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Detective Elin Warner #2
The Retreat
An eco-wellness retreat has opened on an island off the English coast, promising rest and relaxation—but the island itself, known locally as Reaper’s Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it’s rumored to be cursed.
Detective Elin Warner is called to the retreat when a young woman’s body is found on the rocks below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But the victim wasn’t a guest—she wasn’t meant to be on the island at all.
When a guest drowns in a diving incident the following day, Elin starts to suspect that there’s nothing accidental about these deaths. But why would someone target the guests, and who else is in danger?
Elin must find the killer—before the island’s history starts to repeat itself . . .
Detective Elin Warner is called to the retreat when a young woman’s body is found on the rocks below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But the victim wasn’t a guest—she wasn’t meant to be on the island at all.
When a guest drowns in a diving incident the following day, Elin starts to suspect that there’s nothing accidental about these deaths. But why would someone target the guests, and who else is in danger?
Elin must find the killer—before the island’s history starts to repeat itself . . .
400 pages, ebook
First published July 19, 2022
About the author
Sarah Pearse
4 books3,156 followersSarah Pearse lives by the sea in South Devon with her husband and two daughters. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and worked in Brand PR for a variety of household brands. After moving to Switzerland in her twenties, she spent every spare moment exploring the mountains and the Swiss Alpine town of Crans Montana, the dramatic setting that inspired her novel.
Sarah has always been drawn to the dark and creepy - remote spaces and abandoned places - so when she read an article in a local Swiss magazine about the history of sanatoriums in the area, she knew she’d found the spark of the idea for her debut novel, The Sanatorium. Her short fiction has been published in a wide variety of magazines and has been shortlisted for several prizes.
You can find Sarah on Twitter @SarahVPearse and Instagram @sarahpearseauthor
Sarah has always been drawn to the dark and creepy - remote spaces and abandoned places - so when she read an article in a local Swiss magazine about the history of sanatoriums in the area, she knew she’d found the spark of the idea for her debut novel, The Sanatorium. Her short fiction has been published in a wide variety of magazines and has been shortlisted for several prizes.
You can find Sarah on Twitter @SarahVPearse and Instagram @sarahpearseauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,137 reviews
October 28, 2022
3.5 cabin fever stars are rounded up to four : the author’s main character is thankfully more tolerable at this book stars!
I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy the first book: “ Sanatorium” and I found Detective Elin Warner character a little naive, incompetent to solve murder mysteries! But I had so many unanswered questions and I decided to have a second waltz with Elin ( I truly wished she learned how to dance at this sequel)
This book has similar theme: locked in one location, cut off from the civilization, while the weather conditions deteriorate and a murderer is lurking around. This time mystery takes place eco- wellness retreat where Elin’s boyfriend Will worked as architect of the entire foundation and Will’s sister Farrah works there as manager.
We’re introduced to a group of guests consist of Hana: a young widow, grief stricken, a middle school teacher
Jo: organizer of the trip, self centered, influencer who gets free invitation to promote the place
Maya: their cousin, who still suffers from a childhood trauma, losing her job and flat recently
Seth: rich, athletic boyfriend of Jo
Caleb; nerdy, intellectual boyfriend of Jo and Hana’s sister Bea!
Interestingly Bea doesn’t join them for the vacation because of urgent business trip but she sends Caleb so her family can spend more time to know him…
Both of the characters are so restless and agitated, acting like somebody put a gun to their heads and threaten them to take this vacation.
I resonated with Hana just a little. But it seems like each of the characters was self absorbed, irritating and they don’t communicate with each other like normal person. They talk behind each other’s back or making snarky comments when they talk.
I’m so happy to see Elin’s character has evolved: she still deals with Sam’s death like she did at the first book. But she takes initiative and she becomes tougher, more resilient, feeling alive by putting herself in dangerous positions. She mostly conducted one woman show to prove she’s capable to solve crimes and ready to get back even though Will keeps warning her that she’s not ready enough to put herself out!
When a young woman’s body is found at yoga pavilion, Elin gets summoned to the retreat, connecting with Farrah she hasn’t had a chance to form a proper sisterhood bound. The falling of young woman ( is related to the young group we’ve introduced but I’m not gonna say who) is reported as tragic accident. But when another incident happens before young woman’s body gets cold, Elin finds herself in the middle of an escalated events: a murderer is lurking around!
Interestingly there was an old school in the island burnt down back in the day, abandoned until local council used it as an Outward Bound center in the late nineties where a group of teenagers were murdered by caretaker named Larson Creacher. And now retreat is built at the exact same spot known as Reaper’s Rock, presumed as a haunted place by its locals.
Could these incidents be connected with the past crimes? Could this place be cursed?
Overall: I loved this second book definitely more than the first one! I enjoyed the final twist! But there are still lots of loopholes and unanswered questions. I hope I get all of my answers by reading third book. I have some theories about the identity of Elin’s troll!
So many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/ Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy the first book: “ Sanatorium” and I found Detective Elin Warner character a little naive, incompetent to solve murder mysteries! But I had so many unanswered questions and I decided to have a second waltz with Elin ( I truly wished she learned how to dance at this sequel)
This book has similar theme: locked in one location, cut off from the civilization, while the weather conditions deteriorate and a murderer is lurking around. This time mystery takes place eco- wellness retreat where Elin’s boyfriend Will worked as architect of the entire foundation and Will’s sister Farrah works there as manager.
We’re introduced to a group of guests consist of Hana: a young widow, grief stricken, a middle school teacher
Jo: organizer of the trip, self centered, influencer who gets free invitation to promote the place
Maya: their cousin, who still suffers from a childhood trauma, losing her job and flat recently
Seth: rich, athletic boyfriend of Jo
Caleb; nerdy, intellectual boyfriend of Jo and Hana’s sister Bea!
Interestingly Bea doesn’t join them for the vacation because of urgent business trip but she sends Caleb so her family can spend more time to know him…
Both of the characters are so restless and agitated, acting like somebody put a gun to their heads and threaten them to take this vacation.
I resonated with Hana just a little. But it seems like each of the characters was self absorbed, irritating and they don’t communicate with each other like normal person. They talk behind each other’s back or making snarky comments when they talk.
I’m so happy to see Elin’s character has evolved: she still deals with Sam’s death like she did at the first book. But she takes initiative and she becomes tougher, more resilient, feeling alive by putting herself in dangerous positions. She mostly conducted one woman show to prove she’s capable to solve crimes and ready to get back even though Will keeps warning her that she’s not ready enough to put herself out!
When a young woman’s body is found at yoga pavilion, Elin gets summoned to the retreat, connecting with Farrah she hasn’t had a chance to form a proper sisterhood bound. The falling of young woman ( is related to the young group we’ve introduced but I’m not gonna say who) is reported as tragic accident. But when another incident happens before young woman’s body gets cold, Elin finds herself in the middle of an escalated events: a murderer is lurking around!
Interestingly there was an old school in the island burnt down back in the day, abandoned until local council used it as an Outward Bound center in the late nineties where a group of teenagers were murdered by caretaker named Larson Creacher. And now retreat is built at the exact same spot known as Reaper’s Rock, presumed as a haunted place by its locals.
Could these incidents be connected with the past crimes? Could this place be cursed?
Overall: I loved this second book definitely more than the first one! I enjoyed the final twist! But there are still lots of loopholes and unanswered questions. I hope I get all of my answers by reading third book. I have some theories about the identity of Elin’s troll!
So many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/ Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 23, 2022
2.5⭐
This feels like "The Sanatorium", another interesting destination with a dark past. LUMEN is a luxury wellness retreat on a remote Cary Island off the South Devon coast. Detective Elin Warner is called to investigate when a body was found at the bottom of a rock cliff and the second body drowned.
There's an ominous history to this island also nicknamed, "The Reaper's Rock". A school for trouble boys was here and was burned down. A sinister past and the setup had the potential to be a very thrilling locked room thriller.
I want to give The Retreat a try even though I didn't enjoy The Sanatorium. I was excited about the setting (again) but found that the writing is probably not for me. I listened to over half of the book and am pretty sure I "butt play" the book to my earbuds that were in my purse while grocery shopping without realizing it. I didn't care enough to search where I left off and continue listening to the remaining two hours. I have to accept that this author is probably not for me.
This feels like "The Sanatorium", another interesting destination with a dark past. LUMEN is a luxury wellness retreat on a remote Cary Island off the South Devon coast. Detective Elin Warner is called to investigate when a body was found at the bottom of a rock cliff and the second body drowned.
There's an ominous history to this island also nicknamed, "The Reaper's Rock". A school for trouble boys was here and was burned down. A sinister past and the setup had the potential to be a very thrilling locked room thriller.
I want to give The Retreat a try even though I didn't enjoy The Sanatorium. I was excited about the setting (again) but found that the writing is probably not for me. I listened to over half of the book and am pretty sure I "butt play" the book to my earbuds that were in my purse while grocery shopping without realizing it. I didn't care enough to search where I left off and continue listening to the remaining two hours. I have to accept that this author is probably not for me.
July 10, 2022
Sarah Pearse infuses
The Retreat
, the second book in the Detective Sergeant Elin Warner series, with death, action, investigation, and suspense in an atmospheric mystery in her latest book. A wellness retreat has opened on Cary Island off the coast of England. When a woman’s body is found on the rocks below the yoga pavilion, Elin and her partner, Detective Constable Steed, are called to investigate. While it appears to be a tragic fall, the victim wasn’t a guest. When a second person dies the next day, Elin and Steed suspect something more is occurring. However, why would visitors be targeted? Is anyone else in danger?
Elin is a flawed character and readers will better understand her if they have read book one in the series. She has been having panic attacks, experiences anxiety, and has trouble sleeping, but wants to get back to the job she loved with the Major Crimes Investigation Team. She experiences significant character growth during the course of the novel. Her pursuit of justice and her determination to solve the mysteries allow readers to easily connect and urge her on to success. Steed’s character is less well-developed, but is supportive and efficient. There’s a large cast of characters at the resort that have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles.
Deaths, an island with a history of murder, violence, superstition, and child abuse, and a strong storm make this a disturbing and suspenseful story. The world-building was well-done and the premise was excellent. While the beginning pace was somewhat slow and the middle was okay, the ending was heart-pounding, nail-biting, and exhilarating. The point of view changed several times. While this gave the reader information that the investigating officers didn’t have, it slowed the pace. I would have preferred the point of view to be more exclusively that of Erin. However, it allows the reader to see how each of the characters connects to the situation and deepens the conflict. The plot twists kept this reader on her toes and the epilogue revealed something that I had guessed. Will it be a thread in the next book? In addition, other threads could be included in future books. The author weaves themes of death, friendship, jealousy, revenge, grief, and relationships of all types into an excellent plot.
Overall, this engaging novel was never dull and had periods of intense suspense and action. If you enjoy locked room (island) mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
PENGUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Sarah Pearse provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 19, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Elin is a flawed character and readers will better understand her if they have read book one in the series. She has been having panic attacks, experiences anxiety, and has trouble sleeping, but wants to get back to the job she loved with the Major Crimes Investigation Team. She experiences significant character growth during the course of the novel. Her pursuit of justice and her determination to solve the mysteries allow readers to easily connect and urge her on to success. Steed’s character is less well-developed, but is supportive and efficient. There’s a large cast of characters at the resort that have a variety of depths in their supporting or opposing roles.
Deaths, an island with a history of murder, violence, superstition, and child abuse, and a strong storm make this a disturbing and suspenseful story. The world-building was well-done and the premise was excellent. While the beginning pace was somewhat slow and the middle was okay, the ending was heart-pounding, nail-biting, and exhilarating. The point of view changed several times. While this gave the reader information that the investigating officers didn’t have, it slowed the pace. I would have preferred the point of view to be more exclusively that of Erin. However, it allows the reader to see how each of the characters connects to the situation and deepens the conflict. The plot twists kept this reader on her toes and the epilogue revealed something that I had guessed. Will it be a thread in the next book? In addition, other threads could be included in future books. The author weaves themes of death, friendship, jealousy, revenge, grief, and relationships of all types into an excellent plot.
Overall, this engaging novel was never dull and had periods of intense suspense and action. If you enjoy locked room (island) mysteries, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
PENGUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Sarah Pearse provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 19, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 29, 2022
I may be the odd one out in this, but this was not my favorite book. I'm rounding up to 3. Which sounds so harsh, but ya, it was a close DNF for me. I really really really wanted to have fun with it, but I was felt like it was slow. Dragging me around and just confusing me more and more. Maybe I missed something, or maybe I should have taken little sticky notes to keep me on track with who is who...I'm not sure. It just didn't grab me or keep me engaged unfortunately. I think other readers may absolutely love it. Just not one for me personally. Meh.
October 22, 2022
I can’t understand all the 3 star reviews on The Retreat the second book in the DS Elin Warner series, it was dark ominous, compelling & a page turner I couldn’t put this down.
A holiday to a wellness retreat on the coast of Devon where Jo & her siblings go for a holiday to reconnect with each other, the family was having a wonderful time, until Bea is found dead below the yoga pavilion everyone is devastated as you would be but The Retreat named Lumen is also known by the locals as Reapers Rock it has a dark & ominous past IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF !!!!!
DS Elin Warner is brought into help solve the case, is a tense situation as Elin lost her brother years earlier but still suffers anxiety so this case opens up more wounds, the more she digs the more secrets are revealed which turns into a fight for survival ,
When another body is found in a drowning the stakes get higher will they survive Clay Island & it’s dark past?
I loved this book it had a creepy feeling from the start to the finish it was dark a page turner I can’t rate this book more highly I have the first on my bookshelf at home so will be finding out more on DS Warner would love to know her backstory.
A holiday to a wellness retreat on the coast of Devon where Jo & her siblings go for a holiday to reconnect with each other, the family was having a wonderful time, until Bea is found dead below the yoga pavilion everyone is devastated as you would be but The Retreat named Lumen is also known by the locals as Reapers Rock it has a dark & ominous past IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF !!!!!
DS Elin Warner is brought into help solve the case, is a tense situation as Elin lost her brother years earlier but still suffers anxiety so this case opens up more wounds, the more she digs the more secrets are revealed which turns into a fight for survival ,
When another body is found in a drowning the stakes get higher will they survive Clay Island & it’s dark past?
I loved this book it had a creepy feeling from the start to the finish it was dark a page turner I can’t rate this book more highly I have the first on my bookshelf at home so will be finding out more on DS Warner would love to know her backstory.
May 23, 2022
Detective Elin Warner #2
‘There’s something rotten here’….
Health retreat Lumen has opened on Cary Island, Devon but the island has a dark past. Locals call it Reapers Rock believing malevolence lingers there and that it is cursed which is very understandable since the Creacher murders in which some teenagers were murdered while on a school Outward Bound trip several years ago. In the present day Elin and DC Steed are called to the island when a woman’s body is found. Initially they think it’s an accident but that is to change as more evidence emerges. Is the past catching up with the present?
First of all, the setting is good and allows the author to create some intriguing situations and for things to connect between the past and the present. Elin’s personality and character comes across quite well although she’s clearly struggling with issues from the previous case, she does show resilience and some toughness here which is good to see.
Unfortunately the pace is very slow until the last part of the book and it’s very hard to get into the way that it’s written as it lacks the tension and suspense that we should be feeling and it’s just a bit flat. There are statements in italics which are Elin‘s thoughts are often bland or statements of the obvious I’m not keen on those at all.
Ultimately, I think there’s too much going on in this and you end up not being able to see the wood for the trees. It misses the mark for me, it’s not a bad read but it’s one that won’t linger along in the mind.
PS If you think about what has previously occurred on the island would you consider going there on a retreat???! Don’t think I would!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
‘There’s something rotten here’….
Health retreat Lumen has opened on Cary Island, Devon but the island has a dark past. Locals call it Reapers Rock believing malevolence lingers there and that it is cursed which is very understandable since the Creacher murders in which some teenagers were murdered while on a school Outward Bound trip several years ago. In the present day Elin and DC Steed are called to the island when a woman’s body is found. Initially they think it’s an accident but that is to change as more evidence emerges. Is the past catching up with the present?
First of all, the setting is good and allows the author to create some intriguing situations and for things to connect between the past and the present. Elin’s personality and character comes across quite well although she’s clearly struggling with issues from the previous case, she does show resilience and some toughness here which is good to see.
Unfortunately the pace is very slow until the last part of the book and it’s very hard to get into the way that it’s written as it lacks the tension and suspense that we should be feeling and it’s just a bit flat. There are statements in italics which are Elin‘s thoughts are often bland or statements of the obvious I’m not keen on those at all.
Ultimately, I think there’s too much going on in this and you end up not being able to see the wood for the trees. It misses the mark for me, it’s not a bad read but it’s one that won’t linger along in the mind.
PS If you think about what has previously occurred on the island would you consider going there on a retreat???! Don’t think I would!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 3, 2022
Thank you so much to Viking Books and Sarah Pearse for my copy of The Retreat that came out on July 19! This book is about a wellness retreat with a curious past. Some say the location is cursed, some say Reaper’s Rock is the playground of the grim reaper, and still others tell stories about the serial killer who used to hunt the area. Regardless of rumors, children were killed on the island years ago, and now Detective Elin Warner is called to the island for another murder. As other guests start to be killed, Elin begins to realize there is much more going on than a mysterious death.
Thoughts: Let’s start with the positives. This setting was everything. I loved the idea of Reaper Rock and the history of the island. It was the perfect location for a locked room mystery and Pearse made it so creepy and ominous. I read her first book and I think she did a great job with the character of Elin and her development. I also liked the group dynamic and how everyone could have had a motive.
And now the not so positive…
There were so many characters in this story that it was hard to keep track. Not only did we not get to know them, but they were too similar and it was VERY confusing trying to keep track. When bad things started to happen on the island, it was hard to care because there was way too much going on. I think there could have been some awesome things done, but a lot of the plot was a bit pointless and didn’t go anywhere.
The book was also really slow and didn’t have much to keep the reader interested. It had all the components that would keep you interested, but was still a boring book. I think if you liked the Sanatorium you will like this book, and I tried to give this author another try, but ultimately both her writing and storytelling are not for me. 2-stars.
Thoughts: Let’s start with the positives. This setting was everything. I loved the idea of Reaper Rock and the history of the island. It was the perfect location for a locked room mystery and Pearse made it so creepy and ominous. I read her first book and I think she did a great job with the character of Elin and her development. I also liked the group dynamic and how everyone could have had a motive.
And now the not so positive…
There were so many characters in this story that it was hard to keep track. Not only did we not get to know them, but they were too similar and it was VERY confusing trying to keep track. When bad things started to happen on the island, it was hard to care because there was way too much going on. I think there could have been some awesome things done, but a lot of the plot was a bit pointless and didn’t go anywhere.
The book was also really slow and didn’t have much to keep the reader interested. It had all the components that would keep you interested, but was still a boring book. I think if you liked the Sanatorium you will like this book, and I tried to give this author another try, but ultimately both her writing and storytelling are not for me. 2-stars.
July 10, 2022
A family and partners retreat weekend at the Cary Islands turns into a classic missing and murder story. With the three sisters comes a thriller with mysterious secrets. Things turn for the worst when their fourth sister ends up dead and a "who-dunnit?" mystery unfolds. Detective Elin Warner is back and ready to solve the case.
I found this story very easy to read. We get a really wide group of different characters with a small storyline for each. I did like where it was going and found the thriller aspects adequate for this type of book. The beginning was a really slow start but picked up at the halfway mark. I would have liked to see a bit more of Bea's character.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK for this ARC.
I found this story very easy to read. We get a really wide group of different characters with a small storyline for each. I did like where it was going and found the thriller aspects adequate for this type of book. The beginning was a really slow start but picked up at the halfway mark. I would have liked to see a bit more of Bea's character.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK for this ARC.
August 15, 2022
The covers of Pearse's books are beautiful. Just look at those and keep the cover closed.
July 22, 2022
The Sanatorium was such a brilliant book and Sarah Pearse had alot to live up to with The Retreat and she has nailed it. Talk about a page turner.. who needs to sleep. It was the perfect book to read late into the night curled up with a blanket. Absolutely love this kind of book, where just about anybody could be the culprit. It was great to have Detective Elin Warner back again, and finding herself in another tough situation on a secluded island. This woman really knows how to get the tricky cases!
This time Elin and her partner Steed are called to a luxury resort off the South coast of the UK to investigate the death of a young woman in the night. Early signs point to an accident but there is just something not right. The island has a sinister feel and a dark past and she believes there is ,ore to it, things are just not adding up. And then another body is found, from the same group of guests at the resort. In the midst of a wild storm, they are cut off from the mainland, Elin and Steed have their work cut out to work out what is going on before there is another body.
I could not stop reading, this book had me hooked from the start. A cast of unlikeable characters adds to the mystery, all of them with something to hide.
A massive thanks to Bantam Press, Random House UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
This time Elin and her partner Steed are called to a luxury resort off the South coast of the UK to investigate the death of a young woman in the night. Early signs point to an accident but there is just something not right. The island has a sinister feel and a dark past and she believes there is ,ore to it, things are just not adding up. And then another body is found, from the same group of guests at the resort. In the midst of a wild storm, they are cut off from the mainland, Elin and Steed have their work cut out to work out what is going on before there is another body.
I could not stop reading, this book had me hooked from the start. A cast of unlikeable characters adds to the mystery, all of them with something to hide.
A massive thanks to Bantam Press, Random House UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
May 2, 2022
This is the second book in the Detective Elin Warner series by author Sarah Pearse. This was a lot better than the first book in the series ‘The Sanatorium’ in my opinion and was far more entertaining. Yes it was a lot better than the first offering but still failed to convince me.
Detective Elin Warner needs to attend an eco-wellness retreat on an island off the English coast. The retreat is meant to be for rest and relaxation but for one young woman it has ended with her losing her life. The island is known by the locals as Reaper’s Rock and has a dark past, rumoured to be cursed due to a serial killer on the rampage.
The woman appears to have fallen to her death from the yoga pavilion but the victim wasn’t a guest at the retreat and wasn’t meant to be on the island at all. The following day a guest drowns in a diving incident and Elin starts to suspect that there’s nothing accidental about these deaths. The question is why would someone target the guests, and is this just the start of the killings. The race is on for Elin to find the killer before more deaths occur and history is repeated.
I enjoyed the character Elin a lot more this time and the story itself was more entertaining than ‘The Sanatorium’ but still not quite there for me.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bantam Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Elin Warner needs to attend an eco-wellness retreat on an island off the English coast. The retreat is meant to be for rest and relaxation but for one young woman it has ended with her losing her life. The island is known by the locals as Reaper’s Rock and has a dark past, rumoured to be cursed due to a serial killer on the rampage.
The woman appears to have fallen to her death from the yoga pavilion but the victim wasn’t a guest at the retreat and wasn’t meant to be on the island at all. The following day a guest drowns in a diving incident and Elin starts to suspect that there’s nothing accidental about these deaths. The question is why would someone target the guests, and is this just the start of the killings. The race is on for Elin to find the killer before more deaths occur and history is repeated.
I enjoyed the character Elin a lot more this time and the story itself was more entertaining than ‘The Sanatorium’ but still not quite there for me.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bantam Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2022
Just, no. One of the most flimsy main characters, in a setting that's not well-described yet still has way too much going on, with more characters than you can count that have almost no depth or development to them. Not a thriller, a weak attempt at having horror elements. Save your time like I wish I had.
July 20, 2023
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**4.5 stars**
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse. (2022).
(Detective Elin Warner; #2)
An idyllic wellness retreat has opened in an island, but the island has a dark past including a serial killer. A woman is found dead before the yoga pavilion in what seems like a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns the woman wasn't a guest, and wasn't meant to be on the island at all. The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving accident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island being cursed are true.
What a tension-filled read this one was! I was frantically flipping pages to see what the outcome was going to be. I have read and didn't mind the author's previous novel, 'The Sanatorium', which was the first book in this series (noted you could read these as standalones). I do think this second book was more enjoyable and a well-written read in comparison to the first. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of DS Elin and a guest at the resort, Hana. It is a very atmospheric story, and felt suitably creepy in places.
Overall: I quite enjoyed this thriller and would happily recommend it.
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**4.5 stars**
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse. (2022).
(Detective Elin Warner; #2)
An idyllic wellness retreat has opened in an island, but the island has a dark past including a serial killer. A woman is found dead before the yoga pavilion in what seems like a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns the woman wasn't a guest, and wasn't meant to be on the island at all. The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving accident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island being cursed are true.
What a tension-filled read this one was! I was frantically flipping pages to see what the outcome was going to be. I have read and didn't mind the author's previous novel, 'The Sanatorium', which was the first book in this series (noted you could read these as standalones). I do think this second book was more enjoyable and a well-written read in comparison to the first. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of DS Elin and a guest at the resort, Hana. It is a very atmospheric story, and felt suitably creepy in places.
Overall: I quite enjoyed this thriller and would happily recommend it.
Want to read
September 3, 2021I'm curious to see what secrets Book 2 holds. Book 1 left a lot of unanswered questions. . .
May 2, 2024
I wasn’t a fan of “The Sanatorium”, the author’s debut book, but I was curious about this one, as the setting sounded very interesting, and I wanted to see if the author’s writing and storytelling skills had improved.
Unfortunately this was very disappointing.
I don’t even think she tried that hard.
The idea or concept were similar to the first book.
There is no depth or character development, and the storyline wasn’t that enthralling.
I confess that I re-started the book 3 times. I should have taken it as a clue.
Perhaps there are too many characters for a book of 368 pages (hardcover edition) that is divided into to 99 chapters (plus one epilogue, plus a chapter titled “two weeks later”).
One thing is for sure: someone knows how to choose a cover.
Hardcover (Penguin Publishing Group): 368 pages
e-book (Kobo): 346 pages (default), 96k words
audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden: 10.6 hours (normal speed)
PS. I tried the audiobook, which I borrowed from the library. Unfortunately the quality of my edition was not very good. The voice sounded as if it was confined to a small box. And the narrator was quite boring, in my opinion.
Unfortunately this was very disappointing.
I don’t even think she tried that hard.
The idea or concept were similar to the first book.
There is no depth or character development, and the storyline wasn’t that enthralling.
I confess that I re-started the book 3 times. I should have taken it as a clue.
Perhaps there are too many characters for a book of 368 pages (hardcover edition) that is divided into to 99 chapters (plus one epilogue, plus a chapter titled “two weeks later”).
One thing is for sure: someone knows how to choose a cover.
Hardcover (Penguin Publishing Group): 368 pages
e-book (Kobo): 346 pages (default), 96k words
audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden: 10.6 hours (normal speed)
PS. I tried the audiobook, which I borrowed from the library. Unfortunately the quality of my edition was not very good. The voice sounded as if it was confined to a small box. And the narrator was quite boring, in my opinion.
June 21, 2022
Another twisty thriller from Sarah Pearse, a follow up to The Sanatorium featuring the same main protagonist.
This time we are heading to a Welsh island with a morbid history - and it seems as if the curse continues as Elin investigates suspicious deaths and finds it may be a lot more personal than expected.
I love this kind of addictive narrative, those page turner that keep you reading way past the point at which you meant to stop. There's a great character dynamic within the supporting cast too with secrets coming to light and danger lurking everywhere.
A nice set up for a professional partnership too which bodes well for this series moving forwards and I love twisty plotting so thoroughly enjoyed this.
This time we are heading to a Welsh island with a morbid history - and it seems as if the curse continues as Elin investigates suspicious deaths and finds it may be a lot more personal than expected.
I love this kind of addictive narrative, those page turner that keep you reading way past the point at which you meant to stop. There's a great character dynamic within the supporting cast too with secrets coming to light and danger lurking everywhere.
A nice set up for a professional partnership too which bodes well for this series moving forwards and I love twisty plotting so thoroughly enjoyed this.
January 24, 2023
Para ser sincera esperava mais deste livro.
Adorei o sanatório (primeiro livro da autora) e, por isso, tinha grandes expectativas para este segundo livro.
Não me interpretem mal, não é um livro mau, mas para mim acabou por ter muitas coisas similares ao sanatório, acho que a autora seguiu muito a mesma linha de ideias e construção de história do primeiro livro, o que acabou por tornar a leitura um pouco repetitiva e aborrecida nesse sentido.
Gostava de ver mais exploração da personagem central, uma vez que a inspetora é a mesma, gostava de ter descoberto mais do que ficou em aberto do primeiro livro, e gostava de ter um livro que seguisse uma linha diferente que me tivesse deixado louca com o plot twist final, como sendo no primeiro 🙈
Adorei o sanatório (primeiro livro da autora) e, por isso, tinha grandes expectativas para este segundo livro.
Não me interpretem mal, não é um livro mau, mas para mim acabou por ter muitas coisas similares ao sanatório, acho que a autora seguiu muito a mesma linha de ideias e construção de história do primeiro livro, o que acabou por tornar a leitura um pouco repetitiva e aborrecida nesse sentido.
Gostava de ver mais exploração da personagem central, uma vez que a inspetora é a mesma, gostava de ter descoberto mais do que ficou em aberto do primeiro livro, e gostava de ter um livro que seguisse uma linha diferente que me tivesse deixado louca com o plot twist final, como sendo no primeiro 🙈
April 29, 2023
Sarah Pearse does it again. And I really hope Elin Warner is back soon. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a good page turner.
October 30, 2022
There is one thing this book gave me: a new pet peeve.
Without the epilogue, the book is 347 pages long and consists of 99 chapters ( i know …). That means a chapter is approx. 3.5 pages short. Why would you make every chapter sound like this ground breaking cliff hanger has just been revealed? They were just random endings for chapters, but every time there was this ONE LAST SENTENCE full with pretentious meaning and depth trying to make it look like a mic drop moment - WHY???
I am SO disappointed with this. I gave her first book three stars which I though was okay, but also her debut novel, so what - room for improvement, right?
That’s the exact reason why I bought and read her second book: to see how the author’s writing and the plot and her main character developed over the second book. I thought, well, she got a major push by being a Reese’s Book Club pick, so the pressure is on.
When i tell you this book was literally COPY AND PASTE. I am not talking „oh the author found a concept that works for her and now she’s putting it to the next stage“. NO: Different setting, same plot twists, same dull characters and the worst of all: NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - nada, nichts, niènte.
The writing was sloppy and lazy. The characters were shallow and indistinguishable, the pacing was off consistently. The story unraveled on the spot, because it just had to work somehow. Therefore, there was no way for the reader to anticipate anything as the plot wasn’t build throughout the story.
At the same time, when reading a mystery-thriller with a DETECTIVE, I do not want to feel like the smartest person in the room. Our protagonist waved literally everything off to circumstance or chance. Like isn’t it your job to NOT think that?
So to me it felt like her own book got away from her. It looked like she needed to deliver a year after putting out her first novel, when really, she should have taken the time to actually work out the storyline and her characters.
Without the epilogue, the book is 347 pages long and consists of 99 chapters ( i know …). That means a chapter is approx. 3.5 pages short. Why would you make every chapter sound like this ground breaking cliff hanger has just been revealed? They were just random endings for chapters, but every time there was this ONE LAST SENTENCE full with pretentious meaning and depth trying to make it look like a mic drop moment - WHY???
I am SO disappointed with this. I gave her first book three stars which I though was okay, but also her debut novel, so what - room for improvement, right?
That’s the exact reason why I bought and read her second book: to see how the author’s writing and the plot and her main character developed over the second book. I thought, well, she got a major push by being a Reese’s Book Club pick, so the pressure is on.
When i tell you this book was literally COPY AND PASTE. I am not talking „oh the author found a concept that works for her and now she’s putting it to the next stage“. NO: Different setting, same plot twists, same dull characters and the worst of all: NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - nada, nichts, niènte.
The writing was sloppy and lazy. The characters were shallow and indistinguishable, the pacing was off consistently. The story unraveled on the spot, because it just had to work somehow. Therefore, there was no way for the reader to anticipate anything as the plot wasn’t build throughout the story.
At the same time, when reading a mystery-thriller with a DETECTIVE, I do not want to feel like the smartest person in the room. Our protagonist waved literally everything off to circumstance or chance. Like isn’t it your job to NOT think that?
So to me it felt like her own book got away from her. It looked like she needed to deliver a year after putting out her first novel, when really, she should have taken the time to actually work out the storyline and her characters.
October 9, 2022
Nice setting, atmospheric and intriguing!
Many times during my reading of the book I was glad I don't have a sister! Jo is a despicable character with no redeeming traits!
In The Retreat Elin's boyfriend Will even though not as present as in the previous book has a part in the investigation since his past comes back to haunt him! We get to know his sister Farrah with whom Elin has a complicated relationship and has her own secrets and knows more than she let's on!
Elin is making tentative steps to return to her work and has a partner Steed that even though I liked I keep wondering about him since strange things happen and he is the only one that could have done them!
While Elin tries to solve the murders she missteps in things concerning her personal life and by the end of the story decides to make an effort to try and discover herself!
Her father before leaving left her with a heavy "baggage" and she comes in terms with but that also leaves her wondering as to what's next!
The company of people that the killer seems to target consists of family members, Hana her sister Jo and her boyfriend Seth, their cousin Maya and their sister's boyfriend Caleb and the secrets and resentments between them has its own air of mystery adding more intrigue to the the murder investigation!
A past crime resurfaces that's connected to the island but also to the present killings so it keeps you guessing!
Not very fast paced in the beginning but it gets better after the first 150 pages!
Can't wait to see what's in store for Elin in the next story since she has her own adversary to discover apart from a new case!
Many times during my reading of the book I was glad I don't have a sister! Jo is a despicable character with no redeeming traits!
In The Retreat Elin's boyfriend Will even though not as present as in the previous book has a part in the investigation since his past comes back to haunt him! We get to know his sister Farrah with whom Elin has a complicated relationship and has her own secrets and knows more than she let's on!
Elin is making tentative steps to return to her work and has a partner Steed that even though I liked I keep wondering about him since strange things happen and he is the only one that could have done them!
While Elin tries to solve the murders she missteps in things concerning her personal life and by the end of the story decides to make an effort to try and discover herself!
Her father before leaving left her with a heavy "baggage" and she comes in terms with but that also leaves her wondering as to what's next!
The company of people that the killer seems to target consists of family members, Hana her sister Jo and her boyfriend Seth, their cousin Maya and their sister's boyfriend Caleb and the secrets and resentments between them has its own air of mystery adding more intrigue to the the murder investigation!
A past crime resurfaces that's connected to the island but also to the present killings so it keeps you guessing!
Not very fast paced in the beginning but it gets better after the first 150 pages!
Can't wait to see what's in store for Elin in the next story since she has her own adversary to discover apart from a new case!
July 21, 2022
Detective Elin Warner is back to work when she's called for a suspicious death at a secluded upscale island retreat.
The island, known as Reaper's Rock, has a tainted past. There are rumors of abuse that occurred at an old boys' school there, and a serial killer murdered several teenagers who were on a sponsored trip there years ago. Are the current deaths of tourists connected to what happened way back then and why these particular people?
Elin is still not all together after her leave and time in the Alps (first book), plagued by self-doubts and possibly not ready to assume a new investigation. Fortunately, she's got a colleague with her. It's a good thing as the case ricochets from one absurd theory to another random connection. The plot is very thin and there is a lot of rambling in the narrative. The most annoying part of this novel was how hard the author was trying to make an inanimate object (the island) assume such a malevolent nature. Oh, and there's a bad storm on the island and there's no cell service and of course no help from the mainland can get there. Tedious read and I just wanted to get to the end to hear what ludicrous motive was involved in this drama. Talk about thin. Anyway, I'm glad it's over and I liked this one a lot less than the first. Throughout the read I felt as if I was being force fed all the emotions and ominous foreboding but I never actually felt any shivers or thrills. Yawn.
Anyway, hope your experience is better. Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
The island, known as Reaper's Rock, has a tainted past. There are rumors of abuse that occurred at an old boys' school there, and a serial killer murdered several teenagers who were on a sponsored trip there years ago. Are the current deaths of tourists connected to what happened way back then and why these particular people?
Elin is still not all together after her leave and time in the Alps (first book), plagued by self-doubts and possibly not ready to assume a new investigation. Fortunately, she's got a colleague with her. It's a good thing as the case ricochets from one absurd theory to another random connection. The plot is very thin and there is a lot of rambling in the narrative. The most annoying part of this novel was how hard the author was trying to make an inanimate object (the island) assume such a malevolent nature. Oh, and there's a bad storm on the island and there's no cell service and of course no help from the mainland can get there. Tedious read and I just wanted to get to the end to hear what ludicrous motive was involved in this drama. Talk about thin. Anyway, I'm glad it's over and I liked this one a lot less than the first. Throughout the read I felt as if I was being force fed all the emotions and ominous foreboding but I never actually felt any shivers or thrills. Yawn.
Anyway, hope your experience is better. Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
August 19, 2023
Respectă același tipar ca și Sanatoriul doar că de data asta Elin nu mai este atât de enervantă.
Cadrul acțiunii este interesant și autoarea reușește din nou să dea senzația de izolare, să transmită suspans și să te țină în priză; mi-a plăcut asta.
Am simțit totul intens: crimele, personajele și conexiunile dar fix când mă așteptam la ceva mai interesant, parcă atunci autoarea încetinea totul.
Așa am simțit și la Sanatoriul, totul a escaladat rapid și fain ca la final să nu-și păstreze ritmul și intensitatea.
Presimt un volum 3 în curând
Cadrul acțiunii este interesant și autoarea reușește din nou să dea senzația de izolare, să transmită suspans și să te țină în priză; mi-a plăcut asta.
Am simțit totul intens: crimele, personajele și conexiunile dar fix când mă așteptam la ceva mai interesant, parcă atunci autoarea încetinea totul.
Așa am simțit și la Sanatoriul, totul a escaladat rapid și fain ca la final să nu-și păstreze ritmul și intensitatea.
Presimt un volum 3 în curând
September 8, 2023
Het resort van Sarah Pearse is het tweede deel in de reeks rond Elin Warner, na Het sanatorium. Deze keer is Elin opgeroepen naar Lumen, een prachtige resort op een eiland voor de kust van Engeland. Een meisje wordt er dood aangetroffen en het lijkt te gaan om een ongelukkige val. Tot er even later nog een lijk opduikt in het water en er vragen beginnen te rijzen. Is er een verdorven geest op het eiland en houdt dit verband met de horrorverhalen die de ronde doen? Het boek start met een stukje dat ons terugvoert in de tijd en we lezen hoe een groepje jongeren aangevallen wordt op het eiland. Nadien springen we naar het heden en maken we kennis met een vriendengroep die verblijft op het eiland om de banden opnieuw aan te halen. De ene persoon in de groep is al wat sympathieker dan de andere zo zal blijken. Het verhaal zelf is spannend en bevat op de juiste momenten een dosis extra spanning. De ontknoping is verrassend, maar net zoals in sommige andere boeken is er wat teveel actie die aan James Bond of Superman doet denken. Toch was Het resort een goed boek en kon ik het zeker smaken! Ik geef het dan ook graag 4 sterren.
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
July 16, 2022
Detective Elin Warner #2
An eco-wellness retreat has opened on an island off the English coast, promising rest and relaxation - but the island itself, known locally as reaper's Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it's rumoured to be cursed. Detective Elin Warner and her partner DC Steed are investigating what looks like an accidental death, and it's not long before there's another death on the island. This story shows how secrets and how the past can impact on the future. The characters all felt a little flat, and I didn't really like any of them either. The pace is slow. The story is told from several perspectives. There's also a lot going on which can make it hard to keep up with.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #SarahPearse for my ARC of #TheRetreat in exchange for an honest review.
An eco-wellness retreat has opened on an island off the English coast, promising rest and relaxation - but the island itself, known locally as reaper's Rock, has a dark past. Once the playground of a serial killer, it's rumoured to be cursed. Detective Elin Warner and her partner DC Steed are investigating what looks like an accidental death, and it's not long before there's another death on the island. This story shows how secrets and how the past can impact on the future. The characters all felt a little flat, and I didn't really like any of them either. The pace is slow. The story is told from several perspectives. There's also a lot going on which can make it hard to keep up with.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #SarahPearse for my ARC of #TheRetreat in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Це вийшла дуже невдала копія "Санаторію" . Скопіювати сюжет до найменших дрібниц - вже само собою погана ідея. А якщо цей сюжет щей добряче провисає - то й поготів. Купа суперечливих моментів, купа авторських ляпів і ніякого задоволення
Хіба що естетичне - від оформлення українського видання
Але погодьтесь, ховати лайно за красивою обгорткою якось нечесно, правда?
Хіба що естетичне - від оформлення українського видання
Але погодьтесь, ховати лайно за красивою обгорткою якось нечесно, правда?
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
January 22, 2024
The Retreat has been on my TBR pile since it was released, and I'm so happy I've managed to finally read it. I loved the creepy atmosphere and setting in The Sanatorium (book one in this series), and The Retreat didn't disappoint! We follow Elin as she takes on her first case since she went on leave after a tricky case before the setting of The Sanatorium. Her case takes her to a small island with an ominous past. Reapers Rock was the location of a school for 'badly behaved' children and the setting where a series of murders took place years ago. When a body is found at the luxury retreat now built there , Elin is thrown in the deep end as a possible accident is uncovered as a murder. We follow Elins POV and Hanas POV. Hana is at the island with friends and family for a break and is thrust into the middle of the happenings. The twists and turns were fantastic and all tied together really well at the end of the book. I really liked Steed, Elins' partner on the case, and I thought they made a good team. I can't wait to find out more about him, hopefully in book three. The atmosphere was dark and ominous and the right level of creepy. Looking forward to Elins next case, but I'm nervous for her after the way the book ends...
May 19, 2023
Três irmãs, Bea, Jo e Hana e a prima Maya, juntamente com os seus namorados decidem ir uns dias para o Retiro Lumen em Cary Island na costa sul de Devon na Inglaterra.
O retiro é uma estância de luxo e promete ser o local ideal para descansar. O objetivo do encontro era aproximar as irmãs e a prima que já não estavam juntas há bastante tempo.
Mas o esperado descanso não chegou devido à descoberta de um corpo nas rochas da ilha.
A nossa já conhecida detetive Elin Warner de O Sanatório é chamada à ilha para investigar esta morte.
Conhecida como o Rochedo da Morte, a detetive vai ter de lidar com o passado sombrio da ilha, onde já ocorreram várias mortes no passado, assim como lidar com os boatos de que a ilha está amaldiçoada.
Esta história cativou-me bastante com toda esta aura misteriosa e sombria que a autora tão bem criou.
É um livro de leitura rápida, com capítulos curtos e um enredo bem montado, que me deixou agarrada desde dos primeiros capítulos.
Repleto de segredos, o final surpreendeu. Fiquei com vontade de ler mais livro da autora e continuar a acompanhar a detetive Elin nas suas investigações.
O retiro é uma estância de luxo e promete ser o local ideal para descansar. O objetivo do encontro era aproximar as irmãs e a prima que já não estavam juntas há bastante tempo.
Mas o esperado descanso não chegou devido à descoberta de um corpo nas rochas da ilha.
A nossa já conhecida detetive Elin Warner de O Sanatório é chamada à ilha para investigar esta morte.
Conhecida como o Rochedo da Morte, a detetive vai ter de lidar com o passado sombrio da ilha, onde já ocorreram várias mortes no passado, assim como lidar com os boatos de que a ilha está amaldiçoada.
Esta história cativou-me bastante com toda esta aura misteriosa e sombria que a autora tão bem criou.
É um livro de leitura rápida, com capítulos curtos e um enredo bem montado, que me deixou agarrada desde dos primeiros capítulos.
Repleto de segredos, o final surpreendeu. Fiquei com vontade de ler mais livro da autora e continuar a acompanhar a detetive Elin nas suas investigações.
August 3, 2024
"It's clear that the island doesn't want them here"
Detective Elin Warner is still damaged but trying to put herself back out there with the latest case that may destroy her relationship.
The legend of Reaper's Rock and a tragically dysfunctional family are at the heart of "The Retreat."
The pace was still a bit too slow for some of the book, but the mystery was enjoyable.
I like Elin as a character, and the author Sara Pearse gives a well-rounded approach to crime through multiple narrative viewpoints.
This showed an expansion of Pearse's skills as an author, and I look forward to continued growth in future novels.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Detective Elin Warner is still damaged but trying to put herself back out there with the latest case that may destroy her relationship.
The legend of Reaper's Rock and a tragically dysfunctional family are at the heart of "The Retreat."
The pace was still a bit too slow for some of the book, but the mystery was enjoyable.
I like Elin as a character, and the author Sara Pearse gives a well-rounded approach to crime through multiple narrative viewpoints.
This showed an expansion of Pearse's skills as an author, and I look forward to continued growth in future novels.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
August 3, 2022
nothing special. someone should do a psychological study on me to figure out why i keep reading books like these & hoping that one of them will wow me
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