The Retreat

  • The next generation of thriller authors is taking the stage
  • 37 hours to death: Lies, intrigues, and surprising twists until the very end.


English sample translation and complete summary available

In her first novel 24 year old Emily Rudolf dissects the superstars of our time: influencers.

Viktoria Kaplan has nearly reached a million followers on Instagram and plans on celebrating the milestone at an exclusive private retreat with her team and some friends. But the shiny, glamorous world that her fans see online clashes with the reality of lies, betrayal and jealousy that dominate the group dynamic - in spite of the fact that everyone is willing to play along with the best-buddies narrative. When the facilities are cut off from the outside world and Victoria is found stabbed to death a race against time begins to find the killer. Everyone seems to have a motive. But is there also a stranger spying on the group who might have an own vendetta to wage against Viktoria and all she represents?

This astonishing debut uses all the best elements of a locked room thriller and combines it with a youthful language and a contemporary topic. For readers of Romy Hausman and Lucy Foley.


"Outstanding. You should remember the author's name" - Kudu Lesemagazin

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  • Publisher: FISCHER Scherz
  • Release: 13.03.2024
  • ISBN: 978-3-651-00128-2
  • 480 Pages
  • Author: Emily Rudolf
The Retreat
Emily Rudolf The Retreat
Gaby Gerster 2023
© Gaby Gerster 2023
Emily Rudolf

Emily Rudolf is a SPIEGEL bestselling author and a leading voice in German psychological thrillers. In her thrillers, she explores how human emotions can escalate to deadly levels. With fascinating settings, sophisticated plots and psychologically balanced characters, she captivates German and international readers alike. Born in 1998, the author grew up near Leipzig, published her first books while studying and working, and then turned her passion into her profession. Emily Rudolf currently lives and writes in Nuremberg.