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The Couples Retreat
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26There's nothing more dangerous than someone who remembers who you used to be.
At a secluded beachfront mansion on Kangaroo Island, three wealthy couples gather for a weekend of partying and luxury indulgence. But beneath the glitter and excess, deep rivalries and explosive secrets fester between the old friends.
When they wake to a shocking murder scene, they are gripped first by fear, then by suspicion. With ferry services suspended due to a storm, the survivors and the killer remain trapped on the island together.
Thrust into the biggest case of her fledgling career, rookie police officer Emily Quinn quickly discovers that the locals are mistrustful of outsiders. When her dangerous ex-boyfriend tracks her down, Quinn's past and present collide in spectacular fashion, threatening not only her new life, but the investigation of the most gruesome crime in the island's history.
Set in one of Australia's most beautiful locations, The Couples Retreat is a twisty, compulsive thriller that proves privilege cannot protect you from everything, and no one is as perfect as they seem.
At a secluded beachfront mansion on Kangaroo Island, three wealthy couples gather for a weekend of partying and luxury indulgence. But beneath the glitter and excess, deep rivalries and explosive secrets fester between the old friends.
When they wake to a shocking murder scene, they are gripped first by fear, then by suspicion. With ferry services suspended due to a storm, the survivors and the killer remain trapped on the island together.
Thrust into the biggest case of her fledgling career, rookie police officer Emily Quinn quickly discovers that the locals are mistrustful of outsiders. When her dangerous ex-boyfriend tracks her down, Quinn's past and present collide in spectacular fashion, threatening not only her new life, but the investigation of the most gruesome crime in the island's history.
Set in one of Australia's most beautiful locations, The Couples Retreat is a twisty, compulsive thriller that proves privilege cannot protect you from everything, and no one is as perfect as they seem.
- GenresCrime
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
123 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Mercier
3 books86 followersMercedes Mercier writes 'just-one-more-page' crime with twisting plots and relatable characters. As well as writing books, Mercedes works in the criminal justice system, providing her unique insight into the world of prisons, crime and offenders.
After a brush with death, Mercedes decided to throw herself into life. She lived overseas, become a black belt in Karate, skydived, and volunteered with animals.
When she doesn't have her nose in her laptop and her mind in a story, she loves to read, travel, try new restaurants, and listen to podcasts (true crime of course).
After a brush with death, Mercedes decided to throw herself into life. She lived overseas, become a black belt in Karate, skydived, and volunteered with animals.
When she doesn't have her nose in her laptop and her mind in a story, she loves to read, travel, try new restaurants, and listen to podcasts (true crime of course).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 16, 2026
The Couples Retreat is one of those thrillers with a premise that feels familiar but still manages to hit you with emotional layers you didn’t expect. I’ve always loved a secluded‑area setting, and this one absolutely delivered. Kangaroo Island becomes its own character: atmospheric, eerie, and strangely inviting. I’ve never been there myself, but the way the story unfolded made me feel like I’d spent a few tense days tucked away on its rugged coastline.
This is an intense, drama‑soaked thriller featuring the classic entitled university bullies who somehow skate through life without consequences. The friendships are the kind you side‑eye from the start that's fake, fragile, and built on feeding each other’s worst impulses. It’s messy in the way domestic thrillers should be.
What I Enjoyed:
• New beginning trope
• First person narration
• Fast paced
What Didn’t Feel Right:
• People getting away with being an absolute asshole
• Forced plot twists
• A stalker trope that’s starting to feel a little dusty
Breakdown
* Setting: 5⭐️
* Characters: 3⭐️
* Writing: 4⭐️
* Message: 3⭐️
* Overall: 4⭐️
In summary, it’s a solid crime thriller told through two alternating narratives of a police officer desperate for a fresh start and a rags‑to‑riches woman trying to find her footing in a world of luxury, secrets, and betrayal. The drama is delicious, the tension is sharp, and there were definitely a few “wait… what?” moments that kept me flipping pages. Highly recommended for secluded‑setting thriller girlies like me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and Mercedes Mercier for my advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
~ JaNnA ~
This is an intense, drama‑soaked thriller featuring the classic entitled university bullies who somehow skate through life without consequences. The friendships are the kind you side‑eye from the start that's fake, fragile, and built on feeding each other’s worst impulses. It’s messy in the way domestic thrillers should be.
What I Enjoyed:
• New beginning trope
• First person narration
• Fast paced
What Didn’t Feel Right:
• People getting away with being an absolute asshole
• Forced plot twists
• A stalker trope that’s starting to feel a little dusty
Breakdown
* Setting: 5⭐️
* Characters: 3⭐️
* Writing: 4⭐️
* Message: 3⭐️
* Overall: 4⭐️
In summary, it’s a solid crime thriller told through two alternating narratives of a police officer desperate for a fresh start and a rags‑to‑riches woman trying to find her footing in a world of luxury, secrets, and betrayal. The drama is delicious, the tension is sharp, and there were definitely a few “wait… what?” moments that kept me flipping pages. Highly recommended for secluded‑setting thriller girlies like me.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Australia, and Mercedes Mercier for my advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
~ JaNnA ~
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was thrilled to receive an early copy of the upcoming new release by Mercedes Mercier. I loved White Noise and Black Lies, her previous novels, so this one was a highly anticipated read for me.
It did not disappoint! It had me completely engrossed, so much so, I read it inside a day. Topical themes that hit hard combine with an absolute cracker of a twist that I did not even get a hint of prior to its moment of impact.
I really liked Emily Quinn and had to keep reminding myself of how young she was. It's something to think on, mere 20 year olds as new police recruits - an absolute baptism by fire. I'm curious to see if this is just the beginning for Emily Quinn and if there will be more books to come on her.
I highly recommend this one to fans of atmospheric Australian crime fiction. Out mid April!
Thanks to @penguinbooksaus for the copy!
It did not disappoint! It had me completely engrossed, so much so, I read it inside a day. Topical themes that hit hard combine with an absolute cracker of a twist that I did not even get a hint of prior to its moment of impact.
I really liked Emily Quinn and had to keep reminding myself of how young she was. It's something to think on, mere 20 year olds as new police recruits - an absolute baptism by fire. I'm curious to see if this is just the beginning for Emily Quinn and if there will be more books to come on her.
I highly recommend this one to fans of atmospheric Australian crime fiction. Out mid April!
Thanks to @penguinbooksaus for the copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mercedes Mercier is an auto-buy author for me for her writing style and plotlines in her thriller books. Her latest book also did not disappoint and was one of the fastest books I read this year.
Couples Retreat is a book about three couples, with different dynamics and power play, with lies and histories running underneath their relationships, friendships and behaviour. They go to Kangaroo Island for a weekend of adventure, to a beach resort which was built against the wishes of the local people.
Emily Quinn is a probationary police officer who joins working at the KI station on the same day the couples come to the island. She is considered an outsider both by the staff and the community but she tries hard to fit in. She is also running away from an abusive relationship
When two couple turn of dead in the middle of the night, Quinn becomes part of the investigating team and very much wants to prove her worth. But what if the killer is still in the island? And what is she going to do when her abusive ex-boyfriend is tracking her every move?
This was a great thriller, with twists and turns in every chapter. I did not see the ending coming which was a bit of a surprise. But I would have preferred with the abusive ex plot line was not at all included because the plot moved very well without it, and I found that it was an additional plot line that made the story only a bit lengthy. But nevertheless, it was a good whu-dun-it.
Couples Retreat is a book about three couples, with different dynamics and power play, with lies and histories running underneath their relationships, friendships and behaviour. They go to Kangaroo Island for a weekend of adventure, to a beach resort which was built against the wishes of the local people.
Emily Quinn is a probationary police officer who joins working at the KI station on the same day the couples come to the island. She is considered an outsider both by the staff and the community but she tries hard to fit in. She is also running away from an abusive relationship
When two couple turn of dead in the middle of the night, Quinn becomes part of the investigating team and very much wants to prove her worth. But what if the killer is still in the island? And what is she going to do when her abusive ex-boyfriend is tracking her every move?
This was a great thriller, with twists and turns in every chapter. I did not see the ending coming which was a bit of a surprise. But I would have preferred with the abusive ex plot line was not at all included because the plot moved very well without it, and I found that it was an additional plot line that made the story only a bit lengthy. But nevertheless, it was a good whu-dun-it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Couples Retreat by Mercedes Mercier is a gripping, elegantly written thriller that absolutely hits the mark. From the first pages, it’s a true page-turner, tense, atmospheric, and hard to put down.
Set against the stunning and moody backdrop of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, the setting becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the isolation and unease as the story unfolds. Mercier uses the landscape brilliantly, grounding the twists and suspense in a place that feels both beautiful and foreboding.
The characters are particularly compelling and provoke strong emotional reactions, especially the sharp portrayal of self-entitlement and private school privilege, a dynamic that feels quintessentially South Australian and uncomfortably authentic. These social tensions add depth and realism that make for an engaging read.
The dual perspectives of Ashley and Quinn are expertly handled, intertwining seamlessly to build tension, emotional depth, and momentum. Their voices feel distinct and raw, drawing you deeper into the story and keeping the suspense to the end.
I absolutely loved this book and flew through it as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley. A smart, atmospheric, and emotionally charged thriller that delivers. Highly recommended.
Set against the stunning and moody backdrop of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, the setting becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the isolation and unease as the story unfolds. Mercier uses the landscape brilliantly, grounding the twists and suspense in a place that feels both beautiful and foreboding.
The characters are particularly compelling and provoke strong emotional reactions, especially the sharp portrayal of self-entitlement and private school privilege, a dynamic that feels quintessentially South Australian and uncomfortably authentic. These social tensions add depth and realism that make for an engaging read.
The dual perspectives of Ashley and Quinn are expertly handled, intertwining seamlessly to build tension, emotional depth, and momentum. Their voices feel distinct and raw, drawing you deeper into the story and keeping the suspense to the end.
I absolutely loved this book and flew through it as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley. A smart, atmospheric, and emotionally charged thriller that delivers. Highly recommended.
February 22, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Secrets and Stalkers, Top Of The Roof Tension
full review ⬇️
It’s been a while between Mercedes reads for me and firstly I’m annoyed at myself for waiting so long. Secondly.. this was SO worth the wait!
Mercedes’ criminal justice background shines through again. Her understanding of policing, procedure and criminal behaviour adds such an authentic edge to the tension.
Set against the stunning, secluded backdrop of Kangaroo Island, The Couples Retreat moves between the perspectives of a new police officer and a wealthy visitor. I loved this structure. At times it felt like reading two separate suspense stories running side by side, layered with that extra spicy tension of not knowing when or how their worlds would eventually collide.
And they collided with a BANG!
This book was full of cliffhangers but that final stretch was absolutely epic with so much happening in such a short space of time (but still perfectly paced). My heart rate was elevated and the pages were flying.
If you’re chasing a thriller that genuinely grips you, keeps you guessing and finishes with an absolute bang, add this to your April release list immediately. And while you’re at it, go back and read Mercedes’ debut Black Lies too, this was another standout for me!
A big thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for this excellent book sneak peek!
Vibe check: Secrets and Stalkers, Top Of The Roof Tension
full review ⬇️
It’s been a while between Mercedes reads for me and firstly I’m annoyed at myself for waiting so long. Secondly.. this was SO worth the wait!
Mercedes’ criminal justice background shines through again. Her understanding of policing, procedure and criminal behaviour adds such an authentic edge to the tension.
Set against the stunning, secluded backdrop of Kangaroo Island, The Couples Retreat moves between the perspectives of a new police officer and a wealthy visitor. I loved this structure. At times it felt like reading two separate suspense stories running side by side, layered with that extra spicy tension of not knowing when or how their worlds would eventually collide.
And they collided with a BANG!
This book was full of cliffhangers but that final stretch was absolutely epic with so much happening in such a short space of time (but still perfectly paced). My heart rate was elevated and the pages were flying.
If you’re chasing a thriller that genuinely grips you, keeps you guessing and finishes with an absolute bang, add this to your April release list immediately. And while you’re at it, go back and read Mercedes’ debut Black Lies too, this was another standout for me!
A big thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for this excellent book sneak peek!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really enjoyable read. Definitely a page turner that kept me reading into the night.
The book revolves around three wealthy couples on a weekend away on Kangaroo Island. Staying in a very fancy home, there is plenty of ill feeling between members of the group, and a lot of secrets and tension. Also forming an integral part of the story is Quinn, a police officer new to both the job and Kangaroo island, and with secrets of her own. Unsurprisingly, some of the characters in the book are rather unlikeable, as some of the wealthy couples are entitled and arrogant. They are balanced by other, more likeable characters, including Quinn.
The tension and questions build well throughout the story. I have to say though, that I did pick the guilty party a while before they were revealed. This was a well written story, which doesn’t disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
The book revolves around three wealthy couples on a weekend away on Kangaroo Island. Staying in a very fancy home, there is plenty of ill feeling between members of the group, and a lot of secrets and tension. Also forming an integral part of the story is Quinn, a police officer new to both the job and Kangaroo island, and with secrets of her own. Unsurprisingly, some of the characters in the book are rather unlikeable, as some of the wealthy couples are entitled and arrogant. They are balanced by other, more likeable characters, including Quinn.
The tension and questions build well throughout the story. I have to say though, that I did pick the guilty party a while before they were revealed. This was a well written story, which doesn’t disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 24, 2026
Set in a remote mansion on Kangaroo Island, this suspense-filled novel unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Ash and Quinn. Ash and her husband Nick are one of three wealthy couples enjoying a luxurious stay, Nick’s long-standing university friendships now strained by buried tensions and long-held secrets. Ash is the most grounded of the group, while the others come across as entitled, privileged bullies.
Quinn, meanwhile, is a probationary constable carrying her own scars as she tries to distance herself from an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend. When a fierce storm isolates the island from the outside world, tensions escalate and multiple murders are committed. As the narrative switches between Ash and Quinn, their stories gradually intertwine.
This thriller grips you from the very first page and moves at a relentless pace. Packed with twists—including one jaw dropping reveal—I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Random House Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
Quinn, meanwhile, is a probationary constable carrying her own scars as she tries to distance herself from an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend. When a fierce storm isolates the island from the outside world, tensions escalate and multiple murders are committed. As the narrative switches between Ash and Quinn, their stories gradually intertwine.
This thriller grips you from the very first page and moves at a relentless pace. Packed with twists—including one jaw dropping reveal—I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Random House Australia for the opportunity to review this book.
February 25, 2026
This was such an addictive read. As an Aussie girl, I loved the Kangaroo Island setting. It added that extra layer of isolation and atmosphere that made everything feel more intense. I’m always a sucker for a thriller set close to home.
The characters are messy, complicated and at times very unlikeable. The entitlement was next level, but that honestly made it more entertaining. The tension builds really well and there’s this constant undercurrent of secrets and resentment that keeps you hooked.
I did guess who the guilty person was before the big reveal, but that didn’t make the suspense any less thrilling. It was a total page-turner that had me reading late into the night. Overall, a highly enjoyable, well-written thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the Arc copy.
The characters are messy, complicated and at times very unlikeable. The entitlement was next level, but that honestly made it more entertaining. The tension builds really well and there’s this constant undercurrent of secrets and resentment that keeps you hooked.
I did guess who the guilty person was before the big reveal, but that didn’t make the suspense any less thrilling. It was a total page-turner that had me reading late into the night. Overall, a highly enjoyable, well-written thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the Arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Psychological thriller author Mercedes Mercier is about to unleash her third novel out into the book universe and her audience is about to be wowed.
A standalone novel with spine chilling vibes and one wickedly good ride.
Three couples arrive at a luxurious haven for a three day weekend.
With wealth, extravagance, celebration and fun comes secrets, revenge, deception and danger.
This vacation will destroy friendships and relationships.
On the morning after a wild night someone is found dead.
A storm approaches and they become stranded and there’s a killer on the loose.
Enter police officer Emily Quinn, dealing with personal issues, who is about to have the investigation of her life.
The plot and mood of this story is tense, gripping, slick, piercing, suspenseful, mysterious and oh so addictive.
The first half is steady paced building the drama and seeing how the characters minds and actions interact then the second half really revs up the narrative and dramatisation.
Then the great twist and the climactic ending.
I did guess the twist, I picked up something earlier on and this set my detective reading mind into overdrive and I was right.
Highly recommended and comes strongly with a stamp of approval.
A one more chapter read that will keep you up late at night and not just for being hooking……
Psychological thriller author Mercedes Mercier is about to unleash her third novel out into the book universe and her audience is about to be wowed.
A standalone novel with spine chilling vibes and one wickedly good ride.
Three couples arrive at a luxurious haven for a three day weekend.
With wealth, extravagance, celebration and fun comes secrets, revenge, deception and danger.
This vacation will destroy friendships and relationships.
On the morning after a wild night someone is found dead.
A storm approaches and they become stranded and there’s a killer on the loose.
Enter police officer Emily Quinn, dealing with personal issues, who is about to have the investigation of her life.
The plot and mood of this story is tense, gripping, slick, piercing, suspenseful, mysterious and oh so addictive.
The first half is steady paced building the drama and seeing how the characters minds and actions interact then the second half really revs up the narrative and dramatisation.
Then the great twist and the climactic ending.
I did guess the twist, I picked up something earlier on and this set my detective reading mind into overdrive and I was right.
Highly recommended and comes strongly with a stamp of approval.
A one more chapter read that will keep you up late at night and not just for being hooking……
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Mercedes Mercier’s previous books and was very excited to receive an advanced copy of this one.
The island location together with a storm added to the tension of the story. This is a real page turner that definitely keeps you saying ’just one more chapter’ but keeps you reading well into the early hours of the morning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The island location together with a storm added to the tension of the story. This is a real page turner that definitely keeps you saying ’just one more chapter’ but keeps you reading well into the early hours of the morning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've loved Mercier's earlier books so was pretty happy to receive an early copy of The Couples Retreat.
Really enjoyed it. The setting was perfectly eerie as a locked room type scenario. Great characters, both the good and the bad.
I did pick the killer relatively early on, but wasn't entirely sure until the full reveal.
I hope to see more of Emily Quinn in the future.
Really enjoyed it. The setting was perfectly eerie as a locked room type scenario. Great characters, both the good and the bad.
I did pick the killer relatively early on, but wasn't entirely sure until the full reveal.
I hope to see more of Emily Quinn in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks PRH for my ARC
This is my first Mercedes Mercier book but I can guarantee it won’t be my last!
This book will keep you guessing right through to the end. Three couples holidaying on an island, what could go wrong? Secrets and lies fill their house but what will bring them down?
Told through the eyes of one guest and one rookie cop, brand new to the island with her own secrets, this story develops and gives clues as to what is happening. Will you see them and discover the truth before it’s too late?
This is my first Mercedes Mercier book but I can guarantee it won’t be my last!
This book will keep you guessing right through to the end. Three couples holidaying on an island, what could go wrong? Secrets and lies fill their house but what will bring them down?
Told through the eyes of one guest and one rookie cop, brand new to the island with her own secrets, this story develops and gives clues as to what is happening. Will you see them and discover the truth before it’s too late?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book review coming soon.
February 12, 2026
I read an advance copy of this one. It’s EXCELLENT. Aussie crime done awesomely. All the stars. Add it to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
wow! This was awesome. Another page turner from Mercedes Mercier, and the twist was amazing! With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review to follow
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh wow - what a fantastic ride that was.
This was my first book by Mercedes but it certainly won't be my last. I will be looking for her other two books now and also heard that she has a collaboration with Rachael Johns coming out later this year which I will be very excited to read.
I was hooked right from the start and intrigued with how the stories unfolded. Loved how the chapters alternated between Ashley and Quinn's perspectives, though it did keep me reading longer than intended as I just had to find out what happened and needed to read another chapter to get to that action instead of just turn a page. I'm sure that's exactly what Mercedes intended!
Not giving away any spoilers here, but I did have a sneaking suspicion and was pleased to see I got it right.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book by Mercedes but it certainly won't be my last. I will be looking for her other two books now and also heard that she has a collaboration with Rachael Johns coming out later this year which I will be very excited to read.
I was hooked right from the start and intrigued with how the stories unfolded. Loved how the chapters alternated between Ashley and Quinn's perspectives, though it did keep me reading longer than intended as I just had to find out what happened and needed to read another chapter to get to that action instead of just turn a page. I'm sure that's exactly what Mercedes intended!
Not giving away any spoilers here, but I did have a sneaking suspicion and was pleased to see I got it right.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews