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The Last Session: A Novel
The instant New York Times bestselling author of The Writing Retreat “weaves psychology and mysticism into this strikingly original” (Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author) thriller about a social worker who, after coming face-to-face with her dark past, must infiltrate a mysterious wellness center in the deserts of New Mexico.
When a catatonic woman shows up at her psychiatric unit, social worker Thea swears that she knows her from somewhere. She’s shocked to discover the patient holds a link to a traumatic time in her own past. Upon regaining lucidity, the patient claims she can’t remember the horrific recent events that caused her brain to shut down. Thea’s at a loss—especially when the patient is ripped away from her as suddenly as she appeared.
Determined to find her, Thea follows a trail of clues to a remote center in southwestern New Mexico, where a charismatic couple holds a controversial monthly retreat to uncover attendees’ romantic and sexual issues. Forced to participate in increasingly intimate exercises, Thea finds herself inching closer not only to her missing patient, but also to tantalizing answers about her own harrowing past. However, time is running out, and if she stays for the last session, she too might lose her sanity…and maybe even her life in this “hypnotic fever dream of a book” (Jennifer Fawcett, author of Keep This for Me).
When a catatonic woman shows up at her psychiatric unit, social worker Thea swears that she knows her from somewhere. She’s shocked to discover the patient holds a link to a traumatic time in her own past. Upon regaining lucidity, the patient claims she can’t remember the horrific recent events that caused her brain to shut down. Thea’s at a loss—especially when the patient is ripped away from her as suddenly as she appeared.
Determined to find her, Thea follows a trail of clues to a remote center in southwestern New Mexico, where a charismatic couple holds a controversial monthly retreat to uncover attendees’ romantic and sexual issues. Forced to participate in increasingly intimate exercises, Thea finds herself inching closer not only to her missing patient, but also to tantalizing answers about her own harrowing past. However, time is running out, and if she stays for the last session, she too might lose her sanity…and maybe even her life in this “hypnotic fever dream of a book” (Jennifer Fawcett, author of Keep This for Me).
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Community Reviews
After reading Julia Bartz debut novel, The Writing Retreat, I was really looking forward to her second novel.
The beginning of the story was engaging, and the writing was immersive. The cult aspect of the story was also well-received. However, there were some issues with the book. While over-the-top or suspend-your-belief elements can be acceptable, there were many instances in this story that might be considered excessive. Additionally, there was a significant focus on the Stargirl film, which is a movie the main character was obsessed with as a teen. For me about half way through, the story began to become a slow burn.
Although it may not have been as enjoyable as The Writing Retreat, it is still a recommended read for fans of thrillers.
The Last Session by Julia Bartz will be available on April 1. Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
The beginning of the story was engaging, and the writing was immersive. The cult aspect of the story was also well-received. However, there were some issues with the book. While over-the-top or suspend-your-belief elements can be acceptable, there were many instances in this story that might be considered excessive. Additionally, there was a significant focus on the Stargirl film, which is a movie the main character was obsessed with as a teen. For me about half way through, the story began to become a slow burn.
Although it may not have been as enjoyable as The Writing Retreat, it is still a recommended read for fans of thrillers.
The Last Session by Julia Bartz will be available on April 1. Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
This was an interesting read with cult vibes! I was drawn into the story from the start! 🙌
I have to say, I did feel like this was a bit over the top for me though. Despite that, I did still enjoy it and would recommend checking it out! đź‘Ź
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
ARC Review-
“The Last Session”, the most recent book by author Julia Bartz, is a psychological mystery thriller following the events that take place when a former child star actress unexplainably shows up at a psychiatric unit in New York. Social worker, Thea, once obsessed with the former actress tries to unravel the series of events that lead the actress to her current state of mind. Is this just a mental health crisis or is there something darker lurking beneath the surface? This was a fun read due to the quirky characters and plot line. There was a lot of mystery to try and piece together not only for the reader but for the characters themselves and it kept me on my toes through its entirety. There was a small bit towards the end that had me mixed up briefly but once I gathered my bearings and sorted everything out I was pretty satisfied with how everything ended. If you enjoy a puzzling psychological read then this one will satisfy your needs.
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