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The Beach Holiday: An utterly gripping psychological thriller with a heart stopping twist for 2025
- GenresThriller
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2025
3 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Nina Manning
30 books332 followersNina Manning began her career in the catering industry. She has worked as a private chef cooking for royalty and TV personalities.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
She has a degree in Psychology and has three books published with Boldwood: The Daughter In Law, The Guilty Wife and The House Mate.
Her fourth Psychological thriller is published in Spring 2021.
Nina is a voracious reader of many genres, is the founding member of a long standing book club and the founder and co-host of a book podcast called Sniffing The Pages.
She is a mother to three young children so when she is not writing or reading she can usually be found scaling a soft play tower or romping in the woods with the family and her chocolate Labrador.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 1, 2025
The Beach Holiday by Nina Manning – ★★½
After ending a toxic relationship, Sadie escapes England and sets off for a remote island off the coast of Fiji. With no Wi-Fi and only women for company, the island seems like the perfect place to reset. But things quickly take a strange turn: certain areas are off-limits, no one seems able—or willing—to leave, and the air of paradise begins to darken. As Sadie digs deeper, she uncovers a sinister secret hiding beneath the idyllic surface.
I was genuinely excited for The Beach Holiday after loving The Beach House last year. Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit the same high notes. It felt like it was trying too hard to be dark and mysterious, but ended up veering into territory that felt oddly corny and reminiscent of a watered-down, all-female The Beach (yes, the Alex Garland classic—only with more unanswered questions).
The pacing was inconsistent—slow to start and then suddenly rushed at the end. While the story had serious potential, it lacked the tension and twists I hoped for. Major plot threads were dropped or underdeveloped (What happened to the helicopter? Why are there children but no fathers? Why did no one speak out once they left?).
The premise promised a thrilling “holiday gone wrong,” but what unfolded was more cult-like dystopia than suspenseful mystery. Told solely from Sadie’s POV, the narrative missed opportunities to explore the motivations and backstories of the other women on the island. I wanted more depth, more balance, and fewer loose ends.
Parts of the book were enjoyable and I didn’t hate it—I just didn’t love it either. A more fitting title, tighter plot, and more consistent pacing could have lifted this one. Sadly, this wasn't the beach escape I was hoping for.
Thank you to the author, the publisher (Hodder & Stoughton), and NetGalley for the ARC.
After ending a toxic relationship, Sadie escapes England and sets off for a remote island off the coast of Fiji. With no Wi-Fi and only women for company, the island seems like the perfect place to reset. But things quickly take a strange turn: certain areas are off-limits, no one seems able—or willing—to leave, and the air of paradise begins to darken. As Sadie digs deeper, she uncovers a sinister secret hiding beneath the idyllic surface.
I was genuinely excited for The Beach Holiday after loving The Beach House last year. Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit the same high notes. It felt like it was trying too hard to be dark and mysterious, but ended up veering into territory that felt oddly corny and reminiscent of a watered-down, all-female The Beach (yes, the Alex Garland classic—only with more unanswered questions).
The pacing was inconsistent—slow to start and then suddenly rushed at the end. While the story had serious potential, it lacked the tension and twists I hoped for. Major plot threads were dropped or underdeveloped (What happened to the helicopter? Why are there children but no fathers? Why did no one speak out once they left?).
The premise promised a thrilling “holiday gone wrong,” but what unfolded was more cult-like dystopia than suspenseful mystery. Told solely from Sadie’s POV, the narrative missed opportunities to explore the motivations and backstories of the other women on the island. I wanted more depth, more balance, and fewer loose ends.
Parts of the book were enjoyable and I didn’t hate it—I just didn’t love it either. A more fitting title, tighter plot, and more consistent pacing could have lifted this one. Sadly, this wasn't the beach escape I was hoping for.
Thank you to the author, the publisher (Hodder & Stoughton), and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 21, 2025
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb of The Beach Holiday immediately caught my attention. I’m a big fan of thrillers set on remote islands, and the prologue promised tension and intrigue. Unfortunately, the book never quite delivered on that early promise.
At around 6%, I started to feel the dialogue was a bit clunky and the main character, Sadie, came across as one dimensional. By 9%, the introduction of a dual timeline gave me hope. I enjoy that structure, but I was already confused and unsure of what was happening. Still, I was curious enough to keep going.
By 17%, it became clear I didn’t like Sadie. As the story progressed, particularly around the halfway mark, I found her character frustratingly weak. Her emotions were repeated so often it felt like the same few thoughts were being recycled again and again. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and it began to wear me down.
That said, at 85% I was fully invested. Not in Sadie, but in getting to the end. I was intrigued enough by the plot and needed to know what had happened. Ula, a secondary character, held my attention far more. I found myself wanting her story rather than Sadie’s.
And then… the ending. I finished the last page feeling flat. I expected a strong, satisfying resolution after all the build-up, but what I got felt rushed, vague and ultimately disappointing. Loose ends were left dangling, and I was left wondering what the point of some of it was.
In the end, The Beach Holiday had a solid premise and fleeting moments of suspense, but it lacked depth, clarity and a compelling lead. 2.5 stars from me.
The blurb of The Beach Holiday immediately caught my attention. I’m a big fan of thrillers set on remote islands, and the prologue promised tension and intrigue. Unfortunately, the book never quite delivered on that early promise.
At around 6%, I started to feel the dialogue was a bit clunky and the main character, Sadie, came across as one dimensional. By 9%, the introduction of a dual timeline gave me hope. I enjoy that structure, but I was already confused and unsure of what was happening. Still, I was curious enough to keep going.
By 17%, it became clear I didn’t like Sadie. As the story progressed, particularly around the halfway mark, I found her character frustratingly weak. Her emotions were repeated so often it felt like the same few thoughts were being recycled again and again. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and it began to wear me down.
That said, at 85% I was fully invested. Not in Sadie, but in getting to the end. I was intrigued enough by the plot and needed to know what had happened. Ula, a secondary character, held my attention far more. I found myself wanting her story rather than Sadie’s.
And then… the ending. I finished the last page feeling flat. I expected a strong, satisfying resolution after all the build-up, but what I got felt rushed, vague and ultimately disappointing. Loose ends were left dangling, and I was left wondering what the point of some of it was.
In the end, The Beach Holiday had a solid premise and fleeting moments of suspense, but it lacked depth, clarity and a compelling lead. 2.5 stars from me.
June 13, 2025
I usually really enjoy Nina Manning books. I could not get into this one. I don’t think it was a psychological thriller either. I didn’t even like any of the characters. I always need someone to root for. I didn’t hate Sadie but she was pretty clueless. I probably would’ve given it three stars if not for the ending.
August 6, 2025
It was all over the place, I genuinely thought the twist was going to be that she imagined it all and never left the country kinda somewhere along the lines of shutter island but nope. I snagged this on Libby so I’m glad I didn’t waste any credits on it!
September 12, 2025
Just lacked a wow factor for me. Didn’t love it and struggled to get thru it.
August 31, 2025
3.5* - liked it overall, read in one sitting but was severely lacking from not having different points of view. Sadie wasn't compelling enough to carry the whole story and raise it up to a 4 star. Ula and any number of the other women would have made for a more intriguing story. felt it also needed a bit more - the ending wrapped up far too quickly.
May 29, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley, Nina Manning and Hodder & Stoughton for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Truthfully, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. I was really looking forward to reading The Beach Holiday because I love a good thriller, but honestly, I came away a bit disappointed. The story had so much potential but it lacked the twists and excitement I was hoping for.
On the plus side, it’s definitely an easy read. I found myself wanting to keep picking it up just to see what would happen next but for me it just didn’t have that “wow” factor. It felt like it needed a few more chapters to really develop the story and build up to a more exciting plot twist.
One of my biggest frustrations was the ending. I don’t mind an open-ended conclusion and can live with a bit of ambiguity (in my head, it’s always a happy ending anyway haha) but this one just felt unfinished. A scary, life-changing situation happens and then it’s never really addressed again. There were also missed opportunities to show the main character getting her life back on track which made the ending feel a bit rushed.
In the end, The Beach Holiday was okay. It’s a decent pick if you’re after a light, easy thriller for a beach read but if you’re looking for something with depth, suspense, and a satisfying plot twist, this one might be a but disappointing.
Truthfully, I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. I was really looking forward to reading The Beach Holiday because I love a good thriller, but honestly, I came away a bit disappointed. The story had so much potential but it lacked the twists and excitement I was hoping for.
On the plus side, it’s definitely an easy read. I found myself wanting to keep picking it up just to see what would happen next but for me it just didn’t have that “wow” factor. It felt like it needed a few more chapters to really develop the story and build up to a more exciting plot twist.
One of my biggest frustrations was the ending. I don’t mind an open-ended conclusion and can live with a bit of ambiguity (in my head, it’s always a happy ending anyway haha) but this one just felt unfinished. A scary, life-changing situation happens and then it’s never really addressed again. There were also missed opportunities to show the main character getting her life back on track which made the ending feel a bit rushed.
In the end, The Beach Holiday was okay. It’s a decent pick if you’re after a light, easy thriller for a beach read but if you’re looking for something with depth, suspense, and a satisfying plot twist, this one might be a but disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
This book sounded so promising but really didn’t deliver.
I typically don’t dnf books so I pushed through but there were so many niggles that ruined the book. Where to start, well it’s called The Beach Holiday, but it should be The Beach Commune or Cult, not really a holiday in most people’s sense of the word. I can look past that, but other things were so frustrating. Let’s start, Sadie isn’t a particularly likeable character and nor is Avril. We start with Sadie being rude about other people’s lifestyle choices, then Bruno turns violent but instead of changing her locks and breaking up with him the only way she can escape him is to run away to Fiji. We then get to the bit where Sadie is in a bar and a drunk bloke propositions her to go on a boat trip to an island with him but obviously she isn’t interested because he’s a man and she’s a damaged woman. In comes Avril who propositions her to go on a boat trip to an island but of course that’s ok because Avril is a woman. Massive double standards going on there, especially as Avril turns out to be a lying, delusional crazy person.
Sadie is on the island soaking up negative ions (wtf was that!) and on a deep, spiritual, cellular level she loves the island and community and feels it’s the place for her but also doesn’t because she knows something is off but she loves it because it’s so beautiful and tranquil but there’s something off. Which is it? Also what happened to the helicopter, that was just insane. They fly a helicopter to the remote island that would have no fuel source and no way of carrying out maintenance and also the helicopter is then never mentioned again.
They supposedly live a very basic life but have the ability and supplies to bake sourdough and sugar cookies. Not exactly basic survival food.
At one point Sadie mentions cows that are in a field but another time it’s mentioned that the cows free roam all over the island. She also says something about the cows and goats but it later says the only animals on the island are chickens, cows and pigs. So which is it goats or pigs?
Let’s talk about Clara, her death was stupid, the excuses of not wanting to see anyone until she looks her best and refusing hospital treatment because her visa had expired were ridiculous. Then we get to ‘we burned her body’ bit. Just no. Sadie says the island is small so when they burn you can see and smell it, if you burn a body trust me you can smell it (it’s not a smell you forget, I experienced this after seeing a cremation in Nepal) and they would have known because the smell would have travelled. You also cannot dispose of a body in a bonfire, it’s just not hot enough. Even in a cremation oven, they need to grind the bones into ash because even that isn’t not enough to completely incinerate everything.
Another thing, it’s mentioned they cut down a lot of trees for building and then burn them. Where do they get an endless supply of things for building and saplings to replace the trees? Why would they also burn building materials, if you live on a remote island, you would never burn anything that could be useful.
We then find out about Camp Z and eventually that Avril was raped and now hates all men and wants them all locked up because they deserve it for being men. A bit weird but ok, I see where the plot is going. But at the end, Sadie miraculously finds the key and frees Kai who then lets the others out. But then what happens? Why not help them escape, why leave them on a burning island with a nutter with a gun who wants them all dead? Why set the fire as well? That made no sense. And what happened to Ula? One minute she’s fine then she appears covered in blood. Why did they kill her? Why did Sadie leave Adi as well?
Then we get to the bit we find out Sadie has amnesia and is in a psychiatric unit and her sister is visiting but Sadie doesn’t know who she is and thinks she’s a new friend. But then we find out she’s faking the amnesia so she doesn’t get in trouble for her part of crap on the island so does she know or not? She knew Bruno so why was she faking not knowing Jane? We still don’t know what happened to the escaped men or Avril or Adi, and then she’s at a cafe and it’s freezing so she has lots of layers on to keep warm but someone is walking past with short sleeves?
I forgot to add this yesterday, but what happened to Lola? One minute we’ve got this character who is clearly in a relationship with Avril, shares a room with her and whenever Avril talks to Sadie, Lola appears and we see Avril comment about how clingy she is, then she just completely disappears. No mention of her again. This is what was so frustrating about this book, mistakes with continuity and no attention to detail.
I typically don’t dnf books so I pushed through but there were so many niggles that ruined the book. Where to start, well it’s called The Beach Holiday, but it should be The Beach Commune or Cult, not really a holiday in most people’s sense of the word. I can look past that, but other things were so frustrating. Let’s start, Sadie isn’t a particularly likeable character and nor is Avril. We start with Sadie being rude about other people’s lifestyle choices, then Bruno turns violent but instead of changing her locks and breaking up with him the only way she can escape him is to run away to Fiji. We then get to the bit where Sadie is in a bar and a drunk bloke propositions her to go on a boat trip to an island with him but obviously she isn’t interested because he’s a man and she’s a damaged woman. In comes Avril who propositions her to go on a boat trip to an island but of course that’s ok because Avril is a woman. Massive double standards going on there, especially as Avril turns out to be a lying, delusional crazy person.
Sadie is on the island soaking up negative ions (wtf was that!) and on a deep, spiritual, cellular level she loves the island and community and feels it’s the place for her but also doesn’t because she knows something is off but she loves it because it’s so beautiful and tranquil but there’s something off. Which is it? Also what happened to the helicopter, that was just insane. They fly a helicopter to the remote island that would have no fuel source and no way of carrying out maintenance and also the helicopter is then never mentioned again.
They supposedly live a very basic life but have the ability and supplies to bake sourdough and sugar cookies. Not exactly basic survival food.
At one point Sadie mentions cows that are in a field but another time it’s mentioned that the cows free roam all over the island. She also says something about the cows and goats but it later says the only animals on the island are chickens, cows and pigs. So which is it goats or pigs?
Let’s talk about Clara, her death was stupid, the excuses of not wanting to see anyone until she looks her best and refusing hospital treatment because her visa had expired were ridiculous. Then we get to ‘we burned her body’ bit. Just no. Sadie says the island is small so when they burn you can see and smell it, if you burn a body trust me you can smell it (it’s not a smell you forget, I experienced this after seeing a cremation in Nepal) and they would have known because the smell would have travelled. You also cannot dispose of a body in a bonfire, it’s just not hot enough. Even in a cremation oven, they need to grind the bones into ash because even that isn’t not enough to completely incinerate everything.
Another thing, it’s mentioned they cut down a lot of trees for building and then burn them. Where do they get an endless supply of things for building and saplings to replace the trees? Why would they also burn building materials, if you live on a remote island, you would never burn anything that could be useful.
We then find out about Camp Z and eventually that Avril was raped and now hates all men and wants them all locked up because they deserve it for being men. A bit weird but ok, I see where the plot is going. But at the end, Sadie miraculously finds the key and frees Kai who then lets the others out. But then what happens? Why not help them escape, why leave them on a burning island with a nutter with a gun who wants them all dead? Why set the fire as well? That made no sense. And what happened to Ula? One minute she’s fine then she appears covered in blood. Why did they kill her? Why did Sadie leave Adi as well?
Then we get to the bit we find out Sadie has amnesia and is in a psychiatric unit and her sister is visiting but Sadie doesn’t know who she is and thinks she’s a new friend. But then we find out she’s faking the amnesia so she doesn’t get in trouble for her part of crap on the island so does she know or not? She knew Bruno so why was she faking not knowing Jane? We still don’t know what happened to the escaped men or Avril or Adi, and then she’s at a cafe and it’s freezing so she has lots of layers on to keep warm but someone is walking past with short sleeves?
I forgot to add this yesterday, but what happened to Lola? One minute we’ve got this character who is clearly in a relationship with Avril, shares a room with her and whenever Avril talks to Sadie, Lola appears and we see Avril comment about how clingy she is, then she just completely disappears. No mention of her again. This is what was so frustrating about this book, mistakes with continuity and no attention to detail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
J’ai eu du mal à m’attacher à Sadie, voire à l’apprécier tout court – sa situation post-relationship m’a touché mais sa façon de deal avec ses traumas m’a juste saoulé : j’ai compris son envie de se détacher de l’influence de son ex sur ses prises de décision mais si c’est pour être stupide et suivre une inconnue sur une île, HOW ABOUT THINKING?
As us’ j’aime les double timeline mais une fois le livre fini, it felt pointless as a tool to maintain the suspense throughout the story mais c’est peut-être moi qui en attendais trop.
J’avais vu venir le délire d’avoir des hommes captifs (even though ma théorie tirait plus vers le cannibalisme – au final ils sont “juste” prisonniers #lol) donc ça m’a vraiment pas choqué et fallait pas être un génie pour faire le calcul “femmes qui détestent les hommes + une île mystérieuse = voilà!”.
L’histoire de l’île était tellement shallow pitié – j’ai encore du mal à comprendre ce délire de contrat qu’Avril avait mais enfin bon – ça aurait été intéressant de DIVE into la personnalité d’Avril : cette meuf qui repère des femmes fragilisées, qui les séduits et les manipules, qui est évitante et froide mais aussi rassurante MAIS NON, au final elle est surtout une meuf qui veut se venger des mecs (la belle affaire! j’en connais des filles qui frôle la misandrie et qui vont pas pour autant séquestrer des gens). C’était le personnage le plus prometteur tbh (je me serais passé de ses flirts mais enfin bon) et au final appart les scènes où on voyait son influence sur Sadie ou au contraire sa “downfall”, pas grand chose.
Le grand classique d’utiliser un personnage nouveau pour que le lecteur découvre le setting en même temps que lui et que ça feel naturel était déjà impossible étant donné le fait que tout le monde soit si mystérieux sur cette île – mais ça encore je le comprends et c’est un choix qui suit l’histoire. Par contre, les découvertes de Sadie – bien qu’intéressantes – fell flat rapidement après : à quoi sert Adi dans l’histoire réellement ? Et Ula ? Tout ces personnages énigmatiques sensés servir à 1. rendre Sadie suspicieuse, 2. comprendre l’île, pour qu’au final elle se taille en laissant quasi tout le monde creuver derrière sauf la folle pour qui elle avait une obsession / de l’empathie mdr + retourner à sa vie pas intéressant qui ne nous à rien apris sur elle : elle est Anglaise, vend des chocolats, est l’ex d’un petit copain violent et je vous laisse deviner laquelle des infos est pertinente et lesquelles sont d’une inutilité monstre.
Dure à deviner en ayant lu tout ça mais j’ai bien aimé le livre lol – je l’ai finit en 2 jours (l’espoir d’un éventuel vrai plot twist me maintenant en haleine) et c’était sympa à lire. However, i was ROBBED au sujet du gros plot twist que j’attendais, it was good and i hoped it to be great.
Conclusion : get over your ex BEFORE doing something stupid and deal with mysogyny differently than by creating a cult, PLEASE!!
As us’ j’aime les double timeline mais une fois le livre fini, it felt pointless as a tool to maintain the suspense throughout the story mais c’est peut-être moi qui en attendais trop.
J’avais vu venir le délire d’avoir des hommes captifs (even though ma théorie tirait plus vers le cannibalisme – au final ils sont “juste” prisonniers #lol) donc ça m’a vraiment pas choqué et fallait pas être un génie pour faire le calcul “femmes qui détestent les hommes + une île mystérieuse = voilà!”.
L’histoire de l’île était tellement shallow pitié – j’ai encore du mal à comprendre ce délire de contrat qu’Avril avait mais enfin bon – ça aurait été intéressant de DIVE into la personnalité d’Avril : cette meuf qui repère des femmes fragilisées, qui les séduits et les manipules, qui est évitante et froide mais aussi rassurante MAIS NON, au final elle est surtout une meuf qui veut se venger des mecs (la belle affaire! j’en connais des filles qui frôle la misandrie et qui vont pas pour autant séquestrer des gens). C’était le personnage le plus prometteur tbh (je me serais passé de ses flirts mais enfin bon) et au final appart les scènes où on voyait son influence sur Sadie ou au contraire sa “downfall”, pas grand chose.
Le grand classique d’utiliser un personnage nouveau pour que le lecteur découvre le setting en même temps que lui et que ça feel naturel était déjà impossible étant donné le fait que tout le monde soit si mystérieux sur cette île – mais ça encore je le comprends et c’est un choix qui suit l’histoire. Par contre, les découvertes de Sadie – bien qu’intéressantes – fell flat rapidement après : à quoi sert Adi dans l’histoire réellement ? Et Ula ? Tout ces personnages énigmatiques sensés servir à 1. rendre Sadie suspicieuse, 2. comprendre l’île, pour qu’au final elle se taille en laissant quasi tout le monde creuver derrière sauf la folle pour qui elle avait une obsession / de l’empathie mdr + retourner à sa vie pas intéressant qui ne nous à rien apris sur elle : elle est Anglaise, vend des chocolats, est l’ex d’un petit copain violent et je vous laisse deviner laquelle des infos est pertinente et lesquelles sont d’une inutilité monstre.
Dure à deviner en ayant lu tout ça mais j’ai bien aimé le livre lol – je l’ai finit en 2 jours (l’espoir d’un éventuel vrai plot twist me maintenant en haleine) et c’était sympa à lire. However, i was ROBBED au sujet du gros plot twist que j’attendais, it was good and i hoped it to be great.
Conclusion : get over your ex BEFORE doing something stupid and deal with mysogyny differently than by creating a cult, PLEASE!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Nina Manning’s latest psychological offering is an interesting perspective on the destination thriller.
After a tumultuous relationship break-up, Sadie finds herself in Nadi, Fiji. She is enjoying her time there, but still feels unfulfilled until she has a meeting with the enigmatic Avril. Avril gives her an invitation to spend the rest of her time on the remote island of Totini.
Totini seems like an island paradise, with pure white sands and total isolation, offering no Wi-Fi or mobile phones. Sadie quickly seems to have doubts as the community Avril heads up consists of only women. There is also a part of the island which Sadie is informed is strictly off-limits.
The story is told in dual timelines, which include Sadie’s time on Totini and now. It soon becomes apparent that something devastating has happened to Sadie. Experts try to unravel her torn and fractured memories.
The sense of menace and unease is quite slow to unfold, then Nina Manning rachets it up, and we arrive at a premise which has a sense of Lord of the Flies.
Nina Manning does a good job of preparing you for an ordinary destination thriller and then turning it on its head. A minor issue is I would have liked a faster pace initially, but still four stars from me
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nina Manning and especially Boldwood Books for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
After a tumultuous relationship break-up, Sadie finds herself in Nadi, Fiji. She is enjoying her time there, but still feels unfulfilled until she has a meeting with the enigmatic Avril. Avril gives her an invitation to spend the rest of her time on the remote island of Totini.
Totini seems like an island paradise, with pure white sands and total isolation, offering no Wi-Fi or mobile phones. Sadie quickly seems to have doubts as the community Avril heads up consists of only women. There is also a part of the island which Sadie is informed is strictly off-limits.
The story is told in dual timelines, which include Sadie’s time on Totini and now. It soon becomes apparent that something devastating has happened to Sadie. Experts try to unravel her torn and fractured memories.
The sense of menace and unease is quite slow to unfold, then Nina Manning rachets it up, and we arrive at a premise which has a sense of Lord of the Flies.
Nina Manning does a good job of preparing you for an ordinary destination thriller and then turning it on its head. A minor issue is I would have liked a faster pace initially, but still four stars from me
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nina Manning and especially Boldwood Books for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
July 9, 2025
The story begins with Sadie, who has just left a toxic relationship with her boyfriend and sets off on a holiday to Fiji to find herself again. After being met at a bar by another female traveler who invites her on a ‘boat trip’ Sadie meets the lady the following morning and off they go out to sea in search of another one of Fijis beautiful islands.
When they arrive Sadie finds out that this is not their final destination but the middle ground and they have another boat to catch on the other side of the island, then after that they have a helicopter ride too which takes them to their final destination of paradise.
Upon arrival Sadie is overwhelmed with the beauty and simplicity of the island’s activities but when she finds out that they live without any electricity or WiFi etc she begins to feel uneasy, when they all sit down to eat and introductions between the other ladies takes place Sadie feels that something isn’t right and certain members are jealous of her arrival.
When an accident occurs with her camp buddy and she gets taken away to ‘recover’ never to be seen again Sadie’s sense of unease grows and she just wants to leave asap - but with no boats returning to collect anyone it looks like she is stuck and in danger!
When they arrive Sadie finds out that this is not their final destination but the middle ground and they have another boat to catch on the other side of the island, then after that they have a helicopter ride too which takes them to their final destination of paradise.
Upon arrival Sadie is overwhelmed with the beauty and simplicity of the island’s activities but when she finds out that they live without any electricity or WiFi etc she begins to feel uneasy, when they all sit down to eat and introductions between the other ladies takes place Sadie feels that something isn’t right and certain members are jealous of her arrival.
When an accident occurs with her camp buddy and she gets taken away to ‘recover’ never to be seen again Sadie’s sense of unease grows and she just wants to leave asap - but with no boats returning to collect anyone it looks like she is stuck and in danger!
May 17, 2025
The Beach Holiday is a great beach read. Sitting by the ocean, hearing the waves, and reading about the beaches and sunsets on an Island off Fiji is a great way to pass a summer day.
Sadie dumps her awful boyfriend and is looking for a way to distance herself from him and all reminders of him. Along comes the opportunity to go to a remote Island off Fiji, and who wouldn't jump at that opportunity. And at first, it's just as she imagined it would be. White sandy beaces, warm days, beautiful sunsets. At first. Then she starts to notice strange things about the Island. Soon, the darkness of evil rears its ugly head, and there's no way to escape the island.
This story piqued my interest at the start, and I had to keep going to know how it was going to turn out. I've enjoyed many of Nina Manning's other books, and this one rated right up there with them. The story flows rapidly, and the chapters are sure and bingeable. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder Publishing for the advanced copy
Sadie dumps her awful boyfriend and is looking for a way to distance herself from him and all reminders of him. Along comes the opportunity to go to a remote Island off Fiji, and who wouldn't jump at that opportunity. And at first, it's just as she imagined it would be. White sandy beaces, warm days, beautiful sunsets. At first. Then she starts to notice strange things about the Island. Soon, the darkness of evil rears its ugly head, and there's no way to escape the island.
This story piqued my interest at the start, and I had to keep going to know how it was going to turn out. I've enjoyed many of Nina Manning's other books, and this one rated right up there with them. The story flows rapidly, and the chapters are sure and bingeable. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder Publishing for the advanced copy
June 11, 2025
What a twisted and delightful read! I can't stop thinking about it.
Sadie Adamson is working in Fiji and trying to move on from a toxic ex. She has friends she hangs out with. There is one in particular, Avril, with whom she connects and immediately goes on a mini vacation to an unknown island that is far away. Sadie arrives at the location and notices that there are only women, 2 children, and nothing else. She realizes that Avrim has brought her there and doesn't intend to take her back to her old life.
As days pass, Sadie begins to notice some discrepancies, half truths, and lots of silence from Avril and the other women. The commune is not the utopia that Avril was selling and that Avril and the rest of the women hide deadly secrets.
Thank you, Netgalley and Hodder & and Stoughton, for this magnificent ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Sadie Adamson is working in Fiji and trying to move on from a toxic ex. She has friends she hangs out with. There is one in particular, Avril, with whom she connects and immediately goes on a mini vacation to an unknown island that is far away. Sadie arrives at the location and notices that there are only women, 2 children, and nothing else. She realizes that Avrim has brought her there and doesn't intend to take her back to her old life.
As days pass, Sadie begins to notice some discrepancies, half truths, and lots of silence from Avril and the other women. The commune is not the utopia that Avril was selling and that Avril and the rest of the women hide deadly secrets.
Thank you, Netgalley and Hodder & and Stoughton, for this magnificent ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 11, 2025
This was different from other thrillers I’ve read.
Although it didn’t feel particularly fast paced I still felt compelled to read as I just wanted to know what was happening!
Really thought the writing flowed well and kept me intrigued. Liked having the story told from ‘Now’ and ‘Then’ POV’s.
This is the first Nina Manning book I’ve read but I do have others on my TBR and I know I’ll enjoy them!
I’d say this is definitely a thriller with discoveries rather than shocking moments but enjoyable to see how it all panned out.
The ending does leave you wondering a few things and I actually enjoyed that as it’ll keep me thinking!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Although it didn’t feel particularly fast paced I still felt compelled to read as I just wanted to know what was happening!
Really thought the writing flowed well and kept me intrigued. Liked having the story told from ‘Now’ and ‘Then’ POV’s.
This is the first Nina Manning book I’ve read but I do have others on my TBR and I know I’ll enjoy them!
I’d say this is definitely a thriller with discoveries rather than shocking moments but enjoyable to see how it all panned out.
The ending does leave you wondering a few things and I actually enjoyed that as it’ll keep me thinking!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
June 1, 2025
Just loved the premise of this one. An island only for women but with mysterious occurences? Absolutely count me in.
A character that wants to get away after a bad breakup, a fresh chance, an island for women which no one can leave and mysterious twists. All the ingredients for a perfect thriller. The action starts from the go and you know something is going to happen.
The characters are well written and I loved how it has the eerie vibes with a mix of a destination thriller. A perfect holiday read!
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
A character that wants to get away after a bad breakup, a fresh chance, an island for women which no one can leave and mysterious twists. All the ingredients for a perfect thriller. The action starts from the go and you know something is going to happen.
The characters are well written and I loved how it has the eerie vibes with a mix of a destination thriller. A perfect holiday read!
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
June 2, 2025
The Beach Holiday is billed as an utterly gripping psychological thriller with a heart stopping twist. Sadie has escaped England and toxic boyfriend and heads to Fiji. Here she is befriended by Avril and travels with her to a remote, women only Fijian island. It seems the perfect place to reflect and rebuild but is everything as it seems. What starts out as a new adventure, quickly develops into a place of uneasiness with areas off limits and dark secrets. Whilst I enjoyed this book, I did feel like there was something lacking and it didn’t grip me as much as other thrillers. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
June 15, 2025
This is my second book by Nina Manning, I loved the first one and this one definitely does not disappoint.
I absolutely love a destination sitting in a thriller book, even more so when it’s a remote setting or a setting that can’t be left.
The pacing is slower than what I’m used to but I quite liked that - it helped build up tension and suspense.
I loved the ending, which I didn’t expect at all, and it left some questions unanswered.. are we going to get a sequel?
I absolutely love a destination sitting in a thriller book, even more so when it’s a remote setting or a setting that can’t be left.
The pacing is slower than what I’m used to but I quite liked that - it helped build up tension and suspense.
I loved the ending, which I didn’t expect at all, and it left some questions unanswered.. are we going to get a sequel?
July 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. After escaping a toxic relationship, Sadie finds herself on a remote island off the coast of Fiji. It seems like paradise but it soon becomes obvious that something sinister is going on. Why are there no men on the island and why does it seem to be impossible to leave? This is a very creepy story that will keep you guessing to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
May 12, 2025
This book had really good potential but for me fell short in the last 10% or so! A few more chapters would have been good for a little more explanation towards the end.
I did really like Sadie as the main character and felt sorry for her the majority of the book, being stuck as she was.
Thank you NetGalley and Hooder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I did really like Sadie as the main character and felt sorry for her the majority of the book, being stuck as she was.
Thank you NetGalley and Hooder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 19, 2025
Received this book as an ARC thanks to Netgalley and HodderBooks but all opinions are my own.
I found the book mostly intriguing but felt like the ending was off and just not what I had hoped for. The last 10% of the book just kind of had the book go down hill for me. I really was drawn to Sadie and the crazy journey she had on the island but the ending felt like it needed a bit more.
I found the book mostly intriguing but felt like the ending was off and just not what I had hoped for. The last 10% of the book just kind of had the book go down hill for me. I really was drawn to Sadie and the crazy journey she had on the island but the ending felt like it needed a bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
Whilst this one kept me wanting to read more, I can’t help but feel like this had all been done before ~The Beach.
The writing style was easy, and it kept me turning the pages more out of curiosity to see how it ended than actually being invested in any of the main character roles.
I did enjoy the book, but felt the storyline became a ligtle lack lustre towards the end.
Whilst this one kept me wanting to read more, I can’t help but feel like this had all been done before ~The Beach.
The writing style was easy, and it kept me turning the pages more out of curiosity to see how it ended than actually being invested in any of the main character roles.
I did enjoy the book, but felt the storyline became a ligtle lack lustre towards the end.
May 29, 2025
I really did enjoy this one although it could have done with a few more chapters to find out a bit more about what happened at the end I've taken off a star for that reason so 4 stars it is
August 6, 2025
What on earth was that?
I mean, I liked it, but still.
What on earth?
Probably one of the weirdest thrillers I’ve read in recent memory.
I mean, I liked it, but still.
What on earth?
Probably one of the weirdest thrillers I’ve read in recent memory.
September 14, 2025
Quite enjoyed the storyline, but felt the ending was a tiny bit rushed. However, the premise of the book was good and easy to follow - one that I could imagine being a TV show one day.
January 9, 2026
I normally love Nina Manning but this one was just a no for me…so bizarre.
June 21, 2025
**3.5**
Thank you so much, NetGalley for this ARC ❤️
Sadie comes out of a bad relationship and travels to Fiji. Gets herself a job. One day meets a woman who invites her to a remote paradise island. She goes. Notice that it's a women's commune and it does seem like paradise. At first. Something isn't right....
A thriller. It's good, but I found it all very slow. But still intriguing.
Thank you so much, NetGalley for this ARC ❤️
Sadie comes out of a bad relationship and travels to Fiji. Gets herself a job. One day meets a woman who invites her to a remote paradise island. She goes. Notice that it's a women's commune and it does seem like paradise. At first. Something isn't right....
A thriller. It's good, but I found it all very slow. But still intriguing.
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