This article presents a comprehensive overview of retraction research. It introduces retraction as a self-correcting mechanism of science involving various stakeholders and a complicated process operating centrally through retraction notices authored by different retraction stakeholders. It presents the main reasons for retraction, discusses the consequences of retraction for various stakeholders, identifies contributing factors to the unsatisfactory handling of retractions, and provides suggestions on how to handle retractions more effectively and efficiently. By way of conclusion, the article recommends directions for future research on retraction. This up-to-date overview of retraction research is an accessible source of information for those who are new to the phenomenon of retraction or unfamiliar with the extant research on retraction. It aims to advance the scientific community's understanding of research retraction and its communication.