In at #9 for best books of 2023 is The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz.

What is it about? Alex is suffering a bad case of writer’s block (honestly relatable), compounded by the loss of her good friend, Wren, over a year ago. She seems destined to never become a critically acclaimed writer and instead have a by the numbers office job. That is until she gets the opportunity to participate in a month long writing retreat, hosted by no other than Alex’s favorite author, Roza Vallo. Only catch? Wren is going to be there too. Bummer, but Alex isn’t about to let Wren get in the way of her writing dreams. Joined by three fellow female writers, Alex settles in to Roza’s routine and attempts to handle her eccentric personality. But when one of the fellow writers go missing and questions begin to emerge about Roza and the true intentions of the retreat, Alex begins to realize that writer’s block and the loss of a best friend aren’t her biggest issues; it’s getting out alive.

Why did I love it? Books about writers and the writing process are not necessarily new ideas but Ms. Bartz manages to bring something new and fresh to the idea. Stress and tension can bring out the worst in people and boy does Ms. Bartz take that thought and run with it. This is a thriller in every sense of the word and once one of our supporting characters go missing it is a nonstop thrill ride.

As I mentioned in my original review if I didn’t work a full time job I would have finished this book in one setting. Just get me a glass of wine and a warm blanket and I’m ready to go. It’s the perfect book to pick up on a cold winter night, especially if it’s snowing. Soon, you too will begin to feel the claustrophobia that Alex and the other women are experiencing. Though I initially gave this book 4.5 stars because of the ending, it is a story I haven’t stopped thinking about and that is why it is on my list. Books that keep you thinking about it long after the story ends are keepers and I suspect I’ll be thinking about The Writing Retreat for quite some time.

For my full review of The Writing Retreat: https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2023/12/the-writing-retreat-by-julia-bartz-review/