The Summer Holiday by S.E. Lynes Book Review

S.E. Lynes’ “The Summer Holiday” is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the relationships and secrets of Kate and her husband, Jeff while on holiday in their privately-owned villa on the beautiful Catalonia coast. The story is told from the perspective of Kate, a happily married woman of over thirty years. The tensions in their marriage soon become very apparent though especially after Kate bumps into former university alum, Coco Moss.

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Release Day!

Synopsis

One loving couple. One surprise guest. One week to destroy everything…

This holiday is the first time my husband Jeff and I have been on our own in years and I want it to be a fresh start. We can walk along the beach, eat ice cream in the bright Spanish sun and fall in love again.

Then I run into Coco, the girl we all wanted to be at university. She’s just like I remember: effortlessly cool with her blonde hair and her white linen dress. I can’t resist inviting her round to our clifftop villa with its pristine pool, to show off how much Jeff and I have changed.

But when Coco steps from the dusty street into the cool tiled hall, her face freezes in horror. I turn to see Jeff, his eyes wide, his cheeks pale.

They pretend nothing’s wrong but I know they’re both lying. And when I catch them in whispered conversations, I’m determined to find out what they’re hiding.

But when I confront them, the truth is worse than I could have dreamed.

And when things fall apart, not all of us will walk away…

About The Author

S.E. Lynes is the author of Amazon #1 best seller, THE HOUSEWARMING, plus VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? HER SISTER’s SECRET, #10 best seller THE BABY SHOWER and THE EX.

A former BBC Producer, she has lived in France, Spain, Scotland and Italy and is now settled in Greater London. After completing her MA, S E Lynes taught creative writing at Richmond Adult Community College for ten years. She now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing in Richmond Borough.

My Review

One of the standout features of this book is the beautiful description of Catalonia. Lynes transports the reader to a beautiful setting, with vivid descriptions of the scenery, food, and wine. The setting creates an atmosphere of relaxation, making the unexpected and sinister events that occur all the more shocking.

The characters in “The Summer Holiday” are complex and well-developed, with their own secrets and flaws. Lynes does a great job of creating tension and suspicion among the characters, leaving the reader questioning what is going to happen and whom to trust. Kate, the protagonist, is relatable but not that likeable, though her struggles are clear to see and add depth to the story.

Kate’s infatuation with Coco is weird and intriguing at the same time. It seems that everyone wanted to be Coco at university and if they couldn’t be her, they wanted to be her best friend. Kate didn’t actually manage either and seems to have fantasised about her since, the cringe-worthy way she interacts is over the top and not a great portrayal of someone in their 50’s who has been married for over thirty years, more like that of a teenager who is starstruck.

The plot of the book is well-constructed, with several twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Although some of the plot points felt a bit contrived and some of the twists were predictable, these minor issues did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The suspense builds steadily throughout the story, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the exploration of the relationships between the characters. Lynes delves into the complexities of friendship and the secrets that can be hidden even among close friends. The characters’ past traumas and secrets add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical psychological thriller.

Overall, “The Summer Holiday” is a well-written and engaging psychological thriller. The vivid setting, complex characters, and well-constructed plot make for a thrilling and satisfying read. I would recommend this book to fans of the genre who are looking for a quick and enjoyable summer read.

My previous reviews of S.E. Lynes’s work

The Baby Shower

Rated