The Creepy Retreat: Thriller Book Lover's Weekend with Bestselling Authors

The Creepy Book Club presents our biggest and best Creepy Retreat yet.

MORE bestselling authors. MORE books. MORE laughs. MORE unforgettable moments. MORE time with your favorite authors and book besties.

Simply put... MORE of everything you love.

Whether you're attending your very first book event or reuniting with besties you've met through The Creepy Book Club, The Creepy Retreat is designed to be your perfect weekend.

Spend your days meeting bestselling authors, collecting signed books, discovering your next favorite read in the Author Expo, diving into meaningful conversations, and making lifelong book besties.

The best part? There isn't a "right" way to experience The Creepy Retreat.

Want to attend every author panel? Go for it.

Want to spend hours chatting with fellow readers by the pool? We love that for you.

Need a little quiet time between sessions? That's welcome, too.

This weekend is yours to enjoy however you choose.

Coming solo? You're in good company.

Many of our attendees come on their own, and one of the things we're most proud of is the welcoming community we've built. From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by people who share your love of creepy books and genuine connections.

You don't have to be a member of The Creepy Book Club to attend—but we have a feeling you'll want to join by the end of the weekend.

Included with a $549 Creepy Weekend Pass:

• Three days of panels and conversations with New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors
• Three-day access to the Author Expo featuring up to 50 thriller, mystery, and true crime authors
• Welcome Reception with light bites, select wine, mocktails, and entertainment
• Official Creepy Retreat swag bag with bookish goodies
• Signing opportunities with all headlining authors
• LIVE book chat, book club style - book selection coming soon
• Join us Saturday night for a scary movie night! Get cozy and prepare for a few screams
• Join us for a final night of laughs with a Comedy Show, entertainer to-be-announced!
• Optional group workout sessions (weather permitting)

Included with a $249 Social Pass:

Coming as a plus one, or aren't into the book stuff? Check out our social ticket to all of the evening fun! You do not need this ticket if you purchase a Creepy Weekend Pass.

• Access to the welcome reception with light bites, select wine, mocktails and entertainment
• Get cozy and prepare for a few screams at Saturday's movie night
• Join in for the final night of laughs at the Comedy Show, entertainer to-be-announced!

Included with a $199 Saturday Day Pass:

• Access to Saturday headlining author sessions
• LIVE book chat, book club style - book selection coming soon
• Author signings with select headlining authors
• Day access to author expo to meet up to 50 upcoming true crime, thriller, mystery authors
• Does not include the scary movie night evening event (purchase a social ticket to attend this).

Included with a $199 Sunday Day Pass:

• Access to Sunday headlining author sessions
• Author signings with select headlining authors
• Day access to the author expo to meet up to 50 upcoming true crime, thriller, and mystery authors
• Does not include the comedy night evening event (purchase a social ticket to attend this).

Hotel Information

Hotel accommodations are not included with your event ticket.

We've secured a discounted room block at the , where the event takes place. Staying at the host hotel means you're never far from the fun and it's where many attendees gather to keep the conversations going long after the day's events end.

You're welcome to stay wherever you'd like, but our room block has sold out in previous years, so we recommend booking early.

Creepy Retreat Merchandise:

If you're coming to this event, we already know you are well-read. But, if you want to be well-dressed and accessorized, check out our 2027 Creepy Retreat merch!

Info: Come say “hi!” to get your swag bag, badge, and pre-order books.

Info: The Author Expo is an exciting opportunity to connect with authors across the thriller, mystery, and true crime genres. It will be open throughout all three days of the retreat, giving you plenty of time to explore, chat with authors, and discover your next favorite read!

Info: Em+Ash kick off the weekend introducing bestselling authors Jennifer Hillier, Mary Kubica, Noelle W. Ihli, Alex Finlay, Lucinda Berry, B.A. Paris, Jason Rekulak, Stacy Willingham, Kimberly Belle, Sarah Pekkanen, Heather Gudenkauf, Ashley Winstead, and Kaira Rouda.

Info: Come meet rising stars in the thriller, mystery, and true crime genres.

Info: All retreat authors will be open for signing sessions. Have your books ready, and if you miss an author for this session, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities. Please note the 1 book limit per author.

Info: Kick off retreat over hosted light bites and select drinks at our fun, laid-back welcome reception.

Info: Start your day feeling refreshed with a morning workout session. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP when a booking link opens. (weather permitting)

Info: If you missed registration the day before, or are a Day Pass holder, be sure to check-in with us and get your badge for entry.

Info: Visit with the Expo Authors before the day begins.

Info: Start your day with Em + Ash Orientation! Emily and Ashley are here to make sure you know exactly what’s happening, when it’s happening, and most importantly, what you absolutely cannot miss.

Info: Join killers Heather Gudenkauf, Kaira Rouda, and Kimberly Belle for their book chat on Take Back The Night.

Info: Come listen to 4 of our incredible Expo Authors in a spotlight Q+A session. Authors to be announced soon!

Info: Open for you to explore at your leisure.

Info: Jason Rekulak, Ashley Winstead, Heather Gudenkauf, Kimberly Belle, Kaira Rouda, Jennifer Hillier, and Mary Kubica will be available to personally sign your books. Bring your books with you and please note the 1 book limit per author.

Info: Explore with your new besties or dine at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The Exchange Marketplace and Starbucks are wonderful options for a quick "grab n' go" experience or take some time to relax at one of the other dining options onsite. The Author Expo is open to explore and select authors are signing books if you want to stay close by.

Info: Jolie Egg takeover the Creepy Book Club. The book will be announced closer to the event!

Info: Ever wonder what your favorite thriller authors actually do all day? Mary Kubica and Jennifer Hillier are spilling the tea on the author life, discussing how they got started and what a typical day looks like to their writing routines, creative process, and the things they absolutely love (and still find challenging) about writing books that keep us up way too late.

Info: Authors to be announced. Limited seating available, RSVPs will be collected.

Info: Come join us for a scary movie night. Get cozy and prepare for a few screams.

Info: Start your day feeling refreshed with a morning workout session. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP when a booking link opens. (weather permitting)

Info: If you missed registration the day before, or are a Day Ticket, be sure to check-in with us and get your badge for entry.

Info: Your final day to meet the incredible Expo Authors and go back and grab that book you've been thinking about!

Info: Emily and Ashley are here to make sure you know exactly what’s happening, when it’s happening, and most importantly, what you absolutely cannot miss.

Info: Start your morning with a different kind of roast with arch enemies Sarah Pekkanen and Alex Finlay.

Info: How much truth is hiding behind the pages? Noelle W. Ihli and Stacy Willingham are putting themselves in the hot seat for a very special author interrogation. Is that character based on someone you know? Was that terrifying plot point inspired by a real crime? Did you really scrap an entire draft and start over? We’ll get the truth, or at least a very convincing alibi. And just when you think the interrogation is over, each author will face one final dare.

Info: Your final opportunity to explore the Author Expo.

Info: Sarah Pekkanen, Alex Finlay, Lucinda Berry, B.A. Paris, Mary Kubica, Jennifer Hillier, Noelle W. Ihli, Stacy Willingham, and Kimberly Belle will be available to personally sign your books. Bring your books with you and please note the 1 book limit per author.

Info: Explore with your new besties or dine at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The Exchange Marketplace and Starbucks are wonderful options for a quick "grab n' go" experience or take some time to relax at one of the other dining options onsite.

Info: Authors to be announced. Limited seating available, RSVPs will be collected.

Info: End the weekend on a high note with a comedy show guaranteed to leave you smiling. Comedian to be announced.

Event venue & nearby stays

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, United States

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