Title: The Vacation
Author: John Marrs
New Edition Pub Date: December 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.5 Rounded Up)

This was my first and won’t be my last read by John Marrs! This book follows several different people from all over the world who end up at a run down hostel in Venice Beach, California. All are looking for an escape from their own lives and they all have secrets they are hiding.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to love this book because there are many characters and it takes several chapters to introduce them all. However, this character building is necessary to the story, since as we get to know them better, connections begin to unfold and secrets are revealed….. And once this starts to happen, the twists just keep coming! I literally could not put this book down because there are twists at the end of almost every chapter that I never saw coming.

The story also goes back and forth between the past and present lives of the characters and is done in such a clever way that I felt like I was putting together a puzzle. If you want a different type of read that will keep you in suspense and guessing about how every character’s story will end, then definitely give this book a try!

Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the ARC of this updated edition of this book.

Complex, Interwoven Thriller With Numerous Characters And Flashbacks. Hell, the one thing to knock this book on is just how sudden the flashbacks and returns can be. Other than that, this is one of those twisty, complex, interwoven tales more about the people that find themselves at a particular hostel at a particular moment than any titular "vacation" - though, as you'll come to see, every single one of them is truly on a "vacation" of sorts, so the title *does* work. I simply think the original title of "Welcome To Wherever You Are" may have actually been a more apt title for the tale.

If you want a single, simple plotline with a one or two true main characters and maybe a supporting cast... this isn't that kind of tale. If you want a tale where there are definitive answers and everything is black and white... this isn't that kind of tale. If you want an absolute mind fuck of a tale that makes you question your sense of reality... this isn't that kind of tale, either.

Instead, this truly is one of those more interesting in between tales that shows a more accurate depiction of humanity and how we're all flawed and we all have our own stories both before and after any given encounter, this simply happens to be the tales of those people who wind up being in the same Los Angeles area hostel at the same moment in time at the particular moment of the story here. If you're looking for *that* kind of tale... congratulations. You've found one of the better examples of it I've ever come across in my own reading.

Very much recommended.

This is the second book I’ve read by John and I loved it! I really enjoy his writing. I loved getting to know each character. I loved all the twists. It kept me guessing and I just couldn’t put the book down. I love when thrillers have me in the edge of my seat and this book certainly did that! Thank you, NetGalley, John and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

Going on vacation you never know who you are going to meet or whose paths you might cross. They say it is a small world, but when you’re running from your past you sometimes don’t realize how small that world can get. This is a fantastic novel. Each character has something to hide, and all is reviled in perfect order. Readers will enjoy getting lost in all the drama as it unfolds through both the present and past. Nothing is as it seems, and secrets can’t stay buried forever.
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

3.5 stars for The Vacation.

I really enjoyed The Vacation by John Marrs. The Vacation is the story of many young adults staying in a hostel in Venice Beach, California. The dynamic between the guests was fun and it was interesting to learn all their backstories and what took them to Venice Beach.

There were definitely some storylines that I preferred over others, but overall it was a fun and quick read.

The story was mysterious, thrilling, and shocking at times.

John Marrs is out here proving yet again that he is a master at his craft. Riveting and unputdownable!

I have to say this was my first time reading anything of John Marrs. However he did not disappoint. I loved this one!

“The Vacation,” previously published as “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” is a novel by John Marrs that takes readers on a winding journey through the lives of an eclectic group of characters. Spanning over 500 pages, this ambitious narrative weaves through a complex maze of twists, turns, and flashbacks, making it a challenging yet ultimately rewarding read.

Set against the backdrop of a shabby backpacker’s hostel in Venice Beach, California, the novel’s vivid setting resonates particularly with those who have experienced the unique vibe of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Marrs excels in creating a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own checkered pasts and intriguing stories. The book adopts a vignette-style approach, focusing on different characters in separate storylines. While some narratives and characters are more engaging than others, the overall journey through their lives is a fascinating one.

Marrs introduces his characters gradually, dedicating several chapters to each before bringing in new ones. This methodical approach helps in managing the large cast, though it still requires some concentration from the reader to keep track of the various storylines. The narrative is structured with chapters alternating between different characters’ perspectives, often delving into their pasts. These flashbacks are generally well signposted, though at times, they delve into unnecessary detail that doesn’t always serve the main storyline.

“The Vacation” may not satisfy those looking for a fast-paced thriller, as its pace is more deliberate, focusing on character development rather than edge-of-your-seat suspense. It’s more of a character study, rich in detail and exploration of personal histories and interactions.

In conclusion, “The Vacation” is a novel for those who enjoy deep dives into characters’ lives and don’t mind a slower pace. Marrs’ skillful storytelling and the vivid setting make it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate a complex, character-driven narrative.

John Marrs never disappoints. His style of introducing each character and making them a fully formed person before diving into the drama or connecting the stories is a great way to pique interest and keep it. The twists and turns were well timed and shocking, but realistic enough to keep you immersed in the world he creates. The creation and building of The Vacation world took a bit to get into, but the payoff was worth it by getting to know these characters so intimately. The Vacation is a non-stop thriller and also a stunning story of self discovery and growth, while also leaving you guessing until the last minute.

Well, I started this book and already know I'm going to enjoy it, but I've decided to hold off until the summer so that it fits the vacation scene a little better. Still super excited to get into it though, and so far after the first couple chapters, I'm already hooked! Feeling like a 4 star so far, but will update my review once I finish

This book was impossible to put down! The diversity, backgrounds, and secrets of the people at hostel made them extremely fascinating. The most exciting aspect of the novel was that nothing is as it seems. I loved it so much that I felt sad for it to end.

You can't go wrong with a John Marrs book.

Death, murder, relationships, kidnapping, peeping tom, sex and a whole lot of intrigue. Love!

"The Vacation" by John Marrs is a gripping and ingenious thriller that masterfully explores the consequences of a technological experiment gone awry. The novel weaves together the fates of multiple characters who share a connection to a unique vacation experience. Marrs' storytelling is taut, filled with unexpected twists and ethical dilemmas. As suspense builds, the narrative skillfully navigates themes of morality, privacy, and the impact of advancing technology on human lives. "The Vacation" is a rollercoaster of tension and intrigue, showcasing Marrs' ability to craft a thought-provoking thriller that raises questions about the potential dangers lurking in the age of innovation.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the latest John Marrs thriller.

Usually I’m a big Marrs fan, but I’ll get it off my chest right away…. I couldn’t finish it, DNF. IM SORRY. I couldn’t get into it, I found it lacking excitingness and pizzazz especially for a thriller. There were so many characters, and most of them I honestly just couldn’t care about. Just meh.

1/5 ⭐️

This book starts slow with about 8 different characters who all end up at the same hostel in Venice. The first 60% of this book had the storylines being told at various junctures to points where it was hard to keep track of. It wasn’t until the last third of the book that the storyline became super clear and began to mesh all together. Once they did it was great. You have just have to really keep trudging to get to that point. I love many of John Marrs books so this was a bit of a disappointment for me.

This was the book that made me discover John Marrs and his gripping and twisty thriller.
The author is a talented storyteller, the multiple POVs never made me feel confused and they added layers to the plot.
I was on the edge, was on a one-more-chapter-trip and had to read till the end because I wanted to know the solution
John Marrs is talanted storyteller and this book is an exercise in great plot and character development, a gripping and entertaining story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was twisty and kept me engaged.

This was the first John Marrs book that I have read, and I am now adding all of his previous books to my list to read.

The book is about 8 strangers staying in a hostel in Venice Beach, all running from someone and all with something to hide. I really enjoyed how the story was told in the present and through flashbacks. I was worried at first with so many characters, but Marrs does a fantastic job distinguishing them and I had no issues.

I absolutely loved the character development.

Although I didn't have a hard time keeping the characters straight, I felt that we could have done with a few less of them.

This one was a super slow burn and took forever for the whole picture to come into view. The first 50% of the book felt extremely disjointed and hard to follow. I’m glad I finished it as the ending did have some redeeming parts, but overall I was fairly confused and bored.

Exploring the intertwining timelines, from present to past, added depth to the narrative, unraveling the secrets and motives of each character. The multifaceted personalities made the journey of delving into their lives truly enriching.

The Vacation is about a full cast of characters who have made a Venice Beach hostel their temporary home. But most of these travelers are hiding some secrets or running from something.

I think only a writer as skilled as John Marrs could make a book with this many storylines, this many characters, and this many twists work. At times, this book took the drama a little far, but I was continuously along for the ride. This book was nonstop action and constant surprises (for better or worse).