My first introduction to this author was Lies.
Loved it.
Then came 29 seconds.
Another winner.
Now we have The Vacation, and I think it might be his best yet.
Logan is the King of Misdirection. Just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t.
I absolutely love how he relates his stories. In this book, there is a slow build that follows one main character, with sporadic chapters from other characters’ points of view. There is no set “back and forth” switching; instead, the action moves seamlessly between the different perspectives.
The story belongs to Kate, who is vacationing with three college friends (and their families) at a villa in France. But secrets abound, and not even the youngest (5-year-old Odette) is immune. By the way, she’s also one of the brattiest kids I’ve ever read in a book. A lot is going on, but the author handles it all deftly. I felt Kate’s uncertainty, Rowan’s stress, and Jennifer’s worry (she’s quite the helicopter parent).
As with his other books, everything is laid out nicely, like place settings. But then, like a magician, he pulls the tablecloth out from under them. Everything is still standing, but maybe slightly moved or altered. The last quarter of this book flew by. All of the revelations started to come to light, and the truth emerged shockingly. I honestly gasped a few times.
Do yourself a favor and grab this one as soon as it’s released (July 21). It’s the perfect summer thriller.
