Business Trip

This is a compelling psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. The story centers around two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, whose lives intersect in a terrifying and mysterious way. Despite their vastly different circumstances—Stephanie on a routine business trip and Jasmine fleeing from an abusive partner—their paths converge when they both send increasingly disturbing messages about the same man, Trent McCarthy, before disappearing without a trace.

Garcia masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and dread, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the story, only to reveal more questions. The dual narrative perspective keeps readers on edge as they try to piece together the truth. Who is Trent McCarthy? What really happened to these women? The tension builds as the red flags pile up, and the realization that nothing is as it seems begins to sink in.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, Garcia throws in another twist that makes you question everything you’ve read so far. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Trent McCarthy standing out as a particularly chilling figure. His enigmatic presence looms large over the narrative, driving the mystery forward and keeping the reader guessing about his true nature.

The novel’s exploration of manipulation, power dynamics, and the fine line between victim and perpetrator adds a deeper psychological layer to the story. Garcia delves into the minds of her characters, particularly Stephanie and Jasmine, to explore how fear and desperation can lead people to make unexpected and dangerous choices.

This is a page-turner in the truest sense, with its tightly woven plot and relentless pace. It’s a book that will keep you up at night, not just because you can’t put it down, but because its haunting twists and turns linger long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the mix of POVs in the first half of this book about the disappearance of two women on a trip. It was multi-layered and fun, and I did not want to put it down. It became a little less interesting for me when it changed to a single POV, but it was still a cleverly thought out premise and entertaining. The ending was unexpected, and the book was overall very enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were fantastic. I look forward to reading more of Jessie Garcia's books. 4.5 stars (rounded up).