John Marrs doesn’t miss! I really enjoyed this book and the atmospheric setting. I was invested in a handful of the characters and loved the way the story flowed! I need more JM books in my near future.

Within the pages of this book, I found a rich tapestry of characters and a narrative that dared to be different. The character development was truly outstanding, each character possessing a depth that made them feel incredibly real. Despite occasional moments of confusion, likely due to my own tiredness, I appreciated the author's bold creativity.

The intricate plot, while challenging, revealed the author's willingness to explore new avenues in storytelling. It was a puzzle, a maze of twists and turns that demanded my attention and engagement. While it tested my comprehension, it also kept me intrigued, pushing the boundaries of my literary experience.

In the end, this book stands as a testament to the power of unique storytelling. It might not have offered an easy, straightforward read, but it certainly left a lasting impression. For those who enjoy a challenge and seek something different in their reading, this book is a worthy exploration of complex characters and innovative storytelling.

The Vacation by John Marrs is a suspense involving multiple (read: too many) characters from across the world who are staying at a hostel-cum-drug-growing-operation in Venice Beach, CA. They're all kinda loathesome, they've all done awful things, and you will never ever like a single one of them. There was too much going on, and despite that, the book didn't feeling like it was "moving" until the last 25%. What goes around comes around for a fairly satisfying ending, but I wouldn't recommend this particular book when there are so many thriller-type books available as part of the huge trend.

I'm becoming a big fan of John Marrs. We just read The Marriage Act for our book club and I devoured it. I was eager to start The Vacation and was expecting a similar vibe. Note to self: don't go into books with expectations. I only say this to say that I thought I was going to have one reading experience and I had another one. One that I enjoyed. Little did I know that The Vacation is a revised and revisited version of the author's first self published novel. His. First. Novel. There are so many elements of his more current work that I love and I really got a sense of his development as an author.

The novel involves the exploits of a group of people living in a hostel in Venice Beach, CA. Who knew there was a hostel in Venice Beach? There is. This is a fictionalized version of that. I got big Melrose Place vibes with less soap opera and more intrigue. There is a lot of heart in the novel. Quirky characters. No big huge twist, but small little reveals sprinkled throughout (Oh, Ruth, poor dear). Dual timelines that help flesh out the reason why many of the characters ended up at the hostel. Very character driven.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The novel will be published December 19, 2023. Definitely check it out, especially if you are a fan of the author and want to explore his earlier work.

John Marrs can do no wrong in my eyes. I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this ARC. A group of strangers met while staying at a hostel in Venice Beach. They are all running from something and have things to hide. Love how this played out. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to reach this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Super slow to get into...I tried it four times and had to force myself to finish. There were some parts that were really good, but overall, it sounds like someone different wrote it as it was so different from his newer releases.

The book follows 8 separate main characters with their stories and their secrets staying at a hostel in Venice Beach. The mixing of current story and each characters back story got a little rigorous sometimes but overall I enjoyed the book.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Vacation by John Marrs.

Gosh, I love books like this. One place, a hostel in LA, the characters, all sorts of (mostly) young folks, and all of them carrying heavy secrets. This is an onion that will unpeel slowly with every chapter, and it might actually make you cry a bit too.

I thought that this was so clever, well paced, and full of juicy drama. My only issues with is was it's cavalier take on sexual assault. I don't think the author meant to act flippant about it, but I do believe that it should have been handled more carefully, or honestly not at all, it wasn't pertinent to the story.

I am a huge fan of John Marrs books so was super excited to read this one. Unfortunately this one was a little bit of a disappointment for me. It was all over the place and I just couldn't connect with it. My ratings for John Marrs books are always 4 or 5 stars but this one I actually rounded up to a 3. I hope you enjoy it more than I did but curious to see what John Marrs fans think

This book was a little slow for me. While the chapters were very short the timeline in each jumped around a little too much. By the time I got to the plot twists had already mostly figured them out. I usually enjoy John Marrs books but this one wasn’t my favorite.

This book was super slow to get into and then i found out it is a re-release. I sadly did not finish.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader's copy (ARC) of "The Vacation" by John Marrs, and it was nothing short of an electrifying literary journey. From the very first page to the heart-pounding conclusion, this novel kept me on the edge of my seat, craving more with every chapter.

John Marrs has proven once again why he is a master of the psychological thriller genre. "The Vacation" is a mesmerizing exploration of human nature, deception, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Marrs artfully crafts a narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong, leaving you questioning your own moral compass.

The characters in this book are incredibly well-developed, each with their own hidden agendas and vulnerabilities. You'll find yourself both empathizing and despising them in equal measure, as Marrs peels back the layers to reveal their true motivations. This complex web of characters adds a layer of depth and intrigue that keeps the plot engaging from start to finish.

One of the standout aspects of "The Vacation" is its setting. The secluded and picturesque island backdrop serves as the perfect stage for the unfolding drama. The isolation intensifies the tension and paranoia among the characters, making you feel like you're right there with them, experiencing their fear and desperation.

Marrs' writing style is sharp and immersive, with a knack for delivering shocking twists that will leave your jaw on the floor. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. It's a true page-turner that will have you racing through the story, eager to uncover the next shocking revelation.

While I absolutely loved "The Vacation," I did find a few minor plot points a tad predictable. However, Marrs makes up for it with his exceptional storytelling and the sheer audacity of some of the narrative choices.

In conclusion, "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 you've turned the final page. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers that challenge your perceptions and keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and I can't wait to see what John Marrs has in store for us next.

This was my first read by John Marrs… the book started slow with 8 different characters landing in the same hostel on Venice Beach, each with their own secrets. As unique as the cast of characters was, that’s what they felt like to me - a cast of actors. I don’t know why I couldn’t quite get invested in them. Having said that, it was still a fun and evocative read, which all came together nicely in the end. I’m looking forward to reading more books by John Marrs.

Thanks to NetGalley + Hanover Square Press for the gifted copy!

I found the premise of this book really interesting. The continuous back and forth between past and present made it difficult to keep up with which characters were which until midway through the book. Once I had I grip on the characters the book was much more enjoyable.

Short and easy chapters to read. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

My more patient students will enjoy this slow burn story of a group of interconnected strangers staying at a hostel. Lots of characters and povs which got confusing at times, but if you/they stay with it, the payout at the end will be worth it. I, as an adult did enjoy it. I did prefer others of his books more

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Publication date: December 19, 2023
This is the first title I have read by this author, and he did not disappoint.
The story takes place in a rundown hostel in Venice Beach, CA. The first half of the book you get to know each individual character and a bit of their background stories. You begin to like or dislike them, feel empathy, etc. On to the second part, and you better hold on to your seats! There were so many twists and wtf moments that just kept coming right up to the superb ending. You need read this one NOW!

John Marrs always has great character development and this one will not disappoint either. Fast passes novel

John Marrs is the master of suspense and creepiness. This book is no different. It’s about a group of strangers staying in a hostel and the different secrets they have. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and it was a little confusing at times. Still, it’s a solid read. Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

A bunch of strangers are staying in a hostel in Venice beach. All have secrets, what will they do to keep the others from finding it out??

This was my first John Marrs book. While I did enjoy it, I didn’t keel my attention very well and took me a little longer to read it as my normal reading speed. I kept getting bored, put it away, pick it up again, repeat repeat.