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  • The Writing Retreat

  • By: Julia Bartz
  • Narrated by: Gail Shalan
  • Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
  • 3.6 out of 5 stars (39 ratings)

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The Writing Retreat

By: Julia Bartz
Narrated by: Gail Shalan
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Summary

The Plot meets Please Join Us in this psychological suspense debut about a young author at an exclusive writer's retreat that descends into a nightmare.

Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend and current rival, is attending doesn't dampen her excitement.

But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell--they must all complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal. Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate, including Roza's erratic behavior, Wren's cruel mind games, and the alleged haunting of the mansion itself. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. With the clock running out, she's desperate to discover the truth and save herself.

A claustrophobic and propulsive thriller exploring the dark side of female friendships and fame, The Writing Retreat is the binge-worthy debut novel from a compelling new talent.

©2022 Julia Bartz (P)2023 Simon & Schuster
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What listeners say about The Writing Retreat

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Favourite book on audible so far

Really loved this story, the characters and the narration. Definitely going to keep an eye out for this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story

I couldn't stop listening, i finished it in 2 1/2 days.
the narrator was brilliant and the story really keeps you on the edge. Lovely

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good book

Good book, but the narration,argh…. Why she was whispering the whole time??? Disturbing book, but enjoyable read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Cleverly written

Not the usual type of audiobook I would go for but was included with prime membership so I thought would give a go- kept me listening throughout however, some sections felt slightly rushed and jumpy, but overall I did really enjoy it! 

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful narration

I listened to this book practically in one sitting. Excellent story really brought to life by a wonderful narrator. Really enjoyable if a bit over the top

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Narration better than story

The main premise was great and very interesting, but this book could have been much MUCH shorter. The women were written well but there felt to me so much unnecessary filler in words and scenes. The ending was a let down to me also. Yet, the narration was done expertly; accents and inflections given to each character so you never got lost on who was talking.
Not for me, but if you like your claustrophobic thrillers with a modern feminist edge then definitely worth reading.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

unhinged - I'm honestly not sure what I think

I enjoyed the audio experiance of this book. I'm not sure, having just finished, wether for me this was brilliant or if it just goes too far... I suspect the former but will need to let it sit.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Hammer Horror!

This was so much fun to listen to. A great gothic thriller with some elements of horror. Wonderfully over the top and very gripping. I listened to it all over two days. She writes complex layered women and gives them agency. I’d definitely read her next one.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

An okay read but a bit of a drag.

It had good premise but became a little boring. Random graphic sex scenes thrown in for no reason? The ending fell flat too. A okay listen, and narration was good too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Intense and gripping

I was surprised by how good this was. I couldn't stop listening. The characters emotion was captured so well

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