The Holiday

by John Nicholl

As I board the plane, all I can feel is hope and excitement. One whole week away. Just me and the man I have promised to be with forever. Time to repair what has been broken. Maybe even try for another baby, and pray that this time it doesn’t end heartbreakingly. I just need to not think about what George has done. He’s my husband. And this is the holiday where we make things right. But then I realise he can’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman who’s just boarded the plane in front of me… In that moment, everything changes. And nobody is safe. A gripping, twisty, breathtaking psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller

264 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2024

About the author

John Nicholl is a Welsh author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and crime novels. Born and raised in West Wales, Nicholl draws upon his experiences as a former police officer, child protection social worker, and lecturer to craft compelling narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature. His work often explores themes of justice, psychological manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Nicholl's transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.

He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood and the author John nicholl for an early copy of his book.


I've read quite a few of this authors books,I enjoy reading his crime books.my rating is 3.5 rounded to four..George and Suzie Marriage is dreadful,why are they still together.Suzie wants a child George wants her money she doesn't trust him with money,They go on a holiday for a week she finds a new friend but can she be trusted. The holiday is disaster after disaster,when they arrive home things dont approve..I thought it was quite depressing marriage. Wanted more twists as knew what was going to happen..was going to give a 3 star rating I'm still thinking about the characters after I finished reading this book...looking forward to reading more of his books.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This richly descriptive tale about a couple in a toxic relationship heading to Tenerife to get their marriage back on track was entertaining. The tension between the couple due to George’s philandering and Suzie’s windfall was well explored, the twists well plotted, and the mystery of the ‘helper’ was a great addition to the mystery.

The skillfully developed and wonderfully despicable characters had me rolling my eyes (in a good way), as did the unnecessary swearing, derogatory comments, and open-door intimacy (in a not-so-good way).

Can our pasts be erased or rewritten? Is there a way out or a way forward? Is it worth it? You’ll have to read about George and Suzie’s holiday to find out!

I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Setting ~ Canary Island (off the west coast of Africa) & Wales
Publication date ~ February 22, 2024
Est page Count ~ 273 (36 chapters)
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ insensitive references to miscarriages, references to child molestation, infidelity

Sorry to say that I did not care for this one.

If any two people should not be married it's Suzie & George. They are both so unlikable and really insufferable, truly awful. Suzie relies too heavily on her father's influence and can't make any decisions for herself. George is so full of himself and a right meany pants to Suzie, often calling her a cow and bi!ch. Talking about his fair share of her money over and over and over again. If that's not bad enough he doesn't know how to keep it in his pants. They both use money as a way to try to get what they want.

I'm not sure the child molestation plot added much to the overall story, except as to be the reasoning George won't go to church with Suzie. Maybe it's why he was so awful, too.

The ending was quite implausible, but overall satisfying.

*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

This is my review of The Holiday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I board the plane, all I can feel is hope and excitement. One whole week away. Just me and the man I have promised to be with forever. Time to repair what has been broken. Time to repair what has been broken. Maybe even try for another baby, and pray that this time it doesn't end heartbreakingly. I just need not to think about what George had done. He's my husband. And this is the holiday where we make things right. But then I realise that he can't take his eyes off the beautiful woman who's just boarded the plane in front of me.

George is married to Suzie. Suzie loves George, but George doesn't love Suzie. George isn't a nice character, he loves himself and thinks that all the women love him. In fact, all of the characters are dreadful. Suzie isn't perfect either. She treats George more like a child than her husband. She had won money on premium bonds and as George is a gambling addict and has debts, she won't let him have any of her win.

This is another fantastic read. There are twists and red herrings along the way. It's been descriptively written. I kind of knew where this story was going, but I still loved it.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldworldBooks and the author #JohnNicholl for my ARC of #TheHoliday in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a page turner, l did sew where this was heading but didn't see the ending. Perfect surprise. Love the characters, the husband..shady, conniving, brought a lot to the story. Glad I was offered a early release of this one.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

[Dash fan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 that 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.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Courtney McGhee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I didn’t even make it two chapters in. I absolutely disposed the two main characters. I’ve read the plot before. Very money based. And my least favorite thing in a thriller…religious. Not a a page turner for me.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzie is a good, Catholic woman. Unfortunately, her husband George, isn’t good. He doesn’t love Suzie anymore and has many affairs.

George wants Suzie’s money that she has won, but Suzie won’t entertain the idea as she knows just the sort of person her husband is.

Will their holiday in Tenerife get their marriage back on track? Just how far will George go to get what he wants?

An enjoyable and well written story. The detail in the tale was great, I had a real sense of where they holidayed and also when they were back home in Wales, thanks to the descriptive writing.

There were plenty of stings along the way to throw you off track. I kept thinking I had the whole story worked out, but I kept on being proved wrong!

George wasn’t a nice character at all, he was extremely vain and came across as though he thought he was God’s gift to all women.

I felt sorry for Suzie to a degree, but also felt that she didn’t help herself.

Interesting and believable characters. Although they weren’t in the story for long, I did like the characters of Lewis and Kesey.

My thanks to Boldwood Books, the author and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

With many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily

First off kudos to John Nicholl for creating a story with such wonderfully awful characters - no mean feat I would imagine. Good flow to the story with chapters from both Suzie and George that really let you get inside their head. The story starts to ramp up after the holiday and becomes quite an addictive read as you try and work out what’s what. Slightly predictable ending but nethertheless a highly interesting read. Another winner from this author

[Tali Vaisbart · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… so bad… I got half way through and it just didn’t get any better.
The writing is awful and the language used is quite frankly disgusting towards women.

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn’t know which way it was heading whilst they were on the plane, I was hooked on the character development.

All three main characters were awful! Manipulative and not afraid of gaslighting each other, all in the name of toxic toxic love!

I loved the justifications for the reasons George and Suzi acted towards each other, both thinking they were in the right. I did guess the ending, but this didn’t spoil the book, I will now be looking into other works by the author

[Liam Davidson · Rating 1 out of 5]

An abomination and an offence to the literary profession. Offensive to women, men, catholics, the police, the population of Tenerife and every literate person on earth. The worst book I’ve ever read. John Nicholl should be arrested. 0/10.

[Itzel Ruiz-Barrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Suzi :(

[Anisha Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Not too bad a read. Not really how i expected it to end but i can def see it ending that way.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very different to other books I’ve read by this author and for me wasn’t as compelling. Quite a small cast of characters but probably some of the most unpleasant I’ve read recently. Told from multiple POV’s but mainly those of married couple Suzie & George. Suzie has won a million pounds and their home is in her name. George is a gambler and a womaniser and Suzie doesn’t trust him and won’t give him access to her money.

Briefly, as they fly off on holiday to Tenerife George cannot stop himself eyeing up the glamorous woman sitting on the other side of the aisle. Suzie notices but she has booked this holiday to try and repair their marriage.

Suzie & George are both completely obsessed by money, she uses it as a carrot to dangle in front of the donkey (George) to make him do what she, and for she read her father, thinks he should do. George is obnoxious and misogynistic, a truly unpleasant man. There is also a lot of religion with Suzie a devout Catholic and George a fallen Catholic who won’t even go into church with Suzie even though she nags him repeatedly to embrace religion again.

Quite a short read and I did guess the big twist although there are a number of other twists. For me there was too much emphasis on money in the book when there were other things that could have been given a bigger role. An interesting and shocking read.

[Chitra Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first. I love the cover. But the blurb was what caught my attention. I love a good mystery and this book held me with rapt attention right from the start. The sentiments of both George and Suzie towards each other are so well articulated I could feel their frustration and dilemma. Especially what George feels towards Suzie raises the doubt meter with theirs being an obviously disastrous marriage.

As the story progressed, I couldn’t put the book down. I was eager to know what would happen next. One after the other stunning details were revealed and I was on edge to know more.

The writing is simply superb! The narrative becomes as personal as it can get. As mentioned before, it was as if I was the character. I really enjoyed reading this book. Hats off to the author for a splendid job with his writing skills! Flawless!

The three main characters are Suzie, George and Amelia. The story revolves around them. The plot line is tight with the focus on their lives. The beauty of this book is that it does not allow the reader to wander, not even for a second. It is filled with suspense till the very end, which makes this book an absorbing and brilliant read.

I would highly recommend The Holiday to mystery/suspense lovers.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Deborah · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book I have ever read.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was meant to be the perfect getaway...

...but this holiday is anything BUT a holiday! What I wouldn't give for a week in Tenerife, sipping pina coladas by the pool, walking on the sand at sunset, swimming in the pristine waters. But I haven't even got a passport so the closest I can get is to dream.

Firstly, Suzie and George. Has anyone ever met a more unlikely couple? Suzie is in love with George (more's the pity) but George is too busy being in love with himself (and Suzie's money). Although the sum of which is never disclosed, it is hinted at being a tidy sum that could mean he could chuck in his job at the gym and buy a luxurious home on the coast and never have to worry about money again. But George doesn't have access to Suzie's wealth, which she had won on a premium bond, and he spends the week in Tenerife and then back home trying to convince her to let him have even just a taster. A joint account. Shared assets. Paying off his debts. And new wills leaving all their worldly goods to each other.

But Suzie has a problem. She can't get past George's wandering eye, convinced that he has been unfaithful though she has yet to prove it. And under her father's guidance, she has cut off all access to her wealth and handing her husband out tidbits like he was a child. In some ways, he is. Like a teenager he thinks with only one part of his anatomy and lets that lead his life. George hates her that her father has so much influence over a grown woman's life. And he kind of has a point. I'm all for respecting your elders but reallty, Suzie's father is a bully who demands obedience and justifies it as God's law. Of course, Suzie is a strict Catholic so divorce was never going to be an option for her. As she says on more than one occasion, George is her cross to bear.

And then while they are on holiday in Tenerife, the holiday that is to be a new start for them both, Suzie strikes up an unlikely friendship with Amelia after the woman witnessed George's drunken tantrum poolside one afternoon. It's a friendship that continues when they return to Wales and one that Suzie is thankful for. But Amelia is stunningly gorgeous and she knows that George would ogle the woman given half the chance.

Howver, once they return to Wales Suzie gives George an ultimatum. Try for another baby and once she gives birth to a healthy child (after suffering two miscarriages) only then will she give him access to her wealth.

But this holiday, that was meant to be the perfect getaway and a new start for them both, turns out to be a nightmare...where nobody is safe...

This psychological thriller is so entertaining like a car crash from which you can't look away, with completely despicable characters who were as hateful as each other, and even with its oh-so predictable plot I had to stick around to see it through. Even to the very last line of the very last page...I was rolling my eyes at the ridiculousness of it and how gullible they all were.

I love John Nicholl's books and as much as the characters were cringeworthy, it was so skillfully written that it was entertaining from start to finish. And I enjoyed the ride.

I would like to thank #JohnNicholl, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheHoliday in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[CJ Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER DELICIOUSLY DARK TREAT!

I am an avid fan of John Nicholl and was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this before its release.

It starts slowly, with the reader being lulled into a safe feeling of security. A couple, George and Suzie are off on a much needed holiday to beautiful Tenerife. They are trying to rekindle their relationship after some marital issues. Suzie is still reeling after two miscarriages. George is feeling aggrieved after his wife’s win on the premium bonds and her refusal to share the money. Usual marital issues?

The descriptions of the island are gorgeous. It should be the perfect break they both need. But the beauty of the landscape contrasts starkly to the ugly cracks appearing between the couple. George isn’t great husband material. He has a roving eye, has had dalliances with other women, has a gambling problem and when he drinks, he becomes crude and cruel. Suzie for her part is quite controlling and you have some sympathy for George. She is a devote Catholic and takes every opportunity to reference her religious beliefs. She holds the purse strings and seems to treat George more like a child than her husband.

Both George and Suzie are flawed in their own ways and it leaves the reader with a conundrum. Who is the villain and who is the victim? As the story unfolds it becomes increasingly difficult to decide. Just as you start to have sympathy for one of them, they show a different side to themself and you side with the other person. As in life, no one is perfect, we all have faults, secrets.

As is human nature, the reader feels compelled to root for one of the couple, champion them but Mr Nicholl doesn’t like making things easy for his readers! He makes you question your own beliefs and values. What would forgive? Is a person justified in their actions if they have suffered at the hands of another? What would you do in George’s position or if you were Suzie?

John Nicholl toys with his readers like a cat playing with a mouse! I enjoyed The Holiday immensely. It is gripping, oh so clever and a real head scratcher. If you like your thrillers to chalenge you, make you question yourself and keep you guessing until the final pages then this is for you. And if you haven’t read John’s other novels I cannot recommend them enough. His stories are wonderfully dark, intelligent and so plausible you feeling like they could definitely happen - even to you!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the synopsis of this book looked good but I just didn’t enjoy it. Both main characters were extremely obnoxious and it was predictable. The story centers on married couple Suzie and George who go on a vacation to try to revive their relationship after going through a rough patch.

Suzie and George were both awful and honestly felt like caricatures. There was also a lot of time spent on repetitive inner monologues that didn’t move the story along. I felt like the twists were predictable and I basically knew the ending from very early in the book.

Overall, this wasn’t for me at all. I haven’t read any other books by this author but I see many of them have great reviews so will pick up another one and try again. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

[Kerry Cote · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was alright, I wanted to know what was going to happen. Then it ended without much of a twist. It was called "the Holiday" but nothing happened that wasn't already happening before (their terrible marriage problems) and nothing had lasting effects during this holiday. It wasn't that much of a part of the story, they just happened to go on a vacation and then a bunch of other stuff happened that didn't have anything to do with that vacation. Should've been called something different, imo.

[Courtney Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Holiday by John Nicholl was a fast paced read. I read this in one day, essentially one sitting. I felt such loathing for the MMC, however, that I almost DNF this book. He is a detestable character and the dialogue between him and the FMC felt gross to me. His behavior was abusive but it felt even less appealing because of the gullible and ignorant way the FMC acted. On top of that the over-abundance of religion/church bashing dialogue left a bad taste in my mouth. With all this combined, I came very close several times to putting my Kindle down and not finishing this book.
The twists toward the end were slightly interesting - enough that they kept my attention. I did, however, figure out all the twists ahead of time which took the thrill away.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predictable, but not bad. I guess I kept reading to see if it panned out as I thought, so that's something. It did. And I'll say that I usually don't try to predict where a story is going, nor am I good at that. But the plot of this book unraveled in your lap, like it or not, from my perspective.

[Carol Drinkwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read as usual with well described characters but apart from Amelia and the Detective I felt like banging their heads together.

Overall it was a thoroughly good read which kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end and I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Sue Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

a psychological thriller that i had hoped i would like more but i did struggle with this one quite a bit...

normally i am a fan of this authors works but this one i found hard going...

[Kara Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dark for me, but was surprisingly easy to read. I enjoyed the British language the author used in the book and the ending was satisfying even if it was pretty grim - the MMC had the day he deserved. I laughed when I finished because this was a blind book choice and I probably wouldn’t have read it if I knew it was that dark.

[Chelsi Hedrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh