How to Slay on Holiday could be the perfect book to accompany you on your next sunshine break, especially if you are heading to a Greek Island and enjoy both mystery and humour in the novels you read.
The Synopsis of How to Slay on Holiday
You’d kill for a holiday like this one…
Chloe and her husband Scott are holidaying with their families on the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos. But Chloe has a secret… She has hired a hitman to kill Scott when they return home. This week, her plan is to pretend to be such a happy wife that no suspicion can possibly fall on her after the murder.
But she’s reckoning without Scott’s meddlesome sister, Tori, plus the rivalries and demands of both families. Can she deal with them all while keeping her murderous intentions hidden?
Then Chloe wakes up in their villa covered in blood, next to a dead body, with no memory of the previous night. Panic ensues as she tries to piece together what happened – and just who else on this holiday might be a secret killer…
Fans of Katy Brent, Bella Mackie and Julie Mae Cohen won’t be able to resist this twisty, darkly funny crime thriller.
More about How to Slay on Holiday
How to Slay on Holiday is a dark comedic thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense with biting humour. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Mykonos, it explores the complexities of familial relationships, personal vendettas, and the lengths one might go to reclaim autonomy.
Chloe Cooper, daughter of a high-profile criminal, can’t take any more. For years now, she has been suffocated by her husband Scott’s controlling behaviour, so she decides to take matters into her own hands and meticulously orchestrates his murder.
To divert suspicion, she plans an extravagant family vacation to a luxurious villa in Mykonos, aiming to portray the image of a devoted wife. She invites not only her parents but also her husband’s parents and both sets of siblings. For most, this could be a difficult holiday, but it’s not just Chloe’s family that is big in the criminal world; so too are Scott’s, although they tackle their businesses in two very different ways.
However, as expected, even in this idyllic setting, things soon get heated, and with a mixture of simmering tensions, things quickly go awry.
Family rivalries surface, Scott’s sister, Tori, grows suspicious of Chloe’s intentions, and the villa’s observant concierge, Grace, seems to be monitoring every move.
Then, thanks to a girl’s night out, Chloe’s plans go entirely out of the window. What should have been a last relaxing holiday in the sun turns into a nightmare as Chloe’s plans unravel amidst unforeseen complications, and the narrative spirals into a chaotic blend of deception, mistrust, and unexpected violence.
My Thoughts on How to Slay on Holiday
How to Slay on Holiday is a captivating blend of thriller elements and dark comedy, offering readers a roller-coaster ride of emotions and surprises. Despite minor shortcomings, the novel delivers an engaging experience that will leave readers both amused and contemplative about the facades people maintain and the secrets they have.
The characters are, at times, both relatable and unpredictable. Chloe comes across initially as a cold and calculating figure, and her desperation to eliminate her husband is evident as her meticulously laid plans crumble. Tori, Scott’s sister, adds a layer of intrigue with her perceptive nature and probing questions, while on the outside, she seems committed to retaining her airhead persona. Finally, we also get the perspective of Grace, the villa’s concierge, who flits between being both an ally and adversary to Chloe and Tori, keeping the readers guessing about her true intentions.
Bonner’s writing makes it easy for readers to visualise scenes and connect with the characters. Chloe, Tori, and Grace’s varying perspectives provide multiple views of the same events, further enriching the storytelling.
I really enjoyed all of the unforeseen plot developments that challenge the readers’ assumptions. Just when you think you have guessed what is happening, Bonner introduces a twist that reshapes the storyline. Despite the dark themes, the novel is laced with sharp wit and humour.
About Sarah Bonner
Sarah Bonner, once an accountant, is now an author of several bestselling psychological thrillers. If you wish to learn more about her writing, you will find regular updates across her social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). Alternatively, to be the first to hear any news about upcoming novels, sign up for her newsletter.
Have you read this or any of Sarah Bonner’s novels? Perhaps there are similar authors you would recommend.
I was gifted a copy of this novel as part of a ‘Rachel’s Random Resources‘ book blog tour, but as always, all views are my own.
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