In Portugal’s national park, dark forests close in from all sides and only a few campers brave the loneliness. It’s easy to get lost out here, but when solo traveller Kier Templer goes missing, there are signs she was in danger before she even left her home in Devon.

Detective Elin Warner is supposed to be off duty, until she discovers a troubling clue Kier left behind and becomes determined to track her down. But when the campsite closes ranks against Elin’s questions, the isolation starts to turn sinister . . .

A stunning, atmospheric thriller which makes you question what to fear most – the wilds, the strangers living in it . . . or the person closest to you?

‘Dark, twisty, with an excellent sense of place’ STUART MACBRIDE
‘Made me love reading again’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘A master of suspense’ LUCY CLARKE
‘Addictive. This book really gets you thinking’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘Exceptional’ SUN
‘Psychological depth and thrilling suspense’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘Grips from page one’ LOUISE CANDLISH
‘A must-read for anyone who likes a psychological ride’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘Hitchcockian tension. Riveting’ WILL DEAN
‘Sarah Pearse is the master of creating an atmosphere’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘Will leave your jaw on the floor’ MATTHEW BLAKE
‘Twisty and frankly shocking’ ***** READER REVIEW
‘Beguiling and immersive’ DAILY MAIL

They couldn’t wait to stay here.
An idyllic wellness retreat has opened on an island off the coast of Devon, 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.

But now they can’t leave.
A woman is found dead below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns that the victim wasn’t a guest – she wasn’t meant to be on the island at all.

And they would do anything to escape . . .
The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving incident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island are true.

Because history seems to be repeating itself – and the guests might not make it home alive . . .

———

Readers enjoyed their stay at The Retreat :

‘If The Sanatorium was all about the atmosphere, The Retreat is all about the tension.’ *****

‘Fast paced, tense, suspenseful and unpredictable, I loved it!’ *****

‘Wow what a book!’ *****

‘We all fancy a spa break don’t we? Well don’t include me after reading this book. It had me hooked from start to finish.’ *****

‘Atmospheric and blisteringly exciting.’ *****

———
‘Pearse goes from strength to strength in The Retreat. The suspense inexorably builds to a stunning climax. An added treat is the return of Elin Warner, who is a fascinating character one can only root for.’ David Baldacci, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Mercy

‘A world-class thriller writer. Superb. Pre-order it now. ‘ Steve Cavanagh, Sunday Times bestselling author of Thirteen

‘The Retreat recalls the one-by-one nerve-shredding of Agatha Christie at her darkest. A fresh, daring, irresistible thriller.’ A. J. Finn, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

‘A eerie, atmospheric thriller that will have you looking over your shoulder as you read. A wonderfully chilling story of grief, revenge, and family secrets. An absorbing escape!’ Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Push

‘Full of foreboding and high-stakes tension, Sarah Pearse’s latest is a page-turner. The past doesn’t stay buried for long, at sea or on land, and what comes to the surface is both shocking and chilling.’ Nita Prose, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Maid

‘The Retreat was so atmospheric and hold-your-breath tense with cleverly executed twists and a finale that gave me the chills. Brilliant!’ Claire Douglas, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Couple at No.9

They couldn’t wait to stay here.
An idyllic wellness retreat has opened on an island off the coast of Devon, 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.

But now they can’t leave.
A woman is found dead below the yoga pavilion in what seems to be a tragic fall. But DS Elin Warner soon learns that the victim wasn’t a guest – she wasn’t meant to be on the island at all.

And they would do anything to escape . . .
The longer Elin stays, the more secrets she uncovers. And when someone else drowns in a diving incident, Elin begins to suspect that the old stories about the island are true.

Because history seems to be repeating itself – and the guests might not make it home alive . . .

———

Readers enjoyed their stay at The Retreat :

‘If The Sanatorium was all about the atmosphere, The Retreat is all about the tension.’ ? ? ? ? ?

‘Fast paced, tense, suspenseful and unpredictable, I loved it!’ ? ? ? ? ?

‘Wow what a book!’ ? ? ? ? ?

‘We all fancy a spa break don’t we? Well don’t include me after reading this book. It had me hooked from start to finish.’ ? ? ? ? ?

‘Atmospheric and blisteringly exciting.’ ? ? ? ? ?

———
‘Pearse goes from strength to strength in The Retreat. The suspense inexorably builds to a stunning climax. An added treat is the return of Elin Warner, who is a fascinating character one can only root for.’ David Baldacci, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Mercy

‘A world-class thriller writer. Superb. Pre-order it now. ‘ Steve Cavanagh, Sunday Times bestselling author of Thirteen

‘The Retreat recalls the one-by-one nerve-shredding of Agatha Christie at her darkest. A fresh, daring, irresistible thriller.’ A. J. Finn, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

‘A eerie, atmospheric thriller that will have you looking over your shoulder as you read. A wonderfully chilling story of grief, revenge, and family secrets. An absorbing escape!’ Ashley Audrain, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Push

‘Full of foreboding and high-stakes tension, Sarah Pearse’s latest is a page-turner. The past doesn’t stay buried for long, at sea or on land, and what comes to the surface is both shocking and chilling.’ Nita Prose, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Maid

‘The Retreat was so atmospheric and hold-your-breath tense with cleverly executed twists and a finale that gave me the chills. Brilliant!’ Claire Douglas, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Couple at No.9