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The Vacation
From the global #1 bestselling author of THE CHRISTMAS PARTY comes a pulse-pounding thriller for fans of THE WHITE LOTUS and BIG LITTLE LIES, performed by multi Audie winner Julia Whelan and winner of the BAFTA Rising Star award Mia McKenna-Bruce.
In paradise, trust no-one.
When Erin books a last-minute villa on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, she hopes it will be the perfect chance to repair her fractured family. Upon arrival, they meet Tristan and Bea, the alluring siblings vacationing in the villa next door. But their idyllic getaway quickly unravels when Erin's teenage son Jesse goes missing after a party, and a body is found on the beach.
As secrets and lies are exposed, Erin realises her family is being targeted by someone with a sinister agenda. With time running out to find Jesse, she must confront the dark truths lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives.
Some secrets can’t stay buried in the sand.
In paradise, trust no-one.
When Erin books a last-minute villa on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, she hopes it will be the perfect chance to repair her fractured family. Upon arrival, they meet Tristan and Bea, the alluring siblings vacationing in the villa next door. But their idyllic getaway quickly unravels when Erin's teenage son Jesse goes missing after a party, and a body is found on the beach.
As secrets and lies are exposed, Erin realises her family is being targeted by someone with a sinister agenda. With time running out to find Jesse, she must confront the dark truths lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives.
Some secrets can’t stay buried in the sand.
Audible Audio
Published July 31, 2025
139 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
August 20, 2025
Entering my thriller era??? I had so much fun with this audiobook
August 4, 2025
Well, that was something.. a bit extreme
December 21, 2025
Honestly, this was exactly what I needed. Sorta felt like I was in a slump with the books I was reading. Two books with absolutely “no grab” whatsoever! So when I saw this audio pop up on Audible, I jumped at the chance to hear something gripping! So I gave it a whirl. 😊
Here a sneak peak inside …
It’s a quick read about a family in crisis heading to Italy for a family style, no technology, wholesome beach vacation! Time to reconnect, repair and rediscover! Mark and Erin are the parents who seem quite detached from one another, their daughter Amber who is suffering through a recent break up and their son Jesse, an antisocial who is highly addicted to his phone. A once happy family looking to soak up the sun and find a good space to be together again. ❤️
The mysterious and over-friendly next door neighbors (also staying at the villa in Italy) slowly begin to infiltrate this family…appearing everywhere, seemingly normal, but little by little, this turns out to be no ordinary family vacation! These manipulative new friends become intricately involved, stealing time with each member and bending their reality. So, for a short story… it was a quick dive into a thriller. Can’t give much more away… but this is a sinister thriller that was a fun surprising tale!
A few good twists and an easy flowing mystery is just what I needed to push me into finishing the other two novels. Whew! It was a fun listen!
I give “The Vacation” 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Here a sneak peak inside …
It’s a quick read about a family in crisis heading to Italy for a family style, no technology, wholesome beach vacation! Time to reconnect, repair and rediscover! Mark and Erin are the parents who seem quite detached from one another, their daughter Amber who is suffering through a recent break up and their son Jesse, an antisocial who is highly addicted to his phone. A once happy family looking to soak up the sun and find a good space to be together again. ❤️
The mysterious and over-friendly next door neighbors (also staying at the villa in Italy) slowly begin to infiltrate this family…appearing everywhere, seemingly normal, but little by little, this turns out to be no ordinary family vacation! These manipulative new friends become intricately involved, stealing time with each member and bending their reality. So, for a short story… it was a quick dive into a thriller. Can’t give much more away… but this is a sinister thriller that was a fun surprising tale!
A few good twists and an easy flowing mystery is just what I needed to push me into finishing the other two novels. Whew! It was a fun listen!
I give “The Vacation” 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
August 27, 2025
Audible Original
Duration: 4 hours and 44 minutes
Erin's marriage is in trouble. As a last resort to save it, she books a family holiday in Italy with her husband and two children in a secluded villa. However, when the family arrives, they are surprisingly greeted by siblings (Triston and Bea), who live in the villa next door. As the days go by, what seems like neighborly gestures soon becomes more sinister and weirder interactions with the sibling pair. Other families who have stayed in this same villa have been left in ruins by the time they left. Does Erin's family hold the same fate?
____________________________________________
A solid thriller with a satisfying conclusion, even leaving listeners with an unexpected twist at the end! 🧡
Duration: 4 hours and 44 minutes
Erin's marriage is in trouble. As a last resort to save it, she books a family holiday in Italy with her husband and two children in a secluded villa. However, when the family arrives, they are surprisingly greeted by siblings (Triston and Bea), who live in the villa next door. As the days go by, what seems like neighborly gestures soon becomes more sinister and weirder interactions with the sibling pair. Other families who have stayed in this same villa have been left in ruins by the time they left. Does Erin's family hold the same fate?
____________________________________________
A solid thriller with a satisfying conclusion, even leaving listeners with an unexpected twist at the end! 🧡
August 5, 2025
Surprisingly good, not because I was surprised by how good the book was, but because I came across it unexpectedly as a free audiobook on audible and just instantly started listening to it and have read the whole book in one day.
Very enjoyable, full of twists and turns, very frustrating at times when you see bad things happening to good people, but it stops just before it becomes too uncomfortable and the story really flows to a very satisfactory ending.
A gentle and non-taxing read, perfect for the end of summer when we are still dreaming of sparkling blue seas and clear, beautiful, hot and glimmering days in the Sun.
Very enjoyable, full of twists and turns, very frustrating at times when you see bad things happening to good people, but it stops just before it becomes too uncomfortable and the story really flows to a very satisfactory ending.
A gentle and non-taxing read, perfect for the end of summer when we are still dreaming of sparkling blue seas and clear, beautiful, hot and glimmering days in the Sun.
August 3, 2025
The story lacked something. The ending was lame and That’s why I’m giving it 2.5 stars. My favorite part was the narrator Julia Whalen
August 25, 2025
4 Stars
Short story about a family on vacation on the Amalpi coast.
They rented a house next door to a brother and sister who seemed to be nice people but Bea and Tristan had ulterior motives.
Bad things had happened to people who had rented the house previously.
Erin and her husband Mark seemed to trust the siblings with their YA children until things started going wrong.
Not a bad vacation story with multiple povs
Short story about a family on vacation on the Amalpi coast.
They rented a house next door to a brother and sister who seemed to be nice people but Bea and Tristan had ulterior motives.
Bad things had happened to people who had rented the house previously.
Erin and her husband Mark seemed to trust the siblings with their YA children until things started going wrong.
Not a bad vacation story with multiple povs
August 12, 2025
I did not like this book. I should have given it one-star rating, but that seems so harsh. I believe a two-star rating means it’s OK. Now to be fair, I didn’t really choose it. I was listening to the Audible original Eavesdropping, which frankly wasn’t great either, but I assume there will be a second season.
I noticed The Vacation show up in a recommended audible original for me, and I assumed it would be some sort of thriller; when it started playing, I said sure, I’ll give it a try. As soon as it started, I knew I wouldn’t care for it, but I thought it might become interesting. Instead, there’s the psychological thriller aspect, combined with family drama, and it was not all that entertaining.
A family of a mother, father, and their two grown children take one last family vacation together. Because of all the trauma, the family has faced, they’ve grown apart and it’s possible the parents may divorce. They go on vacation to a villa on the Amalfi coast, which is owned by the couple next door. The story is told from the point of view of Erin, the family matriarch, and Bea, the partner of Tristan, who is the driving force behind the crimes being committed.
I was waiting for the negativity to happen and it finally does, but it’s not particularly suspenseful. It was more aggravating, and it made the Amalfi coast seem boring. I was pretty sure I knew what the story was except the story never really went there. I mean, it seems obvious how the story should be laid out after I got past a certain point, but no apparently that was not it. It ended up being more mundane than I thought, but then that was basically to put a twist ending on the whole thing.
Also, forcing someone to have sex by threatening their child is rape. Just call it rape. What are you on about?
I noticed The Vacation show up in a recommended audible original for me, and I assumed it would be some sort of thriller; when it started playing, I said sure, I’ll give it a try. As soon as it started, I knew I wouldn’t care for it, but I thought it might become interesting. Instead, there’s the psychological thriller aspect, combined with family drama, and it was not all that entertaining.
A family of a mother, father, and their two grown children take one last family vacation together. Because of all the trauma, the family has faced, they’ve grown apart and it’s possible the parents may divorce. They go on vacation to a villa on the Amalfi coast, which is owned by the couple next door. The story is told from the point of view of Erin, the family matriarch, and Bea, the partner of Tristan, who is the driving force behind the crimes being committed.
I was waiting for the negativity to happen and it finally does, but it’s not particularly suspenseful. It was more aggravating, and it made the Amalfi coast seem boring. I was pretty sure I knew what the story was except the story never really went there. I mean, it seems obvious how the story should be laid out after I got past a certain point, but no apparently that was not it. It ended up being more mundane than I thought, but then that was basically to put a twist ending on the whole thing.
Also, forcing someone to have sex by threatening their child is rape. Just call it rape. What are you on about?
August 4, 2025
Too many plot holes... weird and sudden ending..
.. enjoyable narration!
.. enjoyable narration!
August 5, 2025
Wasn’t bad for what it was. A simple, fast paced little thriller. A few plot holes- again your basic 3 star read. But if you’re “in-between” books and you need an audible freebee it’s not bad.
August 7, 2025
a bit predictable, but if Julia Whelan is narrating it, I'm gonna listen to it, thats just the way it goes
August 7, 2025
2.5 rounded up because Julia Whelan was one of the narrators.
January 3, 2026
Maybe I'm the problem because what?!
Too many coincidences, storylines that go nowhere, a murderer that doesn't make sense and an all powerful villain that's toothless in the last act.
Too many coincidences, storylines that go nowhere, a murderer that doesn't make sense and an all powerful villain that's toothless in the last act.
September 30, 2025
This was really well narrated, but overall it was a very mediocre story line. I feel like there was potential for it to be like White Lotus meets Saltburn, but it fell pretty flat for me. The "big twist" wasn't that shocking or twisty at all. Maybe I have just read too many psychological thrillers to be shocked anymore!
August 22, 2025
Okay, so I just finished The Vacation by Kathryn Croft and… I have a lot of thoughts. This book had all the right ingredients for a great summer thriller—an Italian villa, a picture-perfect family holiday, mysterious neighbors, and then… everything starts to unravel.
From the very beginning, Croft sets up this tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere on the Amalfi Coast. Erin, our main character, is trying to hold everything together as a mother while this trip starts to go horribly wrong. Her teenage son disappears after a party, a body is found on the beach, and there’s this brother-sister duo, Tristan and Bea, who just ooze suspicion. The setup had me turning pages fast.
Tropes and Themes I Spotted:
• The “dream vacation gone wrong” trope (classic but still fun).
• Outsiders with secrets (Tristan and Bea were a bit of a slow burn).
• Family secrets and how little we really know the people closest to us.
• The theme of appearances versus reality—who we pretend to be on vacation vs. who we actually are.
Croft also does that thing where she sprinkles in just enough foreshadowing to make you feel clever when you think you’ve figured it out… only to pull the rug out at the end.
Let’s Talk About That Ending.
So, the big reveal: the killer is Erin’s own daughter. Totally unexpected for me—I was convinced one of the neighbors had something to do with it. On paper, that twist is shocking and definitely flips the “stranger danger” narrative on its head.
But here’s the thing… I closed the book and kind of sat there like, “Wait… that’s it?” I don’t feel like I got the emotional punch I was waiting for. The tension was great, the setup was strong, but the resolution? It left me a little hollow. Like, I wanted more aftermath, more depth, more reason. I’m still waiting for that something to happen that ties everything together.
Character-wise, Erin was fine—stressed, protective, a little frustrating at times (as thriller moms tend to be). Tristan and Bea felt more like plot devices than fully explored people. They kept me guessing, but they didn’t linger in my mind after the last page.
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you like domestic thrillers that are quick, twisty, and set somewhere gorgeous. Just don’t go in expecting the kind of twist that makes your jaw drop and your heart ache. For me, it was more of a “huh, okay then” ending than a “wow, I’m wrecked” ending.
From the very beginning, Croft sets up this tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere on the Amalfi Coast. Erin, our main character, is trying to hold everything together as a mother while this trip starts to go horribly wrong. Her teenage son disappears after a party, a body is found on the beach, and there’s this brother-sister duo, Tristan and Bea, who just ooze suspicion. The setup had me turning pages fast.
Tropes and Themes I Spotted:
• The “dream vacation gone wrong” trope (classic but still fun).
• Outsiders with secrets (Tristan and Bea were a bit of a slow burn).
• Family secrets and how little we really know the people closest to us.
• The theme of appearances versus reality—who we pretend to be on vacation vs. who we actually are.
Croft also does that thing where she sprinkles in just enough foreshadowing to make you feel clever when you think you’ve figured it out… only to pull the rug out at the end.
Let’s Talk About That Ending.
So, the big reveal: the killer is Erin’s own daughter. Totally unexpected for me—I was convinced one of the neighbors had something to do with it. On paper, that twist is shocking and definitely flips the “stranger danger” narrative on its head.
But here’s the thing… I closed the book and kind of sat there like, “Wait… that’s it?” I don’t feel like I got the emotional punch I was waiting for. The tension was great, the setup was strong, but the resolution? It left me a little hollow. Like, I wanted more aftermath, more depth, more reason. I’m still waiting for that something to happen that ties everything together.
Character-wise, Erin was fine—stressed, protective, a little frustrating at times (as thriller moms tend to be). Tristan and Bea felt more like plot devices than fully explored people. They kept me guessing, but they didn’t linger in my mind after the last page.
Would I recommend it? Yes—if you like domestic thrillers that are quick, twisty, and set somewhere gorgeous. Just don’t go in expecting the kind of twist that makes your jaw drop and your heart ache. For me, it was more of a “huh, okay then” ending than a “wow, I’m wrecked” ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
This was a fun quick book. It was suspenseful and grabbed my attention.
October 30, 2025
What a fun audiobook!
The plot was captivating and thrilling. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a similar storyline. Those creepy neighbors that seem normal but have something sinister… except it’s a dual POV so you can see and understand both sides.
The characters were also very lovable
The plot was captivating and thrilling. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a similar storyline. Those creepy neighbors that seem normal but have something sinister… except it’s a dual POV so you can see and understand both sides.
The characters were also very lovable
August 19, 2025
⭐️ (1 stars)
This book was just too easy and predictable to read. The plot was very obvious—I knew exactly how it would end—and it felt extremely cliché. It followed the same old storyline: the family falling apart, then facing danger, and somehow coming together again. Honestly, I’m thankful I didn’t spend money on it or get it on Audible, it was just a free access book 😂.
The characters were flat, boring, and at times downright annoying. There was no real growth or development—just people existing on the page with no depth 🙄.
And this book came out recently in 2025? Really? Who is still writing these kinds of predictable stories? Please, it’s 2025—let’s get a little more creative, thank you 🙏🏽. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen plenty of movies with the exact same storyline—did it really need to be stretched into a whole book? 😑
August 17, 2025
2 ⭐️
I’m actually so glad it was free, because I would have lost my craps if I had spent actual money on this title.
The premise was great. I was expecting so much and then, disappointment. It actually started kind of good. Predictable for sure, but good. And then nothing happened.
The twist was underwhelming. The plot was underwhelming. The entire story line was underwhelming.
I refrained from giving 1 because I finished the title and there was some attempt at a good plot. That’s about it.
I’m actually so glad it was free, because I would have lost my craps if I had spent actual money on this title.
The premise was great. I was expecting so much and then, disappointment. It actually started kind of good. Predictable for sure, but good. And then nothing happened.
The twist was underwhelming. The plot was underwhelming. The entire story line was underwhelming.
I refrained from giving 1 because I finished the title and there was some attempt at a good plot. That’s about it.
August 9, 2025
To be honest the plot took forever. A lot of repeating of nothing. Literally a lot of “I don’t want to do this anymore “ but it took a long ass time to tell us what “do this” actually means.
It didn’t need to be as long as it was. It would’ve been better with less repeating lines and getting to the plot faster.
It didn’t need to be as long as it was. It would’ve been better with less repeating lines and getting to the plot faster.
August 17, 2025
thrilling but not groundbreaking haha
September 15, 2025
Admittedly I have an attention span of a goldfish but finishing this was like choking down a glass of warm buttermilk.
September 3, 2025
This was honestly one of the most gripping thriller reads I have read this year!
Erin has booked a last minuet villa on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast in the hopes it will help repair her fractured family. Upon arrival they meet the alluring and interesting siblings Tristan and Bea who are vacationing in the villa next door. Everything seems to be going well and there is a sense of hope in the air but with so many secrets all being harboured things can't stay peaceful for long situations grow even worse when Erin's teenage son Jesse goes missing after a party, and a body is found on the beach. Secrets are exposed and Erin realises her family is being targeted by someone with a sinister agenda and time is running out.
Now, this was actually a rare case where I found every character to be interesting and fun to read about. We got a good idea of who these characters were and got to know enough about them to have a connection with them all. I didn't feel as though there was one weak character; they were all developed well and there was great depth to them. I would have liked for this book to be a little longer so we could have learned a little more about the backstories a bit especially between Tristan and Bae. Their dynamic was so interesting and Tristen made for such a unique and twisted villain and I cant help but feel as though he could have been even further developed and had more moments in this book.
Some of the twists were a little predicable but I found that it didn't take away from the intensity and the overall vibe of the book. I was hooked and stayed fully invested throughout. Kathryn did a great job at creating suspense and touching on some very dark themes that worked so well for this book and developing her characters especially our bad guy and I was surprised at some of the plots and scenes.
This was for sure a character driven thriller perfect to read on holidays! It was fast paced, full of twists and secrets and a fun but dark read. I would for sure recommend.
Erin has booked a last minuet villa on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast in the hopes it will help repair her fractured family. Upon arrival they meet the alluring and interesting siblings Tristan and Bea who are vacationing in the villa next door. Everything seems to be going well and there is a sense of hope in the air but with so many secrets all being harboured things can't stay peaceful for long situations grow even worse when Erin's teenage son Jesse goes missing after a party, and a body is found on the beach. Secrets are exposed and Erin realises her family is being targeted by someone with a sinister agenda and time is running out.
Now, this was actually a rare case where I found every character to be interesting and fun to read about. We got a good idea of who these characters were and got to know enough about them to have a connection with them all. I didn't feel as though there was one weak character; they were all developed well and there was great depth to them. I would have liked for this book to be a little longer so we could have learned a little more about the backstories a bit especially between Tristan and Bae. Their dynamic was so interesting and Tristen made for such a unique and twisted villain and I cant help but feel as though he could have been even further developed and had more moments in this book.
Some of the twists were a little predicable but I found that it didn't take away from the intensity and the overall vibe of the book. I was hooked and stayed fully invested throughout. Kathryn did a great job at creating suspense and touching on some very dark themes that worked so well for this book and developing her characters especially our bad guy and I was surprised at some of the plots and scenes.
This was for sure a character driven thriller perfect to read on holidays! It was fast paced, full of twists and secrets and a fun but dark read. I would for sure recommend.
September 28, 2025
Despite the title, this might not be the best book to pack for your actual vacation—especially if you’re headed to an Airbnb (kidding… mostly).
That said, this was a fantastic, quick read. The pacing is sharp, the chapters fly by, and the twists do not let up until the very end. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Croft pulls the rug out again. It’s one of those thrillers that keeps your attention from page one and hits with a punch at the close.
Verdict: Fast-paced, twisty, and addictive—perfect for a binge read in one or two sittings.
Read if you like: Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, or any thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page
That said, this was a fantastic, quick read. The pacing is sharp, the chapters fly by, and the twists do not let up until the very end. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Croft pulls the rug out again. It’s one of those thrillers that keeps your attention from page one and hits with a punch at the close.
Verdict: Fast-paced, twisty, and addictive—perfect for a binge read in one or two sittings.
Read if you like: Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, or any thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page
January 16, 2026
Well, it was free on audible and I’m proud I finished it.
However, this was disappointing and predictable. I can’t really say it kept me engaged and wanting more because that’ll be a lie but I was determined to finish it!
It was ‘fast paced’ but it was definitely underwhelming and the ending came all of a sudden.
The ‘plot twist’ was it really a twist?
If you read it, hope you enjoy it.
However, this was disappointing and predictable. I can’t really say it kept me engaged and wanting more because that’ll be a lie but I was determined to finish it!
It was ‘fast paced’ but it was definitely underwhelming and the ending came all of a sudden.
The ‘plot twist’ was it really a twist?
If you read it, hope you enjoy it.
January 1, 2026
2.25
I already had a bad feeling about Tristan, . The characters all annoyed me. It only got better towards the end. The beginning and the middle sort of dragged.
I already had a bad feeling about Tristan, . The characters all annoyed me. It only got better towards the end. The beginning and the middle sort of dragged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
Wow! Pretty good for a short downloaded book. I didn’t see the ending coming.
August 10, 2025
I enjoyed listening to this book - a surprise at the end I didn’t see coming.
August 10, 2025
Totally enjoyed this audio ! It was a great story that definitely keeps your attention.
August 21, 2025
A fun easy-listening little thriller
Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews