The Writing Retreat – Julia Bartz

Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives the opportunity of a lifetime: a spot at an exclusive month-long writing retreat hosted by feminist horror icon Roosa Vallo at her remote estate in snowy upstate New York. When she arrives, she discovers that five attendees will be competing for a million-dollar publishing contract — and must write an entire novel from scratch in just thirty days.

As the competition heats up and the weather turns treacherous, one of the writers suddenly disappears. Then another. Trapped in a storm with a killer, Alex must navigate the dark history of the estate and the unravelling minds of her fellow writers to finish her book — and escape with her life.

Viral across #ThrillerTok and dark academia circles for its isolated estate in a snowstorm, cutthroat writing competition, sapphic tensions, and dark, unhinged thriller tropes. Loved for its high-concept plot, atmospheric winter setting, and wild twists.

Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley's The Guest List, Ruth Ware's One by One, Riley Sager's The Only One Left, or R.F. Kuang's Yellowface.

A paperback (2023) in Good condition — light cover creasing/shelf wear, clean interior pages, firm binding.