This book was absolutely incredible. I cannot wait for it to come out so that I can recommend it to everyone. The story instantly grabs your attention and the way that the book is set up is really interesting. Emma is the main character and is sent by her boss on a weekend getaway to a private island. Emma went and met Fiona, Penny, Robert, Michael and Lucas. The story follows Emma and the events that she and the other characters endure in their time on the island. There are so many twists and surprises in this story that I never saw coming! I think that this would be the perfect book club book to read but if you do this try to have a discussion before reading the epilogue and see if you can figure out who did it!

A luxurious trip to a beautiful resort on a private island and did I mention there are celebrities. sounds perfect right? I mean, what could possibly go wrong? 😬🫣
This book was so much fun! It’s hard to put down and has you hooked immediately. I thought I had it figured out multiple times but spoiler alert, I did not.
That ending! 😱
This book is the perfect summer thriller read, just maybe don’t read it while on a private island 🙃
This was my first read by S.M. Thomas and will not be my last!
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced ecopy for an honest review.

I was first hesitant when reading this book, but it was actually really fun to read. Fast paced, you wanted to just love the main character, and it was also well written.

I loved the ending! I couldn’t get enough! I didn’t want the book to end, I want more! I will definitely have SM Thomas on my radar for future books.

This was a pretty short thriller, but I think it was the perfect length for what the author wanted to do.

I loved the authors idea on how to start the book. I think this was a very unique device that hooks the reader into thinking they’re reading a true crime story. It definitely intrigued me.

I did enjoy the characters and the feeling that you love to hate and hate to love them. They make you feel a wide range of emotions. I actually think Emma was my least favourite character because I found her personality a bit lack lustre to everyone else.

One of my favourite books as a child was “And then there were none” and this book reminds me of a modern take on that book. Everyone is brought to an island, there is a red herring and the Epilogue is what answers a lot of the questions we have.

The only thing I would change is throwing in a few clues along the way to make us see glimpses of the killers work or glimpses of things that could make other characters appear guilty! This would add a lot of depth to the story.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it! Very happy this was my first ever ARC read!

Alluring Premise..
A luxurious island hideaway, an exclusive invitation and an elite group of individuals. What could possibly go wrong? Emma has been gifted her invitation to the opening of the Hotel Horizen and, whilst she has her own agenda, she has no idea what nightmares this weekend will really hold. Enjoyable and suspenseful with a nicely drawn cast of diverse characters and an alluring premise.

Wow. This kept me on pins and needles and guessing until the end! A perfect locked room thriller with a beautiful scene. I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Bingable book with a whodunnit twist. I liked the character development of each 'celebrity,' which felt like a loose term for this group. I did feel like there was some holes in the story but overall a good quick read.

Long Weekend by S.M. Thomas, S.M. Thomas

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
5.0

I decided to read this on a long weekend, it only seemed right. When I tell you that after I finished reading this book, I sat up and said “oh my god” no less than 5 times. Down. To. The. Last. Line. This book had me engrossed.

Normally I spoil a thriller for myself because I can guess who did it or what the outcome is going to be but with this one, with this one I was second guessing myself the whole way. It definitely is a psychological thriller/horror because let me just say, this storyline is messed up! But I am still reeling from it!

Do yourself a favour, on publication day run out and buy this book- you won’t regret it.

WOW


A big thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
A luxury weekend on a private island is given to Emma by her boss and she's thrilled, especially when she meets the other guests which include her teenage movie crush and a couple of women she idolizes. She can't believe her luck!
Unfortunately this turns into a nightmare of epic proportions, as one by one the guests are murdered.
A great beach read (but not on a private island...) that's impossible to put down. I definitely recommend it.

Long Weekend is an interesting — but not completely unforgettable — take on the locked-door trope. The author does a good job of keeping the pace up and the character list tight, so it's easy to get pulled into the story. However, the majority of the plot is simply the characters reacting. I wish there was more grounding the story so that readers could try to give context to what's happening.

With thrillers such as this one, I expect there's going to be a lot of confusion leading up to a rewarding twist. Unfortunately, the readers do a lot of work and they payoff isn't totally there. It's an interesting concept, but not one big enough to differentiate this book from others who fall under the trope.

All of that said, I still enjoyed the book and will absolutely keep an eye out for what the author releases next.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of Long Weekend by SM Thomas. Emma has been given a gift of a luxury long weekend to a private island after her boss is unable to go. Emma is thrilled when she realizes the other guests are celebrities she idolizes. The author takes us on a tense paced thriller that keeps you wanting more. This book was so much fun and hard to put down!

I received a free arc of this book in exchange for a review through Net Galley.

The book is about a twenty something who gets the opportunity to go on an all expenses once in a lifetime trip with a select few celebs. It should be a long weekend of extravagance and luxury, but she finds herself running & hiding for her life.

This book was super easy to get into and I plowed through each chapter. I loved all of the theories and suspicions through-out. It was nice to read a book where the main character was 'true crime' savvy and asked all the qeustions you wanted to ask as if you were there.

I thought the ending could have been summed up better and there are some un-answered questions I have about diferent characters and aspects of the plot.

A fantastic, addictive, unputdownable psychological thriller. The premise had me glued to the pages trying to figure it out. I've read several books by the author. Her writing hooks you from the first page. The build-up of suspense and the subtle clues made it a very enjoyable read. Excellent twist and turns, and the ending was brilliant.

I would like to thank the author the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. It was a great read and kept me guessing all the way through, the characters were so well drawn and believable and the ending was superb.

Emma jumps at the opportunity to fill in for her boss for a luxury weekend! Rebecca continues to deny her raise request and Emma is barely making ends meet in her job. When the opporutnity to attend an opening weekend at Hotel Horizon is gifted to her Emma she concocts a secret plan to write an article that goes behind the scenes and reveals the life of the ultra rich. This way she can relax and enjoy but also further her journalism career.

When she boards the private plan she cannot believe who joins here. Pretty soon she forgets why she is there and is enjoying the company of the rich and famous. When one turns up dead however, she realizes that there might be more to this celebratory weekend and her life might be in jeopardy.

I love, love, loved this novel and you will too. Sometimes I wanted Emma to be a bit more curious (I know I was) but I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This is a must read for all thriller readers and lovers of Vacation-gone-wrong reads!
#booksgosocial #smthomas #longweekend

SM Thomas's "Long Weekend" delivers a pulse-pounding tale of deception and danger set against the backdrop of a luxurious island resort. From the moment Emma sets foot on Hotel Horizen, readers are drawn into a world of opulence and intrigue that quickly takes a sinister turn.

Emma's quest to uncover the secrets of the elite guests thrusts her into a dangerous game where she must navigate treacherous waters to survive. Thomas skillfully weaves a web of suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
With its atmospheric setting and twisty plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.

As someone who loves a good mystery, I was captivated by the intricate plot and relentless suspense of "Long Weekend." Thomas's ability to keep me guessing kept me turning the pages late into the night. This is a thriller you won't want to miss! 📚✨

What should have been a weekend of luxury and relaxing became a nightmare and intense / suspensful time.

A fabulous Summer thriller read. Set in a luxurious island hideaway. Enjoyable storyline which kept me reading until late into the night.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Well, I didn't see that coming.

If you always guess the ending of a book and are genuinely happy and excited when you DON'T "see it coming, " then read this book!
Long Weekend by S.M. Thomas tells the tale of a luxury holiday weekend turned murderous nightmare. We follow the characters through the weekend as victims multiply, and the suspect list shrinks. Anticipation is built until the last possible moment when the motives, and true mastermind behind the peril, are revealed.

Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC read of Long Weekend!

Thanks to Net Galley for this eARC. Long Weekend by SM Thomas was an addicting thriller that I couldn't put down. Emma is an assistant who was gifted an ultra luxury weekend by her boss on a secluded island. She is surrounded with celebrities including her teenage actor crush. It seems like it will be the weekend from her dreams until the end of the first evening. One of the guests is found dead and it looks like murder. Soon everyone is being hunted and everyone is a suspect. I highly recommend this!

I almost stopped reading this but I’m glad I finished it. Definitely a good locked room mystery. I throughly enjoyed the twists and way it was written as a journal

Oooooo, what a time this was, oh what a time. I have been reading this for a day, and I only meant to read the beginning and I couldn't stop. I have only read YA thrillers, so this one was such an adventure!

I love the vacation-gone-wrong trope, so I eagerly picked up this book after reading the premise. "Long Weekend" by S.M. Thomas is an atmospheric thriller where the reader is left in the dark, just as much as the narrator.

The book follows Emma Jones' first-hand account of her long weekend stay at a super-exclusive resort set on a small private island. Emma is the right-hand assistant of the wealthy (and cheap) Rebecca March. When she asks for a raise, Rebecca refuses and offers her instead to take her place at the exclusive event opening of Hotel Horizen. Emma accepts and plans to write an expose on the wasted decadence of the rich and famous to kick off her writing career. Arriving at the private plane waiting for her and the other travelers, she meets the five other guests. Meet:

* Fiona Appleton - who manages her family's money printing press.
* Robert Castro - a famous actor who comes from a long line of famous actors.
* Lucas Jones - a millionaire influencer with an agenda.
* Michael Samson - a corrupt ex-politician.
* Penny Atwell - the world's most successful television host.

At the resort, Emma meets the manager, Stephen, and his assistant, Sam. They aren't pleased to see her in place of her boss, but they allow her to stay nonetheless. And then, the killing begins... The guests are targeted by a mysterious foe, and none is safe.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot to avoid spoilers. I enjoyed the tale and the "And Then There Were None" vibes. I didn't figure out who was behind it, and I enjoyed the reveal at the end. I also appreciated the setting and the tense atmosphere. The book definitely generated the needed atmosphere to carry off such a tale. The tension was palpable, and I felt I was right there alongside the characters running back and front like a rabbit from one place to another.

Although none of the characters were likable, to say the least, I didn't feel they deserved their fate. Emma was fickle; she kept changing her mind and her heart, and was too naive and quick to judge, making the wrong choices. Still, I rooted for her. My only issue is with the ending. It felt forced and rushed, and I didn't care for it, to boot. Although everything was explained at the end, I would have liked a tighter ending. In addition, I am tired of individuals escaping consequences for actions that should not go unpunished as was the case here.

Overall, it is a great plot with realistic characterization and entertainment value. The plot moves at a fast pace and is combined with a writing style that provides vivid mental pictures of the characters and settings without being overly tedious. I enjoyed the book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars due to the issues I mentioned above. I recommend the book to those who enjoy intense reads and aren't bothered by detestable characters and violence.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Emma is given a once in a lifetime opportunity from her boss, Rebecca, to spend a weekend at a private luxury resort on a remote island, Hotel Horizen. Emma has an ulterior motive when she accepts the trip to write an expose on the rich and famous who are also attending. But once the guests start dying one by one, Emma hopes to survive her trip.

This book was not what I’d thought it’d be at all. It was a somewhat topical and relevant thriller for its theme and honestly the whole time I had no idea where it was going to go. I had a theory, but only some of it was right, but even then it surprised me. The ending was pretty crazy and not at all what I was expecting. I tried to think of any shows/movies I’ve seen that it may relate to, but came up short.

The chapters were a little long, but overall this was a crazy whodunit book, with twists and turns everywhere. Also, a remote island where you turn in your phone and have no way to leave when crazy stuff starts happening? New fear unlocked. 😂

I was worried there wouldn’t be a resolution at the end and that I’d be just left wondering what the hell happened, but the Epilogue was intense and honestly could go into a whole other book. Read this one if you like the unsettling thrillers like the White Lotus. It went a lot deeper than just your typical thriller read.

4.5 (rounded up to 5)

this book was so easy to read and get into. it really had me guessing and guessing over who the killer could’ve been even down to the epilogue, at least until the last line. i loved how none of the characters were actual good people and they all had different levels of evil in them. the twists kept me entertained, as well as all the issues that popped up. my main issue with anything in the book is it got a bit repetitive with certain things, like how emma wasn’t rich and was surrounded by rich privileged people or how emma had it much harder than the celebrities or how she was so different from them. it just seemed to be repeated a bit too much when it was easy to pick up on after the first couple times it was mentioned. other than that i loved it and can’t wait to get all my friends to read it!

This was such a thrilling ride and I was at the edge of my seat!!!! This was exactly what I was looking for to get me out of my reading slump!!

the book was good! i really enjoyed the characters, everyone from a heart-throb actor to a slimy politician . Then we have Emily, the non-celebrity, the odd one out, who is on this trip because her boss was too busy to take herself. secrets are exposed, people are dying, & you cannot trust anyone. This story kept me guessing until the last page.
it was not a 5-star read for me though, because of all the really long paragraphs and longer chapters. just a preference.

Nothing like being deserted at a resort with deplorable characters! It's a twist on the "locked room" trope. This story has a good plot with lots of entertainment. I feel this would make a great movie. There was lots of action and drama. I didn't like any of the characters, except for the main character, Emma.

This was a fast read that had me actively listening and trying to figure out the plot twist, which was not at all what I was expecting. I enjoyed following the story and trying to predict who the villain(s) were. The epilogue by the murderer was *chef's kiss*!

Thank you to the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Nothing like being deserted at a resort with deplorable characters! It's a twist on the "locked room" trope. This story has a good plot with lots of entertainment. I feel this would make a great movie. There was lots of action and drama. I didn't like any of the characters, except for the main character, Emma.

This was a fast read that had me actively listening and trying to figure out the plot twist, which was not at all what I was expecting. I enjoyed following the story and trying to predict who the villain(s) were. The epilogue by the murderer was *chef's kiss*!

Thank you to the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Emma takes her bosses’ place on a weekend getaway with 5 other celebrities at a remote island resort. But, Emma is a nobody compared to them, but she is determined to have a good time.

That plan quickly comes to an end as people in her party are one by one found dead. There is tension from the beginning, and I could not turn the pages fast enough to see who was going to be the next one dead.

The end was a little bit of a bummer, only because the twist didn’t go the way I wanted it to. LOL.

I could not put this one down. Literally. I walked around my house doing chores reading off my kindle!

Thank you #NetGalley for a complimentary copy of #LongWeekend in exchange for an honest review.

4.5- This is a genuinely thrilling thriller- a mystery with elements of conspiracy and horror.

Long Weekend is written as a series of diary entries from Emma, a young assistant whose boss sends her on a luxury vacation rather than giving her a raise. Sensing an opportunity, Emma keeps a journal in hopes of writing a tell-all article about the disparity in wealth between people in her income bracket and the one percenters she’ll be joining on vacation. After a series of suspicious deaths, however, the entire island seems to be under siege, and Emma’s journal entries become a tale of survival… And figuring out who she can trust.

I really enjoyed the way this book kept me guessing! I had some theories along the way, but never fully figured out the final plot twist. The characters were interesting and the plot moved at a quick pace. The author builds tension really well! In a few places, the characters acted in ways that really didn’t make sense and/or felt inauthentic- this can be chalked up to being in a panic situation, but I still found it a little distracting. Besides that, I found it to be one of the more interesting and suspenseful books, I’ve read in a while! Thank you to the author, publishers, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this ARC.

This is a great book which i will be recommending to everyone!
The story grabs you from the beginning and sets you up for a smart thriller.
There are so many twists and turns pulling the reader one way and then the other,
with many surprises which the reader wont see coming.
A glorious book!

WOW. I received an advance copy of Long Weekend through NetGalley and the publisher.

I was RIVETED throughout this whole book. It starts out with a letter advising the reader that you’ll be reading the journal entries of the title character and that it may get grisly as we follow her through the long weekend at a luxury resort for the rich and famous.

The characters were thought out so well, and the dynamics were perfect. I was reminded of the game Clue as we were presented with who could it be?

I’m definitely adding this author to my watch list and hope to see more thrillers from them soon!

Emma didn't anticipate spending her weekend in paradise when she asked for a promotion, but when her boss offers her a chance for a luxurious holiday, she'd be foolish to decline. Especially considering her plan to write an expose article revealing the secrets of the elite guests. However, Emma soon discovers that the wealthy and famous aren't as they appear in the media. As she delves into her mission to expose them, she encounters old friends and affairs, only to find that the excitement is far from over. A suspicious death marks just the beginning of the nightmare that unfolds over the weekend.

Upon discovering the book, which seemed reminiscent of works like "And Then There Were None" by Christie and "The Guest List" by Foley, I was immediately intrigued. I'm drawn to locked-room mysteries, and the initial setup, resembling an introduction to a gripping podcast, was incredibly promising. Emma initially appears determined in her intentions, but her focus quickly wavers once she meets the other guests.

Since this book is best experienced without prior knowledge of its plot twists, I won't reveal any more details. However, I must admit that the ending took me by surprise. While it left me yearning for more explanations or clues, it was an interesting conclusion nonetheless.


Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and SM Thomas for an arc :)

I really enjoyed the premise of this book as I love island thrillers. The writing was good, albeit long winded. It probably could have used an additional 10% edited out. I found that things were discussed multiple times which was unnecessary and made the story drag at ties. While other things were handled very well, just given a brief description/moment and my mind was intrigued more so than if it was overly done as in other areas. The characters were well drawn out and I felt pulled into their world. The ending is a great twist, although who the killer is was not a shock to me. But how it was handled was very well done. I do kind of wish for another epilogue from another point of view as it would have been more rewarding to see a slightly different ending, although I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I liked it enough. Well done book overall!

An opportunity to go on holiday at a luxury resort, Emma jumps at the chance. Emma plans to write a risky article exposing secrets of the rich and famous. Mysterious deaths occur… can she survive? Written as diary entries this thriller will keep you guessing until the very end!

Perfect read for those who enjoy:
- Destination thrillers
- Suspense
- Mystery

With thanks to BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and SM Thomas for the opportunity to read Long Weekend.
This book’s premise pulled me in right away and the level of tension and suspense wouldn’t let me put it down. I finished this book in one weekend and was completely blown away by the revelation at the end. The villain was definitely not the person who I had expected. I really enjoyed this book and eagerly await more from SM Thomas.

Definitely recommend this mystery plot with an intriguing beginning and ending that’s quite different from the average thriller. It’s full of suspense, surprising twists and good character development.
The epilogue ties everything together and has a perfect, shocking twist!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Good book with a well done storyline. I liked all the characters in this one. They worked well and played well off each other the whole way through.

Long Weekend is a story about a few really rich people going on a secluded island for a weekend getaway. Emma is not rich, she is an assistant who was given this trip. When people start to die, this trip turns into a nightmare.

I really liked this book! I was looking for a fast paced vacation thriller and that is exactly what I got. We know right off the bat that things are going to go down because it tells us that we’re reading from Emma’s journal. I liked the sense of forewarning and the tension that created. I think all the characters were pretty unlikeable but it worked. I also liked the final twist and how it ended.

The motive and premise were a bit unbelievable to me. However, I still had a good time reading it and i would recommend it to people!

Thanks so much to netgalley and Booksgosocial for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The perfect vacation went wrong type of plot. It was so fast paced and so atmospheric. I love all the little white lies and deceit throughout the story to keep the reader guessing.

"Long Weekend" follows Emma, a struggling journalist, who receives an exclusive invitation to the grand opening of a luxurious island resort. Tasked with writing an article about the elite guests by her boss, Emma sees an opportunity to expose the excesses of the wealthy. However, as she delves deeper into the secrets of the guests, Emma uncovers a sinister plot lurking beneath the surface. Caught in a web of power and deception, Emma must navigate dangerous waters to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim of this twisted game.

"Long Weekend" grips readers from the very first page and doesn't let go until the shocking conclusion. From its captivating opening, the novel sets a tone of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

The protagonist, Emma, is a compelling character whose journey exposes the stark divide between social classes. Readers will quickly become invested in her quest for the truth and will empathize with her struggles as she navigates the treacherous waters of the resort. The vivid descriptions of the setting immerse readers in the opulence of the resort, adding depth and atmosphere to the story.

While the story starts from page one and immediately draws readers in, it doesn't sacrifice character development or plot complexity. Instead, it expertly balances tension and intrigue, keeping readers guessing until the very end. However, some repetitive elements, such as reminders of Emma's socioeconomic status, can be a bit distracting at times.

Overall, "Long Weekend" is a gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, it's a book that's hard to put down. Whether you're a seasoned mystery enthusiast or simply looking for a compelling read, "Long Weekend" delivers an exhilarating experience that will leave you eagerly turning pages until the very end.

Thank you to AR Hurne Publishing and NetGalley for the EARC.

This style of books has been done before many times. Written in many different styles, taking place in a lot of different places and with a lot of different styles of disappearing.

But considering all that this book was still a breath of fresh air. The suspense was still suspensing. I was still trying to guess who the bad guy was.
This book still kept me guessing through out the whole book. So well written.

I read this book in 4 hours. I did not move. I set myself up with snacks and water and then was not able to leave. It sucked me right in. Kept its claws in me until I had finished it.

A quick read but absolutely worth it.

You follow Emma. Who has been stuck in her job working for her boss Rebecca. Rebecca doesn’t want to give her a raise but will gift her an exclusive getaway at a richy rich brand new luxury getaway.

Emma plans on luxury pampering, drinks with rich people, and an exclusive expose where she would give away all the secrets of the rich.

The weekend does not go as Emma had planned.

Make sure to grab the book to find out what happens. You won’t be disappointed.

Definitely recommend this mystery plot with an intriguing beginning and ending that’s quite different from the average thriller. It’s full of suspense, surprising twists and good character development.
The epilogue ties everything together and has a perfect, shocking twist!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank goodness for the epilogue or I would have torn my hair out with frustration at the apparent end of this terrific “locked room” mystery. The author created a situation and characters designed to misdirect the reader and this, combined with their knack for brining context to life, makes for a fast paced, gripping read. Such a clever ending and leaving it unresolved on the face of it was unusual and worked really well.

I love a good twisty thriller!
This book was a pretty easy and quick read, and I enjoyed the take of a fancy vacation gone wrong. Put me in the summer feels, which is definitely where I’m at right now!
I liked Emma for the most part, much different than the vapid, rich and famous she was pretending to be a part of. Nothing turned out the way Emma wanted it, but that’s the joy of a thriller

Thank you to NetGalley and S.M. Thomas for this ARC of Long Weekend!

I love a good vacation thriller and this one did not disappoint! A deliciously twisted read.

Emma is invited to an exclusive luxurious resort, after her boss had to cancel her invite last minute. Emma isn't just excited for the once in a lifetime opportunity at the amazing resort. She is also thrilled to have to chance to write a tell-all article about the über rich and famous guests. However, the long weekend vacation is not the blissful getaway Emma imagined. The weekend quickly turn into a nightmarish ordeal. Emma is determined to use her journalist skills to figure out what is happening. But will she be able to figure everything out before she is caught as the journalist? Or will Emma become a victim?

I do not want to say too much more about the plot as things turn crazy pretty quickly and it is best to go in blind. It is a really quick and easy read. I loved all the imagery and details about the beautiful resort! The plot and character development was exceptional. I could not wait to see where the novel was heading - and it did indeed take many surprise turns!

The ending was CRAZY. It is definitely going to be on my mind for a while....I was kept guessing "whodunit" until the epilogue, which is rare for a book! Every time I thought I had it figured out, I had a new suspect in mind.

This was my first read by SM Thomas and definitely not my last!

Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

The cover of this one instantly drew me in. Vacation thriller plus rich people dramas? Count me in. I was craving a vacation thriller and something super fast paced which this book lived up to. I flew through this book and had no idea who the mastermind was. The last line of the epilogue???? Mind completely blown. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a fantastic locked room type mystery/thriller set in a high-end resort on remote island. My favorite kind of read leading up to the summer! I loved everything about this

Vacation gone wrong. Quick and enjoyable read. Gave it 4 stars because I felt like there were some holes in the plot. Overall would recommend.

Emma receives an exclusive invitation to a luxurious island resort, courtesy of her boss Rebecca. Excited but with ulterior motives, Emma plans to write an expose on the elite guests. However, her dream vacation turns into a nightmare as she uncovers a sinister plot lurking beneath the resort's opulence. Emma must navigate dangerous secrets and decide if revealing the truth is worth risking her life in a game of power and deception.

This book is one of those where your opinion of "Who done it" will shift throughout the entire story. Every time I had a theory, I thought the ending was obvious. I was wrong, again, and again, and again.

Once the plot starts moving, it doesn't stop. You'll be sucked in, unable to put it down until you finish. The writing is streamlined, without a lot of fluff and very easy to read.

Wow! What a page turner from the very beginning! The first page really sets the scene for the creepy ambiance of the rest of the novel. Whilst you know from the first couple of pages in the novel where this will end, you can’t help but hope that it won’t.

The story revolves around Emma, the Narrator of the story, an assistant who is sent instead of her Boss, to an exclusive, once in a life time holiday, to a new private resort. Amongst the other guests are a famous actor, seedy politician, mega influencer, billionaire and famous tv host. Whilst you can’t help but engrossed in the story, Emma is a pretty unlikeable character that is difficult to connect to, yet it does not take away from the pace or desire to navigate the clues with Emma as to who is responsible for what transpires.

I was still not fixed who the true villain was until the very end, and this novel keeps you guessing until the very last paragraph. Like me, I bet you reread the epilogue more than once. Recommend this as a solid airport read.

Thank you to the Author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read, review and give my honest opinion of this ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Emma is pretending to be rich to fit in with everyone on this private island in hopes of writing a story comparing their lives… but everyone around her is dying.

This book was easy to read and left me wanting more and more at the end of each chapter. The pace was fast, the action was packed, and the twists were not easily predictable. I wanted more descriptions of the private island written in the story to give it more scenery but the action made up for that.

Emma didn’t act like the typical dumb main character of a thriller. She was almost likable but she kept making it known to the reader that she was so different from the rich and she’s so poor.

The epilogue blew my mind I did not see that coming and my jaw dropped.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and S.M. Thomas for this ARC of Long Weekend

Long Weekend by SM Thomas was a great quick and easy read especially as its a great holiday read.

WoW! An exclusive invitation to a luxurious island resort, this should be the holiday of a lifetime for Emma. But beneath the lavish settings and indulgent amenities, lies a sinister plot waiting to be uncovered. This sounds so good and it was excellent!

When, Emma's boss, Rebecca, gifted her the golden ticket to Hotel Horizons grand opening, Emma has her own agenda - to write a tell-all article about the rich and famous guests. But, little did she know, this weekend would become a nightmare she never could have imagined...............Emma starts to look deeper into secrets of the elite, and she realises she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

Will she uncover the truth and make her mark as a journalist, or will she become the next victim in this twisted game of power and deception?

This book was a great page turner and ended up reading it all afternoon - well the weather outside was horrible - so this book was a lovely find.

I highly recommend this book.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially BooksGoSocial for my ARC.

Emma accepts a vacation offer from her boss to stay at an all-inclusive resort on a private island. She’s getting fed up with how her boss treats her and refuses to compensate her fairly. Emma is going to use this weekend to write a story exposing the rich. There she meets five wealthy guests she doesn’t fit in with; They are Penny, Fiona, Robert, Lucas, and Michael. Emma tries her best to fit in and keep up with her lie. Then the guests start dropping like flies.

I wish there was more of a description of the resort itself. The story went right into the guests sharing drinks together to the first person ending up dead. The story was told from the perspective of the person who left behind their journal. Overall, I was kept on my toes, anxious to see who was behind all the chaos. The killings themselves didn’t make much sense and seemed to lack motive. The lack of security and authorities during this disaster did not add up for me even after finding out who was involved. Also, I thought it was strange to include the main character (Emma) so focused on a hook up while people around her are dying. There wasn’t too much character development, and the characters weren’t incredibly likeable. The epilogue and twists were jaw dropping, but disappointingly, the ending seemed a bit rushed and I was still left with questions. Overall, I did enjoy this book; short, thrilling, and it kept me engaged.

Thank you NetGalley and AR Hurne Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Six individuals are invited to enjoy a weekend on a private island to celebrate Hotel Horizen resort's grand opening. These individuals are not your average folk- Fiona Appleton's family owns the largest money printing press in the world, Robert Castro is a famous actor, hailing from a family of famous actors, Lucas Jones is the most watched person on the internet, Penny Atwell made her name as the most successful tv host, Michael Samson, a politician, and Rebecca Marsh, who comes from money. When Rebecca isn't able to attend, she gifts her employee, Emma Jones with the invitation to go in her place. Emma is excited by this opportunity, because not only would she never be able to afford something of this expense, but she sees it as the perfect opportunity to kickstart her career as a journalist. She has a plan to write about the lifestyle divide between those with wealth & those without, the difference between the rich and poor.
When Emma arrives at Hotel Horizen, all is not what it seems. Suspicions arise almost the second she steps foot on the resort, and things really start taking a turn when people start dropping like flies.
This was a really enjoyable book, with twists that'll leave you questioning a different potential killer each time! I suspected the killer correctly early on in the book, however the very end had my jaw drop! Completely nutty, but I loved it!

Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and SM Thomas for this thrilling read!

This book kept me intrigued the whole time . Every time I thought I knew who had done it, the book would take a turn and I was back to square one. The epilogue wrapped the book up nicely and left me shocked. If you enjoy a good psychological thriller this is the book for you. Many thanks to NetGalley for this advanced read.

This book is told in a unique way. The first chapter is a letter from Emma’s attorney stating that this is the first and only time Emma will tell her story. It started off the book with me wondering what happened to Emma and why was her attorney sending this out? Was Emma in jail, on trial, or accused of something? It started the book on a mysterious tone.

The story that follows is a locked room thriller with famous people visiting a pre opening of a new hotel. When the first body is found things quickly change. I loved the fast pace of this book and the constant guessing of what was going to happen next and who was behind it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books that keep you guessing until the very last page!

I have not read the vacation-gone-wrong trope before and I found it very interesting. This book truly had me left in the dark until the end, I didn’t know what to expect.

This book is from the perspective of Emma’s journal of the weekends accounts and you really got to know her and try piece everything together with her. It’s about a long weekend stay at a super fancy resort set on a small private island.

You get to know the characters but Emma still is an outsider and left in the dark. She only knows what she knows by doing her research and using her smarts.

There was definitely an ominous vibe about the island when she arrives as everyone kept saying she should not be there setting the tone that she was to witness bad things.

I could truly not figure out who was behind the whole ordeal as there was always a piece of the story that did not add up. Once you read the ending it all made sense. My thoughts trying to figure things out kept me second guessing who I thought it was so it kept me intrigued and fascinated with the book.

I did not really like any of the characters too much as Emma couldn’t figure things out and kept seconding guessing herself. I guess she became the most human of the group who showed the most emotions. She didn’t want to make any wrong choices. I wish we got to hear her side of the story at the very end to see what she was thinking about again.

I didn’t like how the person responsible ended up getting away with everything and then running.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for this advance copy. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me up all night reading, I just could not stop!

I thought I had this all figured out.... until I didn't.

Long Weekend

Im sure you have read a similar description before, "a mysterious invitation to an exclusive and luxurious island". I promise you, you will be wrong. Long Weekend, is like nothing I have ever read before and being a self proclaimed thriller book lover enthusiast, I have read them all.

The twists felt like whiplash, coming in faster than I could anticipate.

Secrets, lies, deceit...

This book has it all.

Check out this teaser :

An exclusive invitation to a luxurious island resort should be the holiday of a lifetime for Emma. But beneath the lavish settings and indulgent amenities, lies a sinister plot waiting to be uncovered.

Emma's boss, Rebecca, gifted her the ticket to Hotel Horizen's grand opening, but Emma has her own agenda - to write a tell-all article about the rich and famous guests. Little did she know, this weekend would become a nightmare she never could have imagined.

As she delves deeper into the secrets of the elite, Emma realises she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Will she uncover the truth and make her mark as a journalist, or will she become the next victim in this twisted game of power and deception?

An exclusive invitation to a luxurious island resort should be the holiday of a lifetime for Emma. But beneath the lavish settings and indulgent amenities, lies a sinister plot waiting to be uncovered.

Emma's boss, Rebecca, gifted her the ticket to Hotel Horizen's grand opening, but Emma has her own agenda - to write a tell-all article about the rich and famous guests. Little did she know, this weekend would become a nightmare she never could have imagined.

As she delves deeper into the secrets of the elite, Emma realises she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Will she uncover the truth and make her mark as a journalist, or will she become the next victim in this twisted game of power and deception?

Holy plot twists. SM Thomas knocked this book out of the park. From start to finish, I was enthralled with Emma's story. Cannot wait to read more from the author.

twisty and engaging! had me hooked on from beginning to end! and with that epilogue im absolutely shook along with all expectations of any future detective work out the window! loved loved loved this!

lots of twists in this book and great detail in the scenery so it was easy imagine everything. Really enjoyed and the plot. edge of the seat thriller.

I loved this book! I was genuinely petrified of all of the characters (which is very rare for me when reading!) - I loved how it was through Emma’s eyes and the way she experienced and wrote everything. The epilogue was incredible and so haunting.

great plot with realistic characterization and entertainment value. The plot moves at a fast pace and is combined with a writing style that provides vivid mental pictures of the characters and settings without being overly tedious. I enjoyed the book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars due to the issues I mentioned above. I recommend the book to those who enjoy intense reads and aren't bothered by detestable characters and violence.

Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I was honestly scared of all of the characters. I liked how it was through Emma’s eyes and the way she experienced and wrote everything. The epilogue was phenomenal and haunting.

Is there any way to bottle up the feeling you get when you read about a reality show on an island and things go wrong? It seems to be the sub-genre I’ve been reading the most this year. Locked door books do something to me, this one for sure didn’t disappoint. I felt like h was in a bush near by snooping on the characters.

The twists keep you turning the pages so you can find out what’s going on. and if the main character is going to be found out.

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and SM Thomas for an eARC for a honest review of the book.

"Long Weekend" by SM Thomas is a story for fans of the vacation-gone-wrong trope. I was excited to dive into this book and wasn't disappointed. The story is told through Emma's journal entries, providing a unique perspective on the unfolding events.
From the moment Emma arrives at Hotel Horizon, a luxurious resort on a private island, she senses that something is off. The atmosphere is tense, and the staff seems to be watching her every move. As she begins to investigate the rich and famous guests, she realizes that she may have bitten off more than she can chew.
I was hooked from the start, trying to piece together the clues with Emma as she navigates the complex web of secrets and lies. The characters are well-written, but I didn't particularly like any of them - including Emma. She's relatable in her struggles to figure out what's going on and her desire to make the right choices, but her indecisiveness made me want to scream at times.
The suspense is expertly crafted, with just enough hints and red herrings to keep me guessing until the very end. I was constantly second-guessing myself about who was behind the sinister plot, and my mind was racing with theories and suspects.
Unfortunately, the ending left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I wish we had gotten more insight into Emma's thoughts and feelings after everything went down. The abrupt conclusion felt a bit rushed, and I was left wondering what would happen next.

Overall, "Long Weekend" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoy suspenseful stories with complex characters and unexpected twists, this book is definitely worth checking out.

This was a great book. I was really hoping Emma would have her fun weekend but things don't always go as planned. Great twists. That ending though. I'll be looking for more books from this author.

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This book is told in a unique way. The first chapter is a letter from Emma’s attorney stating that this is the first and only time Emma will tell her story. It started off the book with me wondering what happened to Emma and why was her attorney sending this out? Was Emma in jail, on trial, or accused of something? It started the book on a mysterious tone.

The story that follows is a locked room thriller with famous people visiting a pre opening of a new hotel. When the first body is found things quickly change. I loved the fast pace of this book and the constant guessing of what was going to happen next and who was behind it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books that keep you guessing until the very last page!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this title. Sometimes you just need to get lost in the world of a book and this one definitely did that for me! It felt like I was in a movie. So fun.

Absolutely loved this book, the way the story unfolded was amazing, all the characters were so relatable and you really felt you were along with them on this trip. It had everything you wanted in a brilliant who done it . Kept you guessing to the very end of who was the guilty person . Even to the last few pages you were shocked. Really highly recommend this book as a must read.

This book hooked me from the beginning. Celebrities, secret journalism, murder! What else could anyone want?!

I do think the ending felt a bit rushed but overall I really enjoyed it.

This was a twisty and engaging book! It had many twists and turns! Lots of intrigue and mystery! I definitely recommend it as a gripping thriller!