A crossbow includes an elongated frame coupled to a riser at a first end thereof. The riser supports a pair of flexible limbs, and a bowstring extends between such limbs. A movable bowstring release is used both to retract the bowstring into a drawn position, and to release the bowstring under the operation of a trigger assembly. The bowstring release is initially positioned near the bowstring at rest, and a bowstring hook is engaged therewith. A bowstring retractor includes a retractor rope secured to the bowstring release for retracting the bowstring. An upper housing is secured to the second end of the elongated frame, and supports a rope spool used to wind the retractor rope. The bowstring release is retracted into the upper housing proximate a trigger assembly for selectively releasing the bowstring when a user pulls a trigger.