The Vacation

Product Information

I’ve been wanting to read a book by John Marrs for a while now and after finishing The Vacation I can tell you I’ll be reading many more! Over the course of short and sharp chapters, the reader is introduced to a whole host of characters based around a Venice Beach hostel. It takes a while to set the scene properly, there are so many characters with their own motivations and secrets which could be confusing in less skilful hands. However Marrs deftly weaves the narrative into the connections that begin to appear between these intriguing individuals with a practised and confident hand. As the book moves on, the suspense and action ramps up, full of twists and turns that keep the reader on their toes leading to an ending I felt worked perfectly for this story. The Vacation is a multilayered and exhilarating thriller that would make an excellent summer read! In some ways it’s a bit like a Woody Allen-esque movie featuring a series of vignettes with an array of characters, all with their own stories that come together in some unbelievably coincidental way at the end. The Vacation First stop…a rundown hostile on Venice Beach that attracts people from all over the world. Their reasons for being there are vastly different. Everyone with a story and past that lead them there. Ready to find out all the juicy details?

John Marrs - Author John Marrs - Author

Seriously, this book has such a large cast of characters that at first glance seems to have nothing to do with each other but as you read along you discover this convoluted web that binds them together in some way or another.

Thank you so much to Tracy Fenton and to Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours for inviting me on this tour and organising it. I kindly received a copy of the book from the publisher. My review is entirely my own honest opinion. Marrs certainly knows how to tell a story and he does it with precision in this impressively chunky book, which surprisingly didn’t take long to read at all. I loved the fast paced short chapters and the diverse collection of characters. The pace is steady and it's told in the past and present day format. The plotline is multi-layered but easy to follow. We are told how each well developed character got in to the situation they were in. This is an intriguing read. I found this book – at various times – to be annoying, obvious, frustrating and alluring. And weirdly I’d recommend it for all of those reasons.

Book review: The Vacation by John Marrs - Debbish Book review: The Vacation by John Marrs - Debbish

Wow there are so many unexpected surprises, twists and deranged characters. Most of these guests are running away from something in their lives. Originally published as Welcome to Wherever You Are , this is a re-edited release perfect for fans of T. M. Logan. If you’ve got the opportunity to love someone as much as they love you, then grab it with both hands and hold on to it for dear life.” Tommy - works in the hostel reception. He was traveling around the US with his friend before they went their separate ways. Although coping with his own troubles, he becomes someone people turn to. Peter James, author of Picture You Dead Another savagely clever near-future thriller. Provocative, terrifying and compulsive. If you loved The One, you'll love this!After working as a journalist for 25-years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time writer. The book was previously released as Welcome to Wherever You Are– a sign the owner of the hostel has displayed at reception and Marrs references a Aldous Huxley quote: 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. Hi there - really sorry but I don't! British writers aren't often asked to provide them for our books, it tends to be more of an American and Canadian thing so I've been told. Huge apologies. Please thank your book club for me and send them my very b Our goal is to discover that we have always been where we ought to be. Unhappily we make the task exceedingly difficult for ourselves.