Liz is a con artist - sneaking her way into parties and getting herself into situations that are too good to be true. When she herself is given an opportunity that is too good to be true - a trip to Mexico and a week in a luxury villa, and all she has to do is hang a painting - she obviously takes it. However, her past could come back to haunt her as the life she leads may be starting to unravel.

I took a punt on this book as a fan of Krysten's work as Jessica Jones, and I'm glad I did! The characters are all slightly morally ambiguous which leaves you guessing as to who is going to come out on top, and when the other shoe is going to drop. Whilst I did guess the central twist, this is still a very fun book - 4*.

I enjoyed this book and really found myself rooting for Liz. There's so many moments that don't sit well and you get the strong vibe somethings not right or somethings gonna happen.. and it does. A brilliant, twisty book who no one is who they seem.

A voicey slow-burn full of satisfying, cinematic twists. This book was a great read. Who doesn't love a well-written bad-girl? Cheers to Ritter and co-author Jamieson, you make a strong team!

I couldn’t get onto this book. It was slow to begin with. Lots of people. I tried reading. Tried skimming. Ended up turning to the back. Not for me

I have been looking forward to reading this since I first heard of its existence.

Liz is a con woman, she moves from job to job and takes whatever she can. So far, a little too tropey.
Liz is called to help hang a picture overseas, which helps her escape another difficult job and ends up knee deep living someone else’s life.
It’s a slow ride and from time to time, I wondered why I was bothering. There’s a lot of ridiculousness and then many occasions where SURELY Liz would have seen something was going on but at no point does she show any of the ability she would need to have to have got this far.

It’s slow and it’s a bit silly but I am sure this will be loved.

I received this book from netgalley as a ARC in return for an honest review which this is.

An ok read for me.
The storyline just didn't hold me as it had a familiar tone to it.
It also took me a while to get through it which is never a good sign.

Ohers may enjoy it more.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

This book was a whirlwind. I read it over the course of a few hours on a rainy Saturday morning. The writing is clever but reads smoothly, the story isn’t overly complex but there’s layers to it. I did guess the ending when I was about halfway in but I enjoyed finding out how it’d get there. The characters are well written, the story was engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

When I started this, I thought it was a bit slow and a bit like other thriller/mystery books I've read already. But, I persevered and I'm glad I did! The story of Liz the con woman, embracing what she things is fate to become another woman is brilliantly clever. Liz, who isn't a bad person, but not an honest one, ends up having to be much more deceiving than she's ever had to in the past. Very much prompted by her past, far and near, catching up with her.
I thought the story was solely focused on Liz, which has me gripped but then, very close to the end of the book, the real 'Isabelle' comes to life and the book takes a multitude of fantastic turns!
Great story, characters and surprises, loved it!

I was thrilled when hearing their would be another book by Krysten Ritter, so thanks at Netgalley and the author for the chance to read this early!

Ever since reading Bonfire, I have been waiting for this, and what can I say, Retreat really did not disappoint! In the book, we do follow Liz, a con artist, who is about to pull the biggest stunt of her life, so to say. It was an accident when Liz gets mistaken for Isabelle Beresford, the woman she came to work for at Punta Mita, but she feels like it could not hurt to pretend for a couple of days. After all, no one would get hurt, right?

Well, not exactly. Something unexpected happens. Something Liz never could have planned. But after a night of panic, she figures this is the best that could actually happen to her, seeing she is again on the run, needing a place to stay for a while and lay low until some other things hopefully cool down so she will not end up in jail..

I can not say much more without spoiling the story, but let's just say, while Liz does enjoy her new luxury life, there is still the danger of her being exposed. The tension kept me turning page after page, needing to know what happens next. I'm glad I'm having a few days off, really. Because I surely lost some sleep over wanting to finish this one, instead of taking a break for a while.

That being said, I hope Krysten Ritter is going to write another book in the future, because I am sure as Hell going to read it!

In Krysten Ritter's »Retreat«, we're invited into a world where deception is an art form, identities are fluid, and the temptation of a luxurious life proves irresistible.

The story follows Liz Dawson, a skilled con artist with a talent for charming her way into the trust of the wealthy. Eager for change, Liz takes up a job offer from Isabelle Beresford, a rich socialite with a stunning Mexican coastal villa. But when Liz is mistaken for Isabelle, she embraces this new identity, embarking on a risky path filled with intrigue and danger.

As Liz navigates Punta Mita's alluring yet treacherous social scene, we're drawn into a luxurious world that feels as enthralling as it is oppressive. Ritter skillfully paints a picture that is both dazzling and dark, heightening our connection to Liz's emotional struggle as she treads the fine line between her two lives. The more Liz becomes enmeshed in Isabelle's world, the greater the questions arise: what really happened to Isabelle and what risks does Liz face by taking her place?

Ritter's writing is a pleasure to read—engaging and vibrant, with sharp dialogue and evocative descriptions that breathe life into characters and settings alike. Liz's emotional journey is masterfully portrayed, giving us a front-row seat to her inner battle between the thrill of deception and fear of discovery.

While »Retreat« offers a riveting thriller experience, it isn't without its familiar genre tropes. However, Ritter's exploration of a con artist's mind lends depth to the narrative, prompting us to question the nature of identity and the lengths we might go to escape our past.

Krysten Ritter, best known for her roles in »Breaking Bad« and »Jessica Jones«, continues to prove her talent for creating complex female characters. Following her debut novel, »Bonfire«, Ritter once again delves into dark themes with sophistication and thoughtfulness.

With »Retreat«, she not only delivers a page-turner but also poses intriguing questions that will keep readers pondering long after they finish the book.

Drama seems to follow Liz.. she is a con artist and very clever at making believe what she wants them to.. this usually works in her favour until it doesn't..

This a well written pacy read and it really is quite thrilling.. I could not put it down and everything tookm a back seat until I'd finished it.

This is a book that I am already talking about and I will be recommending it to everyone

This a good book among a crowed genre it held my interest and I liked the writers writing style, its paces well with a good twist at the end. That being said it's nothing special or new however it's was quick entreating read perfect for holiday reading

Retreat was a one day read! The story is very gripping and wow the ending is a big surprise. I thoroughly recommend this book, another thrilling read by this talented author.