THE VACATION was a really entertaining read, in typical John Marrs style. He has a knack for introducing a host of different characters and making them all distinguishable and relatable, then pulling all their stories together into a fun, fast-paced world. THE VACATION was no exception - it took a while for all the different pieces to come together and while not all the stories were connected, it was fun to see where characters crossed over historically and in the present. This is a book that’s better read with no background, just dive in and let the journey start.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review THE VACATION.

This one was hard for me to read - the cadence of the characters and switching time and POV was just a bit tricky. I forced myself to finish this one and while it wasn't awful this one just wasn't for me.

Perhaps with better formatting this would be easier to follow however the ereader ARC format was just a bit hard

I have been a huge fan of John Marrs since I read "The One" a few years back. Since then I have read quite a few from his backlist, but somehow I missed this one and was very excited to get approved to read a re-release of his 2015 novel, "The Vacation". I really enjoy how he formats his books with rotating characters and short chapters that leave you wanting more just as that chapter ends. He has a way with giving small and unexpected reveals at several times throughout his stories, and "The Vacation" is no exception. While I did enjoy all the characters and found them well developed, I think there were a few too many to keep track of. I think with so many characters, it made the first half of the book or so slow moving because so much time had to be spent building up each character and their backstory. Once the final quarter of the book hit I found it to move at a better pace and kept me on my toes. While it wasn't my favorite by Marrs, I was happy I read this and will continue to eat up everything he reads.

Travelers at a seedy hostel in Venice Beach, California find that you can't outrun your past. Interesting characters and a suspenseful storyline keep you reading to find out how each person ended up there and what their secrets are. Lots of twists and turns.

The Vacation has a large cast of characters and it can take a bit to get them straight, but by the second half of the book I had them all sorted and things started coming together. Each character has their own background and their own reasons for being at a rundown hostel in Venice Beach. There isn’t one huge plot twist but rather smaller twists all along the way. This kept me guessing and on my toes the entire time. Not my favorite John Marrs book, but still a very enjoyable read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

John Marrs, with all my love, you are TWISTED and I love you for it.

The Vacation might be my new favorite of his outside of his speculative fictions. Those have a special place in my heart.

The Vacation follows a variety of travelers staying at a hostel in LA. This book reminded me of The One where it starts with a look into the seemingly normal lives of different people only to find much darker, nefarious secrets. With both books, I was lulled into a false sense of it being a book about normal people only to get molly whopped with the twists.

Loved loved loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When I started reading this book I was kind of lost as to whether this was supposed to be a thriller or a mystery or what. I realized it’s just because John Marrs is a master at setting up a scene and giving you good understanding of all the character so that you think you know what’s going on, and then he sweeps the rug right out from under your feet. This story follows various different characters living in a hostel in California. Each character has an interesting backstory and unique reasons for being there and each and every character is more interesting than the next. Similar to The One by John Marrs this story really kept me captivated and wanting to know more and more while also keeping me guessing throughout. I wouldn’t even consider it a thriller just an overall good story that’s got it all. Make sure you grab a copy when it releases in December!

This book was a bit hard for me to get into. There were many character changes in the characters that were hard to keep track of in the beginning. Once I had a better handle on the characters, it was good. I did not expect some of the twists towards the end.

This book follows a group of strangers who are all looking to escape their past or start a new life. They’re all staying at a run down hostel in Venice Beach that offers cheap beds and fun parties and companionship with fellow travelers. The story jumps back and forth from each person’s present and past, so you really don’t know the whole of it until the end. The character development is great, and some characters you start off not liking, only to find out their story and change your mind. In the beginning there are a lot of characters to keep track of, but soon you feel like you know them and it’s easy to follow. Quick paced, great storyline, had me wanting to know what was going to happen the whole time

A little slow and apparently this is a reprint? I'm not sure why the ARC though. I try to like this author because he's is recommended to me so often but this one just didn't grab on for me.

Ooooo I love mysteries like this plus everyone seemed to have their own issues that were uncovered in this book. I will say at times it got a bit confusing with everyone’s stories but I did get through it and was thoroughly entertained

The Vacation was first printed in 2022 so my version from NetGalley must be a reprint. This one by John Marrs was slow for me. 8 people from all walks of like come together at a hostel in Venice Beach, CA. I’ve never stayed at a hostel nor do I ever care to. Not for me. I’ll rate it 3 stars.

This was a wonderfully written, intertwined mystery of several peoples live who intersect at a hostel in L.A. Not a thriller but still an attention getter this was such a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication

I picked this up on Netgalley because I so enjoyed The One by this author. The Vacation was gooooooood, but not as good as The One. I DID love all of the points of view and how each character related to each other in a way that we did not find out until the end of the novel. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Vacation by John Marrs!

In the mesmerizing tale of "The Vacation," John Marrs delves deep into the enigmatic labyrinth of human nature, secrets, and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to in order to safeguard their hidden truths. Marrs, an acclaimed master of psychological thrillers, showcases his exceptional storytelling prowess yet again, proving why he stands at the pinnacle of the genre.

Eight strangers find themselves at a run-down Venice Beach backpackers' hostel, each carrying a past they're desperately trying to escape. As they unravel their secrets, the narrative unfolds from both their past and present perspectives. Their diverse backgrounds and haunting histories add layers of complexity to the story.

The intricate character development in this book stands out as truly remarkable. Each character possesses a depth that brings them to life, making their stories and struggles palpable. From Tommy, who works at the hostel reception, to Savannah, the daughter of a TV Reverend in Alabama, and childhood friends Matty and Declan from Ireland, every character is intricately woven into the narrative. Nicole and Eric, friends and work colleagues from the UK, Ruth, the solitary traveler from Australia, and Jake, who changed his name before leaving the UK, all contribute to the rich tapestry of the story.

What sets this book apart is the author's daring creativity. The plot, though intricate and occasionally challenging, showcases Marrs' readiness to explore uncharted territory in storytelling. It's a puzzle, a maze of twists and turns that will test your comprehension and intrigue you, pushing the boundaries of the literary experience.

"The Vacation" is a testament to the power of unique storytelling. While it may not offer an easy, straightforward read, it leaves an indelible impression. If you're up for a challenge and seek something refreshingly different in your reading, this book offers a compelling exploration of complex characters and innovative storytelling.

This is a psychological thriller at its finest. Marrs' writing style is immersive, delivering shocking twists that will leave you breathless. The setting, a secluded island, adds a layer of isolation, intensifying the tension and paranoia among the characters. You'll feel like you're right there with them, experiencing their fear and desperation.

While the plot might have a few predictable moments, Marrs more than compensates with his exceptional storytelling and bold narrative choices. "The Vacation" is a relentless page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the next shocking revelation.

Overall, "The Vacation" is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. John Marrs has once again delivered a mesmerizing tale of deceit and desperation that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that challenge your perceptions and keep you riveted, this book is a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and I eagerly await John Marrs' next captivating creation.

So many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sharing this remarkable book's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Read if you like:
#️⃣ Multiple POV
🏨 Hostel Settings
⏳Multiple Timelines
🔎 Mysteries
🔫 Starting with a bang

This book is told from 8 POV from people that are all away from home at the same Hostel on the beaches of California and they all appear to have secrets and are all a little bit fishy.

John Marrs truly is the master of books with multiple pov and hopping around so you can’t wait to get back to each pov to find out what’s going on!

If you like lots of twists and reveals I highly recommend adding this one to your list!

Book Title: The Vacation
Author: John Marrs
Originally published April 29, 2015
Original Title: Welcome to Wherever You Are
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing /Hanover Square Press
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: December 19, 2023
My Rating: 3.4. Stars (Not quite 4 Stars great but I do Love this author!)
Pages: 496

This story plants the seed ~ How far would you run to escape your past?

Tourists come to California looking for a fun vacation, others looking for an escape from reality as they visit Hollywood and are awestruck by the amazing estates people call home.

In this story there are eight strangers who are staying at in run down Venus Beach backpackers’ hostel, and all are running away from their pasts. (Living in Southern California I am familiar with Venice Beach. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a one-mile street market and free speech zone. The two-mile Ocean Front Walk has street performers, muscle beach gym, bike/roller-skate path and every restaurant you can imagine. Definite unique one might say - fun place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there.)

Our eight strangers- Declan, Eric, Jake, Matty, Nicole, Ruth, Savannah, and Tommy have secrets and seem to be running from someone or something from their past.
Story is told from their POV then and now.
• Tommy - works in the hostel reception.
• Savannah - has a famous father who is a TV Reverend in Alabama.
• Matty & Declan – are childhood friends from Ireland.
• Nicole & Eric - are friends and work colleagues from the UK.
• Ruth – Is a loner who has traveled from Australia.
• Jake – has changed his name before leaving the UK.

There is no doubt they ALL have secrets!!
Curious – stay tuned!

I have read several John Marr’s novels. My favorite was "What Lies Between Us"- a dark twisted psychological thriller ~ which is my kind of a book!

Once I realized this was published in 2015, I lowered my expectation – surprise – surprise it turned out better than I expected. True not as dark as his more recent books, but it did keep me interested.
Plus. . .
I so loves the Acknowledgements!

Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for this re-release of this 2015 John Marr’s novel.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 19, 2023.

Set in a seedy Venice Beach hostel, this novel shares the stories of eight travelers drawn to the sun, glamor, and most-importantly, the anonymity of Los Angeles. From a duo of charming young Irishmen to a southern-born exotic dancer, most of Marrs’ characters are running from an unpleasant past and, in a few cases, running toward an even more complicated future. Each backstory unfolds over the course of chapters and all the stories intertwine with each other as the travelers all meet and interact with one another at the hostel. Not every story here is a happy ending, but the overall book is a thrilling, satisfying read filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. This is an edited re-release of a previous title, Welcome to Wherever You Are, originally published in 2015.

This was a wild story! There are several storylines about the lives of people who are staying in a California hostel. Some of these stories will intersect in shocking ways, some will be very sad, and some will end up with happy endings. Really enjoyed this fast-paced read!