I think John marrs puts crack in his thrillers. The way I couldn’t out this book down! I always try to predict the ending and he always throws me off!

I am beginning to realize that John Marrs just isn't for me. I just don't care for his writing style AND THATS OK, every authors writing style won't be for every reader and that doesn't mean that I won't still recommend it! I'm sure others will still love the story! Its just not for me! I won't be requesting any more of his books though!

How far would you run to escape your past? This tense and atmospheric novel sets itself against the sun-soaked backdrop of Venice Beach, but don't be fooled—paradise comes at a price. What truly sets this story apart is its cast of eight brilliantly crafted characters. Each one is vividly drawn and easily distinguishable, with unique voices and backstories that slowly unravel as the tension builds. Their secrets are dark, their motivations complex, and watching their paths collide is as suspenseful as it is satisfying.

The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, pulling you deeper into the lives of each character with every chapter. Twists come at just the right moments, and the emotional stakes feel real. This is another great book from a fantastic and talented author!

Amazon review submitted, but not available yet.

The Vacation is another twisty, binge-worthy thriller from John Marrs. Set in a tropical hostel filled with strangers running from their pasts, this story unravels through multiple perspectives—each more unreliable than the last. Marrs does a fantastic job of building suspense while slowly revealing each character’s secrets.

The pace never really lets up, and I found myself flying through chapters just to see what would happen next. Some twists were a bit far-fetched, but honestly, they only added to the drama. This book is full of tension, morally gray characters, and a few jaw-dropping surprises.

Perfect for fans of fast-paced, character-driven thrillers. Just don’t expect a relaxing holiday…

With its short chapters and multiple perspectives, this fast-paced thriller takes readers on a wild ride through a luxury retreat gone horribly wrong. It's dark, twisty, and brimming with secrets. John Marrs definitely knows how to craft a readable story and The Vacation is a must for any fan of the author.

John Marrs never lets me down. I loved the depth of character and the intricately woven plot. It was a little long, but it felt necessary in the end. If you're looking for a slow paced thriller that makes you think then grab this one for sure. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy.

I usually really like John Marrs books but I could not for the life of me get into this one. The beginning did not hook me in and I have no desire to continue reading it.

I always enjoy a John Marrs' book, and this one was no exception. He's a great storyteller and the premise of this book was very exciting, and did not disappoint. Thank you NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for this ARC!

Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, so I'm not able to leave a review. I look forward to reading and reviewing books by this author in the future.

From the opening line, the book seized me in its relentless grip, refusing to relinquish its hold until the final, breathtaking page. This wasn't just a good thriller; it was a masterclass in suspense, a meticulously crafted engine of anxiety that left me both exhilarated and utterly drained.

The Vacation by John Marrs is a fast-paced thriller that grabs your attention from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious backpacker's hostel in Los Angeles, the story brings together a diverse cast of characters, each carrying their own secrets. Marrs masterfully weaves multiple storylines, creating a web of suspense that keeps you guessing who to trust until the very end.

The strength of the book lies in its ability to build tension and maintain a brisk pace, with short, punchy chapters that make it all too easy to say, "just one more chapter." The twists are clever and unexpected, and Marrs does a great job of exploring how far people will go to protect themselves.

The reason for the four stars instead of five? While the plot is undeniably gripping, some character motivations felt a bit underdeveloped, and a few twists leaned towards the unbelievable. However, these minor flaws didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

If you love dark thrillers packed with secrets, lies, and jaw-dropping twists, The Vacation is a wild ride worth taking!

Too many characters and flashbacks made it feel disjointed to me. It was so long and I had a hard time finishing.

John Marrs' "The Vacation" is a gripping psychological thriller that weaves together the stories of eight strangers at a run-down Venice Beach hostel. Each character carries a dark past and secrets they're desperate to escape, creating a tapestry of intrigue and suspense.

Marrs excels in character development, crafting complex and believable individuals whose stories unfold through alternating past and present perspectives. From Tommy at the hostel reception to Savannah, the daughter of a TV Reverend, each character's depth adds layers to the narrative.

The novel's strength lies in its intricate plot and Marrs' willingness to push storytelling boundaries. While the multitude of characters and their interconnected stories may challenge some readers, it ultimately creates a rich, immersive experience.

Marrs' writing style is engaging and atmospheric, effectively capturing the tension and paranoia among the characters. The Venice Beach setting adds a layer of isolation that intensifies the suspense.

The novel explores themes of identity, trust, and the human psyche, delving into issues of love, family, race, and sexuality. Marrs gradually reveals information, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout.

While some may find the pace slow at times, the payoff is worth it. The novel's twists and turns, though occasionally predictable, are balanced by Marrs' exceptional storytelling and bold narrative choices.

"The Vacation" is a testament to Marrs' growth as an author, showcasing his ability to craft a complex, multi-layered thriller that resonates long after the final page. It's a perfect read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy challenging, thought-provoking narratives

John Marrs' The Vacation offers an intriguing psychological thriller that delves into the secrets and complexities of eight strangers brought together at a run-down Venice Beach hostel. The story alternates between their past and present, weaving a web of deceit, desperation, and paranoia. While the intricate character development and bold narrative choices stand out, the plot occasionally feels predictable, and the sheer number of storylines can be overwhelming. Marrs’ immersive writing style and shocking twists keep the pages turning, but the book's complexity may not be for everyone. Overall, an ambitious and thought-provoking read that, while uneven at times, still showcases Marrs' talent for psychological suspense. Three stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

I decided to not finish this book. I felt very disengaged from the story. There were a lot of characters and they all sounded the same. The plot just didn't seem to have much happening.

Such a great and twisted read. Couldn’t put it down, had to pace myself. Love John’s writing style, this only excites me to read more by him!

I am normally not someone who likes stories with too many twists but with this author I always make an exception.

You have a backpacker’s hostel in Venice Beach, the lives of many strangers colliding and a whole heap of secrets. Some of these secrets were fun to see unravel and others delivered its intended shock value.

I enjoyed this but can definitely see how the author’s writing improved with more recent books like The One and The Passengers

Recommended for holiday reading on the beach with a cocktail in hand.

Another solid book by John Marrs. He’s always a solid read and a go to author. Thank you for the free copy!

I love novels by John Marrs and this was kept me entertained the whole way through. I loved reading and guessing what would happen next. Definitely a recommended read.

Unfortunately, this was really hard for me to get into. I didn't finish it after about 10%. It took me forever to even get to that point. The way it was formatted, I had a hard time following.