Himlafall’s founder and get closure for the families of missing loved ones. But when she gets there, nothing goes to plan. Her contact is missing. The founder, Dr. Martina Hastings, knows how to get under Isobel’s skin in ways she didn’t anticipate. And all the while, the ghosts of the missing haunt her at every turn. It is clear something is going wrong and Himlafall, and Isobel must uncover the truth, before she disappears once and for all.
Welcome to Himlafall Clinic, where we use revolutionary therapy techniques to heal you from heartbreak. Whether you are going through a devastating breakup, or can’t seem to stop picking the wrong partners, we are here to help you change your life, once and for all…
Isobel Anderssen has heard rumors. Nestled deep in the Swedish woods, there is a retreat. Primarily aimed at helping women who have gone through devastating break-ups, the Himlafall Clinic is meant to heal your mind and help you move on.
Sometimes people are never heard from again.
Armed with a fake story and a contraband phone to record interviews, Isobel is ready to expose Himlafall’s founder and get closure for the families of missing loved ones. But when she gets there, nothing goes to plan. Her contact is missing. The founder, Dr. Martina Hastings, knows how to get under Isobel’s skin in ways she didn’t anticipate. And all the while, the ghosts of the missing haunt her at every turn. It is clear something is going wrong and Himlafall, and Isobel must uncover the truth, before she disappears once and for all.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Camilla Sten
24 books1,481 followersCamilla Sten is a writer, and her publisher made the mistake of letting her set this author page up by herself. She is best known for her internationally bestselling novel "The Lost Village", which has sold to 19 countries, and has written books ranging from YA fantasy to contemporary thrillers.
Camilla lives in Sweden with her American boyfriend and two fluffy, evil cats. She is quite enjoying talking about herself in the third person, and might keep it going after she's submitted this author bio.
Camilla lives in Sweden with her American boyfriend and two fluffy, evil cats. She is quite enjoying talking about herself in the third person, and might keep it going after she's submitted this author bio.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fast-paced, intriguing psychological thriller that delivers a locked-room mystery in an atmospheric and chilling setting. A secluded retreat where heartbroken patients arrive hoping to heal sounds peaceful in theory — but instead of recovery, they find themselves confronting their darkest inner demons… along with an unmistakable outer danger that seems to whisper in their ears, warning them to leave before it’s too late.
Even if you’ve already read the blurb, let me briefly walk you through the premise — and of course, I’ll add my own thoughts along the way.
Isobel Lindschold is an undercover journalist determined to make her big breakthrough. She wants to prove — to the world and to herself — that she is more than just the daughter of a once-admired journalist whose reputation was destroyed by scandal. Her father was her hero until he became her greatest disappointment, and that shadow weighs heavily on her ambitions. Isobel is hungry to expose the truth, to write something meaningful, something that matters.
That’s why she voluntarily enrolls in a breakup retreat at Himlafall Clinic, hidden deep within the isolated Swedish woods. The clinic offers the revolutionary “Hastings Therapy,” created by Dr. Martina Hastings — a disciplined, charismatic psychiatrist and bestselling author whose method promises life-changing transformation.
But Isobel isn’t there to mend a broken heart.
Under a false name and fabricated backstory, she infiltrates the program after discovering a disturbing Reddit comment claiming that a former patient, Susanna Wallin, disappeared after attending the retreat. Isobel suspects something sinister is happening behind the clinic’s serene façade. She plans to investigate from the inside, working with her source Sandra.
Except… when she arrives, Sandra is nowhere to be found.
From that moment, the unease builds steadily. Isobel feels watched. Her belongings — including a hidden burner phone — go missing. The other patients behave erratically, each one unreliable in their own way. Clara, in particular, exerts a manipulative, almost bullying dominance over the group. Dr. Martina herself radiates a cold, unsettling authority, frequently crossing ethical boundaries in the name of “healing.” And the caretakers? They seem to know far more than they reveal.
As isolation tightens its grip, paranoia seeps in. Who can be trusted? Where is Sandra? Why is no one giving her a straight answer? The deeper Isobel digs, the thinner the line becomes between investigation and psychological unraveling. What begins as an exposé slowly transforms into something much more dangerous — and Isobel may have made the gravest mistake of her life by entering a place designed to dismantle the mind.
Overall, while the major twist felt somewhat predictable to me, the final act still delivered heart-pounding intensity and a strong surge of tension. The action sequences toward the end were gripping and cinematic. I did find Isobel’s characterization slightly uneven — her “daddy issues” effectively fuel her motivations, but I kept expecting an additional layer of trauma or emotional depth that never fully materialized. Martina’s psychological dominance over the group also felt a bit questionable at times.
That said, Katarina and Leyla stood out as particularly compelling and emotionally resonant characters. They added nuance and depth to the story that I appreciated.
Despite a few reservations, this was still an absorbing, binge-worthy read that I finished in just a few sittings. The atmosphere alone makes it hard to put down. As a devoted fan of the author, I’m happily rounding my 3.5 stars up to 4 — because even with its imperfections, it completely captured my attention.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for granting my wish and providing a digital copy of this gripping mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciate the opportunity.
Even if you’ve already read the blurb, let me briefly walk you through the premise — and of course, I’ll add my own thoughts along the way.
Isobel Lindschold is an undercover journalist determined to make her big breakthrough. She wants to prove — to the world and to herself — that she is more than just the daughter of a once-admired journalist whose reputation was destroyed by scandal. Her father was her hero until he became her greatest disappointment, and that shadow weighs heavily on her ambitions. Isobel is hungry to expose the truth, to write something meaningful, something that matters.
That’s why she voluntarily enrolls in a breakup retreat at Himlafall Clinic, hidden deep within the isolated Swedish woods. The clinic offers the revolutionary “Hastings Therapy,” created by Dr. Martina Hastings — a disciplined, charismatic psychiatrist and bestselling author whose method promises life-changing transformation.
But Isobel isn’t there to mend a broken heart.
Under a false name and fabricated backstory, she infiltrates the program after discovering a disturbing Reddit comment claiming that a former patient, Susanna Wallin, disappeared after attending the retreat. Isobel suspects something sinister is happening behind the clinic’s serene façade. She plans to investigate from the inside, working with her source Sandra.
Except… when she arrives, Sandra is nowhere to be found.
From that moment, the unease builds steadily. Isobel feels watched. Her belongings — including a hidden burner phone — go missing. The other patients behave erratically, each one unreliable in their own way. Clara, in particular, exerts a manipulative, almost bullying dominance over the group. Dr. Martina herself radiates a cold, unsettling authority, frequently crossing ethical boundaries in the name of “healing.” And the caretakers? They seem to know far more than they reveal.
As isolation tightens its grip, paranoia seeps in. Who can be trusted? Where is Sandra? Why is no one giving her a straight answer? The deeper Isobel digs, the thinner the line becomes between investigation and psychological unraveling. What begins as an exposé slowly transforms into something much more dangerous — and Isobel may have made the gravest mistake of her life by entering a place designed to dismantle the mind.
Overall, while the major twist felt somewhat predictable to me, the final act still delivered heart-pounding intensity and a strong surge of tension. The action sequences toward the end were gripping and cinematic. I did find Isobel’s characterization slightly uneven — her “daddy issues” effectively fuel her motivations, but I kept expecting an additional layer of trauma or emotional depth that never fully materialized. Martina’s psychological dominance over the group also felt a bit questionable at times.
That said, Katarina and Leyla stood out as particularly compelling and emotionally resonant characters. They added nuance and depth to the story that I appreciated.
Despite a few reservations, this was still an absorbing, binge-worthy read that I finished in just a few sittings. The atmosphere alone makes it hard to put down. As a devoted fan of the author, I’m happily rounding my 3.5 stars up to 4 — because even with its imperfections, it completely captured my attention.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for granting my wish and providing a digital copy of this gripping mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciate the opportunity.
June 10, 2026
Truthfully, I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into this one, and after finishing it, I thought it was okay.
It starts off slow in the first half before picking up the pace later on. Personally, I don't always mind a slow-burn thriller, and this one kept me on my toes trying to guess where the plot and characters were headed.
I will say, I didn't quite connect with the MFC. For someone trying to remain secretive and blend in, she often did the exact opposite, which became a little frustrating. The side characters were fine, but there wasn't enough development for me to become invested in them.
Overall, the book managed to keep my attention and had me eager to see how everything would unravel in the end.
* I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Camilla Sten for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It starts off slow in the first half before picking up the pace later on. Personally, I don't always mind a slow-burn thriller, and this one kept me on my toes trying to guess where the plot and characters were headed.
I will say, I didn't quite connect with the MFC. For someone trying to remain secretive and blend in, she often did the exact opposite, which became a little frustrating. The side characters were fine, but there wasn't enough development for me to become invested in them.
Overall, the book managed to keep my attention and had me eager to see how everything would unravel in the end.
* I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Camilla Sten for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 21, 2026
This was a solid 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ thriller making me wonder throughout which of the characters was unreliable, always so much fun! I enjoyed the audio very much, the narration by Peyton Mader brought out the personalities of the various characters so well!
Isobel is going undercover at the Himlafall Clinic where they promise to use revolutionary therapy to heal your heartbreak. She is hoping by doing this, she can investigate the rumors of missing women and poor practices and that this will land her a big expose piece. Where she may actually land is in a lot of danger..
This was a good read, I felt it could have used more development of the characters and their stories. We spent a lot of time with Isobel and this girl was not very confident in her cover. For me this really picked up through the middle and I enjoyed the action scenes much more than the therapeutic ones. I think I was struggling to separate this one from other therapy retreat stories.
I was surprised by the path and had guessed a different ending but was happy with that, I love not being able to figure out the end!
All in all a tense read that I found tough to put down, so give this one a listen and see if you could survive the Break-Up Retreat! 🏕️👩⚕️🔪
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced audio copy. Look for this to publish on June 9th, 2026!
Isobel is going undercover at the Himlafall Clinic where they promise to use revolutionary therapy to heal your heartbreak. She is hoping by doing this, she can investigate the rumors of missing women and poor practices and that this will land her a big expose piece. Where she may actually land is in a lot of danger..
This was a good read, I felt it could have used more development of the characters and their stories. We spent a lot of time with Isobel and this girl was not very confident in her cover. For me this really picked up through the middle and I enjoyed the action scenes much more than the therapeutic ones. I think I was struggling to separate this one from other therapy retreat stories.
I was surprised by the path and had guessed a different ending but was happy with that, I love not being able to figure out the end!
All in all a tense read that I found tough to put down, so give this one a listen and see if you could survive the Break-Up Retreat! 🏕️👩⚕️🔪
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced audio copy. Look for this to publish on June 9th, 2026!
June 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook ARC of the Break-Up Retreat by Camilla Sten. I have read her book The Lost Village a couple of years ago and enjoyed it well enough. This book is about a journalist, Isobel, whom goes undercover to find out why some women who go to this retreat disappear and are never heard from again. The retreat is ran by a high profile therapist named Dr. Hastings that specializes in treating women who repeatedly go thru toxic relationships and want to help them stop the cycle. Sounds good, right? Well, things always sound good in writing... While Isobel goes undercover, she starts getting threatening notes left at her door or seeing someone watching her from afar. The more she digs the more bad things start to happen. While Isobel must pretend to be a heartbroken woman with relationship issues, she is also going thru the treatments made by Dr. Hastings and is digging into her own psyche. I did enjoy the book but I felt there were some areas that needed more suspense and were left a little flat. The premise was good and the ending was too but I felt it needed a little more and that's why I'm giving it 3.5 stars.
June 9, 2026
Frustrated.
That was my overwhelming feeling when I reached the final page.
What makes that frustration worse is that I was genuinely excited to read this book. The premise is fantastic: a journalist goes undercover at a breakup retreat run by the mysterious Dr. Martina Hastings. On paper, this sounded like exactly the kind of thriller I would enjoy.
Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to the promise.
Isobel repeatedly emphasizes the importance of her undercover plan. Whenever friends question her decision, she reassures them by referencing this supposedly well thought out strategy. The problem is that once she arrives at the retreat, the plan quickly reveals itself to be the equivalent of thoughts and prayers. It exists in theory, but rarely in practice.
As the story progresses, Isobel begins making a series of decisions that left me increasingly frustrated. The critical thinking and common sense that should have made her a compelling investigative journalist seem to disappear at the moments when she needs them most. I kept waiting for the careful preparation she talked about at the beginning to pay off, but it never really did.
The supporting cast also failed to leave much of an impression. While there are numerous characters, few felt developed enough for me to form any meaningful connection to them.
Pacing was another issue. The first twenty chapters move quickly and create genuine intrigue. After that, however, the story slows considerably and struggles to maintain momentum. By the time the twists and reveals arrived, I was more exhausted than shocked.
This is not a terrible book. The premise alone carried me through to the end, and I can see readers enjoying the retreat setting and mystery elements. For me, though, the gap between the concept and the execution was too large to ignore.
Overall, this lands at a solid 2.5 stars. A compelling idea that never fully comes together.
My biggest challenge with the book was the number of plot holes. Certain details repeatedly pulled me out of the story. As one example that is not a spoiler: for safety reasons, it is worth noting that cast iron gates have manual release mechanisms. They may require additional effort to operate, but they do not become permanently unusable simply because the power goes out.
Thank you, NetGalley, Camilla Sten, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
That was my overwhelming feeling when I reached the final page.
What makes that frustration worse is that I was genuinely excited to read this book. The premise is fantastic: a journalist goes undercover at a breakup retreat run by the mysterious Dr. Martina Hastings. On paper, this sounded like exactly the kind of thriller I would enjoy.
Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to the promise.
Isobel repeatedly emphasizes the importance of her undercover plan. Whenever friends question her decision, she reassures them by referencing this supposedly well thought out strategy. The problem is that once she arrives at the retreat, the plan quickly reveals itself to be the equivalent of thoughts and prayers. It exists in theory, but rarely in practice.
As the story progresses, Isobel begins making a series of decisions that left me increasingly frustrated. The critical thinking and common sense that should have made her a compelling investigative journalist seem to disappear at the moments when she needs them most. I kept waiting for the careful preparation she talked about at the beginning to pay off, but it never really did.
The supporting cast also failed to leave much of an impression. While there are numerous characters, few felt developed enough for me to form any meaningful connection to them.
Pacing was another issue. The first twenty chapters move quickly and create genuine intrigue. After that, however, the story slows considerably and struggles to maintain momentum. By the time the twists and reveals arrived, I was more exhausted than shocked.
This is not a terrible book. The premise alone carried me through to the end, and I can see readers enjoying the retreat setting and mystery elements. For me, though, the gap between the concept and the execution was too large to ignore.
Overall, this lands at a solid 2.5 stars. A compelling idea that never fully comes together.
My biggest challenge with the book was the number of plot holes. Certain details repeatedly pulled me out of the story. As one example that is not a spoiler: for safety reasons, it is worth noting that cast iron gates have manual release mechanisms. They may require additional effort to operate, but they do not become permanently unusable simply because the power goes out.
Thank you, NetGalley, Camilla Sten, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2026
Another solid psychological thriller written by Camilla Sten, the author of The Lost Village (her debut novel), The Resting Place, and The Bachelorette Party. I’ll tell you right now I am a big fan of her writing, and locked-room mysteries.
Isobel does not want to be like her father: a disgraced journalist who went to jail before disappearing from her—and her mother’s—life. He was a fraud and a coward whose only interest in life was himself. To escape his legacy, Isobel decides to be the type of journalist who makes a difference by following a story that will become more dangerous than she anticipated.
Himlafall Clinic—a gated fortress situated in the middle of nowhere—caters to the (rich) brokenhearted woman who wants to have a healthy, and happy, love life. The women who are selected elect to surrender their electronic devises for an intense week of individual and group therapy provided by Doctor Martina Hastings, PhD. She is popular, beautiful, and capable of using the correct buzzwords to describe herself, her staff, and her state-of-the-art facility. However, something hinky has been going on that has propelled Isobel to go undercover as a lovelorn retreatant. A woman has gone missing, and Dr. Hastings style of therapy has been called unsound and dangerous. For the women staying in the luxury cabins, many of whom idolize the doctor, this may not turn into the week they are expecting.
Camilla Sten writes the type of book that doesn’t drag on. The suspense ramps up at the perfect pace and concludes in 320 glorious pages. Frauds are everywhere; whom should we trust? If you pay attention, you may figure that out sooner than I did (in my defense, I was right at least once, but then changed my mind several times. Good job, author!).
The one thing that drove me nuts was the recurring description of people with parentheses/furrows/lines between their eyebrows. Despite this, I highly recommend this book (and all of her other ones as well).
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC ebook.
Isobel does not want to be like her father: a disgraced journalist who went to jail before disappearing from her—and her mother’s—life. He was a fraud and a coward whose only interest in life was himself. To escape his legacy, Isobel decides to be the type of journalist who makes a difference by following a story that will become more dangerous than she anticipated.
Himlafall Clinic—a gated fortress situated in the middle of nowhere—caters to the (rich) brokenhearted woman who wants to have a healthy, and happy, love life. The women who are selected elect to surrender their electronic devises for an intense week of individual and group therapy provided by Doctor Martina Hastings, PhD. She is popular, beautiful, and capable of using the correct buzzwords to describe herself, her staff, and her state-of-the-art facility. However, something hinky has been going on that has propelled Isobel to go undercover as a lovelorn retreatant. A woman has gone missing, and Dr. Hastings style of therapy has been called unsound and dangerous. For the women staying in the luxury cabins, many of whom idolize the doctor, this may not turn into the week they are expecting.
Camilla Sten writes the type of book that doesn’t drag on. The suspense ramps up at the perfect pace and concludes in 320 glorious pages. Frauds are everywhere; whom should we trust? If you pay attention, you may figure that out sooner than I did (in my defense, I was right at least once, but then changed my mind several times. Good job, author!).
The one thing that drove me nuts was the recurring description of people with parentheses/furrows/lines between their eyebrows. Despite this, I highly recommend this book (and all of her other ones as well).
I would like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC ebook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me and a little difficult to rate. I’m going with 3.5 stars rounded up.
The book explores a lot about what can happen in the hands of an irresponsible mental health professional, and I think overall that was the best part of the story. I wish it had been explored more. The biggest issue is that the premise sets itself up to be about the abuses happening to women at Himlafall, and the story leads you that direction until it suddenly veers off into nearly slasher-film territory.
Watching the tricky way Dr. Martina Hastings manipulates her patient’s emotions and pits them against each other was fascinating and disturbing, but was unfortunately cut short mid story to explore a totally different avenue. At that point I was a bit annoyed at the change in direction and really wanted the story to rewind, to stop changing course and continue on the path it started.
I did think the big reveal was interesting, and saved the ending for me a bit. But overall the story would have been better if it had focused on the themes in the first half and leaned into them all the way through, seeing them to the end.
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me and a little difficult to rate. I’m going with 3.5 stars rounded up.
The book explores a lot about what can happen in the hands of an irresponsible mental health professional, and I think overall that was the best part of the story. I wish it had been explored more. The biggest issue is that the premise sets itself up to be about the abuses happening to women at Himlafall, and the story leads you that direction until it suddenly veers off into nearly slasher-film territory.
Watching the tricky way Dr. Martina Hastings manipulates her patient’s emotions and pits them against each other was fascinating and disturbing, but was unfortunately cut short mid story to explore a totally different avenue. At that point I was a bit annoyed at the change in direction and really wanted the story to rewind, to stop changing course and continue on the path it started.
I did think the big reveal was interesting, and saved the ending for me a bit. But overall the story would have been better if it had focused on the themes in the first half and leaned into them all the way through, seeing them to the end.
June 14, 2026
4 stars Thank you to Macmillan Books@MinotaurBooks for this ARC and NetGalley for the download in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Published June 9, 2026
A journalist, ready to make her mark, zeros in on a controversial retreat that advertise they will heal you from enduring a bad romance or break up. Isobel lies to get accepted and to be able to see the controversy from the inside. Things start off bad and only get worse.
This is my first read authored by Sten and it was enjoyable. There was enough twist and turns to keep me turning pages. There were characters to both like and not like and a story line that was plausible. Situations do not proceed as you would expect and the ending is tied up very well. This is an author I will now watch for upcoming books.
A journalist, ready to make her mark, zeros in on a controversial retreat that advertise they will heal you from enduring a bad romance or break up. Isobel lies to get accepted and to be able to see the controversy from the inside. Things start off bad and only get worse.
This is my first read authored by Sten and it was enjoyable. There was enough twist and turns to keep me turning pages. There were characters to both like and not like and a story line that was plausible. Situations do not proceed as you would expect and the ending is tied up very well. This is an author I will now watch for upcoming books.
April 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest opinion.
3.25⭐️
This book was…OK? I had much higher hopes for this one though. A wellness retreat ✅ Shady guests ✅ Spooky location ✅. Had all the components of a really good thriller, but this just fell flat for me. The story took awhile to get off the ground as it was giving us Isobel’s backstory, but it picked up once we arrived at the Himlafall Clinic (located deep in the Swedish woods). Everyone and everything had a creepy vibe at the clinic. I enjoyed that aspect. I was side-eyeing everyone at one point or another.
Then, Isobel just started making such crazy decisions, at one point I wrote in my notes “she’s not good at this undercover journalism thing and needs to pick a different dream 🥴”. I got so frustrated at certain points of the book and Isobel honestly drove me nuts with her stupidity. She is all over the place, the story is all over the place, and by the end I was ready for it to be done.
Was I surprised by the twist? Sure, I guess? I can’t say that the ending was satisfying because we were given so many unnecessary details about certain characters (Isobel included) that I didn’t see the ending coming because it really didn’t make sense (to me).
🎧 The narration was OK, the narrator has a nice, calming voice perfect for thrillers, BUT she didn’t have much range in distinguishing all the different characters- they all sounded the same.
Overall it was OK. It kept my attention I suppose, but this story just wasn’t for me.
3.25⭐️
This book was…OK? I had much higher hopes for this one though. A wellness retreat ✅ Shady guests ✅ Spooky location ✅. Had all the components of a really good thriller, but this just fell flat for me. The story took awhile to get off the ground as it was giving us Isobel’s backstory, but it picked up once we arrived at the Himlafall Clinic (located deep in the Swedish woods). Everyone and everything had a creepy vibe at the clinic. I enjoyed that aspect. I was side-eyeing everyone at one point or another.
Then, Isobel just started making such crazy decisions, at one point I wrote in my notes “she’s not good at this undercover journalism thing and needs to pick a different dream 🥴”. I got so frustrated at certain points of the book and Isobel honestly drove me nuts with her stupidity. She is all over the place, the story is all over the place, and by the end I was ready for it to be done.
Was I surprised by the twist? Sure, I guess? I can’t say that the ending was satisfying because we were given so many unnecessary details about certain characters (Isobel included) that I didn’t see the ending coming because it really didn’t make sense (to me).
🎧 The narration was OK, the narrator has a nice, calming voice perfect for thrillers, BUT she didn’t have much range in distinguishing all the different characters- they all sounded the same.
Overall it was OK. It kept my attention I suppose, but this story just wasn’t for me.
February 20, 2026
This was a fast-paced, locked-door thriller with a really unique concept that immediately pulled me in. The idea of a secretive breakup retreat set at the Himlafall Clinic? So good. It’s the kind of setting that automatically feels tense and suspicious in the best way.
The story follows Isobel, who goes undercover at the retreat to expose its founder, and that undercover angle definitely kept things moving. The pacing was strong throughout — it’s one of those books you can fly through in a couple of sittings.
That said, I didn’t feel super connected to Isobel as the female main character. Her backstory was well built out and thoughtfully developed, but emotionally I just never fully clicked with her. I wanted a little more depth in how she reacted to everything happening around her.
It was also fairly predictable at times, and with a limited cast of characters, it wasn’t too hard to narrow down where things were heading. Still, the atmosphere and unique premise made it an entertaining read overall.
If you like contained, suspenseful thrillers with an undercover twist and a slightly sinister wellness vibe, this one’s worth picking up.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
The story follows Isobel, who goes undercover at the retreat to expose its founder, and that undercover angle definitely kept things moving. The pacing was strong throughout — it’s one of those books you can fly through in a couple of sittings.
That said, I didn’t feel super connected to Isobel as the female main character. Her backstory was well built out and thoughtfully developed, but emotionally I just never fully clicked with her. I wanted a little more depth in how she reacted to everything happening around her.
It was also fairly predictable at times, and with a limited cast of characters, it wasn’t too hard to narrow down where things were heading. Still, the atmosphere and unique premise made it an entertaining read overall.
If you like contained, suspenseful thrillers with an undercover twist and a slightly sinister wellness vibe, this one’s worth picking up.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
March 3, 2026
I’ve been looking for a good unique thriller to pull me out of my slump and this did just that. This honestly gave me major Get Out x Midsommar x Stepford Wives vibes that made for a really interesting plot. The story starts off really slow but the second things start to take a turn around 30% they never stopped. I love psychological thrillers because it lets you explore a darker aspect of the human psyche and acts as a puzzle that both the reader and main character have to solve. I actually really enjoyed the plot twist and I felt like it made sense completely with the story.
I almost wish there was one more chapter before the epilogue to really conclude that part of the story. It felt like it ended really abruptly and the characters we spent the whole book with just fizzled out and got lost. I loved the use of social media posts and articles about the resort adding context, but I think if they were put at the beginning of the chapters it would have more impact. Nonetheless I read this so fast and I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Arc of this book!
I almost wish there was one more chapter before the epilogue to really conclude that part of the story. It felt like it ended really abruptly and the characters we spent the whole book with just fizzled out and got lost. I loved the use of social media posts and articles about the resort adding context, but I think if they were put at the beginning of the chapters it would have more impact. Nonetheless I read this so fast and I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Arc of this book!
June 14, 2026
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not impact my rating or review.
So this was a very slow burn of a thriller. It took a while to get going and then once it does, it becomes really good, but then it just kind of devolves into a slasher book and the ending felt rushed. I wish that we had spent some more time with some of the other women at the clinic as well.
The Break-Up Retreat follows Isobel who is on her way to the Himlafall Clinic in Sweden. Isobel has heard many things about Himlafall and the doctor that runs the place, Dr. Martina Hastings. The clinic is supposed to help women get over devastating break-ups and move on in their lives. But Isobel is determined to get to the truth about what is going on at the clinic and why some women report afterwards that they feel brainwashed and duped by the good doctor.
Isobel is a freelance journalist who seems hell-bent on escaping from her father's legacy. She has a lot to prove and at times during the book didn't feel that smart to me. I think because she was hyper-focused on not blowing her cover and not realizing that there were bigger things going on at the clinic.
The other women in the story didn't feel that developed until you start to get them into the group therapy sessions that Dr. Hastings insists on. I wish we had gotten more scenes like that, because they all then felt very real to me in the moment.
This takes place in a secluded place in the Swedish woods and just felt dark to me in general. I don't know if I really got a sense this is Sweden while reading the book though.
The ending as I said just kind of happens very fast and a lot of murdering goes on. And then we jump forward and way too many things get quickly explained, at least for me.
So this was a very slow burn of a thriller. It took a while to get going and then once it does, it becomes really good, but then it just kind of devolves into a slasher book and the ending felt rushed. I wish that we had spent some more time with some of the other women at the clinic as well.
The Break-Up Retreat follows Isobel who is on her way to the Himlafall Clinic in Sweden. Isobel has heard many things about Himlafall and the doctor that runs the place, Dr. Martina Hastings. The clinic is supposed to help women get over devastating break-ups and move on in their lives. But Isobel is determined to get to the truth about what is going on at the clinic and why some women report afterwards that they feel brainwashed and duped by the good doctor.
Isobel is a freelance journalist who seems hell-bent on escaping from her father's legacy. She has a lot to prove and at times during the book didn't feel that smart to me. I think because she was hyper-focused on not blowing her cover and not realizing that there were bigger things going on at the clinic.
The other women in the story didn't feel that developed until you start to get them into the group therapy sessions that Dr. Hastings insists on. I wish we had gotten more scenes like that, because they all then felt very real to me in the moment.
This takes place in a secluded place in the Swedish woods and just felt dark to me in general. I don't know if I really got a sense this is Sweden while reading the book though.
The ending as I said just kind of happens very fast and a lot of murdering goes on. And then we jump forward and way too many things get quickly explained, at least for me.
February 26, 2026
Unfortunately, this one didn’t land for me. Although I found the pacing very fast and the setup intriguing, there simply isn’t enough information, dialogue, or action for me to differentiate the characters, get invested in the story, or care about what happens next—especially given how short it is.
The setting is a retreat for recent singles to receive therapy about their relationships and move on from them. However, we never learn why half the people are there or what really happens at the retreat at all. I don’t think many of the core group of characters had any real description beyond the seven or eight names mentioned. Aside from one character who we hear about what colour her hair is and a tattoo she has for some random reason.
At the beginning, there’s a schedule for the retreat, but it only seems to be followed for that one page. After that, there’s no structure at all. The relationships between the patients in their group settings feel very unrealistic, and everything just feels scattered and unfocused. Feels like half the book was missing.
We learn quite a bit about the main character’s past at the beginning, which gives her some depth, but it doesn’t end up connecting to anything else in the story, so it feels pointless. Overall, it all felt very disjointed.
The ending was very anticlimactic and left me with more questions than answers. I was expecting more Wayward-institution vibes or at least some tension building, but instead there was just a lot of nothing.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for an arc copy to review! I would try this author again once more
The setting is a retreat for recent singles to receive therapy about their relationships and move on from them. However, we never learn why half the people are there or what really happens at the retreat at all. I don’t think many of the core group of characters had any real description beyond the seven or eight names mentioned. Aside from one character who we hear about what colour her hair is and a tattoo she has for some random reason.
At the beginning, there’s a schedule for the retreat, but it only seems to be followed for that one page. After that, there’s no structure at all. The relationships between the patients in their group settings feel very unrealistic, and everything just feels scattered and unfocused. Feels like half the book was missing.
We learn quite a bit about the main character’s past at the beginning, which gives her some depth, but it doesn’t end up connecting to anything else in the story, so it feels pointless. Overall, it all felt very disjointed.
The ending was very anticlimactic and left me with more questions than answers. I was expecting more Wayward-institution vibes or at least some tension building, but instead there was just a lot of nothing.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for an arc copy to review! I would try this author again once more
March 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
2.5 stars
Hmm I’m not sure about this one… The general synopsis was right up my alley: an upcoming journalist goes to a breakup retreat where a woman has gone missing and people believe there is cult-like activity going on. I had a hard time putting it down in the beginning, but as it went on it just started to feel more absurd. I think I was expecting the “cult” idea to be more prominent, but that wasn’t the case at all.
Another critique I have is that I wish we had more evidence of the retreat being actually dangerous. We know that a woman has disappeared and that there’s some shady money-grab business going on, but we don’t have a lot of evidence as to why Isobel should be fearing for her life at every turn. She is quite paranoid about being killed or attacked but I just didn’t feel like there was enough evidence for that to be the case. Another thing is that Isobel often made choices that made me feel a bit frustrated with her. She’s supposed to be undercover and indiscreet, yet she kept pushing the boundaries and making herself look suspicious early on. I just feel like what I thought was going on was so disconnected from what actually was happening and I couldn’t get into it. I would, however, read more from this author because I enjoyed the writing style.
2.5 stars
Hmm I’m not sure about this one… The general synopsis was right up my alley: an upcoming journalist goes to a breakup retreat where a woman has gone missing and people believe there is cult-like activity going on. I had a hard time putting it down in the beginning, but as it went on it just started to feel more absurd. I think I was expecting the “cult” idea to be more prominent, but that wasn’t the case at all.
Another critique I have is that I wish we had more evidence of the retreat being actually dangerous. We know that a woman has disappeared and that there’s some shady money-grab business going on, but we don’t have a lot of evidence as to why Isobel should be fearing for her life at every turn. She is quite paranoid about being killed or attacked but I just didn’t feel like there was enough evidence for that to be the case. Another thing is that Isobel often made choices that made me feel a bit frustrated with her. She’s supposed to be undercover and indiscreet, yet she kept pushing the boundaries and making herself look suspicious early on. I just feel like what I thought was going on was so disconnected from what actually was happening and I couldn’t get into it. I would, however, read more from this author because I enjoyed the writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
I would like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed the author’s previous books so I was excited to dive into this one and finished it quickly. Isobel is a journalist going under cover to find out what is really going on at Himlafall, a break up retreat being run by a famous psychologist. She wants to know what happened to a missing patient and why people are going bankrupt over being there. Set in a remote location 5 hours outside of Stockholm, and when the weather goes bad and things start going wrong… it becomes a game of cat and mouse, who will win? A very atmospheric thriller that I couldn’t put down. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her next book.
June 15, 2026
i didn’t really know what i was getting into with this one, but i was surprised by how much i enjoyed it! the premise was creepy and unique, and the story moved at a fast pace that kept me wanting to know what was really going on at the clinic. the tension kept building, and by the time i got to the ending i was so stressed out trying to see how everything would play out. while a few parts required a little suspension of disbelief, overall this was an entertaining psychological thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
thank you netgalley for the arc!
thank you netgalley for the arc!
May 6, 2026
An undercover journalist enrolls in an exclusive wellness retreat for heartbroken women to investigate the disappearance of a former patient, suspecting the retreat and its leader are hiding something sinister.
The premise of The Breakup Retreat is immediately intriguing. A psychological wellness clinic catering to emotionally vulnerable women creates an unsettling backdrop, and from the start it is clear that something about the retreat and its leader is not right. Isobel’s determination to uncover what happened to the missing woman feels believable for an investigative reporter.
For much of the book, the atmosphere and mystery work well. The tension builds steadily, and the characters are mostly convincing. Unfortunately, the story goes off the rails near the end. What begins as a psychological thriller abruptly shifts into graphic, gory territory that feels unnecessary and out of place.
The ending is especially disappointing. The resolution feels rushed, and the final sentence seems like an afterthought meant to circle back to Isobel’s original internal drive to investigate, rather than a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, this book has an intriguing concept and a solid setup, but uneven execution. I would only recommend it to thriller readers who do not mind a bit of light horror and are less concerned with a strong, cohesive ending. Trigger warning for domestic abuse.
The premise of The Breakup Retreat is immediately intriguing. A psychological wellness clinic catering to emotionally vulnerable women creates an unsettling backdrop, and from the start it is clear that something about the retreat and its leader is not right. Isobel’s determination to uncover what happened to the missing woman feels believable for an investigative reporter.
For much of the book, the atmosphere and mystery work well. The tension builds steadily, and the characters are mostly convincing. Unfortunately, the story goes off the rails near the end. What begins as a psychological thriller abruptly shifts into graphic, gory territory that feels unnecessary and out of place.
The ending is especially disappointing. The resolution feels rushed, and the final sentence seems like an afterthought meant to circle back to Isobel’s original internal drive to investigate, rather than a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, this book has an intriguing concept and a solid setup, but uneven execution. I would only recommend it to thriller readers who do not mind a bit of light horror and are less concerned with a strong, cohesive ending. Trigger warning for domestic abuse.
Want to Read
June 9, 2026ARC received! Thank you, Macmillan Audio!
April 14, 2026
#ad much love for my advance copy @minotaur_books #partner #SMPEarlyReaders
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
The Break-Up Retreat
< @
Releases: June 9, 2026
WELCOME TO HIMLAFALL. YOUR NEW LIFE BEGINS TODAY.
I don't run away when things get hard…
It’s a state-of-the-art facility guaranteeing that you’ll leave with the tools you need to find the right person for you. Love is possible. A broken heart doesn’t have to end you.
But there’s rumors that swirl about The Himlafall Clinic and Isobel is determined to find out what’s actually happening at that center. Get your cover story ready because we’re going in.
I have a love/dislike for this author. Her premises always get me - every single time. But the execution doesn’t always hit with me. Yet, she’s still one of my favorite authors. Erm, I have no clue why. I’ll have to think on that.
I loved and disliked this book. It had everything but also didn’t at the same time.
I did love how she explained how a broken heart is like a broken ankle.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and highly recommend it. Peyton Mader was literally perfect and I enjoyed the audiobook. Listening to her was like listening to some of my favs.
I obv did enjoy it more than the dislike tho.
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
The Break-Up Retreat
< @
Releases: June 9, 2026
WELCOME TO HIMLAFALL. YOUR NEW LIFE BEGINS TODAY.
I don't run away when things get hard…
It’s a state-of-the-art facility guaranteeing that you’ll leave with the tools you need to find the right person for you. Love is possible. A broken heart doesn’t have to end you.
But there’s rumors that swirl about The Himlafall Clinic and Isobel is determined to find out what’s actually happening at that center. Get your cover story ready because we’re going in.
I have a love/dislike for this author. Her premises always get me - every single time. But the execution doesn’t always hit with me. Yet, she’s still one of my favorite authors. Erm, I have no clue why. I’ll have to think on that.
I loved and disliked this book. It had everything but also didn’t at the same time.
I did love how she explained how a broken heart is like a broken ankle.
🎧: Also followed along with the audio and highly recommend it. Peyton Mader was literally perfect and I enjoyed the audiobook. Listening to her was like listening to some of my favs.
I obv did enjoy it more than the dislike tho.
June 22, 2026
2.5
This book was so average, but I was hardly surprised since I expected as much. I had hoped some magic might appear to get this book more exciting, but no, it turned out exactly what I had expected. Just a very familiar motif around a wellness retreat with a mix of a weird methodology, the sense of isolation, the lack of outside communication, a cluster of chaotic patients and a limited number of staffs. The ending was unpredicted but not unexpected as it was a norm for this kind of motif.
I didn't feel any connection with the main female character Isobel. She claimed she was undercover, doing journalistic things to get a story. But for a person who always thought highly of herself, she was so bad at being undercover, and she did numerous things that made me question about her profesionalism. She told that she got rejected in every newspaper she applied for and now she must prove to them by writing this story about this wellness center. Personally, I think those newspaper were right not to take her in as she was really really bad at her job. She kept making poor decisions, exposing herself unneccesarily although what she needed to do was blending in. She was easily emotionally swayed and didn't prepare herself for unexpected situations. She came here under the pretense of a patient, and always reminded her friends/the readers that she was here to write a story, to make a name of herself. And yet, that carefully crafted plan of hers was just a myth. The lack of preparation and calculation was frustratingly comical. Her stupidity astounded me. Moreover, I couldn't see any development in her characterization in this book.
The story was poorly executed since half of the book there was nothing happening, besides the therapy talk and the portrayal of the "evil doctor" (yes, a very caricature portrayal) as in Isobel's default thinking. The other patiens were not distinct and well-developed enough for me to get emotionally attached to, so I really never cared about them in the first place. This wellness retreat to me was like a joke, it was laughable that someone would actually be stupid enough to spend money on this retreat. This book lacked substantial details to point out the benefits of this treatment, so I was never convinced in this retreat and all the therapist talking. The payoff was lacking the revelation I need about this treatment.
The final revelation was ridiculous, and yet, not unexpected. I just didn't care anymore, so it was okay to me. I couldn't get invested in them, so whatevery happened to them wasn't interested me. Also, the book fell into the trap of portrayin stereotypes: while Isobel was behaving so stupidly and unprofessionally throughout the book (even though she was a self-claimed journalist), she suddenly became quick-witted and couldn even replace the position of a professional therapist - wow, that was genious!
One more thing you need to do when reading is to suspend any disbelief. For example, if the antagonist were that particular character, why didn't they get rid of any witnesses right the time they set eyes on each other in fear of being recognized? Why waited until Isobel came here???
And what was the role of Ellen, the physical therapist? She only appeared for the first few chapters, then there was no mention of her again.
This book was so average, but I was hardly surprised since I expected as much. I had hoped some magic might appear to get this book more exciting, but no, it turned out exactly what I had expected. Just a very familiar motif around a wellness retreat with a mix of a weird methodology, the sense of isolation, the lack of outside communication, a cluster of chaotic patients and a limited number of staffs. The ending was unpredicted but not unexpected as it was a norm for this kind of motif.
I didn't feel any connection with the main female character Isobel. She claimed she was undercover, doing journalistic things to get a story. But for a person who always thought highly of herself, she was so bad at being undercover, and she did numerous things that made me question about her profesionalism. She told that she got rejected in every newspaper she applied for and now she must prove to them by writing this story about this wellness center. Personally, I think those newspaper were right not to take her in as she was really really bad at her job. She kept making poor decisions, exposing herself unneccesarily although what she needed to do was blending in. She was easily emotionally swayed and didn't prepare herself for unexpected situations. She came here under the pretense of a patient, and always reminded her friends/the readers that she was here to write a story, to make a name of herself. And yet, that carefully crafted plan of hers was just a myth. The lack of preparation and calculation was frustratingly comical. Her stupidity astounded me. Moreover, I couldn't see any development in her characterization in this book.
The story was poorly executed since half of the book there was nothing happening, besides the therapy talk and the portrayal of the "evil doctor" (yes, a very caricature portrayal) as in Isobel's default thinking. The other patiens were not distinct and well-developed enough for me to get emotionally attached to, so I really never cared about them in the first place. This wellness retreat to me was like a joke, it was laughable that someone would actually be stupid enough to spend money on this retreat. This book lacked substantial details to point out the benefits of this treatment, so I was never convinced in this retreat and all the therapist talking. The payoff was lacking the revelation I need about this treatment.
The final revelation was ridiculous, and yet, not unexpected. I just didn't care anymore, so it was okay to me. I couldn't get invested in them, so whatevery happened to them wasn't interested me. Also, the book fell into the trap of portrayin stereotypes: while Isobel was behaving so stupidly and unprofessionally throughout the book (even though she was a self-claimed journalist), she suddenly became quick-witted and couldn even replace the position of a professional therapist - wow, that was genious!
One more thing you need to do when reading is to suspend any disbelief. For example, if the antagonist were that particular character, why didn't they get rid of any witnesses right the time they set eyes on each other in fear of being recognized? Why waited until Isobel came here???
And what was the role of Ellen, the physical therapist? She only appeared for the first few chapters, then there was no mention of her again.
June 22, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio #MacAudio2026 for the gifted audiobook, and Minotaur Books & St. Martin's Press #SMPEarlyReaders & NetGalley for the e-ARC...this is my honest review.
🎧📱 The Break-Up Retreat 📱🎧
Author: Camilla Sten
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Peyton Mader
Length: 9 hours, 46 minutes
Publisher: Minotaur Books | St. Martin's Press
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
If you enjoy creepy thrillers that merge wellness retreats with remote settings and locked room vibes, you are going to love Camilla Sten's latest read, The Break-Up Retreat!
I read this one as a combo of the e-arc and the audiobook, and I thought Peyton Mader did a fabulous job of bringing the suspense and creepiness of this story to the audiobook!
Nestled deep in the Swedish woods, the Himlafall Clinic is a wellness retreat primarily aimed at helping and healing women who have gone through devastating break-ups. But investigative journalist Isobel has heard rumors about women who go missing after attending, so she decides to go undercover and get closure for the families of missing loved ones. But when she gets there, nothing goes to plan. It's clear something is going wrong at Himlafall, and Isobel must uncover the truth before she disappears once and for all.
I really enjoyed this book and the way Sten brought creepy, unsettling vibes into what was supposed to be a healing retreat for women who are struggling to cope with break-ups they just can't shake. Some of the excerpts from the founding therapist's fictional books actually had me wishing the books were real -- as they were the sort-of post break-up self-help reads that I sure could've used at some points in my life! 🤣
This is my second read from this author, and I know I can count on her books to bring unsettling vibes in the creepiest of settings! If you're a fan of thrillers that include wellness retreats, missing persons, undercover journalists, locked room vibes, and a whole lot of characters you'll be side-eyeing from start to finish -- The Break-Up Retreat is a must-add for your TBR! Out now!
#TheBreakupRetreat #CamillaSten #MacmillanAudio #audiobook #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #SMPEarlyReaders #partner #NetGalley #eARC #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
🎧📱 The Break-Up Retreat 📱🎧
Author: Camilla Sten
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Peyton Mader
Length: 9 hours, 46 minutes
Publisher: Minotaur Books | St. Martin's Press
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
If you enjoy creepy thrillers that merge wellness retreats with remote settings and locked room vibes, you are going to love Camilla Sten's latest read, The Break-Up Retreat!
I read this one as a combo of the e-arc and the audiobook, and I thought Peyton Mader did a fabulous job of bringing the suspense and creepiness of this story to the audiobook!
Nestled deep in the Swedish woods, the Himlafall Clinic is a wellness retreat primarily aimed at helping and healing women who have gone through devastating break-ups. But investigative journalist Isobel has heard rumors about women who go missing after attending, so she decides to go undercover and get closure for the families of missing loved ones. But when she gets there, nothing goes to plan. It's clear something is going wrong at Himlafall, and Isobel must uncover the truth before she disappears once and for all.
I really enjoyed this book and the way Sten brought creepy, unsettling vibes into what was supposed to be a healing retreat for women who are struggling to cope with break-ups they just can't shake. Some of the excerpts from the founding therapist's fictional books actually had me wishing the books were real -- as they were the sort-of post break-up self-help reads that I sure could've used at some points in my life! 🤣
This is my second read from this author, and I know I can count on her books to bring unsettling vibes in the creepiest of settings! If you're a fan of thrillers that include wellness retreats, missing persons, undercover journalists, locked room vibes, and a whole lot of characters you'll be side-eyeing from start to finish -- The Break-Up Retreat is a must-add for your TBR! Out now!
#TheBreakupRetreat #CamillaSten #MacmillanAudio #audiobook #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #SMPEarlyReaders #partner #NetGalley #eARC #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
April 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Review
The Breakup Retreat has such a compelling and unique premise—people travel to the Himlafall Clinic to heal from heartbreak, guided by a famous influencer who promises transformation and emotional recovery. It’s the kind of setup that instantly pulls you in, and I was really intrigued from the start.
The story follows Isobel, an undercover writer determined to uncover what truly goes on at the retreat, especially after a former patient mysteriously never returns. This investigative angle added an extra layer of suspense that kept me curious to see how everything would unfold.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how unsettling the therapy sessions are. They’re intense, sometimes disturbing, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for the patients going through them. It definitely creates an eerie and uncomfortable atmosphere that fits well with the story’s tone.
That said, the pacing felt uneven. There were stretches where the story dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged. I also found the ending somewhat predictable, which took away from the overall impact. On top of that, the characters weren’t particularly relatable, which made it difficult to fully connect with their experiences.
Overall, while it didn’t completely live up to its potential, The Breakup Retreat still offers an interesting concept and some genuinely chilling moments. A solid 3.5-star read for fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers.
The Breakup Retreat has such a compelling and unique premise—people travel to the Himlafall Clinic to heal from heartbreak, guided by a famous influencer who promises transformation and emotional recovery. It’s the kind of setup that instantly pulls you in, and I was really intrigued from the start.
The story follows Isobel, an undercover writer determined to uncover what truly goes on at the retreat, especially after a former patient mysteriously never returns. This investigative angle added an extra layer of suspense that kept me curious to see how everything would unfold.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how unsettling the therapy sessions are. They’re intense, sometimes disturbing, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for the patients going through them. It definitely creates an eerie and uncomfortable atmosphere that fits well with the story’s tone.
That said, the pacing felt uneven. There were stretches where the story dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged. I also found the ending somewhat predictable, which took away from the overall impact. On top of that, the characters weren’t particularly relatable, which made it difficult to fully connect with their experiences.
Overall, while it didn’t completely live up to its potential, The Breakup Retreat still offers an interesting concept and some genuinely chilling moments. A solid 3.5-star read for fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers.
May 21, 2026
Thank you to the author and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This book’s premise had me instantly: journalist Isobel goes undercover at a breakup retreat to investigate rumored cult‑like malpractices. The tension of her cover story and the unsettling atmosphere keep the early chapters engaging.
Where the story lost momentum for me was the twist. I’m usually an easy target for thriller misdirection, but I clocked it way too early. The reveal and the rapid‑fire events that followed felt rushed, and by the end I was left with a very polite “okay then.”
If you love light cult‑adjacent thrillers, this might scratch the itch. Otherwise, I’d probably skip the retreat.
This book’s premise had me instantly: journalist Isobel goes undercover at a breakup retreat to investigate rumored cult‑like malpractices. The tension of her cover story and the unsettling atmosphere keep the early chapters engaging.
Where the story lost momentum for me was the twist. I’m usually an easy target for thriller misdirection, but I clocked it way too early. The reveal and the rapid‑fire events that followed felt rushed, and by the end I was left with a very polite “okay then.”
If you love light cult‑adjacent thrillers, this might scratch the itch. Otherwise, I’d probably skip the retreat.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and author Camilla Sten, for providing me with the ALC of “The Break-up Retreat”.
💭My Thoughts💭
Okay, that ending was something I wasn’t expecting. I really thought it was going another way but I am okay with it.
This book is perfect for your ears when you need some fun twisty vibes. Peyton narrated this perfectly and no notes. She kept me engaged, because lets me honest I would have been so lost with this one.
I feel like I can’t talk about anything in fear of giving something away, so here’s me telling you to read it.
❣️Tropes❣️
Mystery / Thriller
Sweden
Wellness Retreat
Undercover “journalist”
Fast paced
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level:
🎧 Single Narration 9h 46m at 2x
🎙️ Peyton Mader
Narration Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
💭My Thoughts💭
Okay, that ending was something I wasn’t expecting. I really thought it was going another way but I am okay with it.
This book is perfect for your ears when you need some fun twisty vibes. Peyton narrated this perfectly and no notes. She kept me engaged, because lets me honest I would have been so lost with this one.
I feel like I can’t talk about anything in fear of giving something away, so here’s me telling you to read it.
❣️Tropes❣️
Mystery / Thriller
Sweden
Wellness Retreat
Undercover “journalist”
Fast paced
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level:
🎧 Single Narration 9h 46m at 2x
🎙️ Peyton Mader
Narration Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
March 2, 2026
Camilla Sten does it again.
The Break-Up Retreat is another edge-of-your-seat, page-turner thriller that completely pulled me in from the start. What begins as a secluded getaway meant for healing and fresh starts quickly tightens into something far more unsettling — and once the tension starts building, it never really lets up.
Sten excels at atmosphere, and this setting is no exception. The isolation feels claustrophobic in the best way, the relationships are layered and messy, and there’s an undercurrent of unease humming beneath every interaction. I loved how the emotional fallout of the breakups wasn’t just background context — it actively shaped the characters’ decisions, suspicions, and alliances.
The pacing is relentless without feeling rushed. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, Sten shifted the ground again. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down — the kind of book where you say “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight.
If you’re already a Camilla Sten fan, this absolutely delivers. And if you’re new to her work, this is a fantastic example of what she does so well: sharp tension, psychologically complex characters, and twists that feel earned rather than shocking for the sake of it.
Another fantastic thriller from an auto-read author for me.
Thank you to Camilla Sten, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Break-Up Retreat is another edge-of-your-seat, page-turner thriller that completely pulled me in from the start. What begins as a secluded getaway meant for healing and fresh starts quickly tightens into something far more unsettling — and once the tension starts building, it never really lets up.
Sten excels at atmosphere, and this setting is no exception. The isolation feels claustrophobic in the best way, the relationships are layered and messy, and there’s an undercurrent of unease humming beneath every interaction. I loved how the emotional fallout of the breakups wasn’t just background context — it actively shaped the characters’ decisions, suspicions, and alliances.
The pacing is relentless without feeling rushed. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, Sten shifted the ground again. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down — the kind of book where you say “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight.
If you’re already a Camilla Sten fan, this absolutely delivers. And if you’re new to her work, this is a fantastic example of what she does so well: sharp tension, psychologically complex characters, and twists that feel earned rather than shocking for the sake of it.
Another fantastic thriller from an auto-read author for me.
Thank you to Camilla Sten, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2026
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is now my second book by Camilla Sten and I love them both. I am Swedish and grew up in Sweden so I think it is extra exciting to read books with Swedish details. I love the name selections, the places where the story is located, and the small details that remind me of home. I think they are so suspenseful. I don’t want to use the word “simple” to describe them, but I don’t have another word at the moment. They are so easy to read and I feel like the story is laid out perfectly. As if I am there myself. Yet I seem to not understand what is happening, and it’s great.
Himlafall clinic, a place to heal your heartbreak. How amazing. Everyone must want to go there, right? Nothing bad happens there, right? It’s a safe place, meant for healing. Maybe. Unless it holds deep dark secrets. Unless people go there to feel better, and nobody hears from them ever again. Unless it’s not a place for healing.
You should read this, right now. A quick read that will keep you hooked from page one. You don’t want to miss it.
This is now my second book by Camilla Sten and I love them both. I am Swedish and grew up in Sweden so I think it is extra exciting to read books with Swedish details. I love the name selections, the places where the story is located, and the small details that remind me of home. I think they are so suspenseful. I don’t want to use the word “simple” to describe them, but I don’t have another word at the moment. They are so easy to read and I feel like the story is laid out perfectly. As if I am there myself. Yet I seem to not understand what is happening, and it’s great.
Himlafall clinic, a place to heal your heartbreak. How amazing. Everyone must want to go there, right? Nothing bad happens there, right? It’s a safe place, meant for healing. Maybe. Unless it holds deep dark secrets. Unless people go there to feel better, and nobody hears from them ever again. Unless it’s not a place for healing.
You should read this, right now. A quick read that will keep you hooked from page one. You don’t want to miss it.
Want to Read
February 16, 2026oooh I like this author too!! Such a fun, new release year! this cover is gorgeous! Can't wait - Pub Date: June 2026
*** ARC REC'D THANK YOU! **
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
*** ARC REC'D THANK YOU! **
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 20, 2026
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
The Break Up Retreat by Camilla Sten
4 ⭐️
Genre: Atmospheric Psychological Thriller
Thank you so much to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for this advanced reader copy! To start:
- I loved the unique plot line - heartbroken women spend an arm and a leg to earn a week at the Himlafall clinic. An undercover journalist signs up in hopes to investigate the woman who mysteriously disappeared from there!
- The atmospheric setting - a secluded and exclusive cabin retreat in the Swedish woods? A scary rain storm? Yes please to all!
- The mixed media in the story - you’ll see email excerpts, Reddit threads, Instagram posts. I truly enjoy books that incorporate these.
Why didn’t I rank this novel 5 stars?
- There were quite a few characters that didn’t receive enough development in order for me to tell them apart. Leyla and Katarina were very similar.
- The pacing felt a bit slow at certain points. A little extra editing down could help this book to pack a bigger punch.
- I wish there had been more clues along the way. I like a book where I’m questioning everyone at every corner. The villain just seemed like a weird vagrant in the woods.
Overall I truly enjoyed this book! I binged it in 2 days and will absolutely be recommending to friends and family!
The Break Up Retreat by Camilla Sten
4 ⭐️
Genre: Atmospheric Psychological Thriller
Thank you so much to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for this advanced reader copy! To start:
- I loved the unique plot line - heartbroken women spend an arm and a leg to earn a week at the Himlafall clinic. An undercover journalist signs up in hopes to investigate the woman who mysteriously disappeared from there!
- The atmospheric setting - a secluded and exclusive cabin retreat in the Swedish woods? A scary rain storm? Yes please to all!
- The mixed media in the story - you’ll see email excerpts, Reddit threads, Instagram posts. I truly enjoy books that incorporate these.
Why didn’t I rank this novel 5 stars?
- There were quite a few characters that didn’t receive enough development in order for me to tell them apart. Leyla and Katarina were very similar.
- The pacing felt a bit slow at certain points. A little extra editing down could help this book to pack a bigger punch.
- I wish there had been more clues along the way. I like a book where I’m questioning everyone at every corner. The villain just seemed like a weird vagrant in the woods.
Overall I truly enjoyed this book! I binged it in 2 days and will absolutely be recommending to friends and family!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Break-Up Retreat kept me engaged from start to finish, but it left me wanting more.
The story focuses on emotional abuse, manipulation and gaslighting, which creates a dark and uncomfortable atmosphere. While that tension keeps the pages turning, it also makes for a heavy read. There’s a twist that didn't really shock me, and the ending felt a bit flat.
I can’t quite put my finger on what was missing. The suspense was there, but the story didn’t fully come together in a memorable way. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
Fans of Nine Perfect Strangers might enjoy this for the dark retreat setting and psychological tension, though this one has more violence and gore.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
The story focuses on emotional abuse, manipulation and gaslighting, which creates a dark and uncomfortable atmosphere. While that tension keeps the pages turning, it also makes for a heavy read. There’s a twist that didn't really shock me, and the ending felt a bit flat.
I can’t quite put my finger on what was missing. The suspense was there, but the story didn’t fully come together in a memorable way. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
Fans of Nine Perfect Strangers might enjoy this for the dark retreat setting and psychological tension, though this one has more violence and gore.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book was the perfect weekend read for me. A quick, fast paced read that kept me sucked in. There was no chance I wasn’t finishing this book before the end of the weekend because I needed to know how to ended.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes quick, suspenseful mystery with some twists along the way. The addition of online posts was a fun way to connect some missing pieces.
This book was the perfect weekend read for me. A quick, fast paced read that kept me sucked in. There was no chance I wasn’t finishing this book before the end of the weekend because I needed to know how to ended.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes quick, suspenseful mystery with some twists along the way. The addition of online posts was a fun way to connect some missing pieces.
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