What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 21:29:16
20 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Break-Up Retreat: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 21:29:16
20 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
53 people are currently reading
10457 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Sten
24 books1,404 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
January 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Sten and St Martin’s Press for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn’t what I expected from Sten, much more thriller than horror until the ending. Still very enjoyable with some stellar twists and decently quick pacing. I would recommend.
This wasn’t what I expected from Sten, much more thriller than horror until the ending. Still very enjoyable with some stellar twists and decently quick pacing. I would recommend.
March 11, 2026
Well, shoot. Started off great, but began to take some hard turns from the 25% mark. The therapy just seemed like bad aggressive arguing. Too far fetched for me, and lacking in any favorable characters. Concept was intriguing, though. 2.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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 surprising 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 surprising 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.
Read
March 7, 2026Search for cure to my broken heart
search for new start path
at road of many broken oak i walk
dig for hiden flower and dream
take many print from thee
there secret at dark night tuch our sin at heart
lost at many horror path
my body lost at fog of days
my grive try to breath
i come at the end of my path
new start new cure
its nt full glasses or half its new us
search for new start path
at road of many broken oak i walk
dig for hiden flower and dream
take many print from thee
there secret at dark night tuch our sin at heart
lost at many horror path
my body lost at fog of days
my grive try to breath
i come at the end of my path
new start new cure
its nt full glasses or half its new us
February 26, 2026
WOW I really enjoyed this one. I kept picking this book up at night and falling asleep and having to close it early but when I picked it back up tonight I could NOT put it down. There were some parts that genuinely creeped me out - and I mean that in a good way. I actually love books that cause visceral reactions like a chill down the spine.
The MC in this book is an undercover journalist who is going to the Himlafalls Clinic disguised as a typical patient; someone recovering from a bad break-up. She has heard rumblings of past patients going missing and mistreatment from the lead psychologist on staff and wants to get to the bottom of it.
I wasn’t entirely interested in all of the therapy sessions, I was mostly interested in the MC sneaking around and what was going on after hours at this clinic. The ending felt a bit scooby-dooish to me and I wondered if a couple plot pieces were entirely realistic.. but overall I found myself very invested in this novel. It was a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced reader copy! 🫶
The MC in this book is an undercover journalist who is going to the Himlafalls Clinic disguised as a typical patient; someone recovering from a bad break-up. She has heard rumblings of past patients going missing and mistreatment from the lead psychologist on staff and wants to get to the bottom of it.
I wasn’t entirely interested in all of the therapy sessions, I was mostly interested in the MC sneaking around and what was going on after hours at this clinic. The ending felt a bit scooby-dooish to me and I wondered if a couple plot pieces were entirely realistic.. but overall I found myself very invested in this novel. It was a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced reader copy! 🫶
February 22, 2026
This was another quick fun read from Camilla Sten. I loved the format of this book with Reddit threads, book, and interview excerpts spread throughout.
Investigative journalist, Isobel goes undercover as a patient in the Himlafall Clinic. Patients have complained of going bankrupt after their stay and one has even gone missing. Isobel is going to prove to everyone she is nothing like her father - a disgraced journalist.
While the ending was predictable, the mixed media format pushed this from a 3.5 to a 4 for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Investigative journalist, Isobel goes undercover as a patient in the Himlafall Clinic. Patients have complained of going bankrupt after their stay and one has even gone missing. Isobel is going to prove to everyone she is nothing like her father - a disgraced journalist.
While the ending was predictable, the mixed media format pushed this from a 3.5 to a 4 for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars!
I was thrilled when my wish for this book on NetGalley was granted by the publisher! The cover intrigued me, so I couldn't resist diving in. Right from the start, I was hooked, as the premise touches on a topic that resonates with many.
An undercover journalist, Isobel Anderssen, infiltrates the Himlafall Clinic, a psychological wellness facility for women recovering from heartbreak, aiming to expose its dark secrets linked to missing persons. As she navigates the clinic, led by the enigmatic Dr. Martina Hastings, Isobel's plans unravel, confronting her with unsettling truths and the haunting presence of those lost. She must uncover the clinic's true nature before she too vanishes.
Our main character, Isobel, goes undercover, which instantly suggests that we’re in for a thrilling ride. After all, who better to offer an honest perspective than someone who doesn’t quite fit in? Isobel is likeable and sneaky, realizing that this retreat is helping her confront some unresolved issues in her life. Along the way, we meet a few other characters, some of whom are more relatable than others. I found myself particularly curious about Dr. Martina, although her personality felt a bit inconsistent, especially towards the end. It seemed like she was marketing her persona, but in reality, she didn’t quite measure up.
The book's setting was atmospheric, even claustrophobic at times. Just imagine surrendering your digital devices upon arrival; that thought alone gives me anxiety! In case of an emergency, I’d want to be able to reach out to someone or at least stay reachable myself. This book turned out to be a fast-paced read for me, and when the main twist was revealed, I found myself having to go back to pick up on a few details. It was masterfully executed, and the perpetrator was cleverly hidden from view!
If you're a fan of stories set in remote locations with little chance of contacting the outside world, or if you enjoy exploring questionable therapy methods with a sinister undertone, this book is sure to captivate you. There are several characters to keep track of, and you’ll be piecing together whodunit without needing to look too far. Moreover, the narrative prompts reflection on themes like manipulation, abuse, and mental health. It genuinely gave me the heebie-jeebies! I’m not one for therapy, especially not this kind. It felt brutal and raw, and I definitely wouldn’t want to be near these so-called 'professionals!' With that said, I think I’ll stick to my self-help corner without any help, thank you very much! Ha!
Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the DRC copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
I was thrilled when my wish for this book on NetGalley was granted by the publisher! The cover intrigued me, so I couldn't resist diving in. Right from the start, I was hooked, as the premise touches on a topic that resonates with many.
An undercover journalist, Isobel Anderssen, infiltrates the Himlafall Clinic, a psychological wellness facility for women recovering from heartbreak, aiming to expose its dark secrets linked to missing persons. As she navigates the clinic, led by the enigmatic Dr. Martina Hastings, Isobel's plans unravel, confronting her with unsettling truths and the haunting presence of those lost. She must uncover the clinic's true nature before she too vanishes.
Our main character, Isobel, goes undercover, which instantly suggests that we’re in for a thrilling ride. After all, who better to offer an honest perspective than someone who doesn’t quite fit in? Isobel is likeable and sneaky, realizing that this retreat is helping her confront some unresolved issues in her life. Along the way, we meet a few other characters, some of whom are more relatable than others. I found myself particularly curious about Dr. Martina, although her personality felt a bit inconsistent, especially towards the end. It seemed like she was marketing her persona, but in reality, she didn’t quite measure up.
The book's setting was atmospheric, even claustrophobic at times. Just imagine surrendering your digital devices upon arrival; that thought alone gives me anxiety! In case of an emergency, I’d want to be able to reach out to someone or at least stay reachable myself. This book turned out to be a fast-paced read for me, and when the main twist was revealed, I found myself having to go back to pick up on a few details. It was masterfully executed, and the perpetrator was cleverly hidden from view!
If you're a fan of stories set in remote locations with little chance of contacting the outside world, or if you enjoy exploring questionable therapy methods with a sinister undertone, this book is sure to captivate you. There are several characters to keep track of, and you’ll be piecing together whodunit without needing to look too far. Moreover, the narrative prompts reflection on themes like manipulation, abuse, and mental health. It genuinely gave me the heebie-jeebies! I’m not one for therapy, especially not this kind. It felt brutal and raw, and I definitely wouldn’t want to be near these so-called 'professionals!' With that said, I think I’ll stick to my self-help corner without any help, thank you very much! Ha!
Thank you, Minotaur Books, for the DRC copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2026
4 ⭐️ I really liked this! Definitely worthwhile.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy. This book is releasing June 9, 2026!
You’ll like this if:
• You enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers
• You like relationship dynamics and messy emotional tension
• You don’t want something super heavy, but still want suspense
• You love a story that keeps you guessing
About the Book:
Isobel is an aspiring journalist that needs her first big story to jumpstart her career. She is inspired by her father’s stories and decides to go undercover as a patient at the Himlafall Clinic for the recently broken hearted. She’s heard the stories and seen the posts about this place and wants to get to the bottom of what is really happening under Dr Martina Hasting’s care.
My thoughts:
The pacing was great and I was engaged from the beginning. The premise was interesting and the story was well executed. I can tell the author took time to learn about certain aspects of therapy/therapists to help create a believable story. The story was genuinely fun to read. I didn’t predict much, and it kept me guessing until the end. I could clearly feel what the author wanted the reader to experience, and I felt connected to the book the whole way through.
My Rating Scale:
5 ⭐️ Beyond Amazing. No notes. Obsessed.
4.5⭐️ REALLY loved this!!
4 ⭐️ Liked a lot! Definitely worthwhile
3.5 ⭐️ Enjoyed this, but didn’t fully connect
3 ⭐️ I wanted to like this more
2.5 ⭐️ Not for me, but I see the appeal
2 ⭐️ Disliked
*I do not give lower than 2 stars because writing a book warrants 2 stars in my opinion!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy. This book is releasing June 9, 2026!
You’ll like this if:
• You enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers
• You like relationship dynamics and messy emotional tension
• You don’t want something super heavy, but still want suspense
• You love a story that keeps you guessing
About the Book:
Isobel is an aspiring journalist that needs her first big story to jumpstart her career. She is inspired by her father’s stories and decides to go undercover as a patient at the Himlafall Clinic for the recently broken hearted. She’s heard the stories and seen the posts about this place and wants to get to the bottom of what is really happening under Dr Martina Hasting’s care.
My thoughts:
The pacing was great and I was engaged from the beginning. The premise was interesting and the story was well executed. I can tell the author took time to learn about certain aspects of therapy/therapists to help create a believable story. The story was genuinely fun to read. I didn’t predict much, and it kept me guessing until the end. I could clearly feel what the author wanted the reader to experience, and I felt connected to the book the whole way through.
My Rating Scale:
5 ⭐️ Beyond Amazing. No notes. Obsessed.
4.5⭐️ REALLY loved this!!
4 ⭐️ Liked a lot! Definitely worthwhile
3.5 ⭐️ Enjoyed this, but didn’t fully connect
3 ⭐️ I wanted to like this more
2.5 ⭐️ Not for me, but I see the appeal
2 ⭐️ Disliked
*I do not give lower than 2 stars because writing a book warrants 2 stars in my opinion!
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.
February 27, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of The Break-Up Retreat, publishing June 9, 2026.
The story centers around Isobel, a Scottish journalist looking to make her big break. Thanks to Reddit, she learns about a “break-up retreat” hosted in the Scottish woods by an Instagram-renowned psychologist, promising women that they will get over their breakup and break their precious habits and patterns within a week. When she gets wind of a mysterious disappearance from the resort within the last year, she gets the idea that this could be the piece that puts her on the map and makes her career.
Posing as a struggling woman who got dumped by her fiance, she goes undercover to detail the not so ethical approaches to therapy and the strange behavior of the staff. Her time at the retreat is mysterious and interesting, and I wound up reading the book in 3 days. It’s a semi-slow burn, but has plenty of suspense to keep it interesting until the conclusion, which did wrap everything up, but fell a little flat for me personally.
Overall, I liked this book and enjoyed reading it. I would rate it 3.5 stars and read more by this author when I want a quick thriller.
The story centers around Isobel, a Scottish journalist looking to make her big break. Thanks to Reddit, she learns about a “break-up retreat” hosted in the Scottish woods by an Instagram-renowned psychologist, promising women that they will get over their breakup and break their precious habits and patterns within a week. When she gets wind of a mysterious disappearance from the resort within the last year, she gets the idea that this could be the piece that puts her on the map and makes her career.
Posing as a struggling woman who got dumped by her fiance, she goes undercover to detail the not so ethical approaches to therapy and the strange behavior of the staff. Her time at the retreat is mysterious and interesting, and I wound up reading the book in 3 days. It’s a semi-slow burn, but has plenty of suspense to keep it interesting until the conclusion, which did wrap everything up, but fell a little flat for me personally.
Overall, I liked this book and enjoyed reading it. I would rate it 3.5 stars and read more by this author when I want a quick thriller.
February 15, 2026
If you like thrillers with a splash of horror then I highly recommend this novel. Perfect for fans of the author Riley Sager, and fellow lovers of Nordic noir
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Minotaur (the Publisher), for providing me with a complimentary advance digital / e-copy of The Breakup Retreat by Camilla Sten coming out on June 9, 2026 in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Minotaur (the Publisher), for providing me with a complimentary advance digital / e-copy of The Breakup Retreat by Camilla Sten coming out on June 9, 2026 in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2026
This was very different from my typical genre and I was very entertained. The premise of this story was very intriguing and it was definitely action packed from beginning to end. Felt predictable, however I enjoyed the suspense of it and the setting was eerie and unsettling.
This was by no means a bad book, but it did not stand out as anything exceptional to me either.
This was by no means a bad book, but it did not stand out as anything exceptional to me either.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have mixed feelings on this one. I thought the premise was good, but once I saw what the retreat was like, it just didn't make sense to me why anyone would go to something like this. I also didn't feel enough mystery or suspense that would lead Isobel to being so freaked out right off the bat. I also didn't care for any of the characters, especially Dr. Hastings. She was awful!
This book was pretty slow for the first half or more, but then hings really picked up near the end. The suspense finally came into play, and there was a good twist that I didn't expect. I also liked how everything wrapped up at the end.
I think fans of locked room thrillers will really enjoy this book!
This book was pretty slow for the first half or more, but then hings really picked up near the end. The suspense finally came into play, and there was a good twist that I didn't expect. I also liked how everything wrapped up at the end.
I think fans of locked room thrillers will really enjoy this book!
February 18, 2026
Creepy, unsettling, and completely absorbing. The retreat setting hooked me from the start. Slow burn, but it’s so worth it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. 🫶🏻
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you love locked-room thrillers with cult vibes and a sinister wellness twist, “The Break-Up Retreat” by Camilla Sten is a tense, binge-worthy ride that’s equal parts psychological mind game and survival story.
The story follows Isobel Lindschold, an ambitious journalist desperate to prove she’s nothing like her disgraced father. When she learns about a woman who disappeared after attending the exclusive Himlafall Clinic, a secluded breakup retreat in the Swedish woods, she sees her big break. Under a fake identity, Isobel checks herself into the retreat, determined to expose its charismatic founder, Dr. Martina Hastings, and her so-called “Hastings Therapy.”
But from the moment she arrives, things feel off.
Patients are isolated from the outside world. Group therapy sessions quickly turn into something closer to public humiliation. Martina weaponizes her psychological expertise, tearing into insecurities and even exposing private confessions in front of the group. The atmosphere is thick with gaslighting, manipulation, and quiet intimidation. And when Isobel’s contact at the clinic is suddenly nowhere to be found, her carefully crafted plan begins to unravel.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its atmosphere. The remote forest setting, the locked-door feel of the clinic, and the growing paranoia create a steady undercurrent of dread. Isobel starts to feel watched. Her belongings go missing. Other patients behave unpredictably. With such a contained cast, everyone feels suspicious, whether that is staff, fellow patients, even Martina herself. The tension builds in layers, and the question isn’t just what’s happening at Himlafall, but who’s truly pulling the strings.
The mixed-media format adds another compelling layer. Reddit threads, social media posts, formal complaints, and interview excerpts are woven between chapters, slowly revealing that the retreat’s polished public image doesn’t match reality. These snippets deepen the mystery and make the story feel unsettlingly plausible, especially in an era of influencer psychologists and viral “healing” programs.
Isobel herself is an interesting, if slightly uneven, protagonist. Her motivation, which involves escaping her father’s shadow and restoring journalistic integrity, gives her a strong drive, but emotionally she can feel a bit distant at times. Still, watching her slowly succumb to Martina’s manipulation while being aware and even while investigating it, is one of the book’s most chilling aspects. It highlights just how skilled and dangerous psychological control can be.
As for the twists: there are several. You may see parts of the big reveal coming, especially with a limited suspect pool, but the layered nature of the mystery and the action-packed climax still deliver satisfying tension. What starts as a “maybe it’s a cult” story becomes something more complex and unexpected. The final act escalates dramatically, with high stakes and real consequences, and ultimately wraps up the major threads while offering thoughtful commentary on abuse, power, and mental health.
Overall, “The Break-Up Retreat” is a fast-paced, atmospheric psychological thriller that explores manipulation, ambition, and the dark side of self-help culture. Even if parts feel predictable, the unsettling setting, layered mystery, and sharp look at psychological control make it an absorbing read you can easily finish in a sitting.
If you love locked-room thrillers with cult vibes and a sinister wellness twist, “The Break-Up Retreat” by Camilla Sten is a tense, binge-worthy ride that’s equal parts psychological mind game and survival story.
The story follows Isobel Lindschold, an ambitious journalist desperate to prove she’s nothing like her disgraced father. When she learns about a woman who disappeared after attending the exclusive Himlafall Clinic, a secluded breakup retreat in the Swedish woods, she sees her big break. Under a fake identity, Isobel checks herself into the retreat, determined to expose its charismatic founder, Dr. Martina Hastings, and her so-called “Hastings Therapy.”
But from the moment she arrives, things feel off.
Patients are isolated from the outside world. Group therapy sessions quickly turn into something closer to public humiliation. Martina weaponizes her psychological expertise, tearing into insecurities and even exposing private confessions in front of the group. The atmosphere is thick with gaslighting, manipulation, and quiet intimidation. And when Isobel’s contact at the clinic is suddenly nowhere to be found, her carefully crafted plan begins to unravel.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its atmosphere. The remote forest setting, the locked-door feel of the clinic, and the growing paranoia create a steady undercurrent of dread. Isobel starts to feel watched. Her belongings go missing. Other patients behave unpredictably. With such a contained cast, everyone feels suspicious, whether that is staff, fellow patients, even Martina herself. The tension builds in layers, and the question isn’t just what’s happening at Himlafall, but who’s truly pulling the strings.
The mixed-media format adds another compelling layer. Reddit threads, social media posts, formal complaints, and interview excerpts are woven between chapters, slowly revealing that the retreat’s polished public image doesn’t match reality. These snippets deepen the mystery and make the story feel unsettlingly plausible, especially in an era of influencer psychologists and viral “healing” programs.
Isobel herself is an interesting, if slightly uneven, protagonist. Her motivation, which involves escaping her father’s shadow and restoring journalistic integrity, gives her a strong drive, but emotionally she can feel a bit distant at times. Still, watching her slowly succumb to Martina’s manipulation while being aware and even while investigating it, is one of the book’s most chilling aspects. It highlights just how skilled and dangerous psychological control can be.
As for the twists: there are several. You may see parts of the big reveal coming, especially with a limited suspect pool, but the layered nature of the mystery and the action-packed climax still deliver satisfying tension. What starts as a “maybe it’s a cult” story becomes something more complex and unexpected. The final act escalates dramatically, with high stakes and real consequences, and ultimately wraps up the major threads while offering thoughtful commentary on abuse, power, and mental health.
Overall, “The Break-Up Retreat” is a fast-paced, atmospheric psychological thriller that explores manipulation, ambition, and the dark side of self-help culture. Even if parts feel predictable, the unsettling setting, layered mystery, and sharp look at psychological control make it an absorbing read you can easily finish in a sitting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review – publication date: June 26, 2026
If Liane Moriarty’s “Nine Perfect Strangers” had a locked door thriller-mystery cousin, this is it!
What I love the most about Camilla Sten’s thriller-mysteries is how big she goes on the picture on the outside of the puzzle box—she writes plots about missing GROUPS of people, whether it’s a group of girls on a bachelorette party (“The Bachelorette Party”), or an entire town up and vanishing (“The Lost Village,” my personal favorite of hers). You start putting the puzzle the together, and the whole time you’re reading her books you think to yourself… how in the world is she going to resolve this? What possible explanations are there? And then she does it! The juice is always worth the squeeze, and the atmosphere she creates is the cherry on top. If I had to pick one word to describe her writing, it’s definitely “atmospheric.”
Granted, I still need to read “The Resting Place,” but when I saw that there is only one missing person involved in “The Break-up Retreat,” I almost paused. ONLY one? Surely this can’t be too dramatic. But it was! A mix of dramatic, gory, and fast-paced. Feels of isolation and paranoia abound. The last quarter of the book flies by, with shorter chapters and high-octane chases and reveals.
For sake of balance, I’ll include my gripes. I had a hard time buying into Isobel’s motivations—she has no personal connection to the missing person she’s looking to investigate, or the wellness industry as a whole, she’s essentially fueled by her own daddy issues (fellow journalist but falls from grace and gets mired in scandal), which come up from time to time but not in any deep, meaningful way, to me, it just seemed a bit disconnected. Like she wanted to write something meaningful, and just chose to pick the Himlafall Clinic’s missing patient and hoping for a win. She basically chooses the story because of an alarming Reddit thread claiming that Susanna Wallin disappeared after attending Himlafall. I thought a deeper connection would materialize at some point. But, ok, I was willing to just go for it. Out of the cast of flawed characters we meet at the clinic, Katarina and Leyla are by far the most developed, the reader isn’t invited on a deep dive of the others, which I think leaves out a sense of urgency to connect to them and want them to be “saved” from Susannah’s fate. I think would kicked the overall tone up a notch.
… With that said, I still binge read it and Camilla Sten still remains my author crush and I’ll gladly read whatever she puts out there.
If Liane Moriarty’s “Nine Perfect Strangers” had a locked door thriller-mystery cousin, this is it!
What I love the most about Camilla Sten’s thriller-mysteries is how big she goes on the picture on the outside of the puzzle box—she writes plots about missing GROUPS of people, whether it’s a group of girls on a bachelorette party (“The Bachelorette Party”), or an entire town up and vanishing (“The Lost Village,” my personal favorite of hers). You start putting the puzzle the together, and the whole time you’re reading her books you think to yourself… how in the world is she going to resolve this? What possible explanations are there? And then she does it! The juice is always worth the squeeze, and the atmosphere she creates is the cherry on top. If I had to pick one word to describe her writing, it’s definitely “atmospheric.”
Granted, I still need to read “The Resting Place,” but when I saw that there is only one missing person involved in “The Break-up Retreat,” I almost paused. ONLY one? Surely this can’t be too dramatic. But it was! A mix of dramatic, gory, and fast-paced. Feels of isolation and paranoia abound. The last quarter of the book flies by, with shorter chapters and high-octane chases and reveals.
For sake of balance, I’ll include my gripes. I had a hard time buying into Isobel’s motivations—she has no personal connection to the missing person she’s looking to investigate, or the wellness industry as a whole, she’s essentially fueled by her own daddy issues (fellow journalist but falls from grace and gets mired in scandal), which come up from time to time but not in any deep, meaningful way, to me, it just seemed a bit disconnected. Like she wanted to write something meaningful, and just chose to pick the Himlafall Clinic’s missing patient and hoping for a win. She basically chooses the story because of an alarming Reddit thread claiming that Susanna Wallin disappeared after attending Himlafall. I thought a deeper connection would materialize at some point. But, ok, I was willing to just go for it. Out of the cast of flawed characters we meet at the clinic, Katarina and Leyla are by far the most developed, the reader isn’t invited on a deep dive of the others, which I think leaves out a sense of urgency to connect to them and want them to be “saved” from Susannah’s fate. I think would kicked the overall tone up a notch.
… With that said, I still binge read it and Camilla Sten still remains my author crush and I’ll gladly read whatever she puts out there.
March 1, 2026
Camilla Stern's "The Break-Up Retreat" was a fairly routine thriller. The premise was interesting enough but the pace was uneven and it was about 20% too long. Or maybe it just seemed that way because the middle of the book dragged along and was so repetitive. It felt like a solid third of the story was tediously spent with Isobel running around the campsite while someone chases her.
I didn't really understand Isobel's motivations. She wanted to write a bombshell story and make a name for herself as an amateur journalist, but when she started to suspect that she was being hunted and stalked by a murderer, she just stayed there. She had plenty of evidence of manipulation and abuse by the Treatment Director, she suspected that patients were being drugged (similar to "Nine Perfect Strangers"), her personal items were being stolen, mysterious figures were spying on her in her private quarters, and still she stayed. This wasn't a paid assignment with a deadline, this was an amateur journalist with freedom to walk away at any point. When she finally decides she's ready to leave, she approaches the treatment director who argues that the retreat is meant to last for a week. Instead of pointing out that she has not been involuntarily committed and she is free to go at any point, Isabel stays AGAIN. Some more.
As in my last experience with a Camilla Stern book, I got to a point where I thought we were going to go in a much more interesting direction with the story but then it continued with the more predictable plot. Stern did seem to be implying that while the retreat exists to counsel women through romantic heartbreak, these aren't the only kinds of breakups we experience. There are plenty of other times we are forced to reshape our vision of what our future will look like. Isobel finds that the same pain of losing a romantic partner also applies to her life as she grapples with questions about her career and the loss of her father. I would have loved to see those ideas explored, as Isabel is forced consider a "break up" both with her chosen career and her childhood idea of who her father was.
Instead, we get being chased through the woods and excessive amounts of foot injury. There's even the standard horror trope of the power being cut so everyone is in total darkness.
I suspect it's difficult to find new ground to cover when it comes to horror/thrillers. While there was nothing groundbreaking here, it wouldn't be a bad way to kill time on an airplane or something.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
I didn't really understand Isobel's motivations. She wanted to write a bombshell story and make a name for herself as an amateur journalist, but when she started to suspect that she was being hunted and stalked by a murderer, she just stayed there. She had plenty of evidence of manipulation and abuse by the Treatment Director, she suspected that patients were being drugged (similar to "Nine Perfect Strangers"), her personal items were being stolen, mysterious figures were spying on her in her private quarters, and still she stayed. This wasn't a paid assignment with a deadline, this was an amateur journalist with freedom to walk away at any point. When she finally decides she's ready to leave, she approaches the treatment director who argues that the retreat is meant to last for a week. Instead of pointing out that she has not been involuntarily committed and she is free to go at any point, Isabel stays AGAIN. Some more.
As in my last experience with a Camilla Stern book, I got to a point where I thought we were going to go in a much more interesting direction with the story but then it continued with the more predictable plot. Stern did seem to be implying that while the retreat exists to counsel women through romantic heartbreak, these aren't the only kinds of breakups we experience. There are plenty of other times we are forced to reshape our vision of what our future will look like. Isobel finds that the same pain of losing a romantic partner also applies to her life as she grapples with questions about her career and the loss of her father. I would have loved to see those ideas explored, as Isabel is forced consider a "break up" both with her chosen career and her childhood idea of who her father was.
Instead, we get being chased through the woods and excessive amounts of foot injury. There's even the standard horror trope of the power being cut so everyone is in total darkness.
I suspect it's difficult to find new ground to cover when it comes to horror/thrillers. While there was nothing groundbreaking here, it wouldn't be a bad way to kill time on an airplane or something.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book follows Isobel, a journalist who travels to the Himlafall Clinic, a trendy therapy retreat for women recovering from traumatic breakups. Isobel is an immediately likable main character, though she spends quite a bit of time reflecting on her unresolved “daddy issues”—a thread that never feels fully resolved by the end of the story.
Isobel’s real reason for attending the retreat is to write the “best article ever seen” by exposing the clinic for its troubling past, including reports of traumatic experiences and the mysterious disappearance of a camper who was never seen again after leaving.
To document everything happening around her, Isobel secretly keeps an old iPhone and a recording device, carefully taking notes while posing as a legitimate patient with a completely fabricated love life. As her stay continues, strange and unsettling events begin to occur, making her suspect that someone may be onto her investigation.
The final 100 pages moved quickly and were genuinely suspenseful. However, I felt like several loose ends were left unresolved. At times it seemed like staff members might also be experiencing the same eerie events Isobel noticed, but this was never fully addressed—just hinted at through strange looks and lingering reactions.
Isobel also frequently reflects on her father, but this storyline doesn’t seem to lead to much growth or closure. I also found myself wondering what exactly happened to the other patients during the chaotic ending. While we’re told they’re safe and remain friends afterward, the details felt a bit glossed over.
Despite these lingering questions, I still enjoyed the book overall. The ending delivered a twist I didn’t see coming, which I always appreciate. I only wish there had been a few more subtle clues along the way—the kind that make you look back afterward and think, “Ohhh… now that makes sense.”
Isobel’s real reason for attending the retreat is to write the “best article ever seen” by exposing the clinic for its troubling past, including reports of traumatic experiences and the mysterious disappearance of a camper who was never seen again after leaving.
To document everything happening around her, Isobel secretly keeps an old iPhone and a recording device, carefully taking notes while posing as a legitimate patient with a completely fabricated love life. As her stay continues, strange and unsettling events begin to occur, making her suspect that someone may be onto her investigation.
The final 100 pages moved quickly and were genuinely suspenseful. However, I felt like several loose ends were left unresolved. At times it seemed like staff members might also be experiencing the same eerie events Isobel noticed, but this was never fully addressed—just hinted at through strange looks and lingering reactions.
Isobel also frequently reflects on her father, but this storyline doesn’t seem to lead to much growth or closure. I also found myself wondering what exactly happened to the other patients during the chaotic ending. While we’re told they’re safe and remain friends afterward, the details felt a bit glossed over.
Despite these lingering questions, I still enjoyed the book overall. The ending delivered a twist I didn’t see coming, which I always appreciate. I only wish there had been a few more subtle clues along the way—the kind that make you look back afterward and think, “Ohhh… now that makes sense.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of the issues I had with this story is the premise of people spending exorbitant amounts of money for a retreat at the Himlafall Clinic just because they’ve had a break-up. They never say how much it costs either, so is it really that much money, or does it just seem that way to people who don’t have much money? Isobel is one of those people, but she comes up with the money somehow (it’s never explained how) and intends to go there to investigate rumors she’s heard about people disappearing from the retreat.
And even though her friend who works there warned her not to let the leader get to her, you’ll never guess what happens. Yes, she lets her get to her, and she almost becomes one of the ridiculous people who believe in the ridiculous self-help BS. It’s like the one thing she was supposed to not do, and Isobel does it. Come on! The leader’s not even that charismatic - she uses terrible methods that are the opposite of healing, and everyone is just blind to it.
Although the author tries to convey a spooky and creepy atmosphere, it just becomes long-winded and very slow-paced throughout. Most of the sense of danger was just in Isobel’s head; she’d be terrified of the littlest thing that wasn’t remotely frightening. At one point, Isobel wants to leave, and even though she just feels verbally threatened and is in no way prevented from leaving, she still doesn’t go!
I enjoyed this author’s previous book immensely, but this one just doesn’t have the same appeal. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
And even though her friend who works there warned her not to let the leader get to her, you’ll never guess what happens. Yes, she lets her get to her, and she almost becomes one of the ridiculous people who believe in the ridiculous self-help BS. It’s like the one thing she was supposed to not do, and Isobel does it. Come on! The leader’s not even that charismatic - she uses terrible methods that are the opposite of healing, and everyone is just blind to it.
Although the author tries to convey a spooky and creepy atmosphere, it just becomes long-winded and very slow-paced throughout. Most of the sense of danger was just in Isobel’s head; she’d be terrified of the littlest thing that wasn’t remotely frightening. At one point, Isobel wants to leave, and even though she just feels verbally threatened and is in no way prevented from leaving, she still doesn’t go!
I enjoyed this author’s previous book immensely, but this one just doesn’t have the same appeal. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
March 7, 2026
This was a super fast paced thriller that I could not put down—but it felt like something was missing from the story.
Isobel is an aspiring journalist trying to make a name for herself by going undercover to investigate a break-up wellness retreat. Through her research (Reddit threads), Isobel has discovered allegations of abuse, reports the retreat is a cult, and one woman who is never seen again after her stay.
While the plot was certainly fast-moving, it lacked a lot of depth and character development. The other women at the retreat are given few defining characteristics and are all just angry and rude to one another for no real reason. There is also a lot of screaming. Doctor Martina screams at the women, the women scream at her, and the women scream at one another.
The setting was very atmospheric and creepy, with lots of intense moments where it felt like Isobel was in real danger. I thought the ending was unpredictable and suspenseful, but I felt there were some unanswered questions and plot holes.
I think my biggest holdup was Isobel herself. At times she seemed incredibly confident and sound in her decision to go undercover. And then 17 seconds after arriving she pretty much blew her cover and continued to make herself look as sketchy as possible. I also didn’t really understand why her loser of a father was her motivation to prove herself—it didn’t really align with her character.
Despite my qualms, I read this in one sitting and would recommend to anyone looking for a light, fast-paced thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Isobel is an aspiring journalist trying to make a name for herself by going undercover to investigate a break-up wellness retreat. Through her research (Reddit threads), Isobel has discovered allegations of abuse, reports the retreat is a cult, and one woman who is never seen again after her stay.
While the plot was certainly fast-moving, it lacked a lot of depth and character development. The other women at the retreat are given few defining characteristics and are all just angry and rude to one another for no real reason. There is also a lot of screaming. Doctor Martina screams at the women, the women scream at her, and the women scream at one another.
The setting was very atmospheric and creepy, with lots of intense moments where it felt like Isobel was in real danger. I thought the ending was unpredictable and suspenseful, but I felt there were some unanswered questions and plot holes.
I think my biggest holdup was Isobel herself. At times she seemed incredibly confident and sound in her decision to go undercover. And then 17 seconds after arriving she pretty much blew her cover and continued to make herself look as sketchy as possible. I also didn’t really understand why her loser of a father was her motivation to prove herself—it didn’t really align with her character.
Despite my qualms, I read this in one sitting and would recommend to anyone looking for a light, fast-paced thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2026
I really liked this new twisty thriller from Camilla Sten. She's definitely becoming an author I will always want to read, and one of my favorites in this genre. I think I like her books because the protagonists are written so well -- this book features Isobel, a woman who wants desperately to break into investigative journalism with a little childhood trauma in her backstory. She can't find a publication to hire her or publish her work, so she decides to take on a big story all on her own.
Isobel heads out to a mysterious wellness center/retreat, where women go to process the most devastating break ups. The guru at the center of the retreat, Dr. Martina Hastings, keeps the Himlafall Center so shrouded in mystery that all her interviews are done off site, so Isobel really doesn't know what to expect. But there is some online chatter (with message boards sprinkled throughout the book) that make Isobel think there's a nefarious reason for all the secrecy, and she is determined to find out.
She finds herself in a Swedish forest with a well-memorized but not very real back story, and with a group of other women who really do have break ups to process. Things are charming on the surface but just a little off, you know what I mean? Their phones are confiscated, they can't get a cup of coffee, and Dr. Hasting's therapy methods are a bit... unconventional. It's not long before people start to get on each other's nerves and they find themselves at each other's throats.
There aren't a ton of twists and turns, but the big reveal is good, and the backstories pay off in a satisfying way. I'd recommend this for fans of Sten's other books, or anyone chasing the thrill of the Gone Girl genre of novels. Or if you'd also like to retreat into the Swedish forest.
Isobel heads out to a mysterious wellness center/retreat, where women go to process the most devastating break ups. The guru at the center of the retreat, Dr. Martina Hastings, keeps the Himlafall Center so shrouded in mystery that all her interviews are done off site, so Isobel really doesn't know what to expect. But there is some online chatter (with message boards sprinkled throughout the book) that make Isobel think there's a nefarious reason for all the secrecy, and she is determined to find out.
She finds herself in a Swedish forest with a well-memorized but not very real back story, and with a group of other women who really do have break ups to process. Things are charming on the surface but just a little off, you know what I mean? Their phones are confiscated, they can't get a cup of coffee, and Dr. Hasting's therapy methods are a bit... unconventional. It's not long before people start to get on each other's nerves and they find themselves at each other's throats.
There aren't a ton of twists and turns, but the big reveal is good, and the backstories pay off in a satisfying way. I'd recommend this for fans of Sten's other books, or anyone chasing the thrill of the Gone Girl genre of novels. Or if you'd also like to retreat into the Swedish forest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews