A review by vaniavela
How to Slay on Holiday by Sarah Bonner

dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Chloe Cooper, has a marital dilemma: she's spent months meticulously planning the murder of her husband, Scott. To pull it off without suspicion—after all, they're supposed to be madly in love—she devises the perfect alibi: a week-long family getaway to Greece. What could go wrong?
The book's pacing is quick, with tension simmering beneath Chloe's fraught interactions with Scott, her overly curious sister-in-law Tori, and the enigmatic villa concierge, Grace. Initially, I was hooked, but as the story unfolded, I found myself lost in the labyrinth of plot twists and developments.
While the premise offers the promise of a deliciously dark tale, the execution fell flat for me as the story progressed. The secondary characters bring intriguing dynamics to the table but lack the depth to fully engage. I picked up this book ready to root for Chloe and her sinister plan, but the narrative didn't deliver the thrill I'd expected based on its description and cover.
The twist, while undeniably surprising, felt like it came out of nowhere. In hindsight, I can see the breadcrumbs leading to it, but the ending didn’t feel earned or satisfying. It left me wanting more cohesion and payoff from such an intriguing setup.

Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date: 27 feb 25