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The Writers Retreat
A wickedly twisty and atmospheric thriller set at a writers retreat in the South of France, The Writers Retreat is Knives Out meets Anna Downes’ The Safe Place from an exciting new voice in the thriller/mystery space.
Meet Kat Hale, a bestselling Australian author crumbling under the pressure of writing her second novel who has fled to a writers retreat in the South of France run by internationally acclaimed author Helen Thorne. What Kat hopes will be two blissfully uninterrupted weeks to focus on her writing in anonymity and soak up the Provençal atmosphere quickly turns into something more sinister, when Helen abruptly announces she’s working on a new project that sounds uncannily similar to Kat’s own work.
That’s when Kat stumbles upon a discovery about Helen’s bestseller. While Kat scours the crumbling mansion for proof, she discovers that this isn’t the first time a retreat attendee has accused Helen of plagiarism. But that writer disappeared without trace.
Will Kat’s desire to uncover the truth about Helen and reclaim her own story be any match for Helen’s desire to hold onto her career, her reputation and her writing retreat, and is Kat in danger of falling victim to the same fate?
Meet Kat Hale, a bestselling Australian author crumbling under the pressure of writing her second novel who has fled to a writers retreat in the South of France run by internationally acclaimed author Helen Thorne. What Kat hopes will be two blissfully uninterrupted weeks to focus on her writing in anonymity and soak up the Provençal atmosphere quickly turns into something more sinister, when Helen abruptly announces she’s working on a new project that sounds uncannily similar to Kat’s own work.
That’s when Kat stumbles upon a discovery about Helen’s bestseller. While Kat scours the crumbling mansion for proof, she discovers that this isn’t the first time a retreat attendee has accused Helen of plagiarism. But that writer disappeared without trace.
Will Kat’s desire to uncover the truth about Helen and reclaim her own story be any match for Helen’s desire to hold onto her career, her reputation and her writing retreat, and is Kat in danger of falling victim to the same fate?
Audible Audio
Published April 2, 2026
About the author
Victoria Brownlee
9 books73 followersVictoria Brownlee is an Australian-born food writer. She's spent the best part of the last decade eating her way around the world, including a two-year stint in China where she was the Food & Drink Editor at Time Out Shanghai. In 2016, she traded dumplings for cheese, and stopped off in France for seven years. She's now back in Melbourne and is quietly contemplating her next move. She has an MA (Publishing and Communications) from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 6, 2026
Went into The Writer’s Retreat intrigued by the premise, and while there are definitely parts that worked well, it never quite reached beyond a 3-star read for me.
The strongest part is definitely the atmosphere. The Provence setting feels immersive and almost dreamy at times, which contrasts nicely with the constant underlying tension between the writers. Some characters come across as straightforward at first, but the longer you sit with them, the more unsettling they become, which I liked as a subtle shift.
The writers’ retreat concept is also really interesting. The pressure of trying to produce the next big book, the competitiveness between authors, and the idea of isolating yourself to focus on writing all added a really engaging layer and kept me invested.
At times though, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to what I was expecting. The build of unease is done well, but it never quite escalates into something as tense or gripping as I was hoping for. It leans more into atmosphere than high-stakes moments, and the payoff didn’t fully match the build-up for me, even though it still held my attention enough to keep listening and see it through.
Overall, the setting and concept are strong, and there’s enough intrigue to keep you going, but I would’ve liked a bit more impact and intensity.
The strongest part is definitely the atmosphere. The Provence setting feels immersive and almost dreamy at times, which contrasts nicely with the constant underlying tension between the writers. Some characters come across as straightforward at first, but the longer you sit with them, the more unsettling they become, which I liked as a subtle shift.
The writers’ retreat concept is also really interesting. The pressure of trying to produce the next big book, the competitiveness between authors, and the idea of isolating yourself to focus on writing all added a really engaging layer and kept me invested.
At times though, it felt a bit underwhelming compared to what I was expecting. The build of unease is done well, but it never quite escalates into something as tense or gripping as I was hoping for. It leans more into atmosphere than high-stakes moments, and the payoff didn’t fully match the build-up for me, even though it still held my attention enough to keep listening and see it through.
Overall, the setting and concept are strong, and there’s enough intrigue to keep you going, but I would’ve liked a bit more impact and intensity.
March 15, 2026
How can an avid reader not be intrigued by a book set at a writers retreat? And one set in the South of France 🇫🇷 I needed to read this book.
Kate Hale is struggling with her second book after her debut romance novel was a surprise hit in her native Australia. She books a last minute trip to a writers retreat in France to try to get her manuscript up to scratch for her publisher. She just wants peace and quiet to write, but she finds herself in the middle of a house full of dark secrets that she cannot help but wonder about.
This was a fun, quick read that kept me guessing. The ending was a surprising twist that I didn’t expect. One of my favourite things about this book was all the food and wine! it was making me hungry.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster, Affirm Press for my advanced copy to read. Out on March 31st.
Kate Hale is struggling with her second book after her debut romance novel was a surprise hit in her native Australia. She books a last minute trip to a writers retreat in France to try to get her manuscript up to scratch for her publisher. She just wants peace and quiet to write, but she finds herself in the middle of a house full of dark secrets that she cannot help but wonder about.
This was a fun, quick read that kept me guessing. The ending was a surprising twist that I didn’t expect. One of my favourite things about this book was all the food and wine! it was making me hungry.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster, Affirm Press for my advanced copy to read. Out on March 31st.
May 24, 2026
A propulsive read, featuring some cut-throat writers and aspiring authors.
May 19, 2026
"This morning was pleasantly uneventful."
The fact that this is a direct quote from page 165 tells you everything you need to know about this book.
As soon as I realised this book uses one of my most loathed literary devices - the diary - my heart sank. No one writes complete dialogue and descriptive scenes in their journal, not even a writer.
I tried to keep an open mind because I loved the idea of the setting. Unfortunately this book just truly has nothing going for it.
The main character is insipid and her writing snippets in her diary are soooo cringe. It's giving "but mostly I hate the way I don't hate him, not even a little bit, not even at all!" My 14 year old writes better prose for English class. I don't know if the character was intentionally a really cringe writer but in the story she is a published author so surely she's meant to be half decent.
A bunch of strangers at a writing retreat in an old house in the french countryside has so much potential... and yet somehow there's ZERO atmosphere?? No sense of foreboding, no sinister red herrings, no tense moments that make you question everyone. Just a woman who writes like a teenager going to French markets and eating food, making doe eyes at the British guy and writing twee little journal entries about nothing.
The diary is interspersed with a "novella" written at the retreat and I thought maybe this might be used in a clever way in some kind of unreliable narrator type situation but nope. This structure led to a lot of repetition in the prose that got pretty tedious.
Then, after pretty much zero build up, suddenly we have a climax in which one of the characters becomes a cardboard cut out Disney villain?? Just an absolute caricature of a "bad guy" with zero motivation.
And after all that, the weird stuff at the end that made it feel like something was still unresolved with regards to Helen and Gabriel???
I don't even understand what I just read tbh. Was it a cute little story about a week in France that had a bit of a twist? Was it a weird and awkward romance with a mystery side plot? Was it a coming of age story for a woman in her 20s?
It was hot mess, frankly. And yet somehow also boring. All those characters and somehow I don't know a damn thing about them? Who even is Mark? Some chick was called Indigo? So much potential to flesh out this story and instead we're hiking up hills and having picnics and singing falalalala together.
I don't understand what is going on in modern publishing tbh. Lately every recent release I've read has been extremely lackluster.
The fact that this is a direct quote from page 165 tells you everything you need to know about this book.
As soon as I realised this book uses one of my most loathed literary devices - the diary - my heart sank. No one writes complete dialogue and descriptive scenes in their journal, not even a writer.
I tried to keep an open mind because I loved the idea of the setting. Unfortunately this book just truly has nothing going for it.
The main character is insipid and her writing snippets in her diary are soooo cringe. It's giving "but mostly I hate the way I don't hate him, not even a little bit, not even at all!" My 14 year old writes better prose for English class. I don't know if the character was intentionally a really cringe writer but in the story she is a published author so surely she's meant to be half decent.
A bunch of strangers at a writing retreat in an old house in the french countryside has so much potential... and yet somehow there's ZERO atmosphere?? No sense of foreboding, no sinister red herrings, no tense moments that make you question everyone. Just a woman who writes like a teenager going to French markets and eating food, making doe eyes at the British guy and writing twee little journal entries about nothing.
The diary is interspersed with a "novella" written at the retreat and I thought maybe this might be used in a clever way in some kind of unreliable narrator type situation but nope. This structure led to a lot of repetition in the prose that got pretty tedious.
Then, after pretty much zero build up, suddenly we have a climax in which one of the characters becomes a cardboard cut out Disney villain?? Just an absolute caricature of a "bad guy" with zero motivation.
And after all that, the weird stuff at the end that made it feel like something was still unresolved with regards to Helen and Gabriel???
I don't even understand what I just read tbh. Was it a cute little story about a week in France that had a bit of a twist? Was it a weird and awkward romance with a mystery side plot? Was it a coming of age story for a woman in her 20s?
It was hot mess, frankly. And yet somehow also boring. All those characters and somehow I don't know a damn thing about them? Who even is Mark? Some chick was called Indigo? So much potential to flesh out this story and instead we're hiking up hills and having picnics and singing falalalala together.
I don't understand what is going on in modern publishing tbh. Lately every recent release I've read has been extremely lackluster.
Did Not Finish
May 24, 2026DNF at 41%
I hate to say it but I am so boooooored.
Traveling to France is cool I guess, food is nice sure but can someone die or something, my god🤣
I can’t believe I’m nearly halfway through the book and nothing has happened? Sure we are probably building to something but there’s no tension? Just an unnecessary omission our MC is stubbornly sticking with? I’m noping out. Life’s too short and there are too many books on my TBR for this.
I hate to say it but I am so boooooored.
Traveling to France is cool I guess, food is nice sure but can someone die or something, my god🤣
I can’t believe I’m nearly halfway through the book and nothing has happened? Sure we are probably building to something but there’s no tension? Just an unnecessary omission our MC is stubbornly sticking with? I’m noping out. Life’s too short and there are too many books on my TBR for this.
April 16, 2026
200 pages of waiting for the thrill… only for it to show up at the end and be completely predictable.
August 16, 2026
It was an interesting book, however some character reactions to situations didn’t quite ring true. I didn’t mind the style of writing - a mix of 3rd person and the main character’s journal content. The blurb on the front cover, They’re dying to become best sellers’, is a bit misleading.
May 11, 2026
When Kat struggles to pen her second novel, she makes a last minute booking to the exclusive writing retreat run by highly acclaimed author Helen Thorne located in Provence, France
Surrounded by very established authors and writers, feeling out of her depth, Kat tries to remain focused on her book and starts to write and take in the beautiful backdrop
But very quickly she is discovers those around her are hiding secrets and might not be there with the right intentions
I love a book in a book story! This was such a great destination mystery read, where the food and setting are equally a leading character as that of Kat or Helen!
Perfectly paced with plenty of twists!
Thank you so much AffirmPress for my gifted ARC
Surrounded by very established authors and writers, feeling out of her depth, Kat tries to remain focused on her book and starts to write and take in the beautiful backdrop
But very quickly she is discovers those around her are hiding secrets and might not be there with the right intentions
I love a book in a book story! This was such a great destination mystery read, where the food and setting are equally a leading character as that of Kat or Helen!
Perfectly paced with plenty of twists!
Thank you so much AffirmPress for my gifted ARC
July 2, 2026
Deadass what the helly 😭😭😭 idk like I just feel like this book is so pointless and unrealistic. First of all this MC Kat needs to actually stop sticking her nose into other people’s business cuz like genuinely girl why r u so invested in Helen and Gabriel’s life. Mind ur own for real like even if Helen’s trying to get some of Gabriel’s family recipes for a book like?? Let the couple work it out themselves. U literally just met bro….what would u know about their relationship??? Also I hated the ending cuz oh suddenly Belinda is the evil mastermind and Helen and Gabriel are innocent? And it’s like heavily implied that they twisted the story so they look innocent now that she’s dead but they just never really address that. Also Ed was gearing up to be secretly evil lowkey but all of a sudden he just loves Kat so much he had to protect her? Idk it just feels so unrealistic. For all the criticism Kat had about writing a romance novel and how her characters are boring and unrealistic she was actually a boring character and her romance subplot felt super unrealistic as well. Also I didn’t rlly get why it was such a big deal that Kat was hiding that she was a published author like? U don’t even know these ppl…I really don’t think they’ll care if they found out u didn’t mention that u have a published book…it doesn’t rlly feel like the big betrayal crisis she is convinced it’s gonna be?? Idk all around kind of annoying book and annoying character like girl. These r supposed to be real ppl ur writing about. Mind ur own and stop ruining other ppls relationships and lives for fun? Hypocritical ass b fr.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
Book 37/100
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I’m always a sucker for books about writers and the writing process, so adding a mystery/thriller element to the mix sounded like the perfect recipe for me.
The Writers Retreat was such an easy audiobook to get through. The cast of characters was easy to keep track of, and I never found myself confused by the dual narrative structure. (It’s not exactly two timelines… more like a story within a story, but saying too much would spoil the fun.)
The mystery kept me engaged, and I did enjoy the final reveal, although I have to admit I was hoping for something a little more shocking. The ending felt satisfying, but I wanted my jaw to hit the floor and instead it politely nodded in approval.
One thing I did miss was the French atmosphere. The novel is set in France, but apart from the occasional reminder, it could almost have taken place anywhere. I wanted more croissants, more tiny cafés, more charming villages, more “I can smell the butter through the pages” vibes.
This was my first book by Victoria Brownlee, though, and it definitely made me curious to pick up another of her novels. Eat Your Heart Out has caught my eye—mainly because she’s a food writer, and apparently I’m incapable of resisting books that promise either murder or snacks.
Overall, an entertaining and easy-to-listen-to mystery that was exactly what I needed, even if I wished it had leaned a little harder into both the French setting and the twists.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I’m always a sucker for books about writers and the writing process, so adding a mystery/thriller element to the mix sounded like the perfect recipe for me.
The Writers Retreat was such an easy audiobook to get through. The cast of characters was easy to keep track of, and I never found myself confused by the dual narrative structure. (It’s not exactly two timelines… more like a story within a story, but saying too much would spoil the fun.)
The mystery kept me engaged, and I did enjoy the final reveal, although I have to admit I was hoping for something a little more shocking. The ending felt satisfying, but I wanted my jaw to hit the floor and instead it politely nodded in approval.
One thing I did miss was the French atmosphere. The novel is set in France, but apart from the occasional reminder, it could almost have taken place anywhere. I wanted more croissants, more tiny cafés, more charming villages, more “I can smell the butter through the pages” vibes.
This was my first book by Victoria Brownlee, though, and it definitely made me curious to pick up another of her novels. Eat Your Heart Out has caught my eye—mainly because she’s a food writer, and apparently I’m incapable of resisting books that promise either murder or snacks.
Overall, an entertaining and easy-to-listen-to mystery that was exactly what I needed, even if I wished it had leaned a little harder into both the French setting and the twists.
April 28, 2026
Australian Kat Hale’s first novel was a best seller. Her second has been returned to her for a rewrite. Her publisher’s comment: it’s boring. Recovering from a mini-breakdown, she takes drastic action. She flies to Europe to attend a writers’ retreat in the South of France.
Helen Thorne and her husband, Gabriel, are the hosts of the well-regarded retreat. They guarantee a creative haven for writers to ‘hone their plotlines and sharpen their characters while soaking up the Provençal atmosphere’.
On arrival, Kat is introduced to her fellow attendees: four Americans; two from England; and an Italian. Some are there to get help with their first novel; others are already published authors and are hoping to pick up ideas for another book that will be recognised as sensational by critics and the public. All have secrets that eventually leak out for our delight.
The cuisine is exquisite; books are mysteriously disappearing from the library; the gossip is scandalous; and a body is discovered.
'The Writers Retreat' is a slow burn and character-driven. Readers who prefer a plot-driven narrative galloping to a speedy conclusion will need to exercise patience. Those who enjoy developments gradually emerging with angst, anxiety and anguish waiting to pounce at any moment will not be disappointed.
June 16, 2026
Been reading a lot of mysteries and thrillers lately, and I do judge a book by its cover, especially if it’s not an author I’ve already read. So, I was eager to read this one!
Clearly my rating is simply a reflection of me and my expectations … And, with a dark cover and an intriguing tagline (‘They’re dying to become bestsellers.’), perhaps I was expecting something Agatha Christie-ish. And … it was not. I am sorry to say that I wanted to quit early on, but kept plodding anyway (after all, I borrow so many books from the library, perhaps I just forgot what I was expecting from this book) — and I hate not finishing a book. I also don’t even like flicking to the end to find out what happens. But, feeling desperate, I did flick to the last few pages to the acknowledgments and the Reading Group Questions, which (bit of a spoiler) asked: ‘When did you realise who was writing [the story within the story]?’ It was probably that which kept me going.
It had a nice little hint of romance on the side (giving it a hopeful sort of ending) with the mystery component, a mixed-POV style (personal journal/first person and a third person narrative), an eventual climax … but some pretty loose ends with hints that there may be a follow-up. Maybe.
The author’s previously published books have nice covers (and look like a different genre), so I’d like to give them a go. 😊
Clearly my rating is simply a reflection of me and my expectations … And, with a dark cover and an intriguing tagline (‘They’re dying to become bestsellers.’), perhaps I was expecting something Agatha Christie-ish. And … it was not. I am sorry to say that I wanted to quit early on, but kept plodding anyway (after all, I borrow so many books from the library, perhaps I just forgot what I was expecting from this book) — and I hate not finishing a book. I also don’t even like flicking to the end to find out what happens. But, feeling desperate, I did flick to the last few pages to the acknowledgments and the Reading Group Questions, which (bit of a spoiler) asked: ‘When did you realise who was writing [the story within the story]?’ It was probably that which kept me going.
It had a nice little hint of romance on the side (giving it a hopeful sort of ending) with the mystery component, a mixed-POV style (personal journal/first person and a third person narrative), an eventual climax … but some pretty loose ends with hints that there may be a follow-up. Maybe.
The author’s previously published books have nice covers (and look like a different genre), so I’d like to give them a go. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
From the very first pages, I felt swept away to the atmospheric old estate in Provence where this two-week writing retreat takes place. The setting was vivid and immersive, filled with hidden corners, and some of the most mouthwatering food descriptions I’ve read in a long time. Victoria Brownlee’s experience as a food writer shines through effortlessly. Every French dish described felt so rich and sensory that I could almost taste it myself.
I really enjoyed the dual POVs between Helen, the retreat’s mysterious hostess, and Kat, a romance author struggling with writer’s block and the pressure of following up a successful debut novel.
The structure of the story was also unique, with journal entries woven throughout that slowly revealed more about the characters and the secrets they were keeping. None of the characters are entirely likeable or perfect, but that’s what made them feel real. Everyone seemed to be hiding something beneath the polished exterior of the retreat.
What started as an atmospheric story gradually built into something far more unsettling, and I genuinely didn’t see that twist coming.
If you enjoy stories filled with complicated characters, beautiful settings, simmering secrets, and a touch of mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I really enjoyed the dual POVs between Helen, the retreat’s mysterious hostess, and Kat, a romance author struggling with writer’s block and the pressure of following up a successful debut novel.
The structure of the story was also unique, with journal entries woven throughout that slowly revealed more about the characters and the secrets they were keeping. None of the characters are entirely likeable or perfect, but that’s what made them feel real. Everyone seemed to be hiding something beneath the polished exterior of the retreat.
What started as an atmospheric story gradually built into something far more unsettling, and I genuinely didn’t see that twist coming.
If you enjoy stories filled with complicated characters, beautiful settings, simmering secrets, and a touch of mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Big thanks to Affirm Press and Simon and Schustere for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I adored Victoria Brownlee’s book Eat Your Heart Out so much so that I was very excited to read her next one.
With a switch in genre, and I must say this was a successful choice, The Writers Retreat is an addictive and engaging read.
Let’s travel to the South of France and an annual writers retreat is a sought after placement.
A last minute decision for bestselling writer Kat Hale is much needed as she is finding the creative juices for her second novel are just not flowing.
Global sensation author Helen Thorne runs the haven but she is notoriously difficult to read and not much is known about her.
Kat’s two weeks of blissful writing soon takes a turn when it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems.
Helen has secrets and is hiding something but so does Kat.
Who will be the first to crumble before danger erupts…..
The atmosphere makes the reader want to know more.
The plot gives off drama and the characters create much chaos until the twists are revealed.
An unexpected ending tops it all off.
You are all in for an entertaining reading experience when this book is unveiled into the world.
I adored Victoria Brownlee’s book Eat Your Heart Out so much so that I was very excited to read her next one.
With a switch in genre, and I must say this was a successful choice, The Writers Retreat is an addictive and engaging read.
Let’s travel to the South of France and an annual writers retreat is a sought after placement.
A last minute decision for bestselling writer Kat Hale is much needed as she is finding the creative juices for her second novel are just not flowing.
Global sensation author Helen Thorne runs the haven but she is notoriously difficult to read and not much is known about her.
Kat’s two weeks of blissful writing soon takes a turn when it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems.
Helen has secrets and is hiding something but so does Kat.
Who will be the first to crumble before danger erupts…..
The atmosphere makes the reader want to know more.
The plot gives off drama and the characters create much chaos until the twists are revealed.
An unexpected ending tops it all off.
You are all in for an entertaining reading experience when this book is unveiled into the world.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“A journal is actually an introverts best friend.”
This book was incredible! It was so wickedly clever and so good!!
I love how Victoria transports us to France! The writing and descriptions, the food, it’s all so amazing I get completely immersed in her books.
The characters are all interesting and so unique in their own way. I was incredibly fascinated with Helen and Gabriel’s relationship and was wondering how this would pan out.
I loved reading about the writing and publishing process, I’m always intrigued by this. And the setting of the writers retreat was just perfect! Writers getting nasty, writers wanting revenge, sheesh it was SO good!
Kat comes across as meek and boring (not to me, but to others) but she grows on this retreat. She stands up for herself, she faces challenges and she jumps into things. I want more!
The twist. I’d love to talk about the twist, but I can’t. It was superb. So good! Brilliant! If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this one!
Please can we have a sequel Victoria? I need more 🙏🏻
Thank you so much @simonschusterau for the early copy.
This book was incredible! It was so wickedly clever and so good!!
I love how Victoria transports us to France! The writing and descriptions, the food, it’s all so amazing I get completely immersed in her books.
The characters are all interesting and so unique in their own way. I was incredibly fascinated with Helen and Gabriel’s relationship and was wondering how this would pan out.
I loved reading about the writing and publishing process, I’m always intrigued by this. And the setting of the writers retreat was just perfect! Writers getting nasty, writers wanting revenge, sheesh it was SO good!
Kat comes across as meek and boring (not to me, but to others) but she grows on this retreat. She stands up for herself, she faces challenges and she jumps into things. I want more!
The twist. I’d love to talk about the twist, but I can’t. It was superb. So good! Brilliant! If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this one!
Please can we have a sequel Victoria? I need more 🙏🏻
Thank you so much @simonschusterau for the early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you love stories about the writing process, self discovery, travel & food with a sneaky mystery - you will love this!
After writing a hugely successful first novel, Kat finds herself struggling with novel #2 and after it’s brutally panned by her publisher, she takes herself on a writing retreat in Provence, France. It’s as dreamy as you can imagine. Beautiful descriptions, amazing food. You really feel like you’re there with Kat. I loved it. As the retreat progresses Kat realises everyone isn’t being honest about their writing history and intentions but the more she questions them, the harder it is to get away.
I have to say, based on the cover and blurb, I was expecting this to be a thriller but it isn’t from the get go. Having said that, I would definitely read more fiction from Victoria Brownlee after this. I really enjoyed her writing style. I lapped this up very quickly. I would love to see her delve even further into mystery writing.
Thank you to @simonschusterau @affirmpress @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
After writing a hugely successful first novel, Kat finds herself struggling with novel #2 and after it’s brutally panned by her publisher, she takes herself on a writing retreat in Provence, France. It’s as dreamy as you can imagine. Beautiful descriptions, amazing food. You really feel like you’re there with Kat. I loved it. As the retreat progresses Kat realises everyone isn’t being honest about their writing history and intentions but the more she questions them, the harder it is to get away.
I have to say, based on the cover and blurb, I was expecting this to be a thriller but it isn’t from the get go. Having said that, I would definitely read more fiction from Victoria Brownlee after this. I really enjoyed her writing style. I lapped this up very quickly. I would love to see her delve even further into mystery writing.
Thank you to @simonschusterau @affirmpress @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While billed as a thriller, the first half (and some change) of this book is more a slice of life and character study on Kat.
I dabble in writing a bit myself, so I was content to spend some time basking in the dream of a luxurious writing retreat in France and sit with a writer who was deep in their struggle with imposter syndrome.
Without a doubt, Brownlee is an accomplished writer. She creates an evocative and comforting sense of place, and the way she writes food is sublime.
However, when you believe you're picking up a thriller, there is an expectation that the book will get exciting sooner rather than later. For me, this story leaned too far toward a slow burn, and the crumbs of the intrigue to come weren't enough to satisfy me as I waited for something more to happen.
I think if my expectations and had been more in line with the reality of the book, I would have enjoyed it more.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the arc in exchange for a review.
I dabble in writing a bit myself, so I was content to spend some time basking in the dream of a luxurious writing retreat in France and sit with a writer who was deep in their struggle with imposter syndrome.
Without a doubt, Brownlee is an accomplished writer. She creates an evocative and comforting sense of place, and the way she writes food is sublime.
However, when you believe you're picking up a thriller, there is an expectation that the book will get exciting sooner rather than later. For me, this story leaned too far toward a slow burn, and the crumbs of the intrigue to come weren't enough to satisfy me as I waited for something more to happen.
I think if my expectations and had been more in line with the reality of the book, I would have enjoyed it more.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the arc in exchange for a review.
April 2, 2026
4 stars
NetGalley review: The Writers Retreat by Victoria Brownlee.
Kat Hale has already had huge success as a debut author, but when it comes to book #2, she’s stumped. With her agent breathing down her neck, she decides to travel from Australia to the South of France for a writing retreat, hoping the change of scenery will give her a fresh perspective on her writing.
As she debates pivoting her writing genre to thriller, her life at the retreat turns into a bit of a thriller also.
I really enjoyed this book, although to me it was less thriller and more mystery. I have to be honest and say I think the events leading up to the end potentially let it down a bit, it felt rushed and things happened kind of out of left field. Despite that, I thought the pacing was good and the story built nicely.
4/5
Thankyou to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy, this is my honest opinion.
NetGalley review: The Writers Retreat by Victoria Brownlee.
Kat Hale has already had huge success as a debut author, but when it comes to book #2, she’s stumped. With her agent breathing down her neck, she decides to travel from Australia to the South of France for a writing retreat, hoping the change of scenery will give her a fresh perspective on her writing.
As she debates pivoting her writing genre to thriller, her life at the retreat turns into a bit of a thriller also.
I really enjoyed this book, although to me it was less thriller and more mystery. I have to be honest and say I think the events leading up to the end potentially let it down a bit, it felt rushed and things happened kind of out of left field. Despite that, I thought the pacing was good and the story built nicely.
4/5
Thankyou to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy, this is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2026
Kat is an inspiring writer with one book published with great success but now with a hefty advance her 2nd novel is at a standstill since her publisher declared it boring. Write what you know about is her mantra but maybe her own failed romance is not a fitting subject.
On a whim she books a writers retreat in France, to try and get the creative juices flowing, maybe they may be flowing too much…..
I thought this was going to be a locked room kind of thriller but I found it more to be a character driven drama which I really enjoyed.
Part of the retreat is to encourage journal writing and through Kat’s entries we really get to know her, as she comes out of her shell through her words.
At first she comes across a bit mousey but she grows with her thoughts as the story progresses.
A bit slow to start at first, I kept on waiting for something to ‘happen’ but soon I just went with the flow and got swept away.
Loved it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
On a whim she books a writers retreat in France, to try and get the creative juices flowing, maybe they may be flowing too much…..
I thought this was going to be a locked room kind of thriller but I found it more to be a character driven drama which I really enjoyed.
Part of the retreat is to encourage journal writing and through Kat’s entries we really get to know her, as she comes out of her shell through her words.
At first she comes across a bit mousey but she grows with her thoughts as the story progresses.
A bit slow to start at first, I kept on waiting for something to ‘happen’ but soon I just went with the flow and got swept away.
Loved it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
May 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
The Writers Retreat is a slow-burn destination thriller set in the South of France. It’s mysterious, atmospheric and filled with deliciously descriptive food.
The setting of this book was a standout for me along with the imposter syndrome and self doubt that Kat goes through. It makes her character very relatable. I also liked the book within a book writing style, it gives a lot of insight into the other characters, the retreat experience and the publishing process.
I wouldn’t describe this as a tightly wound, edge of your seat thriller; instead, it’s a character driven mystery that gradually unfolds, building toward an unexpected twist. And overall I found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thank you to Affirm Press and Simon and Schuster Aus for a copy to review 💕
The Writers Retreat is a slow-burn destination thriller set in the South of France. It’s mysterious, atmospheric and filled with deliciously descriptive food.
The setting of this book was a standout for me along with the imposter syndrome and self doubt that Kat goes through. It makes her character very relatable. I also liked the book within a book writing style, it gives a lot of insight into the other characters, the retreat experience and the publishing process.
I wouldn’t describe this as a tightly wound, edge of your seat thriller; instead, it’s a character driven mystery that gradually unfolds, building toward an unexpected twist. And overall I found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thank you to Affirm Press and Simon and Schuster Aus for a copy to review 💕
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG this book had me absolutely hooked, from the beginning I thought Helen was going to be the killer especially after the note under Kats door, how wrong was I. I love the characteristics of France and fancy wine but also a house the held too many dark secrets just waiting for the wrong person to tumble across them.
The whole time I imagined myself as Kat and how the ending must of been terrifying I was on the edge of my seat. I read The Writers Retreat in one sitting it was an amazing book with dark secrets in the corners of an amazing French house.
I highly recommend this book Victoria's writing is so easy to read and be immersed in the book.
4.5 stars from me I really hope there is going to be a second book I need to know what happens on the next retreat!
The whole time I imagined myself as Kat and how the ending must of been terrifying I was on the edge of my seat. I read The Writers Retreat in one sitting it was an amazing book with dark secrets in the corners of an amazing French house.
I highly recommend this book Victoria's writing is so easy to read and be immersed in the book.
4.5 stars from me I really hope there is going to be a second book I need to know what happens on the next retreat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
The Writers Retreat is a mystery novel set in the south of France. Kat, an Aussie author, is trying to write her second novel and struggling. Hoping for inspiration, Kat joins the retreat but keeps her writing career a secrets. However, Kat isn't the only secret keeper..
Written partially through journal entires made by Kat during the writers retreat but also a nom de plume novella providing Helen's perspective. The combination of the diary entries and novella made sense from a storytelling perspective but felt a little repetitive from a reading point of view. The ending didn't quite hit thriller for me, more mystery but it was an enjoyable and captivating read.
Written partially through journal entires made by Kat during the writers retreat but also a nom de plume novella providing Helen's perspective. The combination of the diary entries and novella made sense from a storytelling perspective but felt a little repetitive from a reading point of view. The ending didn't quite hit thriller for me, more mystery but it was an enjoyable and captivating read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An entertaining read. As a big reader, the setting of a writers retreat is definitely engaging.
Kind a book within a book within the book here. We have a published author, who after the success of a debut romance novel finds her second novel rejected by the publisher. So she heads to the said writers retreat in the south of France.
Lots of food and wine woven into the plot, and the journey of self discovery for our narrator makes for interesting reading. The thriller aspect to the novel provided a surprise ending to the tale.
My only minor criticism is that the novel didn't feel overly suspenseful to me until very near the end.
Kind a book within a book within the book here. We have a published author, who after the success of a debut romance novel finds her second novel rejected by the publisher. So she heads to the said writers retreat in the south of France.
Lots of food and wine woven into the plot, and the journey of self discovery for our narrator makes for interesting reading. The thriller aspect to the novel provided a surprise ending to the tale.
My only minor criticism is that the novel didn't feel overly suspenseful to me until very near the end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Bookworms, Eat Your Heart Out ... pun intended .. because this book was so much fun!
Southern France setting, a Melbournian travelling overseas for a last chance at writing a sequel to a best seller, using a last ditch effort by attending a Writers Retreat .. but not is all as it seems !
Twists, turns and a whodunnit?! 👀 I loved Eat Your Heart Out and The Writers Retreat gave me alllll of the same feels but in a more twisty storyline 🤌🏻 BUT WE STILL GOT TO READ ABOUT FOOD 😍
Loved the world building, LOVED the character development and trying to figure out who the culprit was!
Southern France setting, a Melbournian travelling overseas for a last chance at writing a sequel to a best seller, using a last ditch effort by attending a Writers Retreat .. but not is all as it seems !
Twists, turns and a whodunnit?! 👀 I loved Eat Your Heart Out and The Writers Retreat gave me alllll of the same feels but in a more twisty storyline 🤌🏻 BUT WE STILL GOT TO READ ABOUT FOOD 😍
Loved the world building, LOVED the character development and trying to figure out who the culprit was!
April 26, 2026
The Writers Retreat is a fun escape into beautiful Provence with a deliciously meta edge. I really enjoyed the structure - the way the story unfolds through journal entries and a novella - and the behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into writing a novel. The food descriptions are a bonus - I recommend not reading this whilst hungry.
A great pick if you like your thrillers atmospheric, playful and self-aware.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reading copy.
A great pick if you like your thrillers atmospheric, playful and self-aware.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reading copy.
April 13, 2026
When Kat needs to rewrite her book, she decides to head to a writers retreat to see if she can find a way to fix the book she has to write. But the retreat isn’t what she expected and the place they are staying at isn’t good at hiding its secrets either.
The characters in this book, are able to be seen, but sometimes not heard from and questions tha they are not giving, hide their secrets, including Kat.
It’s what the end of the book hides is what it means to be a best seller.
The characters in this book, are able to be seen, but sometimes not heard from and questions tha they are not giving, hide their secrets, including Kat.
It’s what the end of the book hides is what it means to be a best seller.
May 27, 2026
The Writers Retreat by Victoria Brown Lee
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a slow burn- then pow the last quarter had all the action and twists. On reflection I was a little confused as nothing was happening for most of the book until the end. Then all of the answers to very limited questions were all wrapped up in tight bow.
Unfortunately I didn't connect to this book.
"Meet Kat Hale, a bestselling Australian author crumbling under the pressure of writing her second novel. She has fled to a writers retreat in the South of France run by internationally acclaimed author Helen Thorne. But what Kat hopes will be two blissfully uninterrupted weeks to focus on her writing in anonymity and soak up the Provençal atmosphere turns into something more sinister, when Helen abruptly announces she’s working on a new project that sounds uncannily similar to Kat’s own work.
That’s when Kat stumbles upon a discovery about Helen’s bestseller. While Kat scours the crumbling mansion for proof, she discovers that this isn’t the first time a retreat attendee has accused Helen of plagiarism. But that writer disappeared without trace.
Will Kat’s desire to uncover the truth about Helen and reclaim her own story be any match for Helen’s desire to hold onto her career, her reputation and her writing retreat, and is Kat in danger of falling victim to the same fate?"
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a slow burn- then pow the last quarter had all the action and twists. On reflection I was a little confused as nothing was happening for most of the book until the end. Then all of the answers to very limited questions were all wrapped up in tight bow.
Unfortunately I didn't connect to this book.
"Meet Kat Hale, a bestselling Australian author crumbling under the pressure of writing her second novel. She has fled to a writers retreat in the South of France run by internationally acclaimed author Helen Thorne. But what Kat hopes will be two blissfully uninterrupted weeks to focus on her writing in anonymity and soak up the Provençal atmosphere turns into something more sinister, when Helen abruptly announces she’s working on a new project that sounds uncannily similar to Kat’s own work.
That’s when Kat stumbles upon a discovery about Helen’s bestseller. While Kat scours the crumbling mansion for proof, she discovers that this isn’t the first time a retreat attendee has accused Helen of plagiarism. But that writer disappeared without trace.
Will Kat’s desire to uncover the truth about Helen and reclaim her own story be any match for Helen’s desire to hold onto her career, her reputation and her writing retreat, and is Kat in danger of falling victim to the same fate?"
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy from the author! I loved the literary setting with a fun dose of romance, suspense and thriller intertwined. The French setting was a perfect backdrop for this exciting book. Another Victoria Brownlee classic!
April 1, 2026
If this is a Hallmark-style gentle mystery (no graphic scenes, but lots of food descriptions) then I give it four stars. But if it is supposed to be a ‘wickedly twisty and atmospheric thriller’ (as it is described on the blurb), I give it less stars. Did the blurb writer even read the book?
May 21, 2026
This was a fun premise that had a lot of potential (especially with a gorgeous setting in the south of France). Sadly I found the characters underdeveloped, the writing clunky and the ending was a train wreck.
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