This book was fun and twisted. I didn't all night reading it. There was so much going on that I couldn't stop turning pages. It's a perfect beach read. The twists and turns just didn't stop. I would definitely recommend.

Nina Manning delivers a tense, sun-soaked psychological thriller in The Beach Holiday, a novel that transforms paradise into a claustrophobic trap. Perfect for fans of Lucy Clarke and Sarah Goodwin, this is the kind of destination thriller that keeps you turning the pages long after dark.

The novel whisks readers away to Totini, a remote island off the coast of Fiji. At first glance, it’s idyllic: turquoise seas, dazzling sunsets, and sandy beaches. But Manning wastes no time in revealing the shadows beneath the beauty. With no WiFi, minimal contact with the outside world, and parts of the island mysteriously off-limits, Totini becomes less of a holiday escape and more of a gilded cage. Once guests arrive, it soon becomes clear they may never leave.

Manning’s prose is sharp and immersive, vividly evoking the allure of the island while building an undercurrent of dread. The sense of isolation heightens the suspense, trapping both characters and readers in a setting where every smile conceals a secret and every rule has dangerous consequences. The pacing is relentless, carefully layering tension until it explodes in a twist that is as shocking as it is satisfying.

What makes The Beach Holiday stand out is its balance of escapist allure and psychological depth. Manning taps into the modern craving for retreat and detox, then flips it on its head, exposing the sinister potential lurking in enforced disconnection. Characters are drawn with enough complexity to keep readers invested, each carrying their own baggage into the island’s suffocating embrace.

Verdict: With its exotic setting, simmering tension, and jaw-dropping twist, The Beach Holiday is a gripping summer read that proves even the most beautiful destinations can hide deadly secrets.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A compulsive destination thriller that blends escapism with menace in unforgettable style.

After becoming discontent with her life in the uk and suffering abuse from her fiancée, Sadie decides to escape to Fiji. Whilst there she’s enamoured by a woman called Avril. Avril promises to show Sadie one of the islands and introduce her to her commune there. Once there however, Sadie realises that once she’s seen what she has there’s no turning back and no leaving paradise.

Told over two different time lines the plot was ok but the writing was clunky and basic. It was overly simplified and really put me off. I did read to the end but feel like it really missed the mark. No unforeseen twists and basic writing really let the book down.

Cannot say I enjoyed this book it was rather silly and far fetched .
Sadie was working in Fiji after getting away from her abusive boyfriend.
She was asked if she wanted to go to another island which was very secluded where she could find herself.
After two,boat rides and a helicopter she finds herself in a really remote island with men in cages and a mad woman living on her own.
This book was not for me sorry.

What a book , I read this in one sitting. I loved the plot and the characters. This book had me questioning every chapter I read . This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last .
It was such a fast paced book.

Nina Manning's 'The Beach Holiday' provides an enthralling psychological thriller that holds good on its tagline: "You won't want to leave. until you can't." Following a painful breakup, Sadie finds refuge on what is seemingly a tropical paradise island near Fiji. But such paradise turns out to be far more ominous in reality.

The writer skillfully creates a sense of tension as Sadie discovers disturbing information about the island: Why are women the only ones who can go? What is the reason behind the restricted area? And most urgently, why can't anyone seem to leave? The book uses a dual timeline, skillfully intertwining Sadie's time on the island with a "now" that sees her struggling through fragmented memories of a catastrophic event. Some readers may want a quicker first half, but slow-burn tension builds cleverly to a chilling, surprising premise likened by some to a contemporary "Lord of the Flies." 'The Beach Holiday' is an engaging, page-turning read ideal for fans of destination thrillers with dark surprises.

Nina Manning’s latest psychological offering is an interesting perspective on the destination thriller.
After a tumultuous relationship break-up, Sadie finds herself in Nadi, Fiji. She is enjoying her time there, but still feels unfulfilled until she has a meeting with the enigmatic Avril. Avril gives her an invitation to spend the rest of her time on the remote island of Totini.
Totini seems like an island paradise, with pure white sands and total isolation, offering no Wi-Fi or mobile phones. Sadie quickly seems to have doubts as the community Avril heads up consists of only women. There is also a part of the island which Sadie is informed is strictly off- limits.
The story is told in dual timelines, which include Sadie’s time on Totini and now. It soon becomes apparent that something devastating has happened to Sadie. Experts try to unravel her torn and fractured memories.
The sense of menace and unease is quite slow to unfold, then Nina Manning rachets it up, and we arrive at a premise which has a sense of Lord of the Flies.
Nina Manning does a good job of preparing you for an ordinary destination thriller and then turning it on its head. A minor issue is I would have liked a faster pace initially, but still four stars from me
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nina Manning and especially Boldwood Books for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

The story begins with Sadie, who has just left a toxic relationship with her boyfriend and sets off on a holiday to Fiji to find herself again. After being met at a bar by another female traveler who invites her on a ‘boat trip’ Sadie meets the lady the following morning and off they go out to sea in search of another one of Fijis beautiful islands.
When they arrive Sadie finds out that this is not their final destination but the middle ground and they have another boat to catch on the other side of the island, then after that they have a helicopter ride too which takes them to their final destination of paradise.
Upon arrival Sadie is overwhelmed with the beauty and simplicity of the island’s activities but when she finds out that they live without any electricity or WiFi etc she begins to feel uneasy, when they all sit down to eat and introductions between the other ladies takes place Sadie feels that something isn’t right and certain members are jealous of her arrival.
When an accident occurs with her camp buddy and she gets taken away to ‘recover’ never to be seen again Sadie’s sense of unease grows and she just wants to leave asap - but with no boats returning to collect anyone it looks like she is stuck and in danger!

One word to sum this book up would be shocking! For some reason I really struggled to get into this but once I'd hit the halfway point I was hooked so pls keep at it if u struggle at 1st.
Despite being quite unrealistic I could imagine it being made into a TV box set or similar, definitely some jaw dropping moments, reminded me a bit of Yellowjackets.
I was disappointed with the ending though, I understand leaving the reader with a bit of mystery but I would've really liked to have known what happened to some of the characters, it felt a bit rushed.
A good 4 star rating, thank you #NetGalley for the arc

I really enjoyed this book. After escaping a toxic relationship, Sadie finds herself on a remote island off the coast of Fiji. It seems like paradise but it soon becomes obvious that something sinister is going on. Why are there no men on the island and why does it seem to be impossible to leave? This is a very creepy story that will keep you guessing to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Told in alternating timelines, the story slowly builds tension as the main character begins to notice strange rules, secrets among the other women, and a growing sense that not everything is as it seems. The author does a great job with atmosphere. You can almost feel the heat pressing down and the isolation creeping in. The psychological suspense builds quietly, and while it does not rely on big twists, there is a steady sense of unease that keeps you turning the pages.
This is a quick and engaging read, perfect for those who enjoy psychological suspense in a beautiful but eerie setting.

The Beach Holiday by Nina Manning, usually when reading a book after finishing it I can always find something I like about it but from the beginning of this book there was nothing but contradictions complaining etc. First of all she left England because she didn’t wanna have a wash, rinse, spin, and repeat lifestyle, like her and her Ex’s friends their same age were having. So after a very violent break up, she drops everything to live a life of adventure but in reality she’s really selling chocolate on the beach to try and pay for her apartment then when a girl convinces her to pack everything up and go with her to an island she doesn’t ask questions no she says i’ll be there!“ she arrives on the island that has a cult vibe to it immediately and what does she think oh well at least we have our own cabins. Her biggest worry was sleeping on the beach… OK she’s on an island where she has no contact with anyone except the people who live there the first day she’s there she learns they all have chores they divvy up different responsibilities and she’s all OK with that because that has to be better than working in London striving to pay your rent/mortgage. soon after arriving she starts learning contradictions that the girl who invited her to the island told her and then she learns of a place that people don’t/can’t go in at first she blows it off but then she must go to this place. This book was predictable annoying and that truly makes me sad because I really really love Nina Manning books but this one was such a disappointment I was so letdown by this book I can’t even put into words especially because of the height of my excitement to read it. Having said that read it at your own risk I found it predictable contradictory and just ridiculous. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #NinaManning,#TheBeachHoliday,

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The blurb of The Beach Holiday immediately caught my attention. I’m a big fan of thrillers set on remote islands, and the prologue promised tension and intrigue. Unfortunately, the book never quite delivered on that early promise.

At around 6%, I started to feel the dialogue was a bit clunky and the main character, Sadie, came across as one dimensional. By 9%, the introduction of a dual timeline gave me hope. I enjoy that structure, but I was already confused and unsure of what was happening. Still, I was curious enough to keep going.

By 17%, it became clear I didn’t like Sadie. As the story progressed, particularly around the halfway mark, I found her character frustratingly weak. Her emotions were repeated so often it felt like the same few thoughts were being recycled again and again. I couldn’t connect with her at all, and it began to wear me down.

That said, at 85% I was fully invested. Not in Sadie, but in getting to the end. I was intrigued enough by the plot and needed to know what had happened. Ula, a secondary character, held my attention far more. I found myself wanting her story rather than Sadie’s.

And then… the ending. I finished the last page feeling flat. I expected a strong, satisfying resolution after all the build-up, but what I got felt rushed, vague and ultimately disappointing. Loose ends were left dangling, and I was left wondering what the point of some of it was.

In the end, The Beach Holiday had a solid premise and fleeting moments of suspense, but it lacked depth, clarity and a compelling lead. 2.5 stars from me.

I know I can always count on Nina to bring me a fantastic suspenseful read just when I need it!
The Beach Holiday by Nina Manning is a gripping and suspenseful novel.
I’m a big fan of Manning’s work and this was another wonderful read.
The compelling narrative and well-drawn characters had me up so late.
The way she creates her characters is seriously the best. They are intriguing and entertaining.
Nina Manning's ability to build and maintain suspense makes this novel a captivating read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a fan of Nina's books but unfortunately this one wasn't as good as the others. I didn't connect with Sadie and the ending was disappointing.

This is my second book by Nina Manning, I loved the first one and this one definitely does not disappoint.

I absolutely love a destination sitting in a thriller book, even more so when it’s a remote setting or a setting that can’t be left.

The pacing is slower than what I’m used to but I quite liked that - it helped build up tension and suspense.

I loved the ending, which I didn’t expect at all, and it left some questions unanswered.. are we going to get a sequel?

This is the perfect summer/beach read! I am also a huge fan of thrillers taking place on remote islands, so that was a huge plus! This was a great quick read and I was very pleased with it. I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author.

What a twisted and delightful read! I can't stop thinking about it.

Sadie Adamson is working in Fiji and trying to move on from a toxic ex. She has friends she hangs out with. There is one in particular, Avril, with whom she connects and immediately goes on a mini vacation to an unknown island that is far away. Sadie arrives at the location and notices that there are only women, 2 children, and nothing else. She realizes that Avrim has brought her there and doesn't intend to take her back to her old life.

As days pass, Sadie begins to notice some discrepancies, half truths, and lots of silence from Avril and the other women. The commune is not the utopia that Avril was selling and that Avril and the rest of the women hide deadly secrets.

Thank you, Netgalley and Hodder & and Stoughton, for this magnificent ARC. All opinions are entirely my own

This was different from other thrillers I’ve read.

Although it didn’t feel particularly fast paced I still felt compelled to read as I just wanted to know what was happening!

Really thought the writing flowed well and kept me intrigued. Liked having the story told from ‘Now’ and ‘Then’ POV’s.
This is the first Nina Manning book I’ve read but I do have others on my TBR and I know I’ll enjoy them!

I’d say this is definitely a thriller with discoveries rather than shocking moments but enjoyable to see how it all panned out.

The ending does leave you wondering a few things and I actually enjoyed that as it’ll keep me thinking!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is the perfect destination thriller for the summer of 2025! The secluded island serves as the perfect backdrop for a scary yet entertaining plot. A terrific read all around!