The Holiday by T. M. Logan (Audiobook)

 

Kate and Sean, along with their two children, are heading to the south of France to holiday with friends in a luxury villa. Just as they arrive Kate spots a message on her husband's phone which hints at an affair with one of her friends, but which one?

Author T. M. Logan and narrator Laura Kirman set an ominous tone from the very beginning of the audiobook The Holiday. You know something dreadful is coming from the tantalising introduction.

The story then introduces Kate and her family, driving to meet their friends. Kate is suspicious that something is troubling her husband as his mood has changed recently and it's only when she accidentally discovers a text message that her fears are realised. It is impossible not to take Kate's side based on the message she sees and her husband's attitude. You feel her shock and anger when she works out that it must be one of her friends who is having an affair with her husband.

I couldn't understand why Kate didn't immediately confront her husband, apart from it would ruin the story. Being far from home, in a strange environment, probably contributed to her reluctance to act impulsively. 

The writing and narration really add to the atmosphere. You can feel the heat baking you as the group relaxes around the pool. The descriptions of warm sunshine, luscious food and drink, and lazy days make this an ideal holiday read/listen or something to rekindle those memories during the winter months.

You feel as if you are part of the group of friends, even a little voyeuristic, listening in to all the conversations, wondering who the other woman is. The more you listen in the more you realise that there are lots of other secrets waiting to be uncovered. Almost every character seems to be hiding something.

Shocking events lead to all of the secrets, and the identity of the mystery woman, being revealed. I loved the way everything thing fitted together. Even when everything is made clear T. M. Logan still manages to add a couple of twists at the very end.

My only criticism of the audiobook is that I found it difficult to keep track of all the different characters, it would probably have been much easier had I read the book. An added bonus, however, is that I can now watch The Holiday mini-series.