Although with no training in psychology, Tom is the charismatic and gentle listener that people would come to hear while Kate managed the running of the retreats.

This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, and the last two have been brilliant, so I’m disappointed to report that this one missed the mark for me, with an implausible yet tedious plot, twists that have been done to death, too much ridiculous drama and completely unbelievable character behaviour. I really enjoyed Fran’s personality and familial hang-ups, but failed to connect with any of the other character’s. They have been translated into over 25 languages, selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club, and optioned for television. Present day: Kate is waiting for her husband, Tom Wade, a self-heal guru and the public face of SoulShrink, soon to walk out of the prison gates after serving two years following tragedies at his last retreat in Gozo. If that wasn’t stressful enough, being unable to tell friend from foe pushed the tension through the roof and there were times I felt anxious for Fran.DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Her Last Holiday by C. We also discover that some characters appear in both time lines, leaving me wondering, again, what secrets people were hiding. While I did eventually worked out how it would play out, it was still shocking and the explanation took me completely by surprise.

The characters were awful, the writing was clunky, implausibilities abounded throughout the book's entirety, and worst of all, it was simply boring. It just stopped, taking us a new direction as we discover the truth--and I just found that it all wrapped up too nicely. Secondly, why would anyone sign up for his retreats after what happened, including people who attended the Gozo retreat?I am only writing my thoughts for those who follow my reviews as I feel that it's it's important to state my reasons for not finishing a book. Kate comes across as a deranged harradin, Tom comes across as a useless twat and most of the participants are either simpering females or highly annoying men for one reason or another. Now, Tom is out of jail and his wife Kate, who does all the admin and marketing for the retreats, has organised the first retreat since the disastrous one of three years ago.

Determined to find out the truth, Fran books herself onto his upcoming retreat- the first since his release - and finds herself face to face with the man who just might hold the key to her sister's disappearance. While sister’s dynamics usually interest me, having a sister myself, I simply couldn’t like it here. Even though it fell a little bit flat for me, I was satisfied and felt that it provided all the answers I needed.Some reviewers said there were plot lines left unresolved, but I actually think that was done purposely, allowing the reader to make their own decisions about the true motivations of some of the characters.

It was a fairly good book that did indeed keep me turning those pages, but it wasn’t one that I was particularly excited to get back to reading though. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. They might have found a way to cover up your sister's murder but they're not going to intimidate me into letting this drop. And Kate is the wife and resilient assistant of Tom who tries to keep together after murder accusations ruined their lives financially and mentally.You keep asking yourself as you observe several counseling sessions of these health gurus: are they conmen or are they really talented soul shakers who help the people get through their mental problems? I’ve been a fan of CL Taylor from her first thriller but think this one is one of the best – brilliantly flawed characters – almost no one can be trusted.