Motivational speaker and mental health guru Tom Wade was nicknamed the Soul Shrink on social media for his ability to heal trauma. After two people died at one of his popular spiritual retreats in Gozo, his career was destroyed and he was jailed. Now, two years on, Tom has been released and plans to hold another retreat, this time in Snowdonia. Fran’s younger sister, Jenna, disappeared at the tragic Gozo retreat and now she wants to know the truth about what happened.

Although this story is told from multiple points of view, the main protagonist is Fran. Fran is an IT teacher in her fifties who is struggling after Jenna’s disappearance and presumed suicide. She has intense feelings of guilt after she brushed her sister off during their last conversation and she wishes she could make things right. Fran is a prickly character and her bluntness adds some humour to scenes throughout the book. The last thing she wants is to be near the man she blames for her sister’s death but after being emotionally blackmailed by her controlling mother, she agrees to attend Tom’s new retreat in an attempt to find out what happened to Jenna.

Kate, Tom’s wife, is ambitious and ruthless. She is determined to help make Soul Shrink a success and move on from the controversy caused by Tom’s prison sentence. She is constantly paranoid about her and Tom's lives being shattered again and is determined not to let anyone take away what she has rebuilt.

The past timeline of this story is told from Jenna's perspective. It gives some background to the tragic events that happened in Gozo and further explores Jenna's character. Both timelines are interesting and as some of the past characters also appear in the present timeline, it helps the reader to learn more about them.

The real strength of this novel is the attention to character development. Each character is drawn in such depth and even minor characters feel realistic and nuanced. Each person has complex motivations for their actions and although some of the characters are unlikeable, the reader can see how they became that way.

The plot is not disadvantaged by the character-driven nature of this book. The chapters are short, full of twists and turns, characters lying to one another and unsettling events that raise a number of questions. Several themes add depth to the narrative: toxic family relationships, mental health and emotional exploitation are all explored here. I have read some of C L Taylor’s previous novels and enjoyed them and this new release didn’t disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

This is a story that flicks between past with Jenna when she arrives at the retreat in Gonzo and present day with her sister Fran joining a retreat run by the same people but this time in Wales. I liked the difference between the two settings as it goes to show you don’t need to travel abroad for stunning views.

The retreat is ran by Tom and Kate. Tom has not long got out of prison and is struggling with events from the past. You can tell that Kate is very much the driving force behind the retreat and she is hell determined in making sure that everything goes well, as well as getting some much needed money in the bank.

Over the course of the story we get to know some of the characters at the retreats better. They aren’t the most likable of characters. I was kind of suspicious about quite a few of them. It all adds to the suspense though of what really did happen to Jenna of which there were some good twists that I definitely didn’t see coming.

Her Last Holiday is a book that has it all. Scenic locations, a gripping storyline and unexpected twists and turns. All in all it makes it an unputdownable read as I raced through it to see just what did happen to Jenna. Another great read from the queen of psychological thrillers.

I really enjoyed this book - I was hooked from the outset. The plot moved quickly and the characters draw you in

I have come to expect something special from this author and I’m glad to say that this definitely did not disappoint. The plot was good and the story just kept giving. It goes between two sisters, Fran and Jenna, one who has disappeared, presumed a suicide, and the other trying to find out the truth, especially when she is told it was murder. All the characters are well thought out and have their own personalities. Their mother Geraldine is a nightmare! There are quite a few twists, red herrings and I was kept guessing right through. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t stop reading. Thank you NetGalley.

I loved this book, I absolutely couldn't put it down and finished it in less than a day! I had read a few of the authors books a few years ago and enjoyed them, and this was no different. The chapters were told in multiple points of view and were short which left me flipping the pages and unable to stop. I was always disappointed when one chapter ended and it flipped to another POV, but only because each chapter left me wanting more of that character's story. I would finish Jenna's chapter to move on to Fran's wanting more of Jenna's story but then at the end of Fran's story wanting more or hers, it was a vicious cycle(in a good way). Highly recommend this book for a quick/fast paced read with well written characters

I need to circle back to the few books that I missed!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon for this advanced reading copy

This story is about Fran who is looking into the disappearance of her sister while on a retreat in Gozo where two other people had died.
I usually enjoy C.L. Taylor’s books and I was delighted to receive an advance copy of her new book Her Last Holiday.
Unfortunately the use of swearing affected my enjoyment of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this book but I just didn't care about Tom or Fran or her sister. I skipped the middle 100 pages as I wasn't enjoying it/engrossed by it, although I did want to find out what happened in the end. Many readers rave about this author and I'm sure they are all right! I just can't 'gel' with the plots, characters and outcomes... Don't let this put you off, I just have to leave honest, personal reviews!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Fran is a school teacher in her early fifties. Her Mother still controls aspects of her life. Her sister, Jenna, disappeared almost 3 years ago whilst on a retreat overseas and is presumed to have committed suicide. On that same retreat, two other participants died and the organiser, Tom, was jailed for his part in their deaths.

Tom has now been released from prison and his wife Kate wants to recreate the brand they started and organise more seminars and retreats. Fran’s Mother, Geraldine, gets wind of this and emotionally blackmails Fran into attending the next retreat in Wales in order to try to find out what Tom knows about Jenna’s disappearance. Fran does so incognito but will she discover the truth about her sister or is she in danger herself?

Another fantastic book by C.L. Taylor and one I stayed up until the wee small hours to finish. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A clever use of two time sequences, unreliable narrators and intriguing characters kept me glued to this novel. Fran is seeking the real answer to how her sister died at a retreat and the only way to get to the truth is for Fran to go undercover at a follow up retreat run by the same two people with several of the same attendees. Fran quickly discovers she is not prepared for this emotional coaster roller and is completely overwhelmed with grief, anger and fear yet stays as she promised her mother. A massive twist happens and the answers are satisfying, unexpected and thoroughly surprising.

I have read a few of C.L.Taylors books and have loved them. I got stuck into this one and it was so easy to get settled in. The story flowed, nice short chapters and easy to get to know who was who. The only thing I think that was different in this one compared to the rest was the ending, it wasn't what I was expecting and think was totally different to how her other books have gone. It was a nice change and changed my views on a few characters as well

You know how some people watch horror movies because they like yelling at the screen, telling the bimbo not to do the really stupid thing she's absolutely going to do anyway? Yeah, I don't know anyone who does that with books.

This was an exceptional book surrounding the death of Jenna at a SoulShrink retreat on the island of Gozo. The storyline was extremely captivating and the pace was steady until we ventured further into the dark and twisted chapters once the pace was set. The book allows us into the lives of Jenna, her sister Fran and Kate, Toms wife’s. Who is Tom I hear you ask. He is the lynchpin that holds it all together. We are party to events on Gozo two years previously and also the present day when Fran attends another SoulShrink retreat in North Wales to try and find out what actually led to the death of her sister. This was a very refreshing book to read, so different, thankfully, to the masses that are published at the moment where the prologue features a young woman who is held captive, is beaten and in hiding, is running away, the list could go on and on, and publishers try to entice us in by constantly telling us that if we enjoyed Gone Girl or Girl on a Train, then we will enjoy this too. Such a relief to escape from all that and immerse oneself into this brilliant piece of writing. When is her next one due out, I need more by this incredible author.

Fran’s sister is missing presumed dead. Jenna disappeared three years ago following a retreat in Malta. Fran has felt guilt since about not being there when her sister needed her. When their domineering mother sees a retreat run by the same organisation, she forces Fran to go with a view to finding out what she can about the disappearance.
And so, the madness begins. Kate and Tom, who run the company have their issues with each other and everyone else. This is the first retreat in three years, and she needs it to go well. Fran soon realises the dangers involved in the outdoor trust exercises and is struggling to get any of the information she came for.
There is never a dull moment in Her Last Holiday. If you need to wonder if any of this story is likely, then you are reading the wrong book. That said, it is well written and well researched, just in the event that this series of events could actually occur. I enjoyed the ride and am grateful to Netgalley UK and Avon Books UK

What a great read! I've come to expect solid storylines and well woven threads throughout from C.L. Taylor and this book did not disappoint. The right amount of mystery, thriller and intrigue to create a very enjoyable 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I've read a few of this author's books now and always enjoy them. Good plots and a fast pace are standard and this is no exception but I found the ending a bit rushed and unsatisfactory this time. Too many loose ends that I wanted answered, in particular what happened to two of the main characters.
Not my favourite but still a good read.

During a spiritual retreat hosted by the enigmatic SoulShrink Tom Wade, two people die and one goes missing. This terrible tragedy lands Tom in jail.
Fran's sister, Jenna, is the one who went missing, and Fran blames herself for not being there for her emotionally fragile sister. Maybe if she had been, Jenna wouldn't have went on the retreat.

Two years later, Tom is released from prison and hosting another spiritual retreat.
Due to her mother's insistence and the weight of her own guilt, Fran decides to join the retreat and find out exactly what happened to Jenna all those years ago.

This story is more than meets the eye!
I thought it'd be a fast-paced psychological thriller about a charismatic cult leader. And while it is, it's so much more meaningful than that. It was also a poignant exploration of emotional manipulation, toxic family relationships and acceptance.

But perhaps the most captivating aspect of this story is the rich and complex characterization. All the characters (including side characters) are well displayed with strong emotional depth and character growth.

This is the most well-written and engaging book I've read in awhile.
Highly recommend for fans of psychological thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy C.L Taylor books and yet to read one I didn’t enjoy so I was eagerly looking forward to this one. Another excellent gripping novel that will have you racing through the pages to find out what is going to happen.

Fran’s sister Jenna disappeared two years ago on a wellness retreat in Gozo that went terribly wrong. The man behind the retreats, Tom Wade was recently released from prison after serving his sentence for the deaths of two people. But he has never let on what happened to the third victim, Jenna.

Fran is desperate to uncover the truth and books herself onto the retreat under a pseudonym so that she can come face to face with Tom Wade and find out what really happened to her sister. There is a lot of emotion surrounding the events of two years ago and a desire for the truth to remain hidden.

The only question is, will she escape the retreat alive? Or does someone out there want Jenna’s secrets to stay hidden?

The 400 pages in this book go so quickly due to the fact you will be unable to put the book down. Fascinating characters, good twists and a suspenseful finale.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is my very first waltz with the author! Suspicious deaths, missing sister at a wellness retreat, mental gurus or charlatans with deep secrets, dysfunctional family members who are obsessed to know what really happened the daughter/ sister, narrated by three different vivid women characters, alternating between past and present: this formula truly worked for me!

Here are our three POVs: middle aged Fran is still haunted from her sister’s memory who has been missing for two years. She attended to wellness retreat in Gozo but so many things went dangerously wrong! Thanks to the pressure and guilt tripping of her miserable parents who lost rest of their sanities after sudden disappearance of their young daughter, Fran attends to the same retreat because the same health guru couple Tom and Kate reopen the place after Tom has been set free from two years long prison time.

As she digs more about the past, she gets more tangle into web of lies. ( did I tell you there were so many spooky supporting characters in this book act like innocent but keeping their own secret agendas to themselves?)

Jenna is the sweet sister who attended the retreat where so many strange and unexplainable things started to occur incessantly as like she’s been trapped into a classic claustrophobic Christie story!

And Kate is the wife and resilient assistant of Tom who tries to keep together after murder accusations ruined their lives financially and mentally. She works hard to manage their ruined reputation but it’s not gonna be so easy and her lovely husband is not such a good help when he’s still stuck with the memories of Jenna.

You keep asking yourself as you observe several counseling sessions of these health gurus: are they conmen or are they really talented soul shakers who help the people get through their mental problems?

Both of the characters keep secrets and as they discover more lies of each other’s, they never hesitate to use them as leverage. It was a truly entertaining to be witnessed of their power game as if watching a challenging tennis game !

Overall: it was one of my quickest read with very unique and well developed characters! I think I enjoyed spending my time in their heads more than reading the mystery part of the story!

I’m giving four mysterious, dangerous retreat, lies, games, hidden agendas, delicious twist stars!

I’m so happy this book put this brilliant author on my radar. I cannot wait to read the lord works of her.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

This book was really good. Lots of misdirection and suspense. I’m a recent reader of this author and I am going to read all the books in the back catalogue. This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites.

After Fran’s sister Jenna disappeared on a retreat in a foreign country she tried to find out what really happened. Two years later, Fran has the opportunity to go on the same retreat. Her Last Holiday is the story of how Fran tries to dig deeper into what really happened to her sister. The police said it was suicide but the actions of the retreat leaders Tom and Kate suggest they have something to hide. As Fran pieces together what happened she finds herself in a twisted web of lies and betrayals. I would recommend this book to other readers.