A group of friends gather for a holiday in Cornwall but for one of the group it is their last holiday ever. Annie dies and one of her friends may be the murderer…
The Last Holiday is a psychological thriller with an element of murder mystery.
Over two decades of friendship and secrets come to a head on a final holiday before lives change forever. Annie, Jack, Charlotte, Tristen and Stella became friends at college but all of them have something to hide. I was absolutely capitivated by the dynamics of the relationships between this group of friends.
Secrets and lies from the past and present simmer under the surface and there are motives aplenty. I found it difficult to like Annie even though the chapters from her perspective show her vulnerabilities and explain her actions. The other characters have their flaws too, making them seem authentic and human so I felt an emotional connection with all of the lead characters.
The book is written from various points of view (all female) in the first person to show the lead up and aftermath of events. I liked the inclusion of the lead police officer to show the progression of the case but also her emotional state of mind as she struggles with her own personal circumstances.
There were plenty of twists as secrets are revealed and links are made between the past and present. I had a few theories about how things would work out but wasn’t quite right. Even in the final chapters, the author threw in an extra twist or two!
The Last Holiday is a gripping thriller and mystery.
Book Description:
One last holiday together. One of us wouldn’t come home…
Saturday night: It starts as an innocent holiday game amongst old friends. As we sit around our campfire, the evening sky streaked with peach, my little boy sleeping peacefully in our tent, the wine flows and secrets are spilled.
It should be harmless fun, but Annie’s questions worry me. She’s always been the keeper of our secrets. She knows all the infidelities, the indiscretions, the stolen kisses…
I just hope she knows when to stop. Because there’s something I can’t let her bring to the surface…
Wednesday morning: It’s the little things that stay with you. The hurried rip of zips being opened. Figures stumbling into the cold night air. The screams echoing across the campsite as flashlights scour the ground. That’s what happens when someone you love is murdered.
One of us is responsible for Annie’s death. One of us will stop at nothing to keep our secrets hidden…
A totally gripping psychological thriller that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and have you gasping at the twists. Fans of The Housemaid, Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will be turning pages all night long!
Author Bio:
Amy Sheppard is a busy mum of two boys, living in Cornwall. Her obsession with making budget friendly family dinners, led her to writing two cookbooks. Amy creates recipes for her followers and for brands @amysheppardfood
The Last Holiday is the author’s second fiction novel.
