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The Retreat

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( 42,313 ratings, 3,635 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse is a gripping crime and thriller novel centred around an isolated island retreat plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. When Detective Elin Warner is sent to investigate, she uncovers secrets hidden within the island's luxurious but eerie environment. The narrative intertwines suspense with psychological depth, keeping readers on edge as they explore the complexities of both the setting and the characters involved.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this gripping psychological thriller if you're intrigued by the concept of a mysterious island retreat that quickly unravels into a suspenseful nightmare. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, it's perfect for those who love a blend of crime, suspense, and deeply layered characters.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

But why would someone target the retreat - and who else is in danger?

Elin must find the killer - before the island's history starts to repeat itself .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Retreat is a top ten Sunday Times bestseller. Dive into this atmospheric locked-room thriller from the breakout brand Sarah Pearse, renowned author of The Sanatorium, the bestselling crime thriller debut of 2021.

Will you brave The Retreat? This new bestselling thriller comes from the author of The Sanatorium.

A TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
SARAH PEARSE HAS NOW SOLD MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES WORLDWIDE

They couldn't wait to stay here.

An idyllic wellness retreat has opened on an island off the coast of Devon, promising rest and relaxation - but the island itself, known locally as Reaper's Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it's rumoured to be cursed.

But now they can't leave.

A woman is found dead below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns that the victim wasn't a guest - she wasn't meant to be on the island at all.

And they would do anything to escape...

The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving incident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island are true.

Because history seems to be repeating itself - and the guests might not make it home alive...


Readers enjoyed their stay at The Retreat:

'If The Sanatorium was all about the atmosphere, The Retreat is all about the tension.'
'Fast-paced, tense, suspenseful and unpredictable, I loved it!'
'Wow what a book!'
'We all fancy a spa break don't we? Well don't include me after reading this book. It had me hooked from start to finish.'
'Atmospheric and blisteringly exciting.'


'Pearse goes from strength to strength in The Retreat. The suspense inexorably builds to a stunning climax. An added treat is the return of Elin Warner, who is a fascinating character one can only root for.' - David Baldacci, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Mercy

'A world-class thriller writer. Superb. Pre-order it now.' - Steve Cavanagh, Sunday Times bestselling author of Thirteen

'The Retreat recalls the one-by-one nerve-shredding of Agatha Christie at her darkest. A fresh, daring, irresistible thriller.' - A. J. Finn, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

'A eerie, atmospheric thriller that will have you looking over your shoulder as you read. A wonderfully chilling story of grief, revenge, and family secrets. An absorbing escape!' - Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Push

'Full of foreboding and high-stakes tension, Sarah Pearse's latest is a page-turner. The past doesn't stay buried for long, at sea or on land, and what comes to the surface is both shocking and chilling.' - Nita Prose, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Maid

'The Retreat was so atmospheric and hold-your-breath tense with cleverly executed twists and a finale that gave me the chills. Brilliant!' - Claire Douglas, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Couple at No.9

Series: Detective Elin Warner Series

View all
  • The Sanatorium
    The breakout bestselling crime thriller debut of 2021, The Sanatorium was published with rave endorsements from Richard Osman, Lucy Foley, and A J Finn. An instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller, it was picked as Waterstones Thriller of the Month. 'The Sanatorium will keep you checking over your shoulder. This spine-tingling, atmospheric thriller has it all—an eerie Alpine setting, sharp prose,...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Retreat
    The Retreat is a top ten Sunday Times bestseller. Dive into this atmospheric locked-room thriller from the breakout brand Sarah Pearse, renowned author of The Sanatorium, the bestselling crime thriller debut of 2021. Will you brave The Retreat? This new bestselling thriller comes from the author of The Sanatorium. A TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER SARAH PEARSE HAS NOW SOLD...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Sarah Pearse's The Retreat is praised for its gripping suspense and a powerful climax. The return of the intriguing character Elin Warner adds depth, and Pearse's skillful characterisation and vivid descriptions are highlights. The novel effectively combines psychological thriller elements with a classic whodunnit, set against a modern, yet gothic island backdrop, while expertly crafting tension and satisfying twists.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552177320

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 June 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin (Transworld)

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 283g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Sarah Pearse lives by the sea in South Devon with her husband and two daughters. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and worked in Brand PR for a variety of households brands before following her passion for writing. Her experiences living in the Swiss Alps in her early twenties inspired her acclaimed debut novel, The Sanatorium, which was an instant No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times Top Ten bestseller in hardback, and a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Her eagerly anticipated second thriller, The Retreat, published in July 2022 and became an instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller. Her books have now sold more than one million copies worldwide. You can find Sarah on Twitter @SarahVPearse and Instagram @sarahpearseauthor

Also by Sarah Pearse

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  • The Wilds
    The Sanatorium took you to the Alps and chilled you to the bone. Now, The Wilds will take you deep into the woods... and out there, it's easy to get lost. The Wilds by Sarah Pearse is an evocative and engrossing thriller set in the depths of a Portuguese national park. After the traumatic events of her childhood, Kier Templer...
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  • The Sanatorium
    The breakout bestselling crime thriller debut of 2021, The Sanatorium was published with rave endorsements from Richard Osman, Lucy Foley, and A J Finn. An instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller, it was picked as Waterstones Thriller of the Month. 'The Sanatorium will keep you checking over your shoulder. This spine-tingling, atmospheric thriller has it all—an eerie Alpine setting, sharp prose,...
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  • The Wilds
    GETTING LOST IS EASY. GETTING BACK IS MURDER... 'An atmospheric chiller with shocking twists' - SHARI LAPENA 'Addictive' - T.M. LOGAN 'Everything we crave in a thriller, a one-sitting read' - JEFFERY DEAVER In Portugal's national park, dark forests close in from all sides and only a few campers brave the loneliness. It's easy to get lost out here, but...
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