Another absorbing thriller from this author that will keep you reading well into the night. Really enjoyed that there are multiple points of view, twists and turns, a beautiful sinister setting, a chilling plot line and an exciting finale.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

I really liked Ruth Kelly's last two mystery books! This new one, The Ice Retreat, is just as exciting. It's about a famous social media person who uses freezing cold water to help people get over bad things in their lives. The story jumps around a bit, but it's easy to follow. It ends each chapter in a way that makes you want to keep reading!

Here's the main part: A lady named Hollie checks out this retreat because some people who went there died and another person vanished. But Hollie has some problems of her own too. There's a lot going on in this book, and it all comes together with some surprising turns. You should definitely read it!

This was the first time I've encountered a Ruth Kelly book, and I'm impressed.

I'll admit the ending had me slightly befuddled but also open mouthed as I really would have never imagined the truth of the Ice Retreat.

In fact the whole of this type of treatment, sounds rather cold and scary, and as Hollie who knows Science knows, shouldn't work. Hollie is determined to debunk this place as a fraud at best, and possibly a cult, as that is what she does - makes documentaries about bad medical practices.

I loved the whole creepy feeling about this story, especially once Hollie is at the retreat, trying to determine the truth. And she has an ulterior motive for targeting this particular retreat, which had me guessing for a large portion of the book.

Definitely got my blood pumping and adrenaline pumping towards the finale, as I wasn't really sure who to trust at all. We get the story from three main view points, all quite different and unique, and I was totally hooked on finding out the truth.

A really great book, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Spine Tingling…
A healing retreat on the highest peaks, deep in the Swiss mountains- The Ice Retreat - claims to cure all of the worst of pain. Hollie Jensen, presenter of hit docu-series Bad Medicine, believes none of it. She is determined to expose the leader of what she considers to be some type of cult. When she is invited to experience the retreat for herself, she simply cannot turn the opportunity down. A spine tingling suspense with a perfectly crafted cast of characters populating a propulsive and tension fuelled narrative with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Perhaps, this author’s best yet.

This was a great thriller with lots of twists and turns, particularly towards the end.

Journalist Hollie is investigating the too good to be true ice retreat run by a wellness influencer Ariel Rose who charges a fortune to cure all your pain with ice baths, With guests disappearing, or killing themselves after leaving, what's the truth behind the retreat, and why is Hollie so invested in digging it out?

I've really enjoyed all of Ruth's books, they get even better with each one.

In an era where stress related ailments and various health challenges are becoming a daily issue for many people, the rise of wellness gurus is perhaps inevitable. However, few are unorthodox as Ariel Rose who promises patients improvements through her cold based treatments.

Furthermore, in order to undertake treatment with her, patients must go to a remote location where others cannot be present for the duration of the three days clients spent there.

Not everyone trusts Rose's claims, of course and Hollie Jenson is one of those determined to expose her as a charlatan through her documentary series Bad Medicine. But Hollie also has a hidden agenda: she is looking for a boy who allegedly went missing after participating in the ice treatment.

But once she is in the mountainous surroundings of Rose's retreat, Hollie soon begins to realise that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. There are unexpected undercurrents, and the real question is, will she live to tell the tale?

This is a gripping story which will be enjoyed by thriller readers. Kelly does a great job of transporting us to the valley in Switzerland where the action takes place, and the characters are interesting and multi faceted. Worth checking out.

Since reading (and loving) The Villa by Ruth Kelly, I’ve always waited with anticipation and excitement for new releases from her.
As you may have seen, from my belated review a couple of weeks ago, I thoroughly enjoyed The Escape too. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to read The Ice Retreat (with thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan) ahead of its November release, I jumped at the chance.

My review does not contain spoilers…

To start with, I want to say that I honestly think this is one of those books that you could read in a day if you had nothing else you needed to do. In fact, if I’d found myself on a beach etc, I think I could’ve read it in a long sitting as The Ice Retreat is a novel that pulls you in, puts its icy grip on you and you know you won’t take a breath/be able to breathe properly (or defrosted from the frozen state it puts you in) until you know WHO. WHAT. WHY. WHEN. WHERE…?

Now that I’m defrosted, and my breathing has returned to normal (although I think an early night is needed as I stayed up to finish it last night…) I am able to type this and say that I have nothing but praise for it.

I loved reading it.

I loved every part of it.

Knowing where/how Kelly drew her inspiration for, for The Villa and The Escape makes me wonder where this comes from. I am yet to read an article or ask her about the origins of this, but I am VERY intrigued. Her imagination is totally unique, special even.

This book and all its concepts are so original. Like an onion, there is layer after layer and when you think you have worked something out/know where things might be heading, off it goes again, freezing your brain further.

In my case, I was frozen solid as I did not get ANYTHING right! I fell for every red herring. If it were maths, in this case my two plus two equalled five. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Here's what particularly stood out to me:

• Setting – it’s perfect. Intriguing, creepy, mysterious. Yet, the juxtaposition of the beauty of it works so well. If you are a visual reader and can picture as you’re reading, you’ll know what I mean.

• Characters – well developed, all individual. I was rooting for so many of them too! In places, it certainly pulled on my heartstrings…

• Plot – action packed. It doesn’t really let up for a moment, or lull you into any sense of relief as you constantly have the fear of what might be coming.

Yep, the big three. Setting. Characters. Plot. Kelly has, in my opinion, a piece of perfection here.

Often, when I write a review, I think about if a book would make a good film or TV series. I don’t always include my thoughts about this in my reviews, but here it feels relevant to.

I truly think that this would make for an enthralling series. There’s enough drama to fill a series in that you would be wanting to binge watch the lot! Therefore, it would also make a good film, I guess. I think a tad of CGI might be needed here and there (I won’t explain – I said no spoilers) but, when that’s done well, it’s effective.

So…here’s me hoping that one day I get to watch this on a screen of some sorts, unchanged as it really is perfect as it is!

I can see this book reaching the heights of the retreat itself when this book launches in November.

Oh…and I LOVE THE COVER!!

What a book I couldn't put it down. Awesome read

Thank you for the opportunity to review

5 stars

A fast paced intense thriller that I really enjoyed.
It was interesting and I really loved the whole concept
I enjoyed the setting too
Loved the characters and finding out back stories their secrets and lies.

A really dark and forboding story I was hooked right from the beginning and totally invested in uncovering this mystery. Pretty claustrophobic and scary at times with a unique set of characters. Loved it xx

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The Ice Retreat by Ruth Kelly is an absolute page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story expertly blends suspense, mystery, and psychological tension as Hollie Jenson navigates the eerie and treacherous world of a remote wellness retreat. Kelly's vivid descriptions and gripping narrative make the icy setting come alive, adding an extra layer of chill to the unfolding drama. With twists and turns at every corner, this book is perfect for fans of thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end. A must-read!

Firstly a big thank you to the publisher for my early access . I read one of Ruth’s previous books on holiday last year so was eager to read this .
Addictive ,compelling and chilling in more ways than the temperature.
Fast paced and unpredictable this will have you hooked to uncover the truth …
Really good atmospheric thriller

This is tense and chilling. I read it in one go , it’s so entertaining and I was hooked from the first chapter

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC

A bone-chilling and tense thriller. Set in the ice mountains of Austria this book takes the isolated setting to a new level. I thought the Netflix documentarist protagonist was a clever way to explore and navigate the novel. There were multiple twists I never saw coming. Suspenseful and thrilling

The Ice Retreat is an intense, fast paced, chilling (pun intended), and highly entertaining thriller.

I loved the unique premise based on an extreme wellness trend in a frozen and inhospitable area of Austria. The writing was gripping and had me sitting on the edge of my seat, my heart racing. The mountainous wellness ‘lair’ felt almost like another character, and the twists (and more shocking revelations) of the story kept me guessing at who I could trust. I’d highly recommend for fans of psychological thrillers (with an almost sci fi undertone) particularly fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware or Sarah Pearse.

Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

I have been looking forward to this one for a while now! I also realised I've never read a Ruth Kelly book before which sounds unbelievable and something I will need to rectify.

There is no messing about with this. First chapter. Boom. We're in, we're frightened, we're on edge. And I was immediately excited for more.

I don't often read first person books - that's not a conscious choice, I just don't seem to - and so was concerned I might find the writing hard to get into because it's so unusual for me, but it did the opposite. That's probably what first person does, it sucked me right in and I was instantly with Hollie on her journey, which upped the ante and the atmosphere.

Ruth has created this sense of claustrophobia, a scary environment, something that is too quiet. You can feel Hollie's heart beat almost as loud as your own.

As someone who suffers with a lot of chronic pain, I can fully sympathise with those who turn to alternative medicine and therapies to help when traditional medicine has failed. People who don't have pain can't understand why people could be drawn to potentially dangerous things. But sometimes you have exhausted all the traditional methods and you're desperate for something and are willing to risk everything to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I really do get it, and so I came into this story with my own preconceived ideas as to what these characters are going though and what they'd risk to be well, which put an additional spin on an entertaining story.

Yes there's a plot, an explosive one at that. But there's also great character exploration, especially with Hollie and Ariel. They are deeply disturbed women, for an array of reasons; they're well layered and were fabulous characters. I suppose in a way they are our protagonist and antagonist, but I found it interesting for both of those characters to be young women, as the "baddie" in thrillers does tend to be male.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to know that there are some difficult subject matters, including grief, loss, trauma, chronic pain, death, missing people, war wounds, alcohol abuse, distrust, etc.

I read it in less than a day, it was so addictive. It went to places I was not expecting and that really kept me on my toes. You can be certain that I'll now be looking for her other work.

Book Review: The Ice Retreat

I recently finished The Ice Retreat by Ruth Kelly, and wow, what a chilling ride! The premise immediately hooked me: a wellness retreat in the Swiss mountains that promises healing through extreme ice treatments. I was intrigued and a bit wary, which set the perfect tone for the unraveling mystery.

Hollie Jenson, the protagonist and host of the docu-series Bad Medicine, is on a mission to expose the potentially dangerous practices of wellness guru Ariel Rose. Her determination to find a missing boy who vanished after attending the retreat adds a personal and urgent layer to her investigation. I found myself rooting for Hollie as she navigated the treacherous landscape, both literally and metaphorically.

The isolated setting of the former observatory creates an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, heightening the tension. Ruth Kelly masterfully describes the chilling beauty of the Swiss Alps, making me feel the cold creeping in as the story unfolded. The retreat itself feels like a character, with its secrets and hidden dangers lurking just beneath the surface.

As Hollie digs deeper, the plot thickens with unexpected twists that kept me guessing. The blend of psychological thriller and personal discovery was compelling, especially as Hollie confronts her own past while unraveling the mysteries of the retreat. Each revelation felt earned and impactful, adding to the suspense.

What I appreciated most was how the story tackled themes of trust, deception, and the lengths people go to in the name of healing. It raised thought-provoking questions about the wellness industry and the dangers that can lurk behind its shiny façade.

Overall, The Ice Retreat is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that I couldn't put down. If you're a fan of mysteries that combine psychological depth with a chilling setting, this book is definitely for you. Ruth Kelly has delivered a spine-tingling experience that will leave you reflecting on

TV Journalist Hollie has made a living from investigating Bad Medicine and her documentary series sets out to expose dodgy clinics and their owners who prey on the weak and vulnerable.

She's recently been hearing plenty about Ariel Rose and her ice therapy clinic hidden away in the Swiss Alps so when she gets an invite to visit and see for herself she isn't likely to refuse.

Impeccable scene setting and compelling narrative made this an intriguing read from start to finish. The narrative switches between three main characters each of them slowly but surely adding to the level of intrigue.

It was a fast paced, easy read that I flew through. It was intense, well plotted and had a knock out ending. Definitely recommended.

From the very first page of "The Ice Retreat," I was thrust into a chilling thriller that kept my heart racing and my mind spinning with anticipation. Ruth Kelly masterfully weaves a tale set against the backdrop of an icy retreat that promises miraculous healing methods under the guise of wellness but hides a darker reality.
The protagonist, Hollie Jenson, is spot on as the host of “Bad Medicine”, a docu-series that exposes questionable medical practices. I found myself resonating with Hollie's scepticism about wellness retreats, especially one that offers a daring ice rebirth treatment. On a mission not only to unravel the truth but also to find a missing boy who attended the retreat, Hollie’s journey led her into an eerie Swiss mountain landscape that set the perfect stage for suspense.
As I followed Hollie into the depths of the retreat, the atmosphere took on a life of its own. The setting—an old observatory converted into a wellness centre—was beautifully sinister, creating a palpable sense of dread. I could almost feel the cold creeping in, not only from the ice but because of the secrets lurking within those walls. Kelly expertly captured that feeling of isolation, making my pulse quicken with every turn of the page.
What I truly appreciated was the multiple perspectives that Kelly employs. Each character brings a unique voice and adds layers to the unfolding mystery. This narrative style kept me guessing throughout — just when I thought I had it figured out, a new twist would emerge, making me question everything I believed. It was a thrilling ride, filled with revelations that had me on the edge of my seat.
And let me tell you, the conclusion was both perplexing and jaw-dropping. I’d be lying if I said I predicted the finale; it completely blindsided me! It was the kind of ending that made you rethink everything leading up to it, and while I found it slightly befuddling at times, it was also incredibly satisfying to piece together the various threads of the story.
Hollie’s scientific background as she confronts the bizarre practices of the retreat resonated deeply with me. Her determination to expose the truth—whether it be a fraud or something more sinister, possibly cult-like—drove the narrative forward, and I couldn't help but root for her every step of the way.
Overall, "The Ice Retreat" captivated me with its eerie ambience, intriguing plot, and well-developed characters. As I raced towards the finish line, my adrenaline surged, and I couldn't help but feel the thrill of the chase alongside Hollie. Ruth Kelly has crafted a compelling thriller that satisfies every craving for a mystery with a rich backdrop and unanticipated twists.