Unfortunately I didnt connect with this book. I just couldnt connect to the characters. I also guessed the ending and that was disappointing for me.

Was it a perfect getaway or a perfect nightmare I will let you decide. This was a breathtaking thriller that had me gripped instantly. The twists and turns were crazy and this was one hell of a rollercoaster and that ending won’t be easy to forget. The writing style was great, and easy to follow I love the dual POV in this one! Highly recommend.

I have previously read quite a few books by John Nicholl, and some of them are creepy and dark and give you a sense of unease, in a gripping way. But this one didn't have quite the same affect for me.

I really didn't like either of the main characters at all, the Husband and Wife both had their faults. And the things she put up with and just put up with were crazy, but then I guess some peoples religion does win over in these situations.

It was still a good story and I liked the twists in it, I just didn't enjoy it as much as John's previous books. But this wouldn't stop me reaching for the next, as I do still enjoy them.

Thank you Netgalley, John Nicholl and Boldwood Books for the eArc of The Holiday.

This is one of the first books Ive picked up of John Nicholls and even though the synopsis grabbed me, the story didn't so much. It does however tackle psychological relationship issues, Extremist Catholicism and boundaries. I found it hard to bond with both characters of this narrative and didn't really like them either ( I normally enjoy unlikable characters ) I did finish this book and unfortunately didn't deliver as much as I wanted.
3 stars

Husbands and wives go through hard patches but it is their commitment to get back to the good times that makes a good marriage. When George and his wife (the narrator) embark on a holiday to repair their fractured marriage they have much to work through. It seems that their troubles might be past them when they get on the plane but things quickly unravel.

Was looking forward to this one, having read John Nicol before. The synopsis was intriguing and I thought id love this one, however it wasn't quite what I had expected and didn't grab me. I did still enjoy reading.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review

This was a sad book. I really felt for the wife as her husband could not stand her. It was sad how it ended. But a good read you won't put down.

Found this book a bit hard going to start but as I have enjoyed every other David Nicholl book persevered and I’m so glad I did as was a great story. Highly recommend

This is such a hard review for me to write as John Nicholl is one of my favourite authors.
But The Holiday just didn't do it for me and it's with a heavy heart I leave this review.

Unfortunately for me right from the very start I just didn't like the characters or where this book was going.
Normally I don't mind that Nicholl pushes through the boundaries, it's what I've grown to love about his books.
But the main character's derogatory behaviour right from the get go, and his constant need to put his wife down for miscarriages just didn't sit right with me. But then again neither main character was particularly likeable or had any redeeming qualities.

Normally with Nicholls books you get a sense of unease straight away. But to be honest I had no idea where this book was going and even if it was a thriller.

Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me.
It definitely hasn't put me off reading Nicholls books again. Please don't let this review stop you from reading The Holiday or his other works. I look forward to picking up his next book.

A quick read by a new author for me. I didn't love this book, despite the description which I thought intriguing. All the characters were so unpleasant/evil, and I did guess where it was going but I did think they ending was quite abrupt.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return fr an honest review

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book. But truth be told the characters were so insufferable. What kind of man can go through life hating everything about a woman that seemed at most somewhat annoying? And what kind of woman is so dumb, that she’d let blind faith confine her forever to a horrendous man under the guise of a catholic gods will and way?

As a catholic, the religion portrayed was extremist behavior at best description. I’m not sure what George’s past with the church had much to do with the storyline aside from his reasoning of not going to church (which, fine understood. You’re still a terrible, cheating, gambling, horrible husband?)

The only good that came from this was that it was predictable so I could skim a lot of the inner monologue and that George and suzie both got to end their horrible lives in some way or another.

A compelling story, the author delivers a mind-bending ending that is the signature mark for his books. The surprising twists to the narrative make me excited to read each book he writes. The character development is complex, multi dimensional, and expertly executed. A deep connection to them builds tension to the plot. It was unique and captivating, grabbing my attention from beginning to end. He is an author who is on my auto buy list. A must-read for every thriller fan

I loved this book even though all characters were so unpleasant/evil. I did think they ending was quite abrupt but that didn't stop it being a five star read. An author to add to my favourites list
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return fr an honest review

After reading the description for this book I was excited to read it. However when I was reading I didn't find it was what I'd thought it would be. A good read but what you'd expect.

This was a book which focused on the psychology of its central characters - Suzie and George. Their marriage was falling apart and a trip seems like the perfect solution to bond again. But what happened in this trip was something Suzie never thought would happen!

I was curious to read this book as soon as I saw its blurb. It had a promising storyline and I wanted to know what happened during the trip. The book followed a medium pace until the last few chapters, where the story suddenly shifted to a fast pace.

Each of the character who were discussed in this book were of a grey nature. Suzie's overly religious behaviour tended to be problematic while George's wavering attention on women made him a person no one could trust. Their relationship wasn't build on trust which further caused hardships to the lives of both of these characters.

As for the ending, the book had a sudden ending but the reasons behind the actions of certain characters seem to not have been explained properly. Overall it is a book that is best for those who prefer character driven stories.

George and Suzie are on a holiday she chose. George has a wandering eye. Suzie knows this. They are married because she was pregnant. They lost the baby and Suzie won't divorce him because she is Catholic. She only does things if her father approves. She won a lot of money and controls George. It is a terrible marriage. The ending is interesting. I didn't care about either of them. The holiday wasn't that great a vacation.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

I am unsure what I thought of The Holiday. I thought the storyline was good and it did keep me turning the pages but I disliked every single character which made it a struggle to care what happened to them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'The Holiday' by John Nicholl.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for John Nicholl, Boldwood Books, Bold Book Club, Book And Tonic and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.

Publication date 22nd February 2024

This is the ninth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Killing Evil' and 'The Doctor' (First book in the 'Dr David Galbraith' series) and 'The Wife' (Second book in the Dr Galbrailth series), 'The Father' (Third book in the Dr Galbraith series), 'The Carmarthen Murders' (First book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series) , 'The Tywi Estuary Killings' (Second book in the 'Carmarthen Crime' series), 'The Bride' and 'The Cellar'. I would highly recommend each and every one of them!!

This novel consists of 36 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

OMG!!!! Yet another fantastic success by John!! What a read!! Just Wow!!! This is one of the best psychological thrillers and series I have read in a long time,in fact that I have ever read!!!

Clear your schedules before picking this up because you won't be able to put it down!!

The storyline is absolutely addictive and gripping. I seriously WOULD NOT even start this book unless you have cleared your schedule because you will not be able to put it down!!! I absolutely blew through it in one sitting and it genuinely was unputdownable!!! A true page turner absolutely rammed with suspense, twists and everything you want when you read a psychological thriller. This would be absolutely amazing if turned into a movie, if done right of course!!! This is an absolutely gripping and addictive storyline.

Yet another absolutely gripping and addictive page turner from John Nicholl. I have yet to come across one of his books that I don't absolutely love!! This dark psychological thriller has the perfect amount of suspense, mystery and tension to keep you absolutely hooked throughout!! I love the fact that this book has sections based in Ferryside which is literally 5/10 minutes away from me by car. The beautiful village I live in, Kidwelly , also gets several mentions!!! The fact that I recognised so many places really brought the story to life. John really describes Ferryside and the surrounding area perfectly and even when this book is filled with crime and murder he manages to portray the beauty of local areas. I love that John mentions the vegetarian cafe on Merlins Lane in Carmarthen (Waverley Stores & Vegetarian Cafe in anybody is interested to know what it is called and wants to visit themselves). I'm looking forward to my own visit there are my mouth watered from John's description of the vegan mushroom burger!!! The storyline is absolutely ram packed with suspense, tension, and everything you could ask for in an addictive psychological page turner!! In this fantastic book we meet Suzie and her husband George who are off on holiday which Suzie hopes will help their marriage. Suzie comes from a very religious family and has recently come into money which George is desperate to get his hands on but has been told by Suzie that he needs to learn his lesson and pay his debts off first plus her father will not allow it. Suzie is very much controlled by her religion as well as her father. George is getting fed up of being treated like a child and only being allowed 'pocket money'. They meet Amelia on holiday who Suzie really connects with and sees as a friend. With a very religious woman, a cheating and conniving husband and a beautiful woman what can go wrong? We'll grab your copy of this epic page turner from this fantastic author to find out!! I can't go spoiling it for future readers now can I? I found the storyline to be unique which always a bonus with so many crime novels around it can get frustrating reading similar story lines constantly. I absolutely loved the ending which was an absolutely fantastic and unexpected twist that I would have never seen coming!!! I think I'll have to leave this here as I don't want to risk giving anything away but needless to say this book is an absolute must read with an unexpected ending. I would love to see this turned into a movie!! Every one of John's books have had me addicted from start to finish and are filled with dislikeable characters, suspense and more and this one is no different!!! Yet another huge success by the fabulous John!! Congratulations!

This storyline is based on the three main characters Suzie, George and Amelia. Suzie and George are husband and wife and they meet Amelia on holidays. I must admit that all of these characters were unique, realistic, well developed but also unlikeable for a variety of reasons, some more than others. I sometimes struggle with books where I dislike the characters but in the case of John's fantastic novels this is never the case!! There was a variety of reasons I didn't like them but I need to be careful that I do not give any of the storyline away and spoil it for future readers so I will try to say as much as I can without giving anything away. My heart did go out to Suzie who absolutely did not deserve to be stuck with George who is an absolute slime-bag (and more but I will get banned from several places saying what i really feel). Suzie's father is also a horrid person and her mother is a push over. In fact apart from the police towards the end of the book I think the only other character I liked was Suzie's sister Isobel who was more strong willed than Suzie and didn't take rubbish from her father. Although I did feel sorry for Suze at the same time she is an extremely vulnerable, gullible, naive and irritating woman. She is in her 20's but still does exactly what her father says and kept putting up with George's behaviour time and time using God and the fact that he 'is her cross to bear' as an excuse. I am not religious but will never judge anyone for their beliefs but at the same time I believe Suzie just used it more as an excuse. regardless, she didn't deserve what she was going through at all. The fact that she also revealed the only was George would get her money was a very dull thing to do and I found myself screaming at the book at her time and time again!! As for George well he is just a sickening, chauvinistic, bullying, gaslighting nasty piece of work and I had no sympathy at all even with what happened to him which he used as an excuse, what happened was not right and was disgraceful and nobody should ever go through that but top use it as an excuse for the way he was, not happening!!! Although Amelia is a main character I am not going to say anything about her as its not possible without giving anything away. The other characters I want to mention are two I previously met who are DS Laura Kesey and DS Raymond Lewis who we meet towards the end of this book, in previous books by this fantastic author and I was pleased to "meet" them again. Detective Sergeant Laura Kesey who was another huge part of the team is very likeable and hard working and I do enjoy meeting her whenever I come across her in one of John's books. I also loved Ray who I have also met previously and who made me laugh a few times. He reminded me of Detective Inspector Gareth Gravel from the 'Dr Galbraith' and 'Carmarthen Crime' series by John although not quite as big an attitude problem!! I would love to meet Ray and Laura time and again and time again as they are two of those characters that will stay with you well after finishing the book and have become a big part of John's books for me. All the characters are realistic and strong and John's vivid and evocative descriptions make them leap out of the pages. Regardless of whether you love or hate them these characters worked perfectly to make this book absolutely unputdownable and I cannot wait to get stuck into John's next book which is guaranteed to be another explosive page turner!!

I really cannot compliment and recommend this book more. It is a heart racing, nail biting, suspense packed psychological thriller that will stay with you for one hell of a long time.

Congratulations John on yet another absolutely addictive nail biting edge of your seat novel. This is exactly why you are my favourite male author!! As always I'm looking forward to reading your next page turner and success 🥂 !!!

Overall another unputdownable, gripping and addictive psychological thriller by the King of Crime John Nicholl!!!

273 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon at the time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Two people who absolutely should not be together. Suzie, heartbroken after losing two babies, completely reliant on her Catholic faith, her domineering father and anxiety pills. George, her cheating husband, only staying until he can get his hands on her £1million premium bond win which fortunately Suzie’s father has advised her to keep safe and away from the man who has already lost all his money gambling. She has paid for a 5-star luxury holiday, jetting off from Wales to Tenerife, hoping it will bring about a reconciliation and another pregnancy. Not much hope there, as George is already eyeing up a beautiful woman on the plane and wastes no time finding women in the hotel. George has demons of his own after suffering abuse at the hands of his mother and his priest but this in no way excuses the dark thoughts he harbours about his wife. The tension is palpable right from the start as Suzie and the beautiful woman, Amelia, become friends and George plots the best way to become a millionaire. Just who in her troubled life can Suzie really trust?
George is a totally repulsive entitled slimeball and Suzie is a victim of controlling behaviour from her parents, her priest and of course George. I didn’t really like Suzie as much as I thought I ought to like her which left me a little underinvested in what happened to her. The plot, although a bit predictable in places, has plenty of twists and shock moments in it and a cracking ending, and also a nice appearance from an old favourite, DI Laura Kesey. An enjoyable read to keep the pages turning in a carefully crafted story of suspense and murder. 4.5*

George and Suzie are going on holiday. Suize the one that has the money booked the trip. Suzie brings up her money any chance she gets. What she buys and how expensive these items cost. She won't allow George any control over the money. He was a gambler and has bets to pay that she won't help him pay. She doesn't even want to give the money to him if she were to pass away
Geroge and Suzie should just get a divorce. But Suzie wants a baby and doesn't believe in divorce. George just wants money. He doesn't want a relationship with her
Perhaps it would be better if Suzie was dead. Geroge is sure he will get the money by default of being her husband
This is the only way