Publication Date: December 26, 2023
A wealthy family’s vacation at their lush winery estate becomes a weekend to kill for in this deliciously twisted novel of suspense
“Absolutely captivating! A riveting and immersive puzzle for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan
Every year, the illustrious Van Ness siblings, heirs to a copper fortune, gather at their secluded winery estate for a joint birthday celebration. It’s a tradition they’ve followed nearly all their lives, and now they are back with their significant others for a much-needed weekend of rest and relaxation, away from the public spotlight.
With lavish comforts, gorgeous scenery, and indulgent drinking, the trip should be the perfect escape. But it soon becomes clear that even a remote idyllic getaway can’t keep out the problems simmering in each of their lives. As old tensions are reignited, the three couples are pushed to the edge. Will their secrets destroy them, or will they destroy each other first? And who’s been watching them from beyond the vineyard gates?
When a torrential rainstorm hits, plunging them into darkness, the answers prove all too deadly…
“Clever… [A] satisfying mash-up of Succession and Agatha Christie.” —Publishers Weekly
The Van Ness siblings enjoy the finer things in life, but with the loss of their mother, Katrina, family dynamics have shifted. However, they are gathering at the family winery for a birthday celebration.
With fractured relationships on display, the forecasted storm serves to foreshadow things to come in The Weekend Retreat by Tara Laskowski.
The Van Ness family oozes dysfunction, from the twins, Harper and Richard, along with their respective spouses, to their younger brother, Zach. Each chapter is told in first person by a different character, which provides insight into their personality.
While the weekend is supposed to serve as a birthday celebration for the twins, it also marks Lauren’s introduction to the family as Zach’s girlfriend. The dynamic is interesting not only because of the contrast between her humble background but also because of a secret she is hiding.
The author does a phenomenal job weaving suspense into the plot. Someone has targeted the family, which causes their facade to slip. This leads to an explosive weekend that will change the Van Ness legacy forever.
The Weekend Retreat offers a multi-layered story packed with juicy secrets just waiting for someone to uncover them.
TARA LASKOWSKI is the author of One Night Gone, which won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark, Anthony, Macavity, and Lefty Awards. She is also the author of two short story collections, Modern Manners for Your Inner Demons and Bystanders. Tara earned a BA from Susquehanna University and an MFA from George Mason University and currently lives in Virginia. Find her on Twitter and Instagram, @TaraLWrites.
