60 pages • 2 hours read
Julia BartzThe Writing Retreat
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Julia Bartz's 2023 debut novel, The Writing Retreat, protagonist Alex receives an unexpected invitation to a writing retreat at the haunted estate of Roza Vallo, a best-selling author and Alex’s favorite writer. Alex's enthusiasm is tempered by her ex-best friend Wren's participation and her own persistent writer’s block. The retreat soon turns competitive as Roza pits the writers against one another for a chance at publication, leading to high-stakes conflict and unforeseen dangers. The story explores themes of creativity, rivalry, and the hunger for artistic recognition. This novel contains fictional portrayals of violence, murder, psychological abuse, and occult activity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Julia Bartz’s The Writing Retreat captivates with its unique plot and tense atmosphere, suitable for fans of psychological thrillers. Readers appreciate its intriguing premise and character development but critique its pacing and occasional predictability. While the setting enhances the story's suspense, some find the ending less satisfying. A mixed yet engaging read.
Who Should Read The Writing Retreat?
Fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives will enjoy The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. Similar to The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, this novel captivates with suspense, exploration of human nature, and unexpected twists.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
LGBTQ
Identity: Sexuality
Identity: Femininity
Life/Time: Coming of Age