Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Holiday by John Nicholl, published by Boldwood Books

I have mixed thoughts on this novel, I liked the description when I requested the book, the plot was decent, but I really didn't like the characters and how awful they were to each other. I wanted to punch George and I wanted to tell Suzie to smarten up! Their whole relationship was a little unbelievable to me. I felt the first half of the book didn't really have much happen other than George and Suzie went on vacation and he kept asking to be added to her bank accounts
The 2nd half of the book moved a little faster and I became a little more engaged in the book. I was glad to see George got what was coming to him

I've read other books by this author and will continue to read his books, I just didn't love this one unfortunately, I'm giving it a 2.5 rounded up to 3

What a chilling read. It goes to show what others will put up with regarding deceit and gaslighting and it also shows what others will do when it happens to them. A great read with an even better ending.

This was a very fast read with short chapters which I always like. However, this book had two characters in that I really didn’t gel with at all. George, who was quite frankly an idiot and his wife Suzie who was so naive that she put up with his behaviour in the first place. The story was too far fetched for my liking but I still needed to find out how it ended. I had a theory and when I got to the ending, I found I wasn’t wrong.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

George and Suzie are heading off to Tenerife on holiday and staying in a rather grand hotel, courtesy of Suzie’s windfall. Suzie is deeply in love with her husband and is hoping the holiday will give them the opportunity to try for a baby. But George doesn’t love or even like Suzie very much at all and has many secrets from his wife.
George is rather arrogant and holds himself in high regard, thinking he is a very attractive man and any woman would be lucky to have him, particularly his penny-pinching wife. He is a total slimeball, a nasty and deceitful example of a man who is struggling to clear his gambling debts, and feels he has entitlement to his wife’s bank balance.

Suzie isn’t stupid, she won’t let George get his mitts on her money, despite his best efforts in encouraging her to do so. She has a rather strange relationship with her father. As a grown-up married woman, she returns to her childhood home to ask her god-fearing father’s advice and can’t make a decision without taking guidance from him. Suzie treats George as a child, with good reason. Her religious beliefs would never allow her to grant him a divorce. She is more than aware of his roving eye and his repeated attempts to persuade her to share her fortune. Whilst Suzie doesn’t have a particularly endearing personality, George is just totally vile with no likeable traits whatsoever.

It is easy to pick up on the tension between the married couple, it’s palpable from the start of the book. The plot builds up at a nail-biting pace and then suddenly takes a dramatic shift, with devastating consequences. The final part of the book has a rather satisfying end.

Another great book by this author who seems to enjoy weaving compulsive and nail-biting tales.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. This is a story about a couple in a toxic relationship and on vacation to get their relationship back on track. There's so much tension between them, maybe this vacation is just what they need? This one had a great twist and kept me tense!

The Holiday is described as a gripping, breathtaking, can't-put-down psychological thriller; however, for me, it did not live up to any of this praise. In fact, I found The Holiday to be a very uncomfortable and upsetting read. To quickly summarize the book, Suzie and George are trapped in an extremely unhappy marriage. Unfortunately, divorce is not an option due to Suzie's strict religious beliefs. Suzie is hoping that a vacation away will be the solution to all of their problems and they will be able to start over. But then a very attractive woman boards their plane and Suzie realizes that instead of a solution, this vacation may just further her problems.

There are multiple reasons that I did not enjoy this book. To begin with, it really wasn't a thriller or mystery; from the start, the reader was aware of the problems in the marriage and there wasn't really a "who-did-it" aspect. The book was mainly a back-and-forth of POV chapters between Suzie and George and them complaining about each other. The characters were so unlikable that it was frustrating reading their chapters. Then, towards the end, we get POVs from other random characters with unnecessary details about their lives that played no part in the story. Suzie's mom and dad were introduced for a chapter, which was by far my least favorite chapter. First, it was unnecessary. Second, it was so uncomfortable and upsetting. Finally, there was no follow-up. It was a completely useless chapter that just made me dislike the book more. The ending is not satisfying at all. The Holiday was really not a book for me.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

In anticipation of a week-long getaway, Susie steps onto the plane, carrying with her a sense of hope and excitement. The prospect of spending quality time with the man she's committed to for a lifetime is a chance to mend what's been fractured. Thoughts of rebuilding their relationship and perhaps expanding their family linger, though haunted by the specter of past heartbreak. Determined to focus on the promise of the holiday, she pushes aside the shadows of George's transgressions, trusting that this trip will be the catalyst for healing.

However, as the plane prepares for departure, her optimism is shattered. George's attention is unmistakably fixated on another woman who's just boarded ahead of them. In that pivotal moment, the atmosphere shifts, and the certainty of the upcoming holiday takes an unexpected turn.

This book unfolded in stark contrasts for me, presenting a narrative that felt quite black and white in my opinion. On one side, we have a clueless, naive girl ensnared in a profoundly toxic relationship with a controlling and unfaithful husband. The dynamics of their connection are painfully evident in the overabundance of toxicity.

What perplexed me was the insertion of a strong religious theme. It felt to me like the author had a focus on one person being good but she was super religious and the anti-Christ of the book was against religion, however, I don’t think being non-religious should be viewed negatively. That was a sticking point for me that made me question what I was reading. I did not think there was a lot of character development, both the main parties were pretty flat.

Character development, unfortunately, was lacking. Both main characters appeared rather flat, lacking the depth and complexity that could have enriched the storytelling. Susie's parents, particularly her domineering father and passive mother, were characters I struggled to appreciate. While the father may have had good intentions, his overbearing nature overshadowed any positive attributes, and the mother was just too meek.

Also, the ‘surprise’ ending was quite the letdown.

George and Susie are married but not very happily. Headed to Tenerife on a holiday, she starts having angry thoughts as her husband notices a very attractive woman sitting across aisle from them
So begins her anger toward him and doubts of his love for her, to the hotel with her and it is pretty much downhill from there.
Neither character was even mildly appealing to me , finding them both to be absolute boors from start to not very happy endings.
I simply could not find any redeeming qualities in either and the plot pretty much followed the characters downhill.
Ugh.

This gripping tale unfolds as a seemingly perfect getaway takes an unexpected turn, plunging the protagonist into a web of suspense and betrayal. Boarding the plane with hope for a week of repair and renewal, the protagonist is faced with the unsettling reality of her husband's wandering eyes.

The narrative skillfully captures the tension and uncertainty, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as the story takes a dramatic shift. The emotions are raw, and the twists are unexpected, creating a compelling narrative that explores the fragility of relationships and the devastating consequences of betrayal.

Without giving away details, the author weaves a suspenseful and emotional journey, leaving the reader questioning loyalties and the safety of the characters involved. A must-read for those who enjoy psychological dramas with unexpected twists.

Wow so I didn’t like any of the characters in this book but I think that was the point however I loved where this story ended up but my god what a twisted story someone really has a great imagination or their life partner needs to be concerned. A great dark thriller.

I loved this book! I was engrossed from page 1 and raced through it. It’s such an easy thriller to read, but has plenty of twists throughout. It’s definitely worthy of 5 stars and is the perfect beach read.

The Holliday by John Nicholl.

Suzie and George have gone on holiday to Tenerife to rekindle their marriage. Suzie is a devout Catholic and she thinks that the good lord will help her get her marriage back on track. But George has other ideas. George is a lover of booze, women, and gambling. He has run up a considerable amount of debt and is secretly seeing Amelia. He is only still with Suzie to get hold of some of the million pounds that Suzie has. He will do anything it takes to get hold of the money.
This is another riveting and cleverly written story by the author, and I thought of guessed where the story was going but I enjoyed it anyway. I thought the two main characters, where both as bad as each other in different ways and never going to get what they wanted how hard they tried. But this is a John Nicholl book and there must be a surprising twist somewhere and it did. I didn’t see it coming. This is an enjoyable read. 4 stars from me.

Well, hot diggity dog!!!

John Nicholl, remember his name, he’s about to light up your world.

Nicholl, is completely unique to any author you have ever read. His books are creepy, haunting, and will make you think.

The Holiday, is just that, all of the above, and then some.

Cue the shock factor!

The writing style is fluid, one chapter easily turns to 10 and at that point you know your commitment to the book and you know you’re abandoning your plans (oops!)

This book is highly suspenseful and will have you questioning and doubting everyone! The twist was all consuming and completely unexpected

Don’t take my word for it, check out this teaser:

It was meant to be the perfect getaway…

As I board the plane, all I can feel is hope and excitement. One whole week away. Just me and the man I have promised to be with forever.

Time to repair what has been broken. Maybe even try for another baby, and pray that this time it doesn’t end heartbreakingly.

I just need to not think about what George has done. He’s my husband. And this is the holiday where we make things right.

But then I realise he can’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman who’s just boarded the plane in front of me…

In that moment, everything changes.

And nobody is safe.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Be careful who you love- a thrilling read!
Susie has lost two babies and is struggling with an unfaithful husband so maybe a holiday away will change things- you think? But once again on the plane her husband can’t take his eyes off a beautiful woman who entered the plane. Will he once again stray. But unknown to him- she isn’t what he thinks she is! Get ready for a hair raising read!

THE HOLIDAY is a is a gripping psychological thriller by international bestseller author, John Nicholl. After having read all his novels, which include The Dr. David Galbraith series, The DI Gravel series and his standalone psychological thrillers…this novel is another winner! The author has written books, each dealing with different issues, drawing on his experience as police officer and child protection social worker.

His Standalone Novels Include:
The Cop (2019) aka The Girl in Red
The Student (2019) aka The Girl in White
Mr Nice (2020)
The Sisters (2020) aka The Sisterhood
The Victim (2021) aka Killing Evil
The Cellar (2022)
The Bride (2023)
The Holiday (2024)

This is my review of The Holiday.

Suzie Reynolds observes as a beautiful woman, in her late twenties, boards the plane on an economy flight. Suzie felt inferior to this attractive sexy woman, as she took the seat next to the couple on the other side of the aisle. Suzie’s husband, George couldn’t stop staring.

George had many flaws…but Suzie and George were taking a week holiday in the Canary Islands, to celebrate their second-year wedding anniversary…but so much had changed in two years. He had hurt her by his infidelity and gambling issues.

George, who worked at a local gym, complained that Suzie was difficult to live with, but she had money, and that was his reason to continue with the relationship. Suzie kept her money separate, and would not agree to a joint account until George had paid off his debt.

Suzie worked at a bank and came from a religious family-Catholic. She believed that marriage was sacred and did not believe in divorce. She felt this holiday would make things right and allow their marriage to heal, and hoped to try for another baby, after her many miscarriages.

But this holiday turned out to be a nightmare…where nobody is safe…

This was a well written psychological thriller with unlikeable well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. Slightly predictable ending but nevertheless a highly interesting read.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.

I've just finished this book (after starting it today) and I must admit to guessing how it would end, but not to Suzie. The character of George reminded me of my ex so I found him completely obnoxious and was on team Suzie, hating the way he acted towards her. The plot keeps you guessing and, though sometimes seeming slow, is fast enough that I read it in one sitting

Wow! My first John Nicholl novel but definitely not my last! This hooked me early on and did not let up until the very end. The characters were fantastic and kept me flipping pages long into the night. I have whiplash from trying to decide who to trust! Super great creep factor! Really enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley, John Nicholl and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I found that I really didn’t like the characters in this book but I think for me that’s what made it more enjoyable! I found Suzie irritating and I kept wanting her to stop burying her head in the sand, and I thought that George was so selfish and full of himself. Suzie and George are on their way to Tenerife to try to recover their broken relationship when Suzie realises that her womaniser of a husband can’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman sitting near them. . Although whilst reading it you feel it’s all a bit too predictable, you just know that everything is not how it seems. There’s absolutely no way of knowing how it’s all going to end. A great twisty read that has a dark side. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

I actually did finish this book but it was hard work . Nothing particularly happened on the holiday and I thought things would really heat up when they got back but it was still a bit slow . It didn’t have any surprises as I’d guessed who was behind it . Wasn’t really exciting enough for me , sorry

Do you know that annoying couple that always fighting in public places? And you secretly want to ease-drop?

Well, that's Suzie and George in this book. The characters are predictable but they are very entertaining. You know what's going to happen but these two unserious people are arguing the entire time. I love this book for the same reason I like to watch The White Lotus hotel. Thanks for the advance review copy.