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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Retreat summary
Mark Edwards
Brief summary
The Retreat by Mark Edwards is a gripping psychological thriller that follows a group of friends on a remote retreat. As they uncover dark secrets and face their deepest fears, they realize that the danger may be closer than they think.
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The Retreat
Summary of key ideas
The Enigmatic Retreat
In The Retreat by Mark Edwards, the story begins with Julia, a woman who opens her home as a writer's retreat after the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter. Her first guest, Lucas, a horror writer, becomes fascinated with the property's history, particularly the disappearance of Julia's daughter, Lily. As the two delve into the mystery, strange and sinister events start to unfold.
Lucas, who has a personal interest in missing children cases, becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Lily. He discovers that Julia's husband, who was a respected doctor, had been involved in a series of unethical medical practices, including illegal drug trials. This leads Lucas to believe that Lily's disappearance might not have been an accident.
The Haunting Grounds
As Julia and Lucas continue their investigation, they are plagued by a series of eerie incidents. They find a hidden room filled with children's drawings, all depicting the same disturbing image of a faceless child. Julia, who has been struggling with guilt and grief, begins to question her own sanity. She starts to wonder if she is being haunted by Lily's ghost, or if the events are somehow connected to the house's dark history.
Meanwhile, Lucas' obsession with Lily's case puts a strain on his relationship with his girlfriend, Tilly. Tilly, a journalist, becomes increasingly concerned about Lucas' mental state and his growing fixation on the tragedy. Despite her warnings, Lucas continues to dig deeper, convinced that there's more to Lily's disappearance than meets the eye.
Unraveling the Truth
As the story progresses, the tension between Julia and Lucas escalates. Julia feels that Lucas is exploiting her tragedy for his own gain, while Lucas believes that Julia is hiding vital information about Lily's disappearance. Their fragile relationship reaches a breaking point when Lucas discovers a shocking secret about Julia's husband and his involvement in the drug trials.
In a dramatic turn of events, the truth about Lily's disappearance is finally revealed. It turns out that Julia's husband, driven by guilt over his involvement in the drug trials, had faked Lily's death and sent her away to live with a new family. The drawings in the hidden room were Lily's way of coping with her new life. However, the revelation comes too late, as Lily, now a teenager, has disappeared once again.
The Final Revelation
In the chilling conclusion of The Retreat, it is revealed that the sinister events that plagued the retreat were orchestrated by a vengeful former patient of Julia's husband, seeking retribution for his unethical practices. The novel ends with Lucas and Julia's strained friendship, Tilly's departure, and the haunting question of Lily's whereabouts.
In conclusion, The Retreat is a gripping psychological thriller that skillfully weaves together themes of loss, grief, and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface. It is a haunting tale that leaves the reader questioning the true nature of the human mind and the depths to which people will go to protect those they love.
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What is The Retreat about?
The Retreat is a psychological thriller by Mark Edwards. When a group of friends decide to spend a weekend at a remote retreat in the Welsh countryside, they expect to relax and unwind. However, they soon realize that they are not alone, and dark secrets from the past begin to resurface. As tensions rise and the group becomes trapped, they must confront their deepest fears in order to survive.
The Retreat Review
The Retreat (2019) is a gripping psychological thriller by Mark Edwards that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Here are three reasons why this book is a fantastic choice:
- Offering suspenseful twists and unexpected turns, it ensures a thrilling reading experience that captivates until the very end.
- The exploration of complex character dynamics adds depth to the story, making it more than just a standard mystery novel.
- Through its engrossing plot and well-developed narrative, the book guarantees an escape from the mundane into a world of intrigue and excitement.
Who should read The Retreat?
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a hint of mystery
Those who are intrigued by stories of hidden secrets and dark pasts
People who appreciate well-developed characters and atmospheric settings
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The Retreat FAQs
What is the main message of The Retreat?
The main message of The Retreat revolves around secrets, lies, and unforeseen danger in a remote writers' retreat.
How long does it take to read The Retreat?
Reading The Retreat takes a few hours, but the Blinkist summary can be absorbed in just 15 minutes.
Is The Retreat a good book? Is it worth reading?
With its gripping plot and unexpected twists, The Retreat is a compelling read that keeps you hooked till the end.
Who is the author of The Retreat?
The author of The Retreat is Mark Edwards.
What to read after The Retreat?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Retreat, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher