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Retreat
A beautiful con artist insinuates herself into a wealthy socialite’s life . . . with deadly consequences, in this serpentine thriller about identity and obsession, from actress, director and bestselling author Krysten Ritter.
Liz Dawson weaves through a crowd with the ease of a tropical breeze, moving seamlessly through elite circles, sparking instant connections and making every new acquaintance feel like an intimate friend. She’s clever, smooth, and confident—qualities that make her a brilliant serial con artist.
Isabelle Beresford is strikingly beautiful, obscenely wealthy, and the new owner of Casa Esmerelda, a fabulous villa on the Mexican coast—attributes that make her the perfect mark. When she offers Liz a job handling the installation of a piece of art in her otherwise vacant home, Liz can’t resist the allure of a beach retreat. She longs for a reset, a chance to finally shed the grip of her addiction to the conning game.
But when Liz, with her lush dark hair and intense green eyes, is mistaken for Isabelle herself, Liz can’t help effortlessly slipping into the socialite’s identity. The transition is so easeful, it almost feels like fate. But just who is Isabelle Beresford really, and why does she seem to have abandoned this stunning life of hers?
As Liz insinuates herself deeper into the dazzling—and deceptive—world of the Punta Mita resort community, she draws closer to the dangers surrounding the real Isabelle. Dangers that may have already ensnared Liz, too. This might not be the con of her life—but the con that ends it.
Liz Dawson weaves through a crowd with the ease of a tropical breeze, moving seamlessly through elite circles, sparking instant connections and making every new acquaintance feel like an intimate friend. She’s clever, smooth, and confident—qualities that make her a brilliant serial con artist.
Isabelle Beresford is strikingly beautiful, obscenely wealthy, and the new owner of Casa Esmerelda, a fabulous villa on the Mexican coast—attributes that make her the perfect mark. When she offers Liz a job handling the installation of a piece of art in her otherwise vacant home, Liz can’t resist the allure of a beach retreat. She longs for a reset, a chance to finally shed the grip of her addiction to the conning game.
But when Liz, with her lush dark hair and intense green eyes, is mistaken for Isabelle herself, Liz can’t help effortlessly slipping into the socialite’s identity. The transition is so easeful, it almost feels like fate. But just who is Isabelle Beresford really, and why does she seem to have abandoned this stunning life of hers?
As Liz insinuates herself deeper into the dazzling—and deceptive—world of the Punta Mita resort community, she draws closer to the dangers surrounding the real Isabelle. Dangers that may have already ensnared Liz, too. This might not be the con of her life—but the con that ends it.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2025
650 people are currently reading
44.6k people want to read
About the author
Krysten Ritter
6books2,672followersKRYSTEN RITTER is well known for her starring roles in the award winning Netflix original series, Marvel's Jessica Jones, and cult favorite, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, as well as her pivotal role on AMC’s Breaking Bad. Krysten’s work on film includes Big Eyes, Listen Up Philip, Life Happens, Confessions of a Shopaholic and She’s Out of My League. She is the founder of Silent Machine, a production company which aims to highlight complex female protagonists. Ritter and her dog Mikey split their time between New York and Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
April 17, 2025
Check out the GIVEAWAY currently up on my Instagram page at @suspenseisthrillingme! TWO lucky people will win a copy of Retreat!
Both a quick, easy read and a dark, intoxicating tale of deceit, Krysten Ritter had me in the palm of her hand with her newest novel, Retreat. With a well-written con-artist protagonist and layers upon layers of secrets and lies, this twisty psychological thriller took me on quite the unforgettable ride. After all, thanks to one truly epic game of cat-and-mouse and plenty of rich people behaving badly in an exotic locale, there wasn’t a moment of downtime from beginning to end. Besides, who doesn’t love a bad girl who just might get away with it all?
Speaking of the characters, their souls ran the gamut from morally gray to as black as could be. Despite the various unlikeable personas, I nevertheless found them all uniquely compelling in spite of their over-the-top feel. Alongside a plot that felt original notwithstanding its rather predictable ending, I was sucked in by the slow build-up to the deliciously unhinged climax and conclusion. With a script-flipping twist that was delivered via dual POVs, I was sucked in from the very first word even though I’d figured it out long before the first perfectly timed reveal.
The only pieces to this unputdownable narrative that weren’t exactly a home run were the open-ended conclusion and how I guessed all of the twists. Looking at them both a little closer, I’ve covered the latter already and the former could’ve been my own personal problem. You see, I’m a stickler for having everything wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow before I hit the last word. Nonetheless, Ritter pulled off quite the win with a tale so addictive that it had me finishing it in one single sitting—although in hindsight it might be best for suspense/thriller newbies.
All said and done, I was duly impressed by this new escapist read. Perfect for the beach or even just an evening at home, Liz/Isabelle delivered a riveting popcorn thriller in under 300 pages. With a fast pace, suspenseful plot, and oodles of clues amidst the foreboding, I just couldn’t get enough of these chess-like games. Yeah—so I foresaw quite a bit. That still didn’t detract from the characters I loved to hate or the intrigue that grew with each page. So if you’re a fan of Liv Constantine or the con-artist trope, order this book now. After all, it absolutely sizzled in every sense of the word. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS
Liz Dawson weaves through a crowd with the ease of a tropical breeze, moving seamlessly through elite circles, sparking instant connections and making every new acquaintance feel like an intimate friend. She’s clever, smooth, and confident—qualities that make her a brilliant serial con artist.
Isabelle Beresford is strikingly beautiful, obscenely wealthy, and the new owner of Casa Esmerelda, a fabulous villa on the Mexican coast—attributes that make her the perfect mark. When she offers Liz a job handling the installation of a piece of art in her otherwise vacant home, Liz can’t resist the allure of a beach retreat. She longs for a reset, a chance to finally shed the grip of her addiction to the conning game.
But when Liz, with her lush dark hair and intense green eyes, is mistaken for Isabelle herself, Liz can’t help effortlessly slipping into the socialite’s identity. The transition is so easeful, it almost feels like fate. But just who is Isabelle Beresford really, and why does she seem to have abandoned this stunning life of hers?
As Liz insinuates herself deeper into the dazzling—and deceptive—world of the Punta Mita resort community, she draws closer to the dangers surrounding the real Isabelle. Dangers that may have already ensnared Liz, too. This might not be the con of her life—but the con that ends it.
Thank you to Krysten Ritter, Lindsay Jamieson, and Harper Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: con artistry, infidelity, violence, stalking, drowning
Both a quick, easy read and a dark, intoxicating tale of deceit, Krysten Ritter had me in the palm of her hand with her newest novel, Retreat. With a well-written con-artist protagonist and layers upon layers of secrets and lies, this twisty psychological thriller took me on quite the unforgettable ride. After all, thanks to one truly epic game of cat-and-mouse and plenty of rich people behaving badly in an exotic locale, there wasn’t a moment of downtime from beginning to end. Besides, who doesn’t love a bad girl who just might get away with it all?
Speaking of the characters, their souls ran the gamut from morally gray to as black as could be. Despite the various unlikeable personas, I nevertheless found them all uniquely compelling in spite of their over-the-top feel. Alongside a plot that felt original notwithstanding its rather predictable ending, I was sucked in by the slow build-up to the deliciously unhinged climax and conclusion. With a script-flipping twist that was delivered via dual POVs, I was sucked in from the very first word even though I’d figured it out long before the first perfectly timed reveal.
The only pieces to this unputdownable narrative that weren’t exactly a home run were the open-ended conclusion and how I guessed all of the twists. Looking at them both a little closer, I’ve covered the latter already and the former could’ve been my own personal problem. You see, I’m a stickler for having everything wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow before I hit the last word. Nonetheless, Ritter pulled off quite the win with a tale so addictive that it had me finishing it in one single sitting—although in hindsight it might be best for suspense/thriller newbies.
All said and done, I was duly impressed by this new escapist read. Perfect for the beach or even just an evening at home, Liz/Isabelle delivered a riveting popcorn thriller in under 300 pages. With a fast pace, suspenseful plot, and oodles of clues amidst the foreboding, I just couldn’t get enough of these chess-like games. Yeah—so I foresaw quite a bit. That still didn’t detract from the characters I loved to hate or the intrigue that grew with each page. So if you’re a fan of Liv Constantine or the con-artist trope, order this book now. After all, it absolutely sizzled in every sense of the word. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS
Liz Dawson weaves through a crowd with the ease of a tropical breeze, moving seamlessly through elite circles, sparking instant connections and making every new acquaintance feel like an intimate friend. She’s clever, smooth, and confident—qualities that make her a brilliant serial con artist.
Isabelle Beresford is strikingly beautiful, obscenely wealthy, and the new owner of Casa Esmerelda, a fabulous villa on the Mexican coast—attributes that make her the perfect mark. When she offers Liz a job handling the installation of a piece of art in her otherwise vacant home, Liz can’t resist the allure of a beach retreat. She longs for a reset, a chance to finally shed the grip of her addiction to the conning game.
But when Liz, with her lush dark hair and intense green eyes, is mistaken for Isabelle herself, Liz can’t help effortlessly slipping into the socialite’s identity. The transition is so easeful, it almost feels like fate. But just who is Isabelle Beresford really, and why does she seem to have abandoned this stunning life of hers?
As Liz insinuates herself deeper into the dazzling—and deceptive—world of the Punta Mita resort community, she draws closer to the dangers surrounding the real Isabelle. Dangers that may have already ensnared Liz, too. This might not be the con of her life—but the con that ends it.
Thank you to Krysten Ritter, Lindsay Jamieson, and Harper Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: con artistry, infidelity, violence, stalking, drowning
March 23, 2025
Oh this book was so much fun to read! I do love a good con story and Retreat is just one big twist and turn after another. A gorgeous setting in Mexico with the rich and beautiful added that extra charm to the story.
Despite what she was doing, I really liked the character of Liz. Yes she was doing some pretty awful things but I could help but want her to get away with it all. The people she was conning were not exactly very likeable after all. I didn’t see any of it coming, although thinking back now I should have!! This job in Mexico is the con of a lifetime and she needs all her tricks and games for it.
If you loved Krysten’s first book Bonfire, then you have to grab Retreat. It is a quick and easy read, very entertaining but quite dark and twisted.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy to read from NetGalley. Publishes on March 25th.
Despite what she was doing, I really liked the character of Liz. Yes she was doing some pretty awful things but I could help but want her to get away with it all. The people she was conning were not exactly very likeable after all. I didn’t see any of it coming, although thinking back now I should have!! This job in Mexico is the con of a lifetime and she needs all her tricks and games for it.
If you loved Krysten’s first book Bonfire, then you have to grab Retreat. It is a quick and easy read, very entertaining but quite dark and twisted.
Thanks so much to Little, Brown Book Group UK for my advanced copy to read from NetGalley. Publishes on March 25th.
February 2, 2025
Krysten Ritter’s upcoming thriller, RETREAT, has been on my TBR for awhile now! I didn’t have a chance to read Ritter’s debut Bonfire, but I heard it was great, so I knew that I would prioritize. This one. RETREAT is the perfect cocktail for fans of Liv Constantine and Rachel Koller Croft!
Liz Dawson moves effortlessly through elite circles, charming everyone she meets—a skill that makes her a brilliant con artist. When she’s hired by the glamorous, mysterious Isabelle Beresford to manage an art installation at her Mexican villa, Liz sees a chance for a fresh start. But when Liz is mistaken for Isabelle, she slips into the role with ease, only to discover that the real danger may lie in the life she’s stolen.
I had a total blast with this book, yet I did know exactly how it would play out. It didn’t steer me away at all because Ritter’s writing was compelling, and at times cheeky, which I absolutely loved. Liz is very fun to love to hate, but you can’t help but root for her at the same time. Although I did know what was going to play out, the very end took me for a complete shock. I will definitely read more from Krysten Ritter if she chooses to write in the thriller space in the future.
Liz Dawson moves effortlessly through elite circles, charming everyone she meets—a skill that makes her a brilliant con artist. When she’s hired by the glamorous, mysterious Isabelle Beresford to manage an art installation at her Mexican villa, Liz sees a chance for a fresh start. But when Liz is mistaken for Isabelle, she slips into the role with ease, only to discover that the real danger may lie in the life she’s stolen.
I had a total blast with this book, yet I did know exactly how it would play out. It didn’t steer me away at all because Ritter’s writing was compelling, and at times cheeky, which I absolutely loved. Liz is very fun to love to hate, but you can’t help but root for her at the same time. Although I did know what was going to play out, the very end took me for a complete shock. I will definitely read more from Krysten Ritter if she chooses to write in the thriller space in the future.
April 5, 2025
I very much enjoyed this! A super fun twist that I LOVED and my jaw dropped. Great pacing, great morally gray characters.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
February 7, 2025
#ad many thanks to @harperbooks for my copy of this book and @netgalley for the ebook.
"Everyone thought they knew you, when really no one knew you at all," (p. 3). ((To be checked against finished copy)
All the stars. I loved every second of this book. The anticipation that everything could go so wrong, at any moment, was palpable! You will feel this one! So buckle up!
Liz is a con woman - it's how she survives. But just as the heat starts closing in and she's thinking about settling into a a more permanent life, the perfect opportunity lands in her lap. A referral from another "client" sends her to a mansion in an exclusive resort/luxury living for six days. The job? Hang some art, make some quick cash, and disappear again. The owners are out of town, and she'll have the place to herself. Easy.
But this life is just a little too perfect for Liz to walk away from.
When she's mistaken for Isabelle Beresford, her near-identical double, Liz does what she does best: she slips into the role. Meet the new Isabelle Beresford.
Only Isabelle's life is far more complicated than Liz ever bargained for. And just as she's getting comfortable in her new identity, the son of her last mark comes knocking - demanding his mother's money back. He's here to hunt Liz down, and his timing couldn't be worse. Things are about to get real.
I loved this book! I can never resist a good con game, and watching a character pretend to be someone they're not while trying not to get caught is always a blast. And when that someone happens to be a filthy rich woman with a beachfront mansion? Even better.
With nonstop action, this one will get your heart racing, make you laugh out loud, and have you cheering for Liz to pull it off. The twists just kept coming and I could not put this book down. Seriously, all the praises from me.
I loved it so much that I immediately ordered the author's previous book. Also, I had no idea the author is a famous actress that l've seen on TV, which made the whole book even more interesting.
But most importantly, this book shattered my expectations and delivered everything I crave in a twisted, mindf*** of a story. Highly recommend
"Everyone thought they knew you, when really no one knew you at all," (p. 3). ((To be checked against finished copy)
All the stars. I loved every second of this book. The anticipation that everything could go so wrong, at any moment, was palpable! You will feel this one! So buckle up!
Liz is a con woman - it's how she survives. But just as the heat starts closing in and she's thinking about settling into a a more permanent life, the perfect opportunity lands in her lap. A referral from another "client" sends her to a mansion in an exclusive resort/luxury living for six days. The job? Hang some art, make some quick cash, and disappear again. The owners are out of town, and she'll have the place to herself. Easy.
But this life is just a little too perfect for Liz to walk away from.
When she's mistaken for Isabelle Beresford, her near-identical double, Liz does what she does best: she slips into the role. Meet the new Isabelle Beresford.
Only Isabelle's life is far more complicated than Liz ever bargained for. And just as she's getting comfortable in her new identity, the son of her last mark comes knocking - demanding his mother's money back. He's here to hunt Liz down, and his timing couldn't be worse. Things are about to get real.
I loved this book! I can never resist a good con game, and watching a character pretend to be someone they're not while trying not to get caught is always a blast. And when that someone happens to be a filthy rich woman with a beachfront mansion? Even better.
With nonstop action, this one will get your heart racing, make you laugh out loud, and have you cheering for Liz to pull it off. The twists just kept coming and I could not put this book down. Seriously, all the praises from me.
I loved it so much that I immediately ordered the author's previous book. Also, I had no idea the author is a famous actress that l've seen on TV, which made the whole book even more interesting.
But most importantly, this book shattered my expectations and delivered everything I crave in a twisted, mindf*** of a story. Highly recommend
February 27, 2025
first of all - i wish the cowriter's name was bigger on the cover (and featured on the book's page; as of the writing of this review, it is not.) i don't like when a celeb author is given precedence like this and lindsay jamieson's name is so small that i didn't even register it when i picked up the book initially. this kind of colors my opinion of the book overall, but it's not like my opinion was very high in the first place, but i do feel like deducting half a star for it, so this is a 2.5, rounded down.
in regards to the book: it's fairly competently written (not sure how much of it is actually ritter), but it's boring. the girl-on-girl misogyny is so cliche and annoying and really ruins the vibe, which i did like at first: what a fun premise, and a well-executed setup. it's just that when we actually start digging into it that nothing really feels like it's happening for so long, and it's hard to believe liz is so incredibly stupid. she's a protagonist that really suffers from that disorder where writers need to dumb down their main character in order for the plot to work, and i hate it. she's introduced as someone so cunning so i don't understand how it takes her so long to work out how Wrong everything is, especially from the moment it gets even worse when the "love interest" is brought into the story and she the 'romance' just drags the story down, and takes up entirely too much page time that could be dedicated to the actual thriller aspects, but instead,
and one last thing:
it's almost impressive how quickly the potential fell apart, but part of me wonders if maybe this is just a way to get this story seen so that it can be adapted, since the description of the lead fits ritter physically so well, and if that's the case... i don't know dude, just write a screenplay next time?? this might have been better as a film. not great, but maybe a little more entertaining
in regards to the book: it's fairly competently written (not sure how much of it is actually ritter), but it's boring. the girl-on-girl misogyny is so cliche and annoying and really ruins the vibe, which i did like at first: what a fun premise, and a well-executed setup. it's just that when we actually start digging into it that nothing really feels like it's happening for so long, and it's hard to believe liz is so incredibly stupid. she's a protagonist that really suffers from that disorder where writers need to dumb down their main character in order for the plot to work, and i hate it. she's introduced as someone so cunning so i don't understand how it takes her so long to work out how Wrong everything is, especially from the moment it gets even worse when the "love interest" is brought into the story and she the 'romance' just drags the story down, and takes up entirely too much page time that could be dedicated to the actual thriller aspects, but instead,
and one last thing:
it's almost impressive how quickly the potential fell apart, but part of me wonders if maybe this is just a way to get this story seen so that it can be adapted, since the description of the lead fits ritter physically so well, and if that's the case... i don't know dude, just write a screenplay next time?? this might have been better as a film. not great, but maybe a little more entertaining
March 7, 2025
LOVE me a con artist, rich people doing bad things thriller and Retreat nailed it.
Krysten Ritter, actress in Breaking Bad and Jessica Jones, is a talented thriller author too?! She does it all 👏🏼
So twisty and a bit steamy I simply couldn’t look away. Get this book on your TBR early because it’s the perfect summer thriller!
Krysten Ritter, actress in Breaking Bad and Jessica Jones, is a talented thriller author too?! She does it all 👏🏼
So twisty and a bit steamy I simply couldn’t look away. Get this book on your TBR early because it’s the perfect summer thriller!
April 10, 2025
Liz Dawson is a skilled con artist who takes on a job at a luxurious villa owned by Isabelle Beresford. Liz ends up impersonating Isabelle and getting entangled in dangerous secrets surrounding her real identity. As Liz dives deeper into the persona of Isabelle, she risks her life in a complex web of deception and danger.
Wow! This book is incredibly clever and expertly written. From the moment I started reading, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. The main character is skilled yet slightly naive, which may seem like a weakness at first. However, the ending is so unpredictable and intriguing that it completely flips the script. Expect the unexpected!
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the way the characters were developed throughout the story. While I did manage to guess one of the twists, it still led to a satisfying conclusion. The ending leaves room for a potential sequel, which has me eagerly anticipating more.
Overall, this book is a suspenseful, entertaining, and brilliantly crafted read. If you're a fan of female con artists who keep you on your toes, then this book is must-read. It's the perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable weekend evening escape.
Thank you, Harper for a digital ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow! This book is incredibly clever and expertly written. From the moment I started reading, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. The main character is skilled yet slightly naive, which may seem like a weakness at first. However, the ending is so unpredictable and intriguing that it completely flips the script. Expect the unexpected!
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the way the characters were developed throughout the story. While I did manage to guess one of the twists, it still led to a satisfying conclusion. The ending leaves room for a potential sequel, which has me eagerly anticipating more.
Overall, this book is a suspenseful, entertaining, and brilliantly crafted read. If you're a fan of female con artists who keep you on your toes, then this book is must-read. It's the perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable weekend evening escape.
Thank you, Harper for a digital ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
Well I f*cking loved this book. Liz is a good con artist--manipulative, charming, persuasive--but she needs a break. When wealthy socialite Isabelle offers her a job at her holiday villa in Mexico, she accepts. No cons planned, just a little retreat and break. When someone mistakes Liz for Isabelle, plans change, and Liz can't help but to go along with it. As the con goes on, Liz gets deeper and deeper and starts to wonder if maybe she bit off more than she can chew. Maybe Isabelle was escaping her life for a reason. This was such a fun reading experience! It's easy to digest and follow, but was dark and addicting at the same time. Liz is a well-written protagonist, who while obviously morally grey, you kind of like her and admire her anyway for what she is able to pull off. There are plenty of twists along the way to keep you guessing and there is never a dull moment! I devoured this book becauseI could not put it down. And the luxury of the wealthy and absurdity of it all is intoxicating and fun. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, addicting--all leading up to a completely unhingedclimax! People say they expected it--I did not. I really needed something like this when I picked it up. I loved it! I also think it would make a great movie, or possibly show. Someone should pick this up!
February 12, 2025
You guys!!! This was sooo much fun! It was juicy, sexy, suspenseful and became so unhinged. I loved it! I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. Con stories mixed with obsession are my new jam. The setting of Punta Mita was so wonderfully depicted it transported me right to the beach. You cant help but root for Liz and did I mention the ending�..! Literally jaw dropping. I hope we get another story weaved from this one because HOLY CUCKOO BANANAS! I will most definitely be looking for more Ritter in the future! This got me right out of a slump!
March 27, 2025
3.75 Rating
A skilled con artist poses as an art dealer and slips into the glamorous world of a wealthy beachside community, hoping for a fresh start. But when she’s mistaken for a missing socialite, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and obsession. What begins as a simple con quickly spirals into something far more dangerous—where assuming the wrong identity could cost her everything.
I love con artist mysteries they're so fun! If this was a TV show, I know I would absolutely love it. It felt like a mix of white lotus, the imposters and desperate housewives. I also listed on audio (obsessed with Krysten Ritters voice) I was picturing her playing the role. Susan made me sick to my stomach, her character is the world's worst.
Liz's decisions will have you yelling at the book, I wish there was a little more thrill thrown in to make the tension even more palpable.
Thank you to Harper Collins for an early copy!
A skilled con artist poses as an art dealer and slips into the glamorous world of a wealthy beachside community, hoping for a fresh start. But when she’s mistaken for a missing socialite, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and obsession. What begins as a simple con quickly spirals into something far more dangerous—where assuming the wrong identity could cost her everything.
I love con artist mysteries they're so fun! If this was a TV show, I know I would absolutely love it. It felt like a mix of white lotus, the imposters and desperate housewives. I also listed on audio (obsessed with Krysten Ritters voice) I was picturing her playing the role. Susan made me sick to my stomach, her character is the world's worst.
Liz's decisions will have you yelling at the book, I wish there was a little more thrill thrown in to make the tension even more palpable.
Thank you to Harper Collins for an early copy!
March 29, 2025
I. Have. Questions!!!
March 19, 2025
RETREAT is definitely for the fans of sun-soaked, mistaken identity thrillers where all it takes is a couple of lies to steal someone's life... or have it stolen from you. The thriller is a departure from its more grisly, gritty predecessor, BONFIRE. Expect to see the naughty lifestyles of the rich and famous, twists you can't see coming, and an ending that will leave you desperate to find friends who've also read it so you can discuss. Definitely a fun option for the spring!
Thanks to Harper Books for my gifted copy! RETREAT is out now!
Thanks to Harper Books for my gifted copy! RETREAT is out now!
April 19, 2025
Woah. Everything about this novel was incredible and I had not a clue where the plot was leading. Satisfied everything inside of me from start to finish.
April 18, 2025
I couldn't get into this. Something about it just wasn't for me and failed to grip me.
April 13, 2025
This was a fast, bingeable thriller. Took me a solid 50-70 pages to get into it but then I was hooked.
Figured out some pieces of it but not all of it. The premise is about a female con artist who is escaping for a week but soon takes the opportunity to impersonate a rich person and live a life of luxury in Mexico.
Figured out some pieces of it but not all of it. The premise is about a female con artist who is escaping for a week but soon takes the opportunity to impersonate a rich person and live a life of luxury in Mexico.
March 19, 2025
Ooh this was a fun ride! Twisty and messy and absolutely diabolical!!
January 6, 2025
3.5/5
Retreat drops Liz Dawson us into the sandy beaches of Punta Mita, where she hopes to lay low. Liz isn’t exactly someone you’d want to be friends with. She’s self-centered, manipulative, and sees people as tools for her schemes. But credit where it’s due- she’s got loads of personality, and honestly, that’s what makes the story fun.
When Liz takes a job at a posh Mexican villa, she plans to behave for once. But then she’s mistaken for her employer, Isabelle, and instead of clearing things up, she plays someone else. What starts as a fun, stolen identity adventure quickly spirals into murder, secrets, and Liz soon realizes she might have conned her way into something she can’t handle.
Now, the twists are pretty predictable but I liked the setting and the atmosphere. And Liz herself. Sure, she’s a terrible person, but her snarky, no-filter narration keeps things interesting.
Retreat isn’t a must-read, but it’s a fun ride.
ARC through NetGalley
Retreat drops Liz Dawson us into the sandy beaches of Punta Mita, where she hopes to lay low. Liz isn’t exactly someone you’d want to be friends with. She’s self-centered, manipulative, and sees people as tools for her schemes. But credit where it’s due- she’s got loads of personality, and honestly, that’s what makes the story fun.
When Liz takes a job at a posh Mexican villa, she plans to behave for once. But then she’s mistaken for her employer, Isabelle, and instead of clearing things up, she plays someone else. What starts as a fun, stolen identity adventure quickly spirals into murder, secrets, and Liz soon realizes she might have conned her way into something she can’t handle.
Now, the twists are pretty predictable but I liked the setting and the atmosphere. And Liz herself. Sure, she’s a terrible person, but her snarky, no-filter narration keeps things interesting.
Retreat isn’t a must-read, but it’s a fun ride.
ARC through NetGalley
April 15, 2025
So, one thing about me is I LOVE a story about a con artist. This one, for example, I REALLY LOVED. I thought I correctly guessed the twist early on in the book, but not only was I so incorrect, but I didn’t even catch on to the small hints peppered throughout as to what the REAL twist was.
Liz Hastings, in current form, swindles her way into a lavish Mexican villa for millionaires Oliver and Isabelle under the guise of putting up a painting for Isabelle. Isabelle, from her friend Abigail, reaches out to Liz with a proposition to hang the painting and spend the week at the villa, all on her dime. Liz couldn’t say no and begins to make herself at home in the villa and in the small estate with Isabelle’s other millionaire friends. The longer she spends there, though, the more she feels that something is out of place and that she’s being watched, but she can’t quite put her finger on it. People start acting strange toward her and visitors from Isabelle’s past are creeping up. What mess could Isabelle have gotten herself into?
I devoured this book like a pillsbury funfetti cupcake. This was my first book by this author, who I didn’t realize played Jessica Jones, and I plan on reading her other works because I’m so in love with this book!
Liz Hastings, in current form, swindles her way into a lavish Mexican villa for millionaires Oliver and Isabelle under the guise of putting up a painting for Isabelle. Isabelle, from her friend Abigail, reaches out to Liz with a proposition to hang the painting and spend the week at the villa, all on her dime. Liz couldn’t say no and begins to make herself at home in the villa and in the small estate with Isabelle’s other millionaire friends. The longer she spends there, though, the more she feels that something is out of place and that she’s being watched, but she can’t quite put her finger on it. People start acting strange toward her and visitors from Isabelle’s past are creeping up. What mess could Isabelle have gotten herself into?
I devoured this book like a pillsbury funfetti cupcake. This was my first book by this author, who I didn’t realize played Jessica Jones, and I plan on reading her other works because I’m so in love with this book!
April 16, 2025
I truly never know how to review/rate thrillers, so we're going primarily for the "fun" factor on this one.
AND IT IS SUCH A STINKIN' ROMP!
In Retreat, our protagonist gets by as a con artist but is now considering trying to boost her "legitimate" side hustles, that is until she finds the perfect opportunity to slip into another woman's life. The story has most thriller tropes you can think of - faked identity, extreme wealth, rich blondes who may be onto her, drug cartels, paid henchmen, shady art dealings, estranged family members, marital lies, and honestly probably more? The "twist" has just enough breadcrumbs throughout the story that I felt pleased with myself for getting most of it and frustrated with myself for not seeing the other element that honestly should not have surprised me. I wouldn't say it's the most shocking, but the entire story is a wild, fast-paced ride.
I found the first part of the book a little challenging to get into due to some of the cheesiness often found in the genre combined with a few areas I thought could use stronger editing. And yet, about a third of the way through I was absolutely hooked and read the rest in one sitting. I would say this works particularly well for fans of First Lie Wins.
Dear Krysten Ritter, you are a delight.
AND IT IS SUCH A STINKIN' ROMP!
In Retreat, our protagonist gets by as a con artist but is now considering trying to boost her "legitimate" side hustles, that is until she finds the perfect opportunity to slip into another woman's life. The story has most thriller tropes you can think of - faked identity, extreme wealth, rich blondes who may be onto her, drug cartels, paid henchmen, shady art dealings, estranged family members, marital lies, and honestly probably more? The "twist" has just enough breadcrumbs throughout the story that I felt pleased with myself for getting most of it and frustrated with myself for not seeing the other element that honestly should not have surprised me. I wouldn't say it's the most shocking, but the entire story is a wild, fast-paced ride.
I found the first part of the book a little challenging to get into due to some of the cheesiness often found in the genre combined with a few areas I thought could use stronger editing. And yet, about a third of the way through I was absolutely hooked and read the rest in one sitting. I would say this works particularly well for fans of First Lie Wins.
Dear Krysten Ritter, you are a delight.
March 14, 2025
Retreat by Krysten Ritter. Thanks to @harperbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liz Dawson survives by cons and she’s good at it. Her next mark takes her to a villa in Mexico but when she is mistaken for the mark herself who is no where to be seen, she fits right into the life.
This is a speedy little thriller that would be perfect for a weekend read. It has twists and turns and a look into the wealthy elite. The setting was fun and gave it a White Lotus vibe.
“You don’t see behind the mask. You hadn’t even thought to look.�
Retreat comes out 3/25.
Liz Dawson survives by cons and she’s good at it. Her next mark takes her to a villa in Mexico but when she is mistaken for the mark herself who is no where to be seen, she fits right into the life.
This is a speedy little thriller that would be perfect for a weekend read. It has twists and turns and a look into the wealthy elite. The setting was fun and gave it a White Lotus vibe.
“You don’t see behind the mask. You hadn’t even thought to look.�
Retreat comes out 3/25.
April 11, 2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!!
April 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4. Addictive read yet predictable twists.
April 25, 2025
You’ve already read this book at least a dozen times and each one was better than this. 🫣
April 25, 2025
4.5 stars
This was fun
Great plot twist
This was fun
Great plot twist
April 9, 2025
I didn’t really like this but I do really like season one of Jessica Jones
March 6, 2025
What a wild ride! Loved it!
April 6, 2025
Way over the top. Best for a beach read.
March 29, 2025
Even though this book gave me anxiety, it was a fun read! I love a good con artist story, and this one was filled with a lot of twists and turns. Some were easy enough to predict, while others left me questioning how I didn’t see it coming. The story was fast paced, easy to follow, engaging and suspenseful. I was constantly on edge because of how anxious the situations the main character was in made me, and I love when a book can make me feel that way! I really liked the main character, Liz, and I was really rooting for her even though it seemed she had dug herself a hole she wouldn’t be able to get out of.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own :)
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own :)
March 27, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Krysten Ritter has an absolutely brilliant mind. She certainly knows how to write a compelling antihero. Retreat was my first read by Ritter and it was the most satisfying. I was impressed by her raw and skilled writing talent. She wrote an alluring, shocking and sizzling tale of duplicity and desperation; even more, it was a smart, cunning, and sexy depiction of an elite society.
Retreat followed Liz Dawson, a con artist, who went to an expat enclave in Mexico to manage the delivery of a major art piece for a new client, Isabelle. She was enough of a doppelganger that none of Isabelle’s friends and neighbors seemed to have noticed it was not her.
I reveled in this soapy romp of a mystery thriller. Each character appeared to be richly woven with deceit and secrecy. The ambiguity made it hard to ascertain who to trust and what would ultimately transpire. I relished in the flashbacks and the multiple perspectives that were presented in separate parts. This structure worked flawlessly in unraveling the deception between the main protagonist and antagonist. Although this was entwined with essential twists, the twists and turns I expect from this genre, there was one big reveal so big that I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, Krysten Ritter delivered a razor sharp and twisted read. I was absorbed in Retreat with all its twists and turns, questionable characters, identity, obsession, and the allure of the privileged elite. If you like dramatic mystery thrillers about rich people behaving badly, you will most likely devour this sharp and deliciously deceptive one. (Audio)
Krysten Ritter has an absolutely brilliant mind. She certainly knows how to write a compelling antihero. Retreat was my first read by Ritter and it was the most satisfying. I was impressed by her raw and skilled writing talent. She wrote an alluring, shocking and sizzling tale of duplicity and desperation; even more, it was a smart, cunning, and sexy depiction of an elite society.
Retreat followed Liz Dawson, a con artist, who went to an expat enclave in Mexico to manage the delivery of a major art piece for a new client, Isabelle. She was enough of a doppelganger that none of Isabelle’s friends and neighbors seemed to have noticed it was not her.
I reveled in this soapy romp of a mystery thriller. Each character appeared to be richly woven with deceit and secrecy. The ambiguity made it hard to ascertain who to trust and what would ultimately transpire. I relished in the flashbacks and the multiple perspectives that were presented in separate parts. This structure worked flawlessly in unraveling the deception between the main protagonist and antagonist. Although this was entwined with essential twists, the twists and turns I expect from this genre, there was one big reveal so big that I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, Krysten Ritter delivered a razor sharp and twisted read. I was absorbed in Retreat with all its twists and turns, questionable characters, identity, obsession, and the allure of the privileged elite. If you like dramatic mystery thrillers about rich people behaving badly, you will most likely devour this sharp and deliciously deceptive one. (Audio)
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