London, crime fiction, and a whole weekend surrounded by books? Yes, please.
This weekend, I’m incredibly excited to be attending the Capital Crime Festival in London—an event that’s been on my radar for ages. As a lifelong reader of psychological thrillers and a newly published author, it feels surreal to be in the same space as some of the authors who’ve inspired me for years.
Lisa Jewell, Clare Mackintosh, Ruth Ware, Claire Douglas... need I say more?
I’ll be attending all the panels, soaking up the atmosphere, and (of course) holding tight to a copy of my debut novel, The Last Retreat. It’s a psychological thriller for fans of Gone Girl and The Silent Patient—a story packed with secrets, shifting perspectives, and a setting that’s equal parts luxurious and deadly.
Here’s a little teaser:
When the walls of reality start to crumble, how far would you go to uncover the truth?
When Megan retreats to a secluded island, she hopes to escape her troubled past and find the peace she desperately craves. The breathtaking scenery and promises of healing offer a fresh start—until the idyllic paradise begins to unravel.
As tensions rise among the eclectic group of guests, unsettling secrets emerge, hinting that not everyone is who they seem. What was meant to be a sanctuary quickly transforms into a dangerous game of manipulation and deception. With each revelation, Megan realizes she’s not just battling her own demons but also those lurking among her newfound companions.
In a place where trust is a luxury and betrayal is a heartbeat away, Megan must navigate a treacherous landscape of hidden motives and dark truths. As the stakes escalate, she must confront the shadows of her past, fight for her survival, and uncover the chilling secrets that threaten to consume them all.
Being part of Capital Crime—alongside readers, writers, and creators who love the genre as much as I do—is not just a dream come true, it’s the next step in a journey that started with a single sentence and a lot of coffee.
If you’re at the festival and spot me wandering around with The Last Retreat in hand (probably wide-eyed after a panel featuring one of my crime-writing idols), please come say hi! I’d love to meet you. Let’s talk books, plot twists, and why psychological thrillers are just the best.
Check out the little clip I made below – and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram for updates throughout the weekend!
Thank you, Capital Crime, for bringing together this amazing community. And thank you to everyone who’s read, shared, or supported The Last Retreat so far—you’ve made this possible.
Until next time,
Mona W. Gloss
(Thriller writer and book enthusiast)
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