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20 Minutes #4
20 Minutes On Holiday
Set in one 20 minute period in different locations all around the world, the fourth book in the bestselling 20 Minute Series is taking the story global. Several characters return, alongside many new ones, as the story packs its bags and leaves London, destined for the uncertainty of a foreign land.
Revenge is on the menu in Romania. Separation is on the cards in Santorini. And murder is on the mind in Moscow...
Everybody needs to get away but what is everybody trying to get away from?
Revenge is on the menu in Romania. Separation is on the cards in Santorini. And murder is on the mind in Moscow...
Everybody needs to get away but what is everybody trying to get away from?
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
253 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Hurst
89 books3,967 followersDaniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 19, 2022
I had just recently discovered this series and I have been enjoying it as it is just a mishmash of characters in their lives over the same 20 minutes of the day. This series opens your mind wide to show we are all different and everyone is going through something in their lives. Like the previous books in the series, we have some familiar characters who have been with us since Book #1 and a few that were introduced in Book #3 and then some brand-new ones. This book is all about going on holiday, having a reset in your life, letting your hair down, and just having fun, or in some cases, the holiday can be an eye-opener for your future. We have our original cast of Bodgan, Jelena, Harry, Josh, and Carol and then we have Chantelle - Will's friend, Laslo and Priya who showed up in Books #2 and #3, and then we have Tom and his wife Kelly who we met at the music festival. Each of these couples is headed away on holiday. Jelena and Bodgan have headed back to Serbia but Bodgan has another mission now that he has tracked down Jelena's other kidnapper, Tom and Kelly's relationship is barely hanging on and now Tom thinks that they are headed for Divorce, Carol free from her health scare is enjoying a holiday with her family but is a little worried about her husband's health, Priya is grieving the loss of her friend Jag and Will's career is skyrocketing and we read the aftermath of what happened when Harry tried one of the "sweets". This was another great installment in the 20 Minutes series and I am now looking forward to reading the next book 20 Minutes by the Thames I wonder if this is the book where Olivia's body might wash up as remember she is sitting at the bottom of the Thames River after being murdered by the Russian - Valentin.
February 1, 2023
•20 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕆𝕟 ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕕𝕒𝕪
•𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 ℍ𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕥
The next installment in the 20 Minute series.
This features quick snapshots of various characters holidays.
Working in travel I loved the descriptions of where they were etc, was great to visualise!
Another fab quick read by @danielhurstbooks
4🌟
#books #bookstagram #danielhurst #kindkeunlimited
•𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕝 ℍ𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕥
The next installment in the 20 Minute series.
This features quick snapshots of various characters holidays.
Working in travel I loved the descriptions of where they were etc, was great to visualise!
Another fab quick read by @danielhurstbooks
4🌟
#books #bookstagram #danielhurst #kindkeunlimited
March 12, 2023
I really love this "mini series" of books - the author is bringing people from one book to the other, while slightly introducing new interesting characters.
It is like a soap opera in books - however not as cheesy as a soap opera, and from one character and situation to another, it's getting more interesting...
I would highly recommend this series.
July 20, 2020
Not sure if this counts as spoilers or not, but better safe than sorry. I felt this one was a little bit slower than the other books. Where the previous stories tend to return to the characters a second time and provide some sort of closure or cliffhanger, if I remember correctly this one only revisits one and provides closure, and while you are left hanging on the other characters their stories aren't all that exciting. Maybe in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2021
Been a while since I read one of these books so was a little rusty on the characters - but it soon comes back. Thought this installment was a bit slower than the earlier books and the connections not so good. But it was an enjoyable quick read.
November 9, 2023
Well, the streak is over for me. Too many new characters arriving, or something went flat for me. Maybe just need a break.
April 25, 2022
Sun. Sea. Sand. Secrets.. Revenge is on the menu in Romania. Separation is on the cards in Santorini. And murder is on the mind in Moscow...
Everybody needs to get away but what is everybody trying to get away from? ✨
The next book in the series and I love how drawn in to the characters lives I am. It’s fast paced and an easy read. What an ending! Can’t wait to read the next in the series. 4 🌟
Everybody needs to get away but what is everybody trying to get away from? ✨
The next book in the series and I love how drawn in to the characters lives I am. It’s fast paced and an easy read. What an ending! Can’t wait to read the next in the series. 4 🌟
December 31, 2022
20 Minutes On Holiday by Daniel Hurst is about events taking place all over the world in the same 20 minute period.
I enjoyed 20 Minutes On Holiday by Daniel Hurst - Book 5
20 Minutes On Holiday by Daniel Hurst is about events taking place all over the world in the same 20 minute period.
Jelena Markovic is back home in Siberia on a short holiday which Bogdan had suggested for them both to take. Unbeknown to Jelena,Bogdan is keeping a secret from her.
They say that some people can live with their conscience and some people including Bogdan can not.
Andy Sharples is on a stag do with his friends in Madrid, Spain and his stag mates are daring him to partake in a feat worse than death.
Beth Maguire, Andy Sharple's fiancee has gone with a group of friends to celebrate her hen party in Amsterdam, Holland which is known for cannibis cakes and sex shops. Will she and her hen party have more fun than Andy and his stag mates?
Zheng Lin is on honeymoon in Kruger National Park, South Africa and she adored seeing all the wild life and was absolutely feeling on cloud nine. They come to the conclusion that the one thing that is so important is that love makes the world go round and not money.
Tom Casey is on a make or break holiday with his wife of only one year in Santorini, Greece. This was a surprise treat for his wife, Kelly but once she found out she was not very happy about it being sprung on her as she is a workaholic. Will there marriage survive or not after this holiday?
Carol Heath a Mother in her fifties had not long had good news that the lump in her breast was not cancerous and she was so relieved. The pre-planned family holiday to Portimao, Portugal has come to fruitition. Carol loved nothing better than being surrounded by her family as she believed in love. This holiday was to be a celebration of her daughter, Francesca's 32nd birthday and also Carol and her husband Steve's 35th wedding anniversary. Like the song goes Que Sera, Sera - Whatever will be, will be. Who knows what the future has in store?
Harry Baxter is the twelve year old boy who was on a quest to find his Father who had tragically committed suicide on the train tracks and poor Harry never got to meet him.
Harry's Mother has taken him for a day trip to Brighton, England Harry enjoyed playing on the arcade machines, eating ice lollies and kicking his football on the beach.
The reason his Mum had booked this surprise holiday was in order to cheer Harry up as he had a spell in hospital due to him finding what he had thought were sweets on the ground in Hyde Park.
Priya is on holiday in Hvar, Croatia with her girl friends to enjoy another musical festival but sadly without her very best friend Jagdeep.
There were five friends in total but now sadly there were only four and Jagdeep's absence made Priya sad. They all stood strong at the music festival and said 'No' to the drugs which were on offer. Nico Fire their favourite was playing and they all thought that Jagdeep would rather them live life to the full rather then be sad.
Louise Robterton whose life was wrecked by being raped by her ex-boyfriend, Joe Swan is on holiday in Rome, Italy to take part in a marathon as she had taken up running in order to block the rape.
Joe Swan is on holiday in Athens, Greece with his girlfriend, April whom he met from a dating app. and was worrying if his secrect from April will be revealed and would it come back to bite him in the future.
Valentin Morozov has been summoned to Moscow, Russia by lawyers concerning his late Mother and Father's will. Valentin thought this dumfounded to think that his parents who were poor had enough monies to leave him in their will so he made the trip.
He had finally realised his fantasy about killing someone and now that he had strangled the girl with the auburn hair who irritated him on his tube journey and after looking into her handbag had found her name was Olivia Harringay who worked for a music magazine as an editor. He was feeling so pleased with himself that he was contemplating on who to murder next.
Valentin was living the dream as he was a wealthy businessman and he felt no love for his deceased parents but he was curious to know what the lawyers could not discuss over the phone. Will it be good news or bad news Valentin is about to receive. Now the sins of the fathers may well come to fruitition.
Diego Olivera is the abuser whom Jelena had chewed off part of his ear as he raped her when she had been sex trafficked has now gone on holiday with his girlfriend, Lindsey, who is ten years younger than himself. He is only trying to placate his employers by dating as his employers relish in the fact that they are all family men and promotions and fat pay rises go to the favoured being married men.
Diego was missing his previous life style. Poor Lindsey is looking through rose tinted glasses but in Diego's case, 'You can't have your cake and eat it too'.
Manuel Allaire is on an adventure and has landed in Queenstown, New Zealand and is game for anything exciting and dangerous and is back packing around the world solo. Then he encountered a tourist company displaying posters promising daring stunts for the adventurous which included advanced bungee jumps by bicycle, tandem skydives, frisbee golf, and white water rafting through high currents. Will he be daring enough to partake or not?
Sarah Buckingham just wanted to get away from the rat race for a little while and has booked a holiday in Nadi, Fiji in the middle of the South Pacific. She just wanted peace and quiet and to relax and let her hair down on her own and she had even gone to the length of leaving her mobile phone at home in order to enjoy her holiday without any interruptions for two whole weeks. Unfortunately her peace is going to be shattered.
Jessica Rice is going on holdiay to Lima, Peru to go backpacking. Jessica's life had taken a battering.
Little did Sarah know that this idylic holiday would turn into a nightmare when she was on her way to board her plane back home due to her greed and stupidity.
Julie Brooksbank is on holiday in Mongego Bay, Jamaica taking a two week cruise around the Caribbean. The cruise ship is literally like a hotel on water. Julie had made plans on how she was going to divide her time into until she meets the passenger from hell.
The lady in question was a middle aged passenger by the name of Shania who was from Kansas City and she had a high pitched voice and had engaged Julie in conversation earlier and had listened to all her plans. So the saying goes 'The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.'
DeAndre Anderson is on holiday in Nassau, Bahamas with his family. He was an ex basketball player who is now on the scrap heap due to sustaining injuries in the sport. He lived to play and his loving family endured the many moves across the country when he went to play basketball.
His dream was to be in a team that would lead him into winning the championship and he already has a good woman beside him in order to accomplish his ambition.
Chantelle Hughes is in New York, America and is in awe as she is standing not far from a famous actress Camilla Collette. Chantelle is chaperone and good friend to Will Robertson a blind street busker whom Camilla Colette had discovered and recorded him playing.
Today is the day when Will Robertson is going to go live on national television and Chantelle can hope her dream comes true.
Laslo Kovacic is now making a living in Transylavania, Romania. His job is now as a construction worker on low pay.
Laslo did not take his break in the work canteen as he would rather walk to the river bank where he could contemplate on how his life had panned out to this wretched life. Unbeknown to Laslo someone from the past is hell bent on revenge
I enjoyed 20 Minutes On Holiday by Daniel Hurst - Book 5
20 Minutes On Holiday by Daniel Hurst is about events taking place all over the world in the same 20 minute period.
Jelena Markovic is back home in Siberia on a short holiday which Bogdan had suggested for them both to take. Unbeknown to Jelena,Bogdan is keeping a secret from her.
They say that some people can live with their conscience and some people including Bogdan can not.
Andy Sharples is on a stag do with his friends in Madrid, Spain and his stag mates are daring him to partake in a feat worse than death.
Beth Maguire, Andy Sharple's fiancee has gone with a group of friends to celebrate her hen party in Amsterdam, Holland which is known for cannibis cakes and sex shops. Will she and her hen party have more fun than Andy and his stag mates?
Zheng Lin is on honeymoon in Kruger National Park, South Africa and she adored seeing all the wild life and was absolutely feeling on cloud nine. They come to the conclusion that the one thing that is so important is that love makes the world go round and not money.
Tom Casey is on a make or break holiday with his wife of only one year in Santorini, Greece. This was a surprise treat for his wife, Kelly but once she found out she was not very happy about it being sprung on her as she is a workaholic. Will there marriage survive or not after this holiday?
Carol Heath a Mother in her fifties had not long had good news that the lump in her breast was not cancerous and she was so relieved. The pre-planned family holiday to Portimao, Portugal has come to fruitition. Carol loved nothing better than being surrounded by her family as she believed in love. This holiday was to be a celebration of her daughter, Francesca's 32nd birthday and also Carol and her husband Steve's 35th wedding anniversary. Like the song goes Que Sera, Sera - Whatever will be, will be. Who knows what the future has in store?
Harry Baxter is the twelve year old boy who was on a quest to find his Father who had tragically committed suicide on the train tracks and poor Harry never got to meet him.
Harry's Mother has taken him for a day trip to Brighton, England Harry enjoyed playing on the arcade machines, eating ice lollies and kicking his football on the beach.
The reason his Mum had booked this surprise holiday was in order to cheer Harry up as he had a spell in hospital due to him finding what he had thought were sweets on the ground in Hyde Park.
Priya is on holiday in Hvar, Croatia with her girl friends to enjoy another musical festival but sadly without her very best friend Jagdeep.
There were five friends in total but now sadly there were only four and Jagdeep's absence made Priya sad. They all stood strong at the music festival and said 'No' to the drugs which were on offer. Nico Fire their favourite was playing and they all thought that Jagdeep would rather them live life to the full rather then be sad.
Louise Robterton whose life was wrecked by being raped by her ex-boyfriend, Joe Swan is on holiday in Rome, Italy to take part in a marathon as she had taken up running in order to block the rape.
Joe Swan is on holiday in Athens, Greece with his girlfriend, April whom he met from a dating app. and was worrying if his secrect from April will be revealed and would it come back to bite him in the future.
Valentin Morozov has been summoned to Moscow, Russia by lawyers concerning his late Mother and Father's will. Valentin thought this dumfounded to think that his parents who were poor had enough monies to leave him in their will so he made the trip.
He had finally realised his fantasy about killing someone and now that he had strangled the girl with the auburn hair who irritated him on his tube journey and after looking into her handbag had found her name was Olivia Harringay who worked for a music magazine as an editor. He was feeling so pleased with himself that he was contemplating on who to murder next.
Valentin was living the dream as he was a wealthy businessman and he felt no love for his deceased parents but he was curious to know what the lawyers could not discuss over the phone. Will it be good news or bad news Valentin is about to receive. Now the sins of the fathers may well come to fruitition.
Diego Olivera is the abuser whom Jelena had chewed off part of his ear as he raped her when she had been sex trafficked has now gone on holiday with his girlfriend, Lindsey, who is ten years younger than himself. He is only trying to placate his employers by dating as his employers relish in the fact that they are all family men and promotions and fat pay rises go to the favoured being married men.
Diego was missing his previous life style. Poor Lindsey is looking through rose tinted glasses but in Diego's case, 'You can't have your cake and eat it too'.
Manuel Allaire is on an adventure and has landed in Queenstown, New Zealand and is game for anything exciting and dangerous and is back packing around the world solo. Then he encountered a tourist company displaying posters promising daring stunts for the adventurous which included advanced bungee jumps by bicycle, tandem skydives, frisbee golf, and white water rafting through high currents. Will he be daring enough to partake or not?
Sarah Buckingham just wanted to get away from the rat race for a little while and has booked a holiday in Nadi, Fiji in the middle of the South Pacific. She just wanted peace and quiet and to relax and let her hair down on her own and she had even gone to the length of leaving her mobile phone at home in order to enjoy her holiday without any interruptions for two whole weeks. Unfortunately her peace is going to be shattered.
Jessica Rice is going on holdiay to Lima, Peru to go backpacking. Jessica's life had taken a battering.
Little did Sarah know that this idylic holiday would turn into a nightmare when she was on her way to board her plane back home due to her greed and stupidity.
Julie Brooksbank is on holiday in Mongego Bay, Jamaica taking a two week cruise around the Caribbean. The cruise ship is literally like a hotel on water. Julie had made plans on how she was going to divide her time into until she meets the passenger from hell.
The lady in question was a middle aged passenger by the name of Shania who was from Kansas City and she had a high pitched voice and had engaged Julie in conversation earlier and had listened to all her plans. So the saying goes 'The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.'
DeAndre Anderson is on holiday in Nassau, Bahamas with his family. He was an ex basketball player who is now on the scrap heap due to sustaining injuries in the sport. He lived to play and his loving family endured the many moves across the country when he went to play basketball.
His dream was to be in a team that would lead him into winning the championship and he already has a good woman beside him in order to accomplish his ambition.
Chantelle Hughes is in New York, America and is in awe as she is standing not far from a famous actress Camilla Collette. Chantelle is chaperone and good friend to Will Robertson a blind street busker whom Camilla Colette had discovered and recorded him playing.
Today is the day when Will Robertson is going to go live on national television and Chantelle can hope her dream comes true.
Laslo Kovacic is now making a living in Transylavania, Romania. His job is now as a construction worker on low pay.
Laslo did not take his break in the work canteen as he would rather walk to the river bank where he could contemplate on how his life had panned out to this wretched life. Unbeknown to Laslo someone from the past is hell bent on revenge
February 16, 2025
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
It is now August, one month after the events of "20 Minutes in the Park" , and we rejoin some favourites (or if not a favourite, a regular) and meet yet some more new faces as this time we pepper the globe as each of the characters embark on something of a holiday. Hats off to Hurst who managed to synchronise timezones to all coincide with the same 20 minutes all around the world.
Once again, Jelena kicks things off as she and Bogdan return to Serbia for a well-earned, much-needed holiday. They are staying with Jelena's mother and sister in the poverty-stricken neighbourhood of Belgrade but proud Serbians as they are refuse any hand-outs from both Jelena and Bogdan. They have since learnt of Jelena's harrowing experience since she left her home for pastures greener, their shame at what she endured when they thought she had a better life in the UK. But Jelena is stronger than what they made her and she is determined to rise above it. But unbeknownst to her, Bogdan is keeping a secret from her.
Police officer Tom has returned with his insufferable wife Kelly as they holiday in beautiful Santorini. A holiday Tom booked because Kelly said she always wanted to go there but instead she complained that she couldn't leave work. But here they are, and while Tom is doing his level best to rekindle what they once had before they married, Kelly seems intent on ruining it at every turn with a complaint coming out of her mouth with every word she utters. I wanted to smack her. I mean, Santorini! What I wouldn't give to be enjoying that stunning Greek Isle and all she can do is bitch and moan.
Carol is in Portugal with her family and despite her cancer scare a couple of months before, she has not let on to her family the worry she endured at the time. The holiday was pre-booked before her cancer scare to celebrate her daughter's birthday and her's and Steve's 35th wedding anniversary. But while she may be the picture of health after all, it seems Steve is showing worrying signs that he may not be.
Lovable Harry can't believe his luck! His mum sprung a surprise weekend getaway for them both to Brighton after a scare that landed Harry in hospital. He's never been to the seaside and having visited, he is reluctant to leave. He tried begging his mum for them stay another day but she refused, much to his disappointment. Probably because she could ill afford the two days they were there anyway but found a way regardless. After all, she nearly lost Harry and she wanted to cheer him up and spoil him a little.
Louise has swapped purse snatching for marathon running and she finds herself in Rome taking part in a half marathon, giving herself a goal to beat the average time for a woman to complete the run, which is two hours and seven minutes. Louise has given herself a goal of two hours. Anything to forget that night six months ago.
Meanwhile Joe, Louise's ex, is in Athens with his girlfriend April. He didn't think he would enjoy it as much as he is just as he didn't think he would fall in love with April...but he is. But at the back of his mind is that night of foolishness; he just hopes Louise has moved on and won't involve the police. He doesn't want to ruin what he has with April.
Valentin has been summoned to Moscow after his parents were killed in a car accident. He honestly can't see why what little their estate amounted to couldn't be dealt with by phone and why he had to return in person. He hasn't been back in almost two decades. He's too busy fantasising about who is to become his next victim but it seems he is about to receive some bad news. All is not as it seems in Valentin's world and it seems it wasn't in his father's either.
Chantelle has accompanied Will to New York where he is appearing on morning television where he is being interviewed alongside Camilla Collette who discovered him busking in the Tube and posted a video of him that went viral, thus marking the beginning of his music career. Will is about to perform his song that sent him into stratospheric heights after which Chantelle hopes her dream will come true.
Diego is holidaying in Singapore with girlfriend Lindsey, who is really just a matter of convenience for him (he is so loathsome, a sentence will barely suffice for him). Half a star off for him and for Kelly's whining in Santorini.
We meet Andy on his stag do in Spain (why would anyone enter a bull ring?), his fiance Beth on her hen weekend in Amsterdam (she's decided she can fly them home, they've partaken in so much cannabis and hallucigenic matter in the cafes), Zheng Lin is on honeymoon in Africa, Priya is in Croatia without her best friend Jagdeep who died at the music festival in the last book, Manuel is backpacking around the globe but at this moment is in New Zealand, Sarah is taking a complete digital detox in Fiji, Jessica is in Peru but has made a grave mistake, Julie is in Montego Bay on a Caribbean cruise while DeAndre is in the Bahamas contemplating his future.
And then there is Laslo. The last we saw of him he was boarding the Eurostar at St Pancras for Paris. Now he is in Transylvania, Romania working construction to build up his coffers again so he can go back to the more lucrative sex trafficking. But there is someone who will do whatever they can to prevent him from hurting any other woman again...and little does he know that they will do anything to stop him. Anything.
This was another wild ride in the series as this time we weren't in one place but rather scattered around the globe. I'll say again, hats off to Hurst for nailing those timezones to ensure they each fell into the same 20 minutes. We rejoined some of the original characters that have featured in all the books thus far, a couple that have been in a few but not others and then there are those who were introduced in the second or third books and appear once again here. And then we have a handful of newbies who, in all honesty, don't thrill me with excitement. I'm more invested in the already established stories of the existing characters rather than anyone new. But still, let's see what's in store for them should they pop up down the line. I mean, we still have another 16 books in the series to go so it's anyone's guess what's going to happen to any or all of them.
I do recommend that you begin this series from the start though. Some have said you can jump in and not miss out on much given that Hurst does recap the important bits that have lead some of them to where they are. But then in doing that you are missing out on some really good edge of your seat stories so I definitely recommend beginning with the prequel before moving on to Book #1. Skip #1.5 which doesn't seem to connect with the rest of the story, though don't quote me as I haven't read it yet and was advised to keep that until the I've finished the series. It is a unique concept this whole 20 minutes in the day of a life of everyone and how Hurst still manages to tell an entire tale but still set it within those 20 minutes is genius.
While they are shorter than full length books, they still take me a good part of the day or night to get through (real life has a way of getting in the way). I can't wait to see what's in store for everyone coming and who we will meet next.
Next...20 Minutes on the Thames
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It is now August, one month after the events of "20 Minutes in the Park" , and we rejoin some favourites (or if not a favourite, a regular) and meet yet some more new faces as this time we pepper the globe as each of the characters embark on something of a holiday. Hats off to Hurst who managed to synchronise timezones to all coincide with the same 20 minutes all around the world.
Once again, Jelena kicks things off as she and Bogdan return to Serbia for a well-earned, much-needed holiday. They are staying with Jelena's mother and sister in the poverty-stricken neighbourhood of Belgrade but proud Serbians as they are refuse any hand-outs from both Jelena and Bogdan. They have since learnt of Jelena's harrowing experience since she left her home for pastures greener, their shame at what she endured when they thought she had a better life in the UK. But Jelena is stronger than what they made her and she is determined to rise above it. But unbeknownst to her, Bogdan is keeping a secret from her.
Police officer Tom has returned with his insufferable wife Kelly as they holiday in beautiful Santorini. A holiday Tom booked because Kelly said she always wanted to go there but instead she complained that she couldn't leave work. But here they are, and while Tom is doing his level best to rekindle what they once had before they married, Kelly seems intent on ruining it at every turn with a complaint coming out of her mouth with every word she utters. I wanted to smack her. I mean, Santorini! What I wouldn't give to be enjoying that stunning Greek Isle and all she can do is bitch and moan.
Carol is in Portugal with her family and despite her cancer scare a couple of months before, she has not let on to her family the worry she endured at the time. The holiday was pre-booked before her cancer scare to celebrate her daughter's birthday and her's and Steve's 35th wedding anniversary. But while she may be the picture of health after all, it seems Steve is showing worrying signs that he may not be.
Lovable Harry can't believe his luck! His mum sprung a surprise weekend getaway for them both to Brighton after a scare that landed Harry in hospital. He's never been to the seaside and having visited, he is reluctant to leave. He tried begging his mum for them stay another day but she refused, much to his disappointment. Probably because she could ill afford the two days they were there anyway but found a way regardless. After all, she nearly lost Harry and she wanted to cheer him up and spoil him a little.
Louise has swapped purse snatching for marathon running and she finds herself in Rome taking part in a half marathon, giving herself a goal to beat the average time for a woman to complete the run, which is two hours and seven minutes. Louise has given herself a goal of two hours. Anything to forget that night six months ago.
Meanwhile Joe, Louise's ex, is in Athens with his girlfriend April. He didn't think he would enjoy it as much as he is just as he didn't think he would fall in love with April...but he is. But at the back of his mind is that night of foolishness; he just hopes Louise has moved on and won't involve the police. He doesn't want to ruin what he has with April.
Valentin has been summoned to Moscow after his parents were killed in a car accident. He honestly can't see why what little their estate amounted to couldn't be dealt with by phone and why he had to return in person. He hasn't been back in almost two decades. He's too busy fantasising about who is to become his next victim but it seems he is about to receive some bad news. All is not as it seems in Valentin's world and it seems it wasn't in his father's either.
Chantelle has accompanied Will to New York where he is appearing on morning television where he is being interviewed alongside Camilla Collette who discovered him busking in the Tube and posted a video of him that went viral, thus marking the beginning of his music career. Will is about to perform his song that sent him into stratospheric heights after which Chantelle hopes her dream will come true.
Diego is holidaying in Singapore with girlfriend Lindsey, who is really just a matter of convenience for him (he is so loathsome, a sentence will barely suffice for him). Half a star off for him and for Kelly's whining in Santorini.
We meet Andy on his stag do in Spain (why would anyone enter a bull ring?), his fiance Beth on her hen weekend in Amsterdam (she's decided she can fly them home, they've partaken in so much cannabis and hallucigenic matter in the cafes), Zheng Lin is on honeymoon in Africa, Priya is in Croatia without her best friend Jagdeep who died at the music festival in the last book, Manuel is backpacking around the globe but at this moment is in New Zealand, Sarah is taking a complete digital detox in Fiji, Jessica is in Peru but has made a grave mistake, Julie is in Montego Bay on a Caribbean cruise while DeAndre is in the Bahamas contemplating his future.
And then there is Laslo. The last we saw of him he was boarding the Eurostar at St Pancras for Paris. Now he is in Transylvania, Romania working construction to build up his coffers again so he can go back to the more lucrative sex trafficking. But there is someone who will do whatever they can to prevent him from hurting any other woman again...and little does he know that they will do anything to stop him. Anything.
This was another wild ride in the series as this time we weren't in one place but rather scattered around the globe. I'll say again, hats off to Hurst for nailing those timezones to ensure they each fell into the same 20 minutes. We rejoined some of the original characters that have featured in all the books thus far, a couple that have been in a few but not others and then there are those who were introduced in the second or third books and appear once again here. And then we have a handful of newbies who, in all honesty, don't thrill me with excitement. I'm more invested in the already established stories of the existing characters rather than anyone new. But still, let's see what's in store for them should they pop up down the line. I mean, we still have another 16 books in the series to go so it's anyone's guess what's going to happen to any or all of them.
I do recommend that you begin this series from the start though. Some have said you can jump in and not miss out on much given that Hurst does recap the important bits that have lead some of them to where they are. But then in doing that you are missing out on some really good edge of your seat stories so I definitely recommend beginning with the prequel before moving on to Book #1. Skip #1.5 which doesn't seem to connect with the rest of the story, though don't quote me as I haven't read it yet and was advised to keep that until the I've finished the series. It is a unique concept this whole 20 minutes in the day of a life of everyone and how Hurst still manages to tell an entire tale but still set it within those 20 minutes is genius.
While they are shorter than full length books, they still take me a good part of the day or night to get through (real life has a way of getting in the way). I can't wait to see what's in store for everyone coming and who we will meet next.
Next...20 Minutes on the Thames
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 3, 2022
This is book 4 of 20. If you are NOT familiar with the series do NOT read my review
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As much as I HATE the idea of reading anything out of order, I have to admit that I feel like a new reader could jump into this starting with this book.
The established character chapters provided well written summaries of the events prior to each character's holiday. There are 8 Newbie characters, (new to the series), 7 OG characters (featured since book 1) and 5 New Edition characters (featured in book 2/3 and/or have a direct link to one of the OGs)
I gave this book 3 stars because of ALL the intros and space filling. I know that the intros are needed, I know that all the little details have purpose, but it gets annoying when all I want is the dirt.
Bogden and Jelena - I swear I can see the cartoon hearts in his eyes. I am rooting for them so HARD. I was so mad that the author fuxed with my emotions and worried me throughout this book. Not cool dude.
Joe is super gross. Apparently, he's suffering from raper guilt. Not sure if that's a thing but you know he just is so frustrated that Louise has all this power to ruin HIS life. Being a rapist is super hard ya'll like how dare there be fear of consequence for one's action. Reading about his budding love for his new girlfriend was infuriating. I literally wanted to rip his eyes out so that he couldn't enjoy the beauty of his vacation destination.
Valentin- HOLY FREAKING SHIT!!! He is off his rocker. Like we already knew that anyone who decides to take up serial killing as a hobby must have serious mental issues right??? He is truly a horrid person. The reveal of his potential victims literally had me shook. Like Please NO. Can't he pick one of the people I don't like??
Diego- I hope an alien parasite swims up his urethra, caused an infection, lays egg that eventually hatch and burst through his dick like a firecracker. He is super manipulative and perverse. I'm so confused as to why he just doesn't find himself a submissive to date versus stringing Lindsay's basic ass around but whatever to each their own.
Lots of hearts and butterflies for everyone involved in Will's storyline. He is doing so good, and I am so happy. Like I wish I could hear him sing. Yes I know he's not real but in my mind he sings like Frankie J on acoustic. Yes I know I could have chosen Ed Sheeran since he's actually British but NO I want Frankie J.
Louise- YAAASSSS BITCH!!! Keep doing what you are doing. I'm so proud of her for recognizing her self destructing behaviors, taking control, and channeling all her emotions into a hobby that empowers.
Harry- I need to know more about his momma. I did the math in a prior book when he said she was 29. His dad was 42. So that means his parents were 17 and 30 when he was born. While I know this age gap isn't super bad it still makes me pause. I've also noticed a few odd behaviors form his mom. Like her uber protective nature, her over sheltering of Harry, and the fact that she works from home and doesn't seem super comfortable in public. I have theories about how she may fit in with some of the other established characters once she is introduced.
Tom is the last person who I feel deserves an individual shout out. His wife is super annoying and petty. He needs to check her ass.
The various newbie intro chapters ranged from super boring to OMFG did that just happen?? Some have potential and others we shall wait and see.
******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
As much as I HATE the idea of reading anything out of order, I have to admit that I feel like a new reader could jump into this starting with this book.
The established character chapters provided well written summaries of the events prior to each character's holiday. There are 8 Newbie characters, (new to the series), 7 OG characters (featured since book 1) and 5 New Edition characters (featured in book 2/3 and/or have a direct link to one of the OGs)
I gave this book 3 stars because of ALL the intros and space filling. I know that the intros are needed, I know that all the little details have purpose, but it gets annoying when all I want is the dirt.
Bogden and Jelena - I swear I can see the cartoon hearts in his eyes. I am rooting for them so HARD. I was so mad that the author fuxed with my emotions and worried me throughout this book. Not cool dude.
Joe is super gross. Apparently, he's suffering from raper guilt. Not sure if that's a thing but you know he just is so frustrated that Louise has all this power to ruin HIS life. Being a rapist is super hard ya'll like how dare there be fear of consequence for one's action. Reading about his budding love for his new girlfriend was infuriating. I literally wanted to rip his eyes out so that he couldn't enjoy the beauty of his vacation destination.
Valentin- HOLY FREAKING SHIT!!! He is off his rocker. Like we already knew that anyone who decides to take up serial killing as a hobby must have serious mental issues right??? He is truly a horrid person. The reveal of his potential victims literally had me shook. Like Please NO. Can't he pick one of the people I don't like??
Diego- I hope an alien parasite swims up his urethra, caused an infection, lays egg that eventually hatch and burst through his dick like a firecracker. He is super manipulative and perverse. I'm so confused as to why he just doesn't find himself a submissive to date versus stringing Lindsay's basic ass around but whatever to each their own.
Lots of hearts and butterflies for everyone involved in Will's storyline. He is doing so good, and I am so happy. Like I wish I could hear him sing. Yes I know he's not real but in my mind he sings like Frankie J on acoustic. Yes I know I could have chosen Ed Sheeran since he's actually British but NO I want Frankie J.
Louise- YAAASSSS BITCH!!! Keep doing what you are doing. I'm so proud of her for recognizing her self destructing behaviors, taking control, and channeling all her emotions into a hobby that empowers.
Harry- I need to know more about his momma. I did the math in a prior book when he said she was 29. His dad was 42. So that means his parents were 17 and 30 when he was born. While I know this age gap isn't super bad it still makes me pause. I've also noticed a few odd behaviors form his mom. Like her uber protective nature, her over sheltering of Harry, and the fact that she works from home and doesn't seem super comfortable in public. I have theories about how she may fit in with some of the other established characters once she is introduced.
Tom is the last person who I feel deserves an individual shout out. His wife is super annoying and petty. He needs to check her ass.
The various newbie intro chapters ranged from super boring to OMFG did that just happen?? Some have potential and others we shall wait and see.
August 9, 2025
Daniel Hurst’s globe-trotting fourth installment turns the 20 Minutes concept into an international soap opera. Love, revenge, bachelorette parties, shady business deals, and… bulls?
I still don’t know how most of these characters are affording international trips. Hurst does mention that a few come from very wealthy families, but for the rest? Like how, otherwise? lol. I’m suspending my disbelief by not counting their money.
We reunite with familiar faces like Jelena and Bogdan, whose relationship has blossomed into something beautiful despite the darkness of their past. Bogdan’s final act chef’s kiss.
We also check in on Joe and Louise (still circling each other in avoidance and paranoia), Valentin (possibly turning his serial killer ambitions into government sanctioned work, yikes), and Will and Chantelle (my heart cannot take this slow burn much longer).
New characters bring fresh intrigue: Zheng and Kei’s workaholic honeymoon, Deandre’s desperate drive for an NBA championship, Julie’s cruise from hell with a clingy “friend” straight out of Single White Female, Jessica’s airport drug smuggling disaster waiting to happen, and Manuel’s adrenaline junkie wanderlust.
Not every chapter lands. A few feel repetitive, like filler or disconnected from the main threads, but the variety of locations and the mix of personal drama with crime plotlines kept me turning the pages.
I also loved that we got another Black character. I am hoping Deandre sticks around since there has been no further mention of Aaliyah.
I am still loving the series. I tried to space them out and read other books between installments, but my mind keeps coming back to this story. I am just going to give in and binge read it.
I still don’t know how most of these characters are affording international trips. Hurst does mention that a few come from very wealthy families, but for the rest? Like how, otherwise? lol. I’m suspending my disbelief by not counting their money.
We reunite with familiar faces like Jelena and Bogdan, whose relationship has blossomed into something beautiful despite the darkness of their past. Bogdan’s final act chef’s kiss.
We also check in on Joe and Louise (still circling each other in avoidance and paranoia), Valentin (possibly turning his serial killer ambitions into government sanctioned work, yikes), and Will and Chantelle (my heart cannot take this slow burn much longer).
New characters bring fresh intrigue: Zheng and Kei’s workaholic honeymoon, Deandre’s desperate drive for an NBA championship, Julie’s cruise from hell with a clingy “friend” straight out of Single White Female, Jessica’s airport drug smuggling disaster waiting to happen, and Manuel’s adrenaline junkie wanderlust.
Not every chapter lands. A few feel repetitive, like filler or disconnected from the main threads, but the variety of locations and the mix of personal drama with crime plotlines kept me turning the pages.
I also loved that we got another Black character. I am hoping Deandre sticks around since there has been no further mention of Aaliyah.
I am still loving the series. I tried to space them out and read other books between installments, but my mind keeps coming back to this story. I am just going to give in and binge read it.
August 8, 2023
Great collection of incidents
Progressing from the previous compensiums of short stories the characters we have met before continue to grow in their narratives in interesting surprising and thoughtful ways.
There are levels of formulaic advancement but where there are there is always some tempering with the insight into the characters as they proceed abroad and with their internal outcomes still unravelling.
Optimistic and refreshing for the most part there continue to be some dark and triggering discussions enclosed. If you have come this far why stop now, but for survivors there will discomfort.
Progressing from the previous compensiums of short stories the characters we have met before continue to grow in their narratives in interesting surprising and thoughtful ways.
There are levels of formulaic advancement but where there are there is always some tempering with the insight into the characters as they proceed abroad and with their internal outcomes still unravelling.
Optimistic and refreshing for the most part there continue to be some dark and triggering discussions enclosed. If you have come this far why stop now, but for survivors there will discomfort.
July 11, 2021
I saved The 20 Minutes series for last....
I have read ALL of Daniel Hursts' books. Loved and enjoyed each and every one. I continued to see these books, but KNEW I was going to binge them. I was right! The characters are so well defined and you just HAVE to know what happened since the last book. I was emotionally all over the place... I will finish this series and probably read it all again, just in case I missed something. Cannot wait for next book...ANY book by this author
I have read ALL of Daniel Hursts' books. Loved and enjoyed each and every one. I continued to see these books, but KNEW I was going to binge them. I was right! The characters are so well defined and you just HAVE to know what happened since the last book. I was emotionally all over the place... I will finish this series and probably read it all again, just in case I missed something. Cannot wait for next book...ANY book by this author
December 22, 2022
I have really liked reading his story stories, it doesn't take very long. Yet, this book took me what felt like forever. I guess just because there didn't seem to be any juiciness to it. I felt the story just lacked something that I really can't put my finger on, it just seemed different than his other books. It has the same concept, different characters, and different scenarios one or two of the characters play a part in another story. Yet, I felt there were no closures to these stories. I may read the other book by him that is on my GoodReads list, but I just don't know it.
January 9, 2021
Time to go on holiday
I enjoyed this one, it really felt like I was in those places with the amount of detail, and while I did get a bit confused at times with who each character was, thankfully there was some background info in each part. I loved being transported far away to various holiday destinations or faraway places and really let the writing carry me away - just what was needed for some lockdown reading!
I enjoyed this one, it really felt like I was in those places with the amount of detail, and while I did get a bit confused at times with who each character was, thankfully there was some background info in each part. I loved being transported far away to various holiday destinations or faraway places and really let the writing carry me away - just what was needed for some lockdown reading!
May 12, 2021
Incredible.
Very rarely do I leave such a glowing review for a book. I’ve usually got some negative to throw in but in all my years of reading, these books by Daniel Hurst have really wowed me. They are fantastically written. And you’ve also got to appreciate the knowledge and/or research of the author for all the information for each character as there is so many mini storylines. Absolutely gripping these books are. I love them
Very rarely do I leave such a glowing review for a book. I’ve usually got some negative to throw in but in all my years of reading, these books by Daniel Hurst have really wowed me. They are fantastically written. And you’ve also got to appreciate the knowledge and/or research of the author for all the information for each character as there is so many mini storylines. Absolutely gripping these books are. I love them
January 17, 2022
Can't read them fast enough
Wow. Each book is getting better, obviously you get wrapped up in the lives of those that where in the first book. Yet also when new people are introduced some are brilliant and you want to know what there story is others although good have not captivated me in the same way. That genuinely doesn't mean they will not sorry got to go got another book to read 20mins by the Thames
Wow. Each book is getting better, obviously you get wrapped up in the lives of those that where in the first book. Yet also when new people are introduced some are brilliant and you want to know what there story is others although good have not captivated me in the same way. That genuinely doesn't mean they will not sorry got to go got another book to read 20mins by the Thames
May 2, 2023
Pretty sure it's just me, but I'm still a little confused and haven't caught on to the gist of this series. It's fun to have twenty different stories all in one book, but there is no ending for any of them. Some, in fact, leave us hanging. Are they to be continued later in the series?
I am impressed that with all the details of beautiful places all over the world, it's apparent that Author Daniel Hurst has visited and researched them for his books.
I am impressed that with all the details of beautiful places all over the world, it's apparent that Author Daniel Hurst has visited and researched them for his books.
July 8, 2020
Part of a series that really draws you in!!
I am totally hooked on this series of books.....exploring each one anew is a treat .....The twists and turns of people's lives intertwining and the new characters entering the fray ....I'm already agog for the next one
Keep up the fabulous writing Daniel Hurst!!
I am totally hooked on this series of books.....exploring each one anew is a treat .....The twists and turns of people's lives intertwining and the new characters entering the fray ....I'm already agog for the next one
Keep up the fabulous writing Daniel Hurst!!
July 1, 2020
Fab
Another fantastic book in the 20 minute series. I especially enjoyed the chapter set in Jamaica! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a great read.. Also check out the other books in the 20 minute series.
Another fantastic book in the 20 minute series. I especially enjoyed the chapter set in Jamaica! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a great read.. Also check out the other books in the 20 minute series.
January 1, 2023
So many holidays
The 20 minute series continues with a holiday theme with all the established characters placed in new locations but with their stories continuing. Cleverly written the ever unfolding jigsaw continues.
The 20 minute series continues with a holiday theme with all the established characters placed in new locations but with their stories continuing. Cleverly written the ever unfolding jigsaw continues.
February 6, 2023
Every book in this series is a winner!
Another 20 Minutes where lives converge and stories continue! The characters are well developed and the scenarios believable. Another great read from Daniel Hurst.
Another 20 Minutes where lives converge and stories continue! The characters are well developed and the scenarios believable. Another great read from Daniel Hurst.
March 13, 2023
Time to get away.
20 minute snippets of people’s lives from different parts of the world. Some familiar characters and some new but all caught up in their own little worlds.
The 4th instalment in this easy to read series, my go to when I was a short and fast paced book.
20 minute snippets of people’s lives from different parts of the world. Some familiar characters and some new but all caught up in their own little worlds.
The 4th instalment in this easy to read series, my go to when I was a short and fast paced book.
August 25, 2020
Another cracker from Daniel Hurst. Love the 20 minute series, catching up with known characters and meeting new ones.
October 16, 2020
Another collection of short stories, some continuing on from the previous books, leading nicely into the follow up books.
March 14, 2021
Am really enjoying this series of books - and this one does not disappoint
September 24, 2021
Brilliant
Another terrific read ,the characters are being to have more depth as the books progress.Very enjoyable way to spend a few hours
Another terrific read ,the characters are being to have more depth as the books progress.Very enjoyable way to spend a few hours
November 24, 2021
Intriguing
What an ending! I can't wait to see how each person's story progresses. I literally finished this within a day. A very interesting series of books
What an ending! I can't wait to see how each person's story progresses. I literally finished this within a day. A very interesting series of books
December 13, 2021
Have enjoyed this one
Have so enjoyed this fantastic story and the series as a whole.can't wait to move onto the next one 😁
Have so enjoyed this fantastic story and the series as a whole.can't wait to move onto the next one 😁
April 8, 2022
Brilliant series
I am loving this series. The way the separate stories are told but somehow make up a complete picture is really clever. I will be reading them all!
I am loving this series. The way the separate stories are told but somehow make up a complete picture is really clever. I will be reading them all!
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