The Retreat
By Benjamin Compson
(4 customer reviews)
Publication Date: 28 Jan 2024
£8.99
Categories: Crime and Thrillers
ISBN: 9781915853943eISBN: 9781835740064
Description
In the wake of burnout, mental health struggles and a painful breakup, twenty-something Max is feeling lost and seeking solace. He is persuaded by a friend to visit an isolated meditation retreat nestled in the serene French countryside.
At first the retreat seems idyllic, but as the week unfolds, Max’s intuition alerts him that something is not right. Why do the staff act so strangely? Why is there a curfew? What are the mysterious noises in the woods at night? As his stay progresses, Max gradually uncovers the retreat’s chilling truth – something that contradicts its façade of serenity and peace.
With his sanity at stake, Max navigates the treacherous path within the retreat’s bounds and becomes determined to expose its sinister secret to the outside world. Will Max be able to confront the darkness hidden beneath the retreat’s tranquil surface before it’s too late?
Benjamin Compson is an author from Sussex, currently living in Amsterdam. With a background in television, including work with the BBC and ITV, Benjamin loves to create new worlds through his writing. Inspired by some personal experience and with an interest in mental health issues, meditation, philosophy and human rights, Benjamin’s debut novel The Retreat delves into these subjects.
Reviews
M. Hondema - 17 Mar, 2024
what a wonderful book this was. A beautifully recognizable story with a continuous tension that reminded me of stories by Hitchcock, but also a mix of 'one flew over the cuckoo's nest' and Orwell's '1984'. I'm a fan of Ben.
Ness Webley - 13 Feb, 2024
Gripping from start to finish! Eloquently written drawing the reader in and taking them from laughter via pause for thought regarding the teachings shared at The Retreat and then on to helpless, breathless suspense at the turn of a page with just the right balance of “ I did NOT see that coming” moments! Excellent and I hope one day this gets to be on screen!
Ness Webley - 12 Feb, 2024
Brilliant, I wasn’t expecting a first book from an author to be as good as this truly was! I was there watching Max, one moment laughing then a turn of the page and breathlessly wishing I could help somehow, unable to put the book down, the descriptions brought the action and scenery vividly to life in my head! So many “I didn’t see that coming!!!” moments, well done everyone who made this happen but especially Mr Compson for letting this out, I hope there are more masterpieces to come!
J Hartley-Headford - 04 Feb, 2024
Read The Retreat by Benjamin Compson
I found myself sniggering, at times belly laughing and then rooted to the spot in suspense.
Absolutely and utterly compulsive could not put the book down.
I did try to guess the ending as one does, however it was even better. Can’t wait for the next book!
