The Retreat by Benjamin Compson (E-version)

“There’s basic goodness, and then there’s basic badness…"

Burnt out, lonely, and struggling with mental health issues, twenty-something Max longs for an escape over the summer. With no one to go with following a break-up, he is persuaded by a friend to attend a meditation retreat in the depths of the French countryside.

Peace, tranquility and a chance to meet new people sound exactly like what he is looking for.
At first everything appears perfect, but as his stay unfolds, Max’s intuition tells 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 Max voices his concerns to his new-found ‘friends’ he is treated with disbelief - no one dares to question the cult-like illusion of peace, love and light.

Despite struggling with anxiety and increasing self-doubt, Max decides to investigate more deeply, but is soon brutally forced out of his comfort zone when he stumbles upon the retreat’s terrifying secret.

With his sanity now dangerously at stake, Max feels compelled to reveal the truth of his discovery to the outside world.

Will Max be able to confront the darkness hidden beneath the retreat’s tranquil surface before it’s too late?

A chilling psychological thriller about vulnerability, gaslighting and hidden darkness on the quest for enlightenment.

The Retreat will resonate with you long after the final page has been turned…

“I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect holiday read and the pages just flew by. There was a strong Midsommar / Wicker Man vibe which I absolutely loved."
Goodreads review

“This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!”
Goodreads review

“I’ve always loved books that, once I start reading, I simply can’t put down. This one perfectly met my expectations. It has a sense of mystery, the plot is tightly woven, and the ending is very clever. The first-person narration really drew me in, making me feel as if I were experiencing the retreat myself. I’m planning to read it again.”
Goodreads review

“Compson held my attention throughout and I really enjoyed the story. The Retreat is a fun and easy read that I enjoyed from start to finish!”
Goodreads review

“A captivating thriller that unfolds at a yoga retreat. I absolutely loved that setting. This kept me guessing at every crazy turn. Excellent unpredictable and explosive twists.”
Goodreads review

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H4X362BD

Publication date ‏ : ‎ 13 Jun. 2026

Language ‏ : ‎ English

File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB

Print length ‏ : ‎270 pages

NOTE: This E-version is delivered worldwide via email as an ePUB file which can be read on your computer or manually added to your e-reader.