As with all thrillers, the author takes the reader on a journey of doubt and suspicion and throws in a few red herrings for good measure. (Review by Fiona De Goede)
“You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everyone dances with the Grim Reaper.” The last words of convicted murderer Robert Alan Harris set the tone for this thriller by Sarah Pearse.
A group of people is booked into an idyllic spot to recharge, reconnect and relax in five-star luxury. The setting of this upmarket retreat is an island off the coast of Devon. However, this spot has sinister undertones and a dark history, so it’s no wonder the locals refer to it as Reaper’s Rock.
The first victim (and there are several!) was not even supposed to be on the island and her death is therefore a mystery: what was she doing there? Was it an unfortunate accident? Or was she killed?
Detective Elin Warner and her colleague Steed, are ordered to go to the island to investigate the incident. At first glance, it seems to be an open and shut case of a tragic fall but then several things occur which firmly point in the direction of possible foul play.
As the tale unfolds it becomes apparent that there seems to be a correlation between the current murders and those committed years ago – however, the killer that committed those murders, Creacher, was arrested and found guilty and sentenced to prison. How is it therefore possible that the killings are now, so many years later, happening again?
As with all thrillers, the author takes the reader on a journey of doubt and suspicion and throws in a few red herrings for good measure.
Thrillers are not my preferred genre and whilst I was reading this book, it was once again confirmed that this is indeed the case. However, for readers who enjoy this style of writing and who like getting to grips with murder and mayhem, I am sure The Retreat will hit the sweet spot. The author sets the scene and the mood of the island by being very descriptive and she manages to build up to a dark and dramatic climax. I personally felt that, at times, it came across as somewhat contrived but as always, this is just my very humble opinion.
Sarah Pearse wrote The Sanatorium, her debut novel, which was a New York Times Bestseller and Reese’s Book Club Pick. It is not necessary to have read The Sanatorium before reading The Retreat but it would probably enhance the readers’ understanding of Elin’s character and history. - Fiona de Goede
The Retreat is published by Penguin Random House: ISBN 978-1-787-63334-6
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