The Retreat

by Adam Littler

A weekend in the woods. A team pushed to their limits. A retreat that will test them all.

Set against the unforgiving isolation of the North Wales wilderness, the novel follows eight colleagues on a corporate retreat that rapidly spirals into a deadly fight for survival.

The colleagues are left isolated by geography and unfortunate circumstances, and loyalties fracture as suspicion poisons the group. While some try to escape, others fight to survive the escalating chaos – not knowing whether the threat comes from outside the camp… or from within.

The Retreat is a novel with the bite of a murder mystery and the tension of a survival drama – perfect for fans of T.M. Logan, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley.

"The Retreat is really well written. The characters, dialogue and setting – I loved it.” Simon McCleave

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[April Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down, gripped from the get go. Some really relatable characters which made this such a fab book to read. Will be looking out for more from this author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, once I started I could not put it down, a real page turner, great characters, I particularly enjoyed Steffan’s story, an understated hero who I found myself rooting for. Love the setting a believable backdrop to an unbelievable story! Highly recommend

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!! Perfect mix of whodunnit/thriller/study of human complexity. And set in North Wales too ❤️

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Retreat is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. Set in the stark, unforgiving wilderness of North Wales, the story masterfully blends the claustrophobic tension of a survival drama with the sharp intrigue of a murder mystery.

The author does an excellent job of developing the eight colleagues, each with distinct personalities and hidden motives. As the retreat descends into chaos, the breakdown of trust and the slow rise of paranoia feel chillingly real. The setting is almost a character in itself, isolated, bleak, and relentless, perfectly amplifying the sense of danger and uncertainty.

[Matthew Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked within the first few pages and found myself completely absorbed in the tension, atmosphere, and careful pacing that builds throughout the story. Each viewpoint adds a new layer of depth and intrigue, revealing just enough to keep you guessing while still holding back the perfect amount of mystery. The shifting perspectives gave the story momentum and made it impossible to put down — every chapter left me wanting more.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this, not my usual genre.
once started I couldn't put it down, the way all the characters are described you can picture them and feel like you know them.
The short chapters, along with the quality of the book, texture and print, really do make it.
Can't wait for book no2

[Sianie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Very well written with descriptions of the characters delving deep so it feels like you get to know them and are a part of the team building weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Susan W · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but the ending felt predictable and disappointing. What began with intrigue and momentum slowly fizzled out, and Jodie’s character wore thin fast. By the final chapters, I wasn’t turning pages out of excitement—I was just counting pages until I could finally be done.