Krysten Ritter, best known for her roles in “Breaking Bad” and Marvel’s “Jessica Jones,” has ventured into writing with her second novel, “Retreat.” The inspiration for the book came from a real-life mystery she encountered during a vacation in Mexico, where she witnessed a man searching for his missing partner. This incident sparked her imagination and led to the creation of a complex psychological thriller.
While on vacation, Ritter observed a man looking for his vanished partner, which she thought could be the start of a thrilling story. Back in Los Angeles, she continued her acting career, notably starring in “Jessica Jones.” However, the idea from her vacation eventually evolved into her novel “Retreat.”
Ritter’s writing journey began with a screenplay she sold 20 years ago. Her first novel, “Bonfire,” was released in 2017 and showcased her talent for crafting psychological thrillers. “Retreat,” co-written with Lindsay Jamieson, took six years to develop and is described as a “hall of distorted mirrors” thriller. The novel follows a con artist with a murky past, ensnared in an elaborate swindle that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Ritter’s writing process for “Retreat” involved a collaborative effort with Jamieson, who helped elevate the project. The two writers engaged in a vigorous back-and-forth, refining the plot and characters. Ritter credits Jamieson for making the novel bigger and better than it would have been on her own. Their collaboration was seamless, reflecting Ritter’s belief that creativity thrives in partnership.
Ritter’s love for psychological thrillers is evident in her writing. She enjoys reading and writing stories that are complex, multifaceted, and unpredictable. Her characters often have troubled pasts and are driven by a need to uncover the truth. This theme is reflected in both her acting and writing, as seen in her portrayal of Jessica Jones and the con artist Liz Dawson in “Retreat.”
While there are plans for a possible TV or film adaptation of “Retreat,” Ritter remains focused on her passion for storytelling. She continues to balance her acting career with her writing, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to create compelling narratives.
