It's clear from checking out Amazon, that Daniel Hurst is a prolific writer of psychological thrillers with a huge following. However, not having ever read anything by him before, I'm not able to compare this with any of his previous work.
The storyline is a good one. Four long term friends (Nicola and Ryan and Kim and Lewis) and their children drive to Scotland to spend a weekend in Kim and Lewis's newly purchased luxury holiday home in the forest. Kim and her husband are wealthy, whereas Nicola and Ryan don't have particularly well paid jobs.. The story, told from multi-character perspectives - mostly Nicola's - touches on the couples' history and backgrounds as they settle into their luxury accommodation and begin to enjoy themselves. It's when Nicola overhears a conversation she shouldn't have that thing begin to go badly wrong.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, although I have to confess there were moments when the narrative went in a direction I had difficulty believing. Nevertheless, I invested enough interest in the book to want to discover how things worked out. During the read I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters. Nicola, as the main story teller, and the one who suffered the most from what was going on, didn't come across as very likeable. .But maybe that was deliberate, as her end of story confession showed she was as bad as the others.

I've given this four stars as I think overall, the book wasn't a bad read. However, I feel The Holiday Home was not probably my best introduction to Daniel Hurst's writing, so it might be an idea to download another of his books, which have attracted a huge number of reviews.
I would like to thank Bookouture, Daniel Hurst and Netgalley for an ARC of The Holiday Home in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one!
Daniel Hurst is becoming one of my favourite authors. He has such a skill for gripping, twisty domestic thrillers!
The twist in this one didn't blow me away like some other Hurst books have. I figured it out pretty early.
I have listened to several of his audiobooks and I find them engaging and suspenseful. I did find the narrator's voice for Cole's chapters too old for the character though, he sounded like he was in his 40s and made me forget which character was speaking. Cole should have had a totally separate narrator in my opinion, and would have made it easier to follow and more believable.
That said, it was a fun and engaging book nonetheless.

Kim and Nicola have been friends since their schooldays. Unfortunately, their partners don't rub along quite so well. Kim's husband Lewis is a successful business owner which brings with it a whole host of wonderful luxuries such as the woodland retreat in Scotland where the foursome are taking their children for a long weekend break. Nicola is looking forward to a nice relaxing break with her bestie, while Ryan is just hoping to get through the trip without thumping the arrogant Lewis on the jaw. The whole atmosphere changes though when an overheard conversation drops the biggest bombshell possible on the group - but who knows what, and is anyone going to act on the knowledge they have?

The chapters are quite short and punchy, my only criticism was the "suspenseful cliffhanger" written at the end of the majority of these chapters I found to be quite annoying and unnecessary. There was sufficient information given without being spoon-fed how I was expected to be thinking.

Overall, the book was an easy read, maybe a little unbelievable in parts but I enjoyed trying to predict how the different players would react as the facts gradually became known to them. I felt sorry for the younger members of the families as their parents made some questionable decisions, but the author could have opted for worse outcomes for them, so I was content with how things concluded.

If you've not read Daniel's work before this is a great example of his writing style and his back catalogue should keep you busy for some time!

This was my very first book by this author & I am HOOKED!
His writing style is AMAZING & CAPTIVATING!
He does do well bringing the characters to life/bringing the imagination to life!!
I am blown away by this book I 100% recommend

I sit sipping champagne in the warm water, bubbles frothing around me as I admire the breath-taking view of gorgeous blue skies and mountains. I can't believe I'm here at this stunning holiday home. It's to die for. My best friend and her husband have invited me and my family to their lakeside property for the weekend to experience their luxury lifestyle. I'm not envious of their wealth, although I know my husband Ryan is. All I want is to escape from our recent troubles and get my marriage back on track.

The story is told from multiple points of view. There were lots of secrets and lies hidden. Friendships are pushed to the edge of their limits. There is a strong cast of characters. Having just begun to relax in her friend Kim's luxury home, Nicola is left reeling from a revelation. Everything she thought she know changes. This is a fast-paced thriller. I could not read this book fast enough.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DanielHurst for my ARC of #TheHolidayHome in exchange for an honest review.

This was a short and quick read. Two families go to the holiday home of one of the families. Not everyone comes out alive. So many secrets are revealed, and all of their lives are changed forever. I found there to be some inconsistencies in the story line, and I did not find everything to be believable, but otherwise it was an entertaining enough read. I especially recommend this to people not reading this type of literature that often, because I predicted many of the events in this book well before they happened.

Wow! Another amazing book by such a great author! I was on pins and needles til the very end! What a plot twist! What seems to be a little getaway with friends turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse. You will not want to put this down. This is a must read!!

Daniel Hurst returns following The Doctors Wife with his latest domestic suspense/family drama, THE HOLIDAY HOME —two marriages of lies, dark secrets, deception, and betrayal unravel during a holiday getaway that turns into murder.

A long weekend in a luxury log cabin in the Scottish Highlands sounds like a dream come true. Intended to be a fun and relaxing holiday getaway sipping champagne in a hot tub, a cracking fire, good food, and wine, all surrounded by the secluded mountains at a luxury getaway with friends, is anything but.

Meet Kim and Lewis, the owners of this luxurious vacation second home. Also going along is their fifteen-year-old son, Cole. What teen wants to hang out with their parents?

Nicola and Kim are best friends, and she has invited Nicola and hubby Ryan along for a long weekend.

Even though Kim and Nicola are friends, Ryan and Lewis are not. Ryan & Nicola do not have this kind of money and cannot afford a vacation like this, so Nicola is just thrilled to be going along with her hubby and 11-year-old daughter, Emily.

Ryan resents Lewis' money. Nicola also is jealous and resents all the money things can buy, and how Kim flirts and showcases her body.

The weekend is a disaster waiting to happen. Unfortunately, there will be someone not leaving the holiday home alive.

Told from multiple POVs:
NICOLA
KIM
RYAN
LEWIS
COLE

Infidelity, betrayal, cheaters, lies, jealousy, and secrets are exposed. Tempers explode. There are also financial troubles. An overheard conversation in the hot tub, a text, a teen boy, and secrets turn into an explosive showdown. Loads of DRAMA!

Who will protect whom, who will lie, who is the murderer, and who will DIE?

Of course, there is a dead battery, an eerie Forest, lousy weather, no cell service, and more to make this setting claustrophobic. But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

Another BIG secret is kept under wraps that the author pulls out at the end, bumping the rating to 3.5 Stars. Who is the LIAR that gets away?

I have read many Daniel Hurst books and love his style and am a fan, but this was my least favorite. Being a successful writer cranking out numerous books yearly, each cannot be a 5-star winner.

I listened to the audiobook performed by Zoe Mills and Richard Burnip and read the e-book, as well. The narration was OK, but not my favorite. A little dull.

I was not wowed, blown away, or cared for any of the characters in the novel, and not invested in them. The dark humor was missing. It was more of a family drama and domestic suspense and would not qualify as a psychological thriller.

You really could care less which character was murdered. I did like the teen son, which was a victim of circumstance. Key elements to keep the tension, suspense, and plot moving were missing. However, the last unexpected twist (his signature) was wicked and wrapped up nicely.

If you are new to Hurst, I recommend starting with The Couple in the Cabin which was one of my favorites by Daniel. I am still a big fan and look forward to his next book. I also enjoy his newsletters interacting with readers.

Thanks to Bookouture for a gifted ALC and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 1, 2023
My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Sorry, but this did not really thrill me. The audiobook had a female and male narrator so I was hoping for more of a "he said, she said" vibe like in The Doctor’s Wife. Nikola had way more chapters than Ryan did which got a bit monotonous. The setting in a deluxe holiday home near a Scottish loch sounded so dreamy. There were some exciting moments and I wanted to finish the book, so it was a 3-star read for me. I have not written Daniel Hurst off. This just isn't going to be one of my favorites.

Thank you to Bookouture for an audio ARC and a DRC in exchange for an honest review. I used them both to read faster.

This is the 2nd book by Daniel Hurst that I have read and although it didn't have as many twists and turns as The Doctor's Wife, it was still a good read. The characters didn't feel as well rounded but still definitely had their secrets. I did like the confession in epilogue from Nicola that I definitely didn't see coming. All in all an entertaining read.

I give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and Daniel Hurst for an advanced copy.

Daniel Hurst has a true gift of writing a story that lays out well developed plots and characters. He can easily write in different points of view, ranging in various ages and backgrounds. He can also write from the point of view of a female or male flawlessly. This book has those same qualities amidst the suspense and I loved it. The story sucked me in throughout the book and I really wanted to find out how this all would play out. Unfortunately, the epilogue of this story let me down. I felt it was forced for shock value and not really fitting to the character or plot that was described up until the ending. This book did not check all the boxes for me but I know I will still be reading more books from Hurst in the future.

Super great thriller that will make you wonder what will happen next. Very well done and a great read.

A weekend at her best friend's new holiday house seems like a dream to Nicola. She pictures a fun, relaxing weekend hot tubbing, hiking, good food and great conversation with her best friend and their families..... but the reality couldn't be further from the truth. Decades buried secrets are spilled and things quickly get way, way out of control.

I only learned about this author on NetGalley recently, and I've really enjoyed his other books, but unfortunately this one just didn't do it for me. For me, it was an extremely slow burn that lacked a single likeable character. Given the terrible things that Nicola finds out over the course of the book, you should feel bad for her..... but I just didn't. They were all whiny and lack luster and not a single one of them had a believable reaction to the insane events they experience.

I wanted to like this one so badly. I love the cover, and I've taken many a weekend trip with couple friends, I think it's super plausible that over the years things come out.....but this was just too much.

I discovered this author with
NetGalley a couple years ago and his books always have me on the edge of my seat.

A nice getaway with friends turns into a nightmare. Kim and Lewis invite friends Nicola and Ryan on a vacation to their cabin in Scotland.

Kim and Nicola have been best friends for years and they hope they can have a wonderful getaway. They each have a child on this trip as well.

The cabin is fancy and jealousy rears its head. Ryan offers Cole, Lewis son an adult beverage which does not go over well.

Tensions rise and get worse when Nicola discovers a message on Ryan’s phone which makes her think he might be having an affair with her best friend. Unfortunately what she discovers can change all their lives forever.

Hurst has quickly become another go to for domestic thrillers. 🖤

The Holiday Home was a fast paced suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat! Full of suspense and an ending that will leave you shocked!

Considering this book is listed as a psychological thriller, it was lacking tension and suspense. It was definitely a quick and easy read, and I very much enjoyed the setting up in the Highlands! However, the plot of this book was so predictable. I knew that Cole was going to end up to be Ryan’s son. Also, the final plot twist seemed hypocritical and far fetched to me. Also none of the characters were likable, they were all immature and annoying. It was an entertaining read, but ultimately it fell short of my expectations.

❕Thank you, net galley for this advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review ❕

What a delight it is to find that rare book that practically begs you not to put it down! Ergo, that's what a delight it was to discover author Daniel Hurst, because all of his books are in that categor.y! Nicola has been invited by her best friend to bring Ryan , the dh and daughter Emily to be her family's guest (aka show off to them) the family's vacation home in Scotland.As I read about the amenities of the large house and of the beautiful views, I found myself wishing I had, also, been invited. It wasn't long before I changed my mind about that, though. Instead of a dream vacation, it turned out to be more like a nightmare!

Of course, Mr. Hurst ends with the proverbial surprise twist at the end, although this time it wasn't a surprise to me. While I knew the twist was coming, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. And I liked that the story was told from different viewpoints with each chapter informing the reader of who's narrating that particular one. Far less confusing that way.

Basically, a clean book, I recommend it!

A weekend away with your best friend and their respective other halves.

What could possibly go wrong?

For Nicola, things are about to take a turn for the worst when she sus pects her husband, Ryan of having an affair with her best friend.

I did see this for the red herring that it was and had already worked out the big secret.

The fall out from the secret being revealed was definitely dramatic.

Did feel the ending was a little rushed when the police rocked up and took away the culprits, would've liked maybe an interview scene or something.

Then there was Nicola's secret...

Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.

3.5* In a secluded Holiday Home in the rural hills of Scotland, two couples and two children plan a nice getaway for a long weekend. The home is owned by Kim & Lewis and is a high-scaled luxury cabin and a second home. Nicola & Ryan have been invited to stay with them. Kim and Nicola have been friends since high school, but Ryan and Lewis have varying opinions of each other.

Told in multiple POVs, we are given insight to situations each is unaware of and how they are coping mentally with it. Nicola sees a text on Ryan's phone from Kim that alludes to a secret they must keep from Nicola and Lewis. The situation gets more tense as Ryan and Nicola are jealous of the fortune Kim and Lewis appear to make, but nothing is as it appears.....nothing!!!

Ryan's snarky comments and Lewis's arrogance just may mean their fun weekend will end in disaster, which we know one person is not going to make it home alive, but which one. As the plot thickens and secrets are revealed in each chapter cliffhanger, you will not be able to stop reading until you know one is a killer and the other one is dead.
The setting drives the story with elements outside very eerie and the one car they arrive in will not start....
This is a first for me in Daniel Hurst's books, and I enjoyed it and noticed he has a slew of them. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

One holiday, two best friends, 2 waring husbands and tons of secrets and lies, what could possibly go wrong.

Kim and Nicola have been best friends and they have decided that they should have a holiday together, Kim and her husband Lewis own a luxury log cabin in Scotland and decide to take Nicola and Ryan away for a fancy weekend.

Nicola hopes that a weekend away will help get hers and Ryan’s relationship back on track, however this proves to do exactly the opposite. It becomes clear that the two husbands aren’t going to get along which makes an uncomfortable atmosphere and Nicola fears this will have an impact on her friendship with Kim.

Whilst they are away Nicola cannot help but notice her husband pays a lot of attention to Kim and soon wonders if there may be something going on between them, she tries to shrug this feeling off her best friend and her husband but she cannot ignore that niggling feeling that’s keeping her awake at night.

Soon everyone finds themselves stranded at the log cabin in the middle of no where when Lewis’ car breaks down. The only way to get help is to walk to the main road and get a signal, the 2 warring husbands decide to go taking Lewis’ 15 year old son Cole with them, however as things become more strained between the 2 men tensions begin to rise.

At the same time Nicola and Kim decide to have a girls picnic with Nicolas daughter Emily, whilst they are out Nicola tells Kim she knows her secrets, Kim then rushes off to find the rest of her family in the woods but the consequences of her secrets and lies are deadly.

Friendships will be pushed to the limits, relationships tested to the max and with so much going on you won’t have a clue what is coming next.

Thank you to NetGalley the publishers and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review. Another fantastic read from Daniel Hurst!