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The Last Resort
Seven strangers. Seven secrets. One perfect crime.
When Amelia is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse. Along with six other strangers, she’s told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. But the guests� excitement soon turns to terror when the real reason for their summons becomes clear.
Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of.
As the clock counts down to the lavish end-of-day party they’ve been promised, injuries and in-fighting split the group. But with no escape from the island—or the other guests� most shocking secrets—Amelia begins to suspect that her only hope for survival is to be the last one standing. Can she confront her own dark past to uncover the truth—before it’s too late to get out?
When Amelia is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse. Along with six other strangers, she’s told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. But the guests� excitement soon turns to terror when the real reason for their summons becomes clear.
Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of.
As the clock counts down to the lavish end-of-day party they’ve been promised, injuries and in-fighting split the group. But with no escape from the island—or the other guests� most shocking secrets—Amelia begins to suspect that her only hope for survival is to be the last one standing. Can she confront her own dark past to uncover the truth—before it’s too late to get out?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
5830 people are currently reading
9217 people want to read
About the author
Susi Holliday
15books330followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the name S.J.I. Holliday.
Susi (S.J.I.) Holliday grew up near Edinburgh and spent many years working in her family’s newsagent and pub before studying microbiology and statistics at university. She has worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, but it was on a 6-month round-the-world-trip that she took with her husband several years ago that she rediscovered her passion for writing.
You can find out more at , or on Twitter and Facebook @SJIHolliday.
Susi (S.J.I.) Holliday grew up near Edinburgh and spent many years working in her family’s newsagent and pub before studying microbiology and statistics at university. She has worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, but it was on a 6-month round-the-world-trip that she took with her husband several years ago that she rediscovered her passion for writing.
You can find out more at , or on Twitter and Facebook @SJIHolliday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,046 reviews
September 14, 2020
A LONG JOURNEY THAT WENT NO WHERE !!!!
A group of people, tricked into coming to an island for a weekend of luxury, only to find out they are going to be guinea pigs for a new neuro-based tech and the menu includes their worst held secrets.
The premise sounded very intriguing, unfortunately that's where the intrigue ends. A cryptic backstory, so vague it essentially provides no backstory at all. This book is quite long, too long given the pace was not consistent. Attempts at suspense were squashed by four extra pages when only one was needed. Ultimately this was a story where none of the characters mattered or played into the main story, with the exception of one. This was somewhat mind boggling to me, as I wondered what was I bothering to read then for the past few hours. Topped off with an underwhelming almost B-rated horror movie ending. (Don't be fooled by the word "horror").
I believe this is supposed to be a whodunnit/locked room book. Sadly, this was just not up to par and felt a bit amateur. I believe if someone did a large amount of editing there is definitely room for much improvement as there were very interesting ways in which the characters were "toyed" with.
*Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing the digital review copy.
A group of people, tricked into coming to an island for a weekend of luxury, only to find out they are going to be guinea pigs for a new neuro-based tech and the menu includes their worst held secrets.
The premise sounded very intriguing, unfortunately that's where the intrigue ends. A cryptic backstory, so vague it essentially provides no backstory at all. This book is quite long, too long given the pace was not consistent. Attempts at suspense were squashed by four extra pages when only one was needed. Ultimately this was a story where none of the characters mattered or played into the main story, with the exception of one. This was somewhat mind boggling to me, as I wondered what was I bothering to read then for the past few hours. Topped off with an underwhelming almost B-rated horror movie ending. (Don't be fooled by the word "horror").
I believe this is supposed to be a whodunnit/locked room book. Sadly, this was just not up to par and felt a bit amateur. I believe if someone did a large amount of editing there is definitely room for much improvement as there were very interesting ways in which the characters were "toyed" with.
*Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing the digital review copy.
May 24, 2020
I will never get those hours back.
This is the kind of book that starts out with a seriously unlikely premise and proceeds to get increasingly more batshit as the time goes on. I'm always up for outlandish stuff and craziness is not a deal breaker by any means, but these kinds of stories, perhaps more than any others, still have to have some kind of hook: punchy writing, a great idea, a sense of fun, appealing characters... and this fails to tick any of those boxes. It's both too silly and too bland. The characters are cardboard cutouts, if that, and even though I'm usually very thrilled to watch awful people die horribly, what we have here is dull people being killed in dull ways. AND THEN, the ending. What can I say about the ending? It was possibly THE most ridiculous and tenuously linked conclusion to a story you can imagine. Even the readers who liked the story struggled with it, and that says a lot. I hate read the whole thing and I probably shouldn't have, but sometimes you just have to know how bad it can get. I laughed aloud at the finish.
Do I recommend it? No.
ARC via Netgalley
This is the kind of book that starts out with a seriously unlikely premise and proceeds to get increasingly more batshit as the time goes on. I'm always up for outlandish stuff and craziness is not a deal breaker by any means, but these kinds of stories, perhaps more than any others, still have to have some kind of hook: punchy writing, a great idea, a sense of fun, appealing characters... and this fails to tick any of those boxes. It's both too silly and too bland. The characters are cardboard cutouts, if that, and even though I'm usually very thrilled to watch awful people die horribly, what we have here is dull people being killed in dull ways. AND THEN, the ending. What can I say about the ending? It was possibly THE most ridiculous and tenuously linked conclusion to a story you can imagine. Even the readers who liked the story struggled with it, and that says a lot. I hate read the whole thing and I probably shouldn't have, but sometimes you just have to know how bad it can get. I laughed aloud at the finish.
Do I recommend it? No.
ARC via Netgalley
October 31, 2020
This was just silly.
Gaping plot holes and a premise that made very little sense, decimated any potential this story might have had. The characters weren't fleshed out, the reasoning behind the whole shebang was ridiculous, and the conclusion was laughable.
1.5 stars--that extra half-star for the potential only.
Available December 1, 2020
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my review copy.
Gaping plot holes and a premise that made very little sense, decimated any potential this story might have had. The characters weren't fleshed out, the reasoning behind the whole shebang was ridiculous, and the conclusion was laughable.
1.5 stars--that extra half-star for the potential only.
Available December 1, 2020
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my review copy.
March 9, 2021
Susi Holliday’s The Last Resort sells itself as a modern version of Agatha Christie’s beloved classic � And Then There Were None, and initially it looks like that’s what this is: buncha strangers rock up to an island after receiving mysterious invites. But that’s about all the two books have in common - The Last Resort is as terrible as Aggie’s novel is superb.
The cast are a dull bunch of forgettable nobodies who get contrivance devices fitted to their brains, or some such rubbish, so they can see each other’s memories of terrible deeds. And, while the deeds aren’t exactly flattering, they’re a long way from interesting or meaningful either. They each learn they’re not great people - and nothing happens. No consequences. So� what’s the point?
Characters start to get killed off but it’s done in a more circumstantial, leisurely way - one character falls, another gets bitten by a snake - rather than a murderer going around knifing people, so it’s much less exciting. And that’s the bulk of the novel: boring idiots wandering around watching pointless secrets and occasionally dying, while we wait for the reason for all this crap to be revealed.
And that’s where I was hoping the novel would be somewhat worth it: come on big finale! But no - the ending is definitely the worst part of the book. Baffling, idiotic, extremely convoluted, laughably feeble, underwhelming, and anticlimactic - it couldn’t have been a worse ending.
The Last Resort is one of the worst novels I’ve read in a while. A dreary waste of time, ignore anyone comparing this to Agatha Christie, and I’d suggest ignoring this book too!
The cast are a dull bunch of forgettable nobodies who get contrivance devices fitted to their brains, or some such rubbish, so they can see each other’s memories of terrible deeds. And, while the deeds aren’t exactly flattering, they’re a long way from interesting or meaningful either. They each learn they’re not great people - and nothing happens. No consequences. So� what’s the point?
Characters start to get killed off but it’s done in a more circumstantial, leisurely way - one character falls, another gets bitten by a snake - rather than a murderer going around knifing people, so it’s much less exciting. And that’s the bulk of the novel: boring idiots wandering around watching pointless secrets and occasionally dying, while we wait for the reason for all this crap to be revealed.
And that’s where I was hoping the novel would be somewhat worth it: come on big finale! But no - the ending is definitely the worst part of the book. Baffling, idiotic, extremely convoluted, laughably feeble, underwhelming, and anticlimactic - it couldn’t have been a worse ending.
The Last Resort is one of the worst novels I’ve read in a while. A dreary waste of time, ignore anyone comparing this to Agatha Christie, and I’d suggest ignoring this book too!
December 2, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where to begin with The Last Resort. This book completely pulled me in with that stunning and creepy cover. After reading the synopsis I was genuinely intrigued. The Last Resort had so so so much potential and really it was a good book, until that rough ending that made absolutely no sense.
Seven strangers are given a chance of a lifetime. They are all told they can go to this private island, all expenses paid retreat. Once they all arrive, things start to get quite weird and mysterious. All seven of them start to realize it probably is to good to be true. We get perspectives of all seven of the characters, which I thought was a great idea and made it that much more mysterious. They all have secrets they would rather keep hidden, but the creator of this island has other ideas. They want all of their dirty secrets to be spilled and let me tell you the secrets are crazy.
While I did really enjoy the weirdness that was this book, it honestly doesn't even make sense. I liked the drama and the technology aspect, as well as, the creepy dark part that had me wondering what was going to happen to all the characters. I guessed what the ending would be and was completely disappointed that there wasn't some crazy plot twist. Not to mention, the ending doesn't even make sense. It is so beyond weird and it just felt like the author took zero time to look at the plot holes. It was completely unbelievable and actually made me mad. If it wasn't for that ending this book would have definitely been a better book, but the ending was just awful.
Where to begin with The Last Resort. This book completely pulled me in with that stunning and creepy cover. After reading the synopsis I was genuinely intrigued. The Last Resort had so so so much potential and really it was a good book, until that rough ending that made absolutely no sense.
Seven strangers are given a chance of a lifetime. They are all told they can go to this private island, all expenses paid retreat. Once they all arrive, things start to get quite weird and mysterious. All seven of them start to realize it probably is to good to be true. We get perspectives of all seven of the characters, which I thought was a great idea and made it that much more mysterious. They all have secrets they would rather keep hidden, but the creator of this island has other ideas. They want all of their dirty secrets to be spilled and let me tell you the secrets are crazy.
While I did really enjoy the weirdness that was this book, it honestly doesn't even make sense. I liked the drama and the technology aspect, as well as, the creepy dark part that had me wondering what was going to happen to all the characters. I guessed what the ending would be and was completely disappointed that there wasn't some crazy plot twist. Not to mention, the ending doesn't even make sense. It is so beyond weird and it just felt like the author took zero time to look at the plot holes. It was completely unbelievable and actually made me mad. If it wasn't for that ending this book would have definitely been a better book, but the ending was just awful.
May 20, 2020
I love a good locked room mystery and thankfully there are lots to choose from these days. This book is well-written and had an intriguing premise, combining the locked room (or in this case, island) mystery with futuristic technology in a kind of Fyre Festival meets the Matrix situation...but with murder. I can suspend my disbelief for a great thriller with the best of them, and I love a creative idea, so I was hyped for this, but ultimately it didn’t work for me. I think the book was a little too ambitious, trying to do a few too many things at once. The author could not really come up with a believable explanation for the invention and use of this technology the way it was used in the book. And the ending just flew totally off the rails for me - came out of nowhere and was not believable.
I give the author credit for trying a very cool and creative idea, and she’s clearly got writing skills, but ultimately the plot just did not work for me as a believable mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley, Susi Holliday and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I give the author credit for trying a very cool and creative idea, and she’s clearly got writing skills, but ultimately the plot just did not work for me as a believable mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley, Susi Holliday and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2020
This started off to be a good thriller but, halfway through it got slow, boring and a little silly. I didn’t like the characters much at all they all seemed very spoiled and demanding. It’s a shame as I thought the book held promised but unfortunately it didn’t provide it.
May 20, 2020
The Last Resort was a brilliantly entertaining read, a mix of mystery and mayhem, both speculative and traditional in a kind of locked room mystery that just happens to have a wide vista.
One luxury resort that turns out to be rather deadly and not terribly luxurious, a cast of characters that engage throughout and a black mirror meets the famous five vibe that is addictively brilliant. There's even a cave although no ginger beer unfortunately.
Cleverly timed and implemented death lots of creepy stuff some insightful psychological trauma and a lot of great writing add up to a book that is a pure pleasure to read. Recommended.
One luxury resort that turns out to be rather deadly and not terribly luxurious, a cast of characters that engage throughout and a black mirror meets the famous five vibe that is addictively brilliant. There's even a cave although no ginger beer unfortunately.
Cleverly timed and implemented death lots of creepy stuff some insightful psychological trauma and a lot of great writing add up to a book that is a pure pleasure to read. Recommended.
November 4, 2020
I read ‘Violet� by this author ( under SJI Holliday and loved it
The premise for this book is superb, 7 strangers are invited to ‘test out� a new luxury island and all it has to offer and the book opens with them meeting on a small plane as the adventure starts
They are, of course, all nauseating and include an Insta influencer, a game developer and an older lady Brenda who had made her money in the finance markets, nestled amongst these is Amelia who works for NGO’s
I loved the first chapters as they ‘weighed each other up� and then as they ‘survived� the plane crashing found themselves on an island, alone
They then find out they are the guests of a mysterious company and it all goes very ‘Black Mirror� as they are fitted with devices that give the ability for all to see everyone’s darkest fears and as time goes on the worst thing they have ever done
It is still at this point intriguing and in parts exciting and also scary ( the chapter with the snake gruesome but wont go into that ) BUT then as it becomes apparent why they are really there ( this done via chapters from the past as well as the present ) it got silly and more than a bit unreal, the ending didnt really sell itself either and after such a good start left a bit of a ‘oh, ok then� kind of feeling
Superb idea, brilliant opening gambits and wonderfully abhorrent characters that could have been interwoven into something much more coherent and I guess just better and less obtuse
6/10
3 Stars ( for the good parts mentioned )
The premise for this book is superb, 7 strangers are invited to ‘test out� a new luxury island and all it has to offer and the book opens with them meeting on a small plane as the adventure starts
They are, of course, all nauseating and include an Insta influencer, a game developer and an older lady Brenda who had made her money in the finance markets, nestled amongst these is Amelia who works for NGO’s
I loved the first chapters as they ‘weighed each other up� and then as they ‘survived� the plane crashing found themselves on an island, alone
They then find out they are the guests of a mysterious company and it all goes very ‘Black Mirror� as they are fitted with devices that give the ability for all to see everyone’s darkest fears and as time goes on the worst thing they have ever done
It is still at this point intriguing and in parts exciting and also scary ( the chapter with the snake gruesome but wont go into that ) BUT then as it becomes apparent why they are really there ( this done via chapters from the past as well as the present ) it got silly and more than a bit unreal, the ending didnt really sell itself either and after such a good start left a bit of a ‘oh, ok then� kind of feeling
Superb idea, brilliant opening gambits and wonderfully abhorrent characters that could have been interwoven into something much more coherent and I guess just better and less obtuse
6/10
3 Stars ( for the good parts mentioned )
November 3, 2020
For my full review, visit me at
It’s a good idea not to leave it too long between sittings with this book. With seven main characters, I found that I was initially confused and struggled to identify who was who. This means, if you are someone who likes to dip in and out of books, with long breaks in between, you will probably find it difficult to engage with the narrative.
For my full review, visit me at
It’s a good idea not to leave it too long between sittings with this book. With seven main characters, I found that I was initially confused and struggled to identify who was who. This means, if you are someone who likes to dip in and out of books, with long breaks in between, you will probably find it difficult to engage with the narrative.
For my full review, visit me at
May 30, 2020
This book is really a perfect example of missed potential.
The plot is so very promising, and everything I would have hoped for. And Then There Were None with a techy Black Mirror twist? People with dark secrets in a locked room mystery? Of course I was going to get it, but I was so very let down. Some things are truly too good to be true.
But, before I get into some criticisms I must say this book is here for one reason only, and that is to be entertaining. Even though I didn't get as much entertainment out of it, this is honestly a goofy ride and if you're ready to roll with it just roll with it!
Like I said, The Last Resort had so much potential with the technology aspect. But, I didn't find it to be used to its fullest abilities. It was cool, but there was definitely more that could have been done. And atmospherically it could've pulled a lot more off. It felt as if the characters were spending 50% of the book in the same area until the very end. It almost felt claustrophobic in a way and I was begging for something to happen so they could all get split apart. Speaking of characters, I thought a lot was missing. Their basis and personalities are fine, but I was really lacking any of their true character arcs once the book ended. I love subtle dialogue where we get all of the information we need without someone having to actually say it, and this book did the opposite of that. It was almost trying a little bit too hard for me to hate their characters and understand what their goals were.
In the end, this was just for entertainment book. I gave it a one-star due to my thinking "is there anyone I would be able to recommend this too?" And I had to sadly answer a no to that question.
The plot is so very promising, and everything I would have hoped for. And Then There Were None with a techy Black Mirror twist? People with dark secrets in a locked room mystery? Of course I was going to get it, but I was so very let down. Some things are truly too good to be true.
But, before I get into some criticisms I must say this book is here for one reason only, and that is to be entertaining. Even though I didn't get as much entertainment out of it, this is honestly a goofy ride and if you're ready to roll with it just roll with it!
Like I said, The Last Resort had so much potential with the technology aspect. But, I didn't find it to be used to its fullest abilities. It was cool, but there was definitely more that could have been done. And atmospherically it could've pulled a lot more off. It felt as if the characters were spending 50% of the book in the same area until the very end. It almost felt claustrophobic in a way and I was begging for something to happen so they could all get split apart. Speaking of characters, I thought a lot was missing. Their basis and personalities are fine, but I was really lacking any of their true character arcs once the book ended. I love subtle dialogue where we get all of the information we need without someone having to actually say it, and this book did the opposite of that. It was almost trying a little bit too hard for me to hate their characters and understand what their goals were.
In the end, this was just for entertainment book. I gave it a one-star due to my thinking "is there anyone I would be able to recommend this too?" And I had to sadly answer a no to that question.
March 14, 2024
Oh dear this has had some mixed reviews.
Most readers report that the idea for the book was better than the finished novel.
While I understand this sentiment I feel it does an injustice to the author.
Firstly there is the inspiration; the writer’s alone, critics find your own ideas and than write your own story. It seems churlish to criticise how a writer exploits their own idea by allowing your own creative juices to run riot all over the plot.
This is a story of a mysterious island where seven individuals are invited to, with the promise of reward and a future link with a high tech company. The modern world of communications, soft ware advances and gaming seem to be on show for the seven to repot on and critique through practical interface games and scenarios.
Unfortunately like an old fashioned mystery such as Agatha Christie’s ‘And then there were none� there seems to be a more sinister motive for the host gathering these individuals together.
High functional individuals who in the main do not know each other quickly form a team mentality as they feel out of control and pleasure turns to horror.
I liked the tension created; the different scenarios that reveal qualities in the group while exposing truths no-one would want exposed. Different cliques form but any links become brittle as more damming reality is shared. Each participant seems to have skeletons in their cupboards which would destroy their brand, career and character if everyone knew.
Susi does not dwell on this only; by alternating between the protagonists she shares the guilt, self- loathing and suspicions directed at others. Amelia seems to stand out as different but why this might be is never revealed sufficiently leaving the reader as confused and out of control as the seven hapless characters. The measure of control over them seems all knowing and powerful and while the intent seems more sinister you can’t fully reason why this should be.
In part it is a novel about technological progress, and the older theme of machines taking over from humans supplanted by the present concern over a Chinese wifi company delivering more than just band width.
It pays homage to older style crime mysteries alongside this while delivering a credible modern twist.
Above all for me it was about damaged individuals who have things in their past they struggle to overcome. How such historical events can be suppressed or buried in some, worked out in others without full understanding or being related to such events and trauma impact everyone’s mental health. It has the potential to lead to Self-harm, addiction or criminality.
It also flags up responsibility, ownership of who you are and one’s mistakes and poor judgement.
Ultimately it is about memories. Can they be manipulated, overwritten or simply forgotten by what you can think in the present or create through technological advances going forward?
For this reason alone this book will stick with me for a long while. Susi Holliday is a bold and talented writer and this fine novel deserves a wide and extensive audience.
Most readers report that the idea for the book was better than the finished novel.
While I understand this sentiment I feel it does an injustice to the author.
Firstly there is the inspiration; the writer’s alone, critics find your own ideas and than write your own story. It seems churlish to criticise how a writer exploits their own idea by allowing your own creative juices to run riot all over the plot.
This is a story of a mysterious island where seven individuals are invited to, with the promise of reward and a future link with a high tech company. The modern world of communications, soft ware advances and gaming seem to be on show for the seven to repot on and critique through practical interface games and scenarios.
Unfortunately like an old fashioned mystery such as Agatha Christie’s ‘And then there were none� there seems to be a more sinister motive for the host gathering these individuals together.
High functional individuals who in the main do not know each other quickly form a team mentality as they feel out of control and pleasure turns to horror.
I liked the tension created; the different scenarios that reveal qualities in the group while exposing truths no-one would want exposed. Different cliques form but any links become brittle as more damming reality is shared. Each participant seems to have skeletons in their cupboards which would destroy their brand, career and character if everyone knew.
Susi does not dwell on this only; by alternating between the protagonists she shares the guilt, self- loathing and suspicions directed at others. Amelia seems to stand out as different but why this might be is never revealed sufficiently leaving the reader as confused and out of control as the seven hapless characters. The measure of control over them seems all knowing and powerful and while the intent seems more sinister you can’t fully reason why this should be.
In part it is a novel about technological progress, and the older theme of machines taking over from humans supplanted by the present concern over a Chinese wifi company delivering more than just band width.
It pays homage to older style crime mysteries alongside this while delivering a credible modern twist.
Above all for me it was about damaged individuals who have things in their past they struggle to overcome. How such historical events can be suppressed or buried in some, worked out in others without full understanding or being related to such events and trauma impact everyone’s mental health. It has the potential to lead to Self-harm, addiction or criminality.
It also flags up responsibility, ownership of who you are and one’s mistakes and poor judgement.
Ultimately it is about memories. Can they be manipulated, overwritten or simply forgotten by what you can think in the present or create through technological advances going forward?
For this reason alone this book will stick with me for a long while. Susi Holliday is a bold and talented writer and this fine novel deserves a wide and extensive audience.
August 17, 2020
Seven...yes seven strangers and they are all on a luxury trip for the weekend, except that their plane crashes and they are stuck on a weird and creepy island. So weird!!! I had to read and keep reading, find out what was going on with the trackers that they all had.
The characters are....interesting...flawed.... and layered. There are characters that I immediately liked (Lucy) and characters I felt sorry for (Twiggy) and others I was just not sure about (Amelia). There were also characters I did not like (Giles) and characters I felt that I would never really understand (Brenda). James and Scott, well I wasn't sure what to think about them... but more than anything, I wanted to see how they were connected. I kept reading and reading and the ending- well, I did not see that coming!
If you are up for a suspense novel that at times is creepy and at other times is high tech - then The Last Resort should be added to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Susi Holliday for this advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
The characters are....interesting...flawed.... and layered. There are characters that I immediately liked (Lucy) and characters I felt sorry for (Twiggy) and others I was just not sure about (Amelia). There were also characters I did not like (Giles) and characters I felt that I would never really understand (Brenda). James and Scott, well I wasn't sure what to think about them... but more than anything, I wanted to see how they were connected. I kept reading and reading and the ending- well, I did not see that coming!
If you are up for a suspense novel that at times is creepy and at other times is high tech - then The Last Resort should be added to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Susi Holliday for this advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
June 28, 2022
This was an extremely disjointed story - after finishing I have no idea what was the purpose behind the group, the island, or what Amelia decided to do with her uncovered past. Do not recommend ☹️
February 8, 2021
I really struggled with how to rate this one... ultimately I think it's a 2.5 for me which I've generously rounded up. The book just didn't land on multiple accounts, and even going back to reread the cover copy, the book feels like a bait & switch. I was expecting a taut isolation thriller with clear personal stakes, and it just didn't deliver on that.
First, the book is weirdly speculative--but in an overblown way that feels silly rather than well-supported and fun. Meaning, while of course the copy mentions a tech company, I didn't expect so much of the book to be predicated on characters having a device embedded into their brains. We're meant to believe the book takes place now, in our reality, but the fantastical nature of the tech meant the book never sat quite right for me. It also meant wide swaths of the book are literally just characters describing video projections, and ALL the tension of the book is derived from that. It's a wait-and-see, re: when will this crazy tech project a memory-secret?! There are also no real stakes, re: people dying until the bizarre finale. The book kept walking it back like "oh no we're sure he's fine" so I found myself simply feeling impatient, re: what ARE the stakes here?
The blurb promises a perfect crime--not really. It's a ridiculous "crime" and I'm not entirely show how the hell the villain pulled it off (or why). "Amelia begins to suspect that her only hope for survival is to be the last one standing." Also literally not true--this never crosses her mind? Again, there are no real stakes, re: we are going to die one by one. The book simply doesn't do that. Yes, they are isolated on an island but it doesn't feel like an isolation thriller.
And what are the stakes? What's the whole point if it, re: the twist, what is going on? Well, none of it really makes sense. I didn't find anything about the "big reveal" particularly satisfying, and the entire climax is the villain monologing at a dinner table with the MC (it's multi-POV, but come on Amelia is the main character) and it STILL doesn't make any real sense. Motives are thin and supervillainy which, again, weirdly sets the whole book against the reality it apparently takes place in. I was reminded of Fantasy Island, the Blumhouse remake more than once... but neither really lands. I like soap usually, but this execution fell flat for me. I wanted there to be SOME foundation in something real, something tangible, and what we're given just lacked that foundation.
So sadly I cannot recommend this one to fans of isolation thrillers--the reason I picked it up myself--but if you like speculative suspense with cool tech, it might be a good read. The tech was indeed cool, and it had some fun "wtf is going on" moments--I mean read the whole thing in a few days; I was compelled to read. The writing itself was fine and it had some interesting characters, I was just too let down by the "twist" for this to land wholeheartedly as a rec.
First, the book is weirdly speculative--but in an overblown way that feels silly rather than well-supported and fun. Meaning, while of course the copy mentions a tech company, I didn't expect so much of the book to be predicated on characters having a device embedded into their brains. We're meant to believe the book takes place now, in our reality, but the fantastical nature of the tech meant the book never sat quite right for me. It also meant wide swaths of the book are literally just characters describing video projections, and ALL the tension of the book is derived from that. It's a wait-and-see, re: when will this crazy tech project a memory-secret?! There are also no real stakes, re: people dying until the bizarre finale. The book kept walking it back like "oh no we're sure he's fine" so I found myself simply feeling impatient, re: what ARE the stakes here?
The blurb promises a perfect crime--not really. It's a ridiculous "crime" and I'm not entirely show how the hell the villain pulled it off (or why). "Amelia begins to suspect that her only hope for survival is to be the last one standing." Also literally not true--this never crosses her mind? Again, there are no real stakes, re: we are going to die one by one. The book simply doesn't do that. Yes, they are isolated on an island but it doesn't feel like an isolation thriller.
And what are the stakes? What's the whole point if it, re: the twist, what is going on? Well, none of it really makes sense. I didn't find anything about the "big reveal" particularly satisfying, and the entire climax is the villain monologing at a dinner table with the MC (it's multi-POV, but come on Amelia is the main character) and it STILL doesn't make any real sense. Motives are thin and supervillainy which, again, weirdly sets the whole book against the reality it apparently takes place in. I was reminded of Fantasy Island, the Blumhouse remake more than once... but neither really lands. I like soap usually, but this execution fell flat for me. I wanted there to be SOME foundation in something real, something tangible, and what we're given just lacked that foundation.
So sadly I cannot recommend this one to fans of isolation thrillers--the reason I picked it up myself--but if you like speculative suspense with cool tech, it might be a good read. The tech was indeed cool, and it had some fun "wtf is going on" moments--I mean read the whole thing in a few days; I was compelled to read. The writing itself was fine and it had some interesting characters, I was just too let down by the "twist" for this to land wholeheartedly as a rec.
February 1, 2023
It’s funny what the mind can lock away from you�
An entertaining, twisty mystery with science fiction elements. The reasoning of the big reveal is lame but acceptable. A light, fun read.
An entertaining, twisty mystery with science fiction elements. The reasoning of the big reveal is lame but acceptable. A light, fun read.
December 6, 2022
Audio
Info on back of book;
Seven strangers. Seven secrets. One perfect crime.
When Amelia is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse. Along with six other strangers, she’s told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies.
Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of. Etc
This sounds a fantastic plot but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me..... also the conclusion was disappointing at best !
Info on back of book;
Seven strangers. Seven secrets. One perfect crime.
When Amelia is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse. Along with six other strangers, she’s told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies.
Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of. Etc
This sounds a fantastic plot but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me..... also the conclusion was disappointing at best !
November 25, 2020
Three men and four women are receive invites for an all-expense-paid retreat on a private island. They are all told they will be there to test a new product for a technology company. They weren't expecting to be drugged while on the plane .. and they have no idea where they are. Nor are they prepared when a chip is inserted in each of them , all but one.
What ties all these people together? Six of them are in the business of influencers and reality shows ... all but one. Each guest has a guilty secret that somehow this tech company has rooted out.
One by one, the 'guests' find themselves hurt and injured ... or worse. There's no way off the island ... phones get no signal. Survival is for the fittest .. and that seems to belong to Amelia. She plans on being the last one standing.
The premise was a good one, all though this was more sci-fi / fantasy / horror than thriller. I couldn't connect with the characters, didn't even like most of them. They seemed to all be shallow and kind of boring. It became hard to care what happened to them. There's lot of action involved, but again, I didn't feel much suspense. The ending felt rushed and wasn't satisfactory for me at all.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of THE LAST RESORT. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
What ties all these people together? Six of them are in the business of influencers and reality shows ... all but one. Each guest has a guilty secret that somehow this tech company has rooted out.
One by one, the 'guests' find themselves hurt and injured ... or worse. There's no way off the island ... phones get no signal. Survival is for the fittest .. and that seems to belong to Amelia. She plans on being the last one standing.
The premise was a good one, all though this was more sci-fi / fantasy / horror than thriller. I couldn't connect with the characters, didn't even like most of them. They seemed to all be shallow and kind of boring. It became hard to care what happened to them. There's lot of action involved, but again, I didn't feel much suspense. The ending felt rushed and wasn't satisfactory for me at all.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of THE LAST RESORT. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 7, 2020
THE LAST RESORT is a sci-fi suspense thriller by author Susi Holliday. The novel is clearly based on Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, but with an updated plot and technology based. If you are up for a suspense novel that at times is creepy and at other times is high tech, then this book is for you.
A group of seven strangers, three men and four women had been selected for an all-expenses-paid luxury retreat to a private island. They initially had to sign a waiver with the company and were promised a substantial compensation upon completion of the adventure. They have been told they are there to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. (Creators of technology you didn’t know existed)
These Seven Strangers include:
� Giles Horner (28)- British Games Designer (virtual reality)-U-tube influencer
� Tiggy Ramona (25)-Giles girlfriend-said it being a reality TV show
� Lucy DeMarco (38)- Writes gossip column-invited to review the experience
� Brenda Carter (50)- invited to evaluate the finances of the game
� Scott Williams (35)-American-invited to assess health benefits of the game
� James Devlin (31)-Photographer-invited to take promotional shots
� Amelia Lawrence (30)-British aid worker-Invited for her to figure out?
Each guest has a guilty secret and are all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests. There is no hiding from the past.
Then one by one, the strangers suffer injuries or other�
No way to escape from the island. No cell phone access.
Soon the real reason for their summons becomes clear.
Amelia must confront her own dark past to uncover the truth.
This novel showed great promise, but I couldn’t connect with the characters or care what happened to them. I liked that we got perspectives from all seven strangers. The ending tried to tie together loose ends to the beginning of the story, but I found it a bit too unbelievable.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
A group of seven strangers, three men and four women had been selected for an all-expenses-paid luxury retreat to a private island. They initially had to sign a waiver with the company and were promised a substantial compensation upon completion of the adventure. They have been told they are there to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. (Creators of technology you didn’t know existed)
These Seven Strangers include:
� Giles Horner (28)- British Games Designer (virtual reality)-U-tube influencer
� Tiggy Ramona (25)-Giles girlfriend-said it being a reality TV show
� Lucy DeMarco (38)- Writes gossip column-invited to review the experience
� Brenda Carter (50)- invited to evaluate the finances of the game
� Scott Williams (35)-American-invited to assess health benefits of the game
� James Devlin (31)-Photographer-invited to take promotional shots
� Amelia Lawrence (30)-British aid worker-Invited for her to figure out?
Each guest has a guilty secret and are all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests. There is no hiding from the past.
Then one by one, the strangers suffer injuries or other�
No way to escape from the island. No cell phone access.
Soon the real reason for their summons becomes clear.
Amelia must confront her own dark past to uncover the truth.
This novel showed great promise, but I couldn’t connect with the characters or care what happened to them. I liked that we got perspectives from all seven strangers. The ending tried to tie together loose ends to the beginning of the story, but I found it a bit too unbelievable.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 9, 2023
I was really drawn into the premise of the story, as it's totally my jam. Bunch of snobby strangers with a colorful past and secrets on a secluded island partaking in a secret experiment, heck yes, please and thank you.
The writing was fine but I just didn't enjoy the way the story was structured and the bulk of it was told through dialogue and not actually showing the reader what was unfolding. The internal monologue for the main character was just off and never connected with the beginning and the ending of this book in the unique twist that you were expecting from the whole set up. All the characters were pretty unlikable and didn't come alive. I can love a villain but here there was no high notes on anybody.
It almost felt like the author had an ending in mind and constructed a story to tie into it. The guts of the story didn't have a strong connection to its outcome. It could have used some more terror that's for sure, as it gently flirted with the idea of it here and there but never dared to venture further.
- Kasia
The writing was fine but I just didn't enjoy the way the story was structured and the bulk of it was told through dialogue and not actually showing the reader what was unfolding. The internal monologue for the main character was just off and never connected with the beginning and the ending of this book in the unique twist that you were expecting from the whole set up. All the characters were pretty unlikable and didn't come alive. I can love a villain but here there was no high notes on anybody.
It almost felt like the author had an ending in mind and constructed a story to tie into it. The guts of the story didn't have a strong connection to its outcome. It could have used some more terror that's for sure, as it gently flirted with the idea of it here and there but never dared to venture further.
- Kasia
November 11, 2020
Even though I don't usually read this genre this had an intriguing premise and was an interesting sci-fi twist to the book And There Were None.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
May 18, 2020
Ridiculous,but fun.
Until it becomes JUST ridiculous.
Until it becomes JUST ridiculous.
August 18, 2020
Seven strangers are invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse.
On reaching the island, they are told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. But the guests� excitement soon turns to terror when the real reason for their summons becomes clear. Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of.
Unfortunately for me this book did not work out. I was intrigued by the cover and the premise but after a few chapters into the book, I did not find it much exciting.
The technology described in the book is something unique and amazing. I just felt that the plot had a lot more to offer especially in terms of the ending since it was kind of weird.
Thank You to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC!
On reaching the island, they are told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. But the guests� excitement soon turns to terror when the real reason for their summons becomes clear. Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of.
Unfortunately for me this book did not work out. I was intrigued by the cover and the premise but after a few chapters into the book, I did not find it much exciting.
The technology described in the book is something unique and amazing. I just felt that the plot had a lot more to offer especially in terms of the ending since it was kind of weird.
Thank You to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC!
November 1, 2020
Imagine if Agatha Christie wrote a episode of Black Mirror and based it on her novel “And Then There Were None� and you’ll only begin to imagine the mind bending mystery that’s Susi Holliday’s new novel. It has a totally engrossing storyline with a puzzle that kept me captivated and unable to put it down until I finished it in the early hours of the morning.
December 14, 2020
No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
Oh dear book, how could you do this to me?
You carried me on the wave of suspense before dashing me on the rocks of silliness.
You showed me the mystery of the locked room mystery before blowing it all apart.
You showed me a tight plotline before shoving holes into it.
You showed how brilliant a writing could be before leading me to nothingness.
You brought scifi to suspense before making it sound like a rueful comedy.
Oh dear book, I fell in love with your cover and you showed me the fool I am to judge your beauty.
I was intrigued by your blurb and you showed me how it was possible to make it go nowhere.
I had so many wonderful theories and you showed me how my theories were better than yours.
Oh dear book, I wanted to love you so, but you made me regret the hours spent.
�
Oh dear book, how could you do this to me?
You carried me on the wave of suspense before dashing me on the rocks of silliness.
You showed me the mystery of the locked room mystery before blowing it all apart.
You showed me a tight plotline before shoving holes into it.
You showed how brilliant a writing could be before leading me to nothingness.
You brought scifi to suspense before making it sound like a rueful comedy.
Oh dear book, I fell in love with your cover and you showed me the fool I am to judge your beauty.
I was intrigued by your blurb and you showed me how it was possible to make it go nowhere.
I had so many wonderful theories and you showed me how my theories were better than yours.
Oh dear book, I wanted to love you so, but you made me regret the hours spent.
�
November 3, 2020
WOW, what a read! The plot was intense, powerful and thrilling and held me captive all the way through! The characters fairly leaped off the page, and the tension was palpable. If you are looking for a twisted read that you just CAN’T put down, then this is DEFINITELY the book for you!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
November 12, 2020
Well, let me start by saying, if I ever get offered an all expense paid luxury holiday I will certainly take no time at all in declining the offer.
The story follows seven strangers, Amelia, Tiggy, Giles, Lucy, Brenda, Scott and James as they have all excepted an all expense paid luxury get a way. However each of the invitations were different and each were told not to discuss said invitations with anyone. Throughout the one day on this so called luxury island we follow each of the characters on their journey to the big party.
This book had a steady pace throughout and some exceptionally written characters whereby the author knew exactly where the readers heart would lie. Each of the characters were incredibly well written but due to their past secrets and their attitudes they were mostly un-likeable, all except for two of them. The two that came across as the sweet ones, the ones you wanted to protect, they didn’t deserve what was happening to them, or so the author wanted you to think.
This book had an excellent plot, was incredibly well written with a bunch of strong main characters, the book is due to be published in December and I would definitely recommend you to pre-order. 😊
The story follows seven strangers, Amelia, Tiggy, Giles, Lucy, Brenda, Scott and James as they have all excepted an all expense paid luxury get a way. However each of the invitations were different and each were told not to discuss said invitations with anyone. Throughout the one day on this so called luxury island we follow each of the characters on their journey to the big party.
This book had a steady pace throughout and some exceptionally written characters whereby the author knew exactly where the readers heart would lie. Each of the characters were incredibly well written but due to their past secrets and their attitudes they were mostly un-likeable, all except for two of them. The two that came across as the sweet ones, the ones you wanted to protect, they didn’t deserve what was happening to them, or so the author wanted you to think.
This book had an excellent plot, was incredibly well written with a bunch of strong main characters, the book is due to be published in December and I would definitely recommend you to pre-order. 😊
March 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was a pain to read. The story was excruciatingly long and led absolutely nowhere. It was a heavy book with no plot and characters that seemed to be going around in circles. I had to keep checking the premise again and again every few minutes to remind myself of what it was about. I picked up this book originally because the premise seemed really promising, though after reading it I was incredibly disappointed. The story had potential but was ruined by the author's lack of skill in writing and story creation.
This was a pain to read. The story was excruciatingly long and led absolutely nowhere. It was a heavy book with no plot and characters that seemed to be going around in circles. I had to keep checking the premise again and again every few minutes to remind myself of what it was about. I picked up this book originally because the premise seemed really promising, though after reading it I was incredibly disappointed. The story had potential but was ruined by the author's lack of skill in writing and story creation.
July 25, 2020
DNF at 25%. The plot never seemed to pick up and the characters were flat. I couldn't decide which one I wanted to die first. I can't bring myself to care about any of them, though. Great premise, poor execution.
June 25, 2021
This is a mess.
The basic story is not even remotely plausible.
Maybe if the characters were criminals or another powerless class of society.
As it is why would wealth well connected people even entertain this nonsense.
The plot needed basic work.
The execution is also poor.
There are too many unlikable characters and too many reveals. I stop caring before the halfway point.
This is another one I finished for the sole purpose of counting towards my reading challenge.
Sigh.
The basic story is not even remotely plausible.
Maybe if the characters were criminals or another powerless class of society.
As it is why would wealth well connected people even entertain this nonsense.
The plot needed basic work.
The execution is also poor.
There are too many unlikable characters and too many reveals. I stop caring before the halfway point.
This is another one I finished for the sole purpose of counting towards my reading challenge.
Sigh.
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