The Retreat

by Mark Edwards
The Retreat cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 1204
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9781477805176
  • Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
  • Published: 2018-01-01
  • Formats: 57
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Bookshop
Format • £8.54–£23.75

Two years after losing her family in a tragic accident, Julia opens her house as a writers' retreat to cope with her grief. When horror novelist Lucas arrives, his investigation into her daughter Lily's disappearance uncovers a series of unsettling events. As they delve deeper into the woods near the retreat, they discover a chilling secret that someone will kill to protect. The novel is the latest from the bestselling author of Follow You Home and The Magpies, promising a terrifying exploration of loss and the supernatural. The Retreat blends psychological suspense with elements of horror, as Julia and Lucas confront the haunting mysteries of the past. The novel's atmospheric setting and gripping narrative make it a compelling read for fans of thrillers and supernatural fiction.

Reviews
Novel On My Mind · 2021-10-19
intriguing 3.50

The story is more of a mystery and suspense than a thriller or horror, with a slow-burning plot filled with intricate details.

The reviewer notes that 'The Retreat' is more of a mystery and suspense story rather than a typical thriller or horror novel. They appreciated the slow-burning plot and the intricate details that make the story complex and engaging. The reviewer found the atmosphere to be creepy and the narrative to be well-crafted, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a more nuanced and suspenseful story. They also mentioned that the story's pacing and detail-oriented approach add to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    The story was more a mystery and suspense than thriller or horror.

    The plot was slow burn, complex, with many details.

    It had a very low spooky factor.

Luke Harkness · 2021-08-24
fantastic 5.00

This novel is fantastic and gripping from the very beginning, holding readers' attention until the last page.

The reviewer praises 'The Retreat' as a fantastic novel that grips readers from the start and doesn't let go until the end. They appreciated the suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked throughout. The reviewer found the story to be well-paced and the conclusion satisfying, making it a highly enjoyable read. They also highlighted the book's ability to maintain tension and intrigue, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Retreat by Mark Edwards is a fantastic novel that will grip you from very early on and not let go until the last few pages.

    I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

    The tension builds until an ultimately satisfying conclusion.

Fictionophile · 2019-11-27
thrilling 4.50

This novel is perfect for a dark and stormy night, filled with suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The reviewer suggests this book is ideal for a dark and stormy night, as it's filled with suspense and elements that would make anyone's nightmares come to life. They highlight how the amalgam of suspense makes it a gripping read, perfect for those who enjoy a good scare and a thrilling story. The atmosphere and tension are well-crafted, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    This is a novel that would be a great read on a dark and stormy night.

    The stuff that nightmares are made of.

    Readers will enjoy this great amalgam of suspense.

PhDiva · PhDiva · 2018-04-28
wonderful 4.75

The book is steeped in atmosphere and is disturbingly creepy, with descriptive scenes that feel like watching a film.

PhDiva describes the book as a truly wonderful read, with scenes that are incredibly descriptive and almost cinematic. They appreciate the atmospheric setting of the house and the woods, which adds to the overall creepiness of the story. The reviewer finds the book to be a reminder of why they are a fan of Mark Edwards' writing, highlighting its ability to create a disturbing and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Wow, what a truly wonderful book!

    The scenes were incredibly descriptive—almost like watching a film.

    The setting of the house and the woods.

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