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The Business Trip
"A stunning and accomplished debut, with hugely relatable characters and an addictive storyline that kept me turning the pages well into the night. Bravo!" --BA Paris, NYT bestselling author
"Wow, The Business Trip was nonstop twists and turns. I loved the unusual way that the story was told, and I kept reading all day long because I couldn't wait to see how it ended!" — Freida McFadden, NYT bestselling author
THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.
Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.
And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women— or what did they do to him?
Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, THE BUSINESS TRIP takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?
"Wow, The Business Trip was nonstop twists and turns. I loved the unusual way that the story was told, and I kept reading all day long because I couldn't wait to see how it ended!" — Freida McFadden, NYT bestselling author
THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.
Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.
And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women— or what did they do to him?
Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, THE BUSINESS TRIP takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Jessie Garcia
5 books89 followersJessie Garcia knew she wanted to be a writer or a reporter from about the age of 8. After growing up in Madison, WI she attended college at Boston University, gravitating to television journalism.
Jessie spent over 25 years on the air as a sportscaster and became the sideline reporter for the Green Bay Packers as well as a host of NFL coach's shows. She then got into TV management and now oversees a newsroom of journalists.
Jessie also taught journalism at four universities and produced a documentary on a little-known piece of track and field history.
She has several award-winning non-fiction books out but recently turned to fiction. She has always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers and is excited to be bringing you THE BUSINESS TRIP.
Jessie has two adult sons and lives in Wisconsin with her husband. Their two animals truly rule the house: a savvy cat who simply appeared in the front bushes one day, and a dog who won their hearts at the Humane Society.
Follow her on Instagram at jessiegarcia_author for behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
Jessie spent over 25 years on the air as a sportscaster and became the sideline reporter for the Green Bay Packers as well as a host of NFL coach's shows. She then got into TV management and now oversees a newsroom of journalists.
Jessie also taught journalism at four universities and produced a documentary on a little-known piece of track and field history.
She has several award-winning non-fiction books out but recently turned to fiction. She has always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers and is excited to be bringing you THE BUSINESS TRIP.
Jessie has two adult sons and lives in Wisconsin with her husband. Their two animals truly rule the house: a savvy cat who simply appeared in the front bushes one day, and a dog who won their hearts at the Humane Society.
Follow her on Instagram at jessiegarcia_author for behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
August 25, 2024
Three words can define this book: jaw-dropping, heart-throbbing, riveting! I loved the execution of the "expect the unexpected" theme! The mystery keeps you guessing as the building pressure keeps you on your toes. I honestly kept cursing one of the characters and crossed my fingers so tightly, hoping that person gets what they deserve! That urge forced me to turn the pages faster with my heart in my mouth.
The story revolves around two women who met on a plane and disappeared from the face of the world, possibly both murdered by the same man. The storyline reminds you of “Strangers on a Train” where it takes place on a plane and meets “Morning Show,” but trust me, there’s more to come!
Jasmine comes from poverty and a neglected family, running away from trailer park life and an abusive boyfriend to start a new life. Stephanie is a news director, recently divorced, estranged from her son, a workaholic, a cat woman, and best friends with her neighbor Robert, who shares her passion for musicals. She is sent to a conference in San Diego. The only commonality between them is being seatmates on the plane and vanishing into thin air.
When Robert gets texts from Stephanie saying she will extend her trip one week more to spend more time with a mysterious man called Trent McCarthy she met during the conference, and she keeps texting her news team that she has to take a leave, which is unlike her, it triggers red flags. Interestingly, Jasmine’s high school friend Anna also gets texts from her saying she has met a guy called Trent McCarthy and she will stay at his house.
Then Robert gets an alarming text from Stephanie which raises more suspicions and results in the police breaking into Trent McCarthy’s house and arresting him for the murders of the two women.
How did two women who never met before becoming seatmates on the same flight end up in this situation? Did they become victims of a predator? Or is there something extra fishy about this incident? I guess you have to read to find out! Trust nobody but your instincts.
Overall: I loved the pacing. The last twist was a little far-fetched, but it was still jaw-dropping. The building pressure and climax nearly gave me a heart attack. I only didn’t like the final line the character said, but the conclusion was still satisfying. If you want to read something juicy enough to bite your entire nails and make you keep jumping up and down in your seat as if you’re joining a hot seat contest, this is the best heart-throbbing page-turner you shouldn’t miss!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this riveting thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The story revolves around two women who met on a plane and disappeared from the face of the world, possibly both murdered by the same man. The storyline reminds you of “Strangers on a Train” where it takes place on a plane and meets “Morning Show,” but trust me, there’s more to come!
Jasmine comes from poverty and a neglected family, running away from trailer park life and an abusive boyfriend to start a new life. Stephanie is a news director, recently divorced, estranged from her son, a workaholic, a cat woman, and best friends with her neighbor Robert, who shares her passion for musicals. She is sent to a conference in San Diego. The only commonality between them is being seatmates on the plane and vanishing into thin air.
When Robert gets texts from Stephanie saying she will extend her trip one week more to spend more time with a mysterious man called Trent McCarthy she met during the conference, and she keeps texting her news team that she has to take a leave, which is unlike her, it triggers red flags. Interestingly, Jasmine’s high school friend Anna also gets texts from her saying she has met a guy called Trent McCarthy and she will stay at his house.
Then Robert gets an alarming text from Stephanie which raises more suspicions and results in the police breaking into Trent McCarthy’s house and arresting him for the murders of the two women.
How did two women who never met before becoming seatmates on the same flight end up in this situation? Did they become victims of a predator? Or is there something extra fishy about this incident? I guess you have to read to find out! Trust nobody but your instincts.
Overall: I loved the pacing. The last twist was a little far-fetched, but it was still jaw-dropping. The building pressure and climax nearly gave me a heart attack. I only didn’t like the final line the character said, but the conclusion was still satisfying. If you want to read something juicy enough to bite your entire nails and make you keep jumping up and down in your seat as if you’re joining a hot seat contest, this is the best heart-throbbing page-turner you shouldn’t miss!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this riveting thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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July 31, 2024
Couldn’t put this book down!!
It was so good. Multiple perspectives helped keep the book moving. So many different things were happening. The twist at the end was so good!!!!
Stephanie goes on a business and meets Jasmine on the plane. Jasmine is escaping an abusive relationship. You never know who you’ll meet on planes and what they’ll do next.
Read it!!! You won’t be disappointed.
It was so good. Multiple perspectives helped keep the book moving. So many different things were happening. The twist at the end was so good!!!!
Stephanie goes on a business and meets Jasmine on the plane. Jasmine is escaping an abusive relationship. You never know who you’ll meet on planes and what they’ll do next.
Read it!!! You won’t be disappointed.
August 12, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Business Trip, by Jessie Garcia, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Two ladies on the same aircraft, then they send out the same exact message to their friends, freaky. People can be devious, and manipulative, be careful. An interesting read.
August 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Straight up a gripping thriller! The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia pulls you into a whirlwind of suspense and emotional depth that’s hard to shake off.
The book is structured around two intertwining narratives—Stephanie’s corporate life and Jasmine’s harrowing escape from an abusive relationship. This dual perspective not only heightens emotional engagement but creates a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexity of female resilience. The alternating chapters build tension, drawing readers into a world where every decision could lead to salvation or disaster. There’s a palpable sense of urgency and dread that permeates the pages, making it impossible to put down.
In terms of writing quality, Garcia displays a strong command of pacing and suspense. The dialogue feels natural, and the settings are vividly described, immersing readers in the story. However, at times, the plot twists can feel a bit contrived, which detracts from the overall realism. Still, the gripping nature of the story often overshadows these moments.
✅ Pros: :
○ Engaging dual narrative that deepens emotional connection.
○ Strong pacing that maintains suspense throughout.
○ Vivid descriptions that create an immersive reading experience.
❌ Cons :
○ Some plot points feel a bit far-fetched.
○ Character development could be deeper in places.
○ Occasional heavy-handedness in addressing serious themes, which could have benefited from subtlety.
TLDR:
The Business Trip has the potential to resonate with a broad audience, especially fans of thrillers that feature strong female leads and intricate plots. While it has its flaws, the engaging storytelling and emotional depth make it a worthwhile read. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars for its compelling narrative and character dynamics.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝙎𝙩-𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣'𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆.
Straight up a gripping thriller! The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia pulls you into a whirlwind of suspense and emotional depth that’s hard to shake off.
The book is structured around two intertwining narratives—Stephanie’s corporate life and Jasmine’s harrowing escape from an abusive relationship. This dual perspective not only heightens emotional engagement but creates a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexity of female resilience. The alternating chapters build tension, drawing readers into a world where every decision could lead to salvation or disaster. There’s a palpable sense of urgency and dread that permeates the pages, making it impossible to put down.
In terms of writing quality, Garcia displays a strong command of pacing and suspense. The dialogue feels natural, and the settings are vividly described, immersing readers in the story. However, at times, the plot twists can feel a bit contrived, which detracts from the overall realism. Still, the gripping nature of the story often overshadows these moments.
✅ Pros: :
○ Engaging dual narrative that deepens emotional connection.
○ Strong pacing that maintains suspense throughout.
○ Vivid descriptions that create an immersive reading experience.
❌ Cons :
○ Some plot points feel a bit far-fetched.
○ Character development could be deeper in places.
○ Occasional heavy-handedness in addressing serious themes, which could have benefited from subtlety.
TLDR:
The Business Trip has the potential to resonate with a broad audience, especially fans of thrillers that feature strong female leads and intricate plots. While it has its flaws, the engaging storytelling and emotional depth make it a worthwhile read. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars for its compelling narrative and character dynamics.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝙎𝙩-𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣'𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆.
August 7, 2024
“The Business Trip” is an excellent thriller debut with a unique writing format that keeps you turning pages through the night.
The plot follows Stephanie and Jasmine whose paths cross when they board the same flight to Denver. Stephanie is travelling for a business conference and Jasmine is on the run from her abusive boyfriend. The way their lives cross over is unexpected to say the least.
When reading the synopsis I expected to immediately be on board the flight with the two women seeing how they interact. I was pleasantly surprised to see that after a small intro for each woman, the author completely diverted us through multiple character points of outside characters whom have connections to the main characters.
Through their thoughts we begin to see that something unusual is happening in the days following the flight and we begin to wonder what the heck is going on. It isn’t until the second half of the book that we are pulled back in time to see just how exactly we ended up there.
I loved how unique the plot was. I enjoyed all the different POV, even though there was so many of them I always knew exactly who was talking because of the way they flowed so nicely together patching you through the timeline consecutively.
I loved this book overall. My only qualms was the ending which i personally felt got a little too far fetched in the last three chapters and Jasmines character seemed to do a 180 to me. However there was one component to the ending i was glad for. This book makes for a great debate / conversational topic and would suit book clubs well.
Thank you to Jessie Garcia, St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: January 14th 2024
The plot follows Stephanie and Jasmine whose paths cross when they board the same flight to Denver. Stephanie is travelling for a business conference and Jasmine is on the run from her abusive boyfriend. The way their lives cross over is unexpected to say the least.
When reading the synopsis I expected to immediately be on board the flight with the two women seeing how they interact. I was pleasantly surprised to see that after a small intro for each woman, the author completely diverted us through multiple character points of outside characters whom have connections to the main characters.
Through their thoughts we begin to see that something unusual is happening in the days following the flight and we begin to wonder what the heck is going on. It isn’t until the second half of the book that we are pulled back in time to see just how exactly we ended up there.
I loved how unique the plot was. I enjoyed all the different POV, even though there was so many of them I always knew exactly who was talking because of the way they flowed so nicely together patching you through the timeline consecutively.
I loved this book overall. My only qualms was the ending which i personally felt got a little too far fetched in the last three chapters and Jasmines character seemed to do a 180 to me. However there was one component to the ending i was glad for. This book makes for a great debate / conversational topic and would suit book clubs well.
Thank you to Jessie Garcia, St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: January 14th 2024
July 27, 2024
All in all, The Business Trip was a quick read (caveat: I skimmed most of Trent's chapters because he was atrocious) with an intriguing premise, but I'm not sure if I would read more from this author.
I did really enjoy what this book set out to do--the premise of the disappearance of two women mostly through the eyes of those left behind was different from similarly themed books, and the short chapters made for a quick, easy read. The twist at the end was also pretty satisfying.
Unfortunately, there were also some things that subjectively didn't work for me. Having Stephanie and Jasmine largely absent for most of the first half made it hard for me to care about their disappearance in the first place. And with that, no one's voice really stood out. All secondary characters sounded the same (ex: the trailer park guy is indistinguishable from the head of the news station) and their chapters felt repetitive. You've also really got to lean hard into the willing suspension of disbelief (mostly with the convenient way Jasmine goes about everything. Felt very deus ex machina. And just how big is Stephanie's suitcase??). And I hate to say it, but the epilogue felt really unnecessary.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for giving me access to this ARC on NetGalley through its influencer program.
I did really enjoy what this book set out to do--the premise of the disappearance of two women mostly through the eyes of those left behind was different from similarly themed books, and the short chapters made for a quick, easy read. The twist at the end was also pretty satisfying.
Unfortunately, there were also some things that subjectively didn't work for me. Having Stephanie and Jasmine largely absent for most of the first half made it hard for me to care about their disappearance in the first place. And with that, no one's voice really stood out. All secondary characters sounded the same (ex: the trailer park guy is indistinguishable from the head of the news station) and their chapters felt repetitive. You've also really got to lean hard into the willing suspension of disbelief (mostly with the convenient way Jasmine goes about everything. Felt very deus ex machina. And just how big is Stephanie's suitcase??). And I hate to say it, but the epilogue felt really unnecessary.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for giving me access to this ARC on NetGalley through its influencer program.
August 29, 2024
UNPUTOWNABLE - GRIPPING - BEST WHODUNNIT of first quarter in 2025!
Jessie Garcia makes a fantastic debut with “The Business Trip”, a suspense thriller that I couldn’t put down a minute! As I used to take a ton of business trips on a regular basis, I was shocked at the possible devastation resulting from a kind conversation with a stranger on a plane! I mean how often would I give away conference or hotel locations and answer a bunch of personal questions as I didn’t expect to run into that person again.
But, what if?
Garcia deals exactly with this question and weaves a thrilling story about vengeance, gullibility, betrayal and murder.
The portrayal of the protagonists and their character development is to all readers‘ utmost satisfaction whilst Garcia leads us from Madison to San Diego over to Atlanta and Mexico in her book. The writing style is superb: Fluent and logical - my favourite! As Garcia is a news director herself, her insights into the world of news channels are refreshingly authentic!
I am so happy to have received an advanced copy of this book. Thanks Jessie Garcia & NetGalley. It’s the best whodunnit I read so far this year.
Jessie Garcia makes a fantastic debut with “The Business Trip”, a suspense thriller that I couldn’t put down a minute! As I used to take a ton of business trips on a regular basis, I was shocked at the possible devastation resulting from a kind conversation with a stranger on a plane! I mean how often would I give away conference or hotel locations and answer a bunch of personal questions as I didn’t expect to run into that person again.
But, what if?
Garcia deals exactly with this question and weaves a thrilling story about vengeance, gullibility, betrayal and murder.
The portrayal of the protagonists and their character development is to all readers‘ utmost satisfaction whilst Garcia leads us from Madison to San Diego over to Atlanta and Mexico in her book. The writing style is superb: Fluent and logical - my favourite! As Garcia is a news director herself, her insights into the world of news channels are refreshingly authentic!
I am so happy to have received an advanced copy of this book. Thanks Jessie Garcia & NetGalley. It’s the best whodunnit I read so far this year.
August 23, 2024
I liked this book well enough, but somehow it took me forever to finish. Maybe because I didn't much care for any of the characters. I felt there were some minor plot holes and certain twists felt predictable. That being said, I did like the multiple POVs, which I thought were well done.
August 1, 2024
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Absolute dumbest fucking book I’ve ever read in my life. Completely would never happen in a million years because everything just managed to work so perfectly for jasmine the whole way through. So she just is able to check in to the same hotel room that ‘Stephanie’ has already checked into? That’s not how check-ins work and it would show in the system that Stephanie had already checked in. And jasmine’s not even an unreliable narrator, because everything is just so stupid. A million useless points of view, all telling and no showing. Absolutely awful writing, sounded like high schoolers talking instead of adult 40 yr old women. Easily one of the worst books of 2024. From about 40% in I was hate-reading, just to see how stupid it would get. Spoiler: it got reeeeeeal stupid, illogical, predictable, and more stupid.
Absolute dumbest fucking book I’ve ever read in my life. Completely would never happen in a million years because everything just managed to work so perfectly for jasmine the whole way through. So she just is able to check in to the same hotel room that ‘Stephanie’ has already checked into? That’s not how check-ins work and it would show in the system that Stephanie had already checked in. And jasmine’s not even an unreliable narrator, because everything is just so stupid. A million useless points of view, all telling and no showing. Absolutely awful writing, sounded like high schoolers talking instead of adult 40 yr old women. Easily one of the worst books of 2024. From about 40% in I was hate-reading, just to see how stupid it would get. Spoiler: it got reeeeeeal stupid, illogical, predictable, and more stupid.
August 9, 2024
Summary: Stephanie is the manager of a newsroom with a large group of staff reporting to her. She is accomplished, beautiful and successful. Jasmine’s life has always been a struggle. She was an unwanted third child raised in poverty and hardship with no formal secondary education. She works low wage jobs to get by and is now fleeing an abusive and controlling man who will kill her if he catches up with her. The two women sit next to each other on a flight and Jasmine sees a golden opportunity. Trent McCarthy is a middle-aged divorced newsroom manager on his way to the same conference Stephanie is attending. Trent is a blowhard, full of self-importance and braggadocio, and perpetually looking for a willing woman to sleep with him. Their lives are going to intersect in a newsworthy way.
Thoughts: The Business Trip is a tense psychological thriller with multiple perspectives and quick chapters. There are a number of characters introduced which requires attentiveness from the reader to keep them all straight. The frequent change of perspective creates a sense of events moving quickly and a swirl of intrigue around Stephanie which grips the reader. The tension builds to a showdown in Mexico which I read with bated breath.
I am unable to reveal much as I don’t wish to give spoilers. I will only say that the conclusion to all the tension was not believable for me. I was quite disappointed in the concluding chapters which were not as well-written as the rest of the novel, and felt rather disjointed. I actually wondered if several different endings had been written and then one selected or substituted. It is too bad because I had been quite immersed in the book to that point.
Thriller fans will enjoy this one and I would be interested in reading other reactions to it. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the copy to read.
Thoughts: The Business Trip is a tense psychological thriller with multiple perspectives and quick chapters. There are a number of characters introduced which requires attentiveness from the reader to keep them all straight. The frequent change of perspective creates a sense of events moving quickly and a swirl of intrigue around Stephanie which grips the reader. The tension builds to a showdown in Mexico which I read with bated breath.
I am unable to reveal much as I don’t wish to give spoilers. I will only say that the conclusion to all the tension was not believable for me. I was quite disappointed in the concluding chapters which were not as well-written as the rest of the novel, and felt rather disjointed. I actually wondered if several different endings had been written and then one selected or substituted. It is too bad because I had been quite immersed in the book to that point.
Thriller fans will enjoy this one and I would be interested in reading other reactions to it. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the copy to read.
September 3, 2024
"The Business Trip" is a gripping debut novel by Jessie Garcia that follows two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, who have nothing and everything in common. Stephanie is on a business trip while Jasmine is running away from an abusive relationship. They both text their friends about the same man, Trent McCarthy, and then mysteriously vanish. The story unravels with twists and turns, leaving the reader questioning who is playing who in this psychological thriller.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel! The chances of two strangers meeting on a plane and experiencing a series of unexpected events are slim. The situation that unfolds is truly unfortunate. As the two main characters begin their separate journeys, their paths intersect in surprising ways, creating a roller coaster of emotions for both the characters and the readers.
With unexpected twists and turns, the story gradually builds to an explosive conclusion that will keep readers captivated until the very end. The ending is unpredictable, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Personally, I found myself engrossed in this book and finished it in just one day - I simply couldn't put it down.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel! The chances of two strangers meeting on a plane and experiencing a series of unexpected events are slim. The situation that unfolds is truly unfortunate. As the two main characters begin their separate journeys, their paths intersect in surprising ways, creating a roller coaster of emotions for both the characters and the readers.
With unexpected twists and turns, the story gradually builds to an explosive conclusion that will keep readers captivated until the very end. The ending is unpredictable, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Personally, I found myself engrossed in this book and finished it in just one day - I simply couldn't put it down.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
This was a really twisty read that had me guessing much of the time. It centers on Jasmine and Stephanie, two strangers that happen to be on the same flight when their destinies are forever changed. The book is (mostly) told over the period of a couple weeks, leading up to and after the flight, and also includes some chapters from tertiary characters like friends and coworkers as the mystery deepens.
This was a really clever plot line with lots of surprises. Some of the things that happened weren’t super realistic but I didn’t even care because they were plausible enough not to take me out of the story and just added to the fun of the twists. There were a couple things that I guessed but definitely some other stuff that I never saw coming. Jasmine was absolutely insufferable and I couldn’t decide if the author wanted us to like her or not but I absolutely hated her. The overall ending was satisfying and I liked the premise of the epilogue but the very last line in the entire book was so cheesy that I wish it had been left out altogether.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read with a unique premise and some great twists. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really clever plot line with lots of surprises. Some of the things that happened weren’t super realistic but I didn’t even care because they were plausible enough not to take me out of the story and just added to the fun of the twists. There were a couple things that I guessed but definitely some other stuff that I never saw coming. Jasmine was absolutely insufferable and I couldn’t decide if the author wanted us to like her or not but I absolutely hated her. The overall ending was satisfying and I liked the premise of the epilogue but the very last line in the entire book was so cheesy that I wish it had been left out altogether.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read with a unique premise and some great twists. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2024
Do not waste your time! I wasted mine and will spare you the injustice. The book starts out intriguing but once you get to Jasmine, preposterous and ludicrous are only a couple of words that immediately come to my mind. How much does the author want to hit us over the head with Jasmine’s unhappy life? She despises people who have lives better than hers, to the point of wishing them harm. News flash Jasmine! Work on making your life better rather than loathing those who have made theirs successful. I am sick and tired of this “have and have not theme.” Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, stop associating with worthless Individuals and make positive changes in your life! If the author’s intent was to make the reader feel sorry for Jasmine, she doesn't get my vote. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #TheBusinessTrip, #St.Martin’sPress.
August 9, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
This book started out ok, but the further I got into it, the less I enjoyed it. There were a lot of different characters and their pov's and I largely disliked most of them. It went on too long, the writing was so-so and the whole story was too over the top for me. Sorry!
This book started out ok, but the further I got into it, the less I enjoyed it. There were a lot of different characters and their pov's and I largely disliked most of them. It went on too long, the writing was so-so and the whole story was too over the top for me. Sorry!
August 7, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. It had such a promising premise, but just fell flat. The plot holes were HUGE, the characters were not particularly well developed or likable, and the dialogue felt cheesy and forced.
August 8, 2024
Finished up @jessiegarcia_author ‘s debut thriller THE BUSINESS TRIP and absolutely LOVED it. This is one you’ll definitely want to check out early next year! Pub date set for 01.14.25 be sure to add to your tbr asap!
A solid 5⭐️ read with such a cool plot. Two women with totally different backgrounds are boarding the same flight. One is escaping an abusive relationship and the other is just headed to a business trip. But then each appear to go missing after the flight and their friends are desperately searching for them.
There are a lot of characters introduced but it’s so easy to follow along with! Sometimes an abundance of characters makes it difficult to keep up with but it was written so well that it’s not a problem🤍
thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress + the author for my advanced copy of this great book!!
A solid 5⭐️ read with such a cool plot. Two women with totally different backgrounds are boarding the same flight. One is escaping an abusive relationship and the other is just headed to a business trip. But then each appear to go missing after the flight and their friends are desperately searching for them.
There are a lot of characters introduced but it’s so easy to follow along with! Sometimes an abundance of characters makes it difficult to keep up with but it was written so well that it’s not a problem🤍
thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress + the author for my advanced copy of this great book!!
August 9, 2024
The Business Trip is a suspense thriller about two women looking to escape their lives for different reasons. The story takes a twisty turn at the end...Where nothing is what it seems.
Jasmine is fleeing from an abusive relationship, while the other, Stephanie, simply wants some time for herself. I want to sympathize with Jasmine she hasn't had a good life. but She constantly resents others' success and complains about the difficulty of her own life. Eventually, she takes Stephanie's life and assumes her identity. Despite the well-written scenes with some humor, I was disappointed by the death of an innocent character. I couldn't help but wonder about everything that Jasmine did to get away why not just kill her abuser, instead of resorting to extreme measures...I mean, she has killed before, right?... Overall, a decent read for your next business trip. 😉Just don't forget to put the secure lock on your hotel room.
I want to express my gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the eARC.
Jasmine is fleeing from an abusive relationship, while the other, Stephanie, simply wants some time for herself. I want to sympathize with Jasmine she hasn't had a good life. but She constantly resents others' success and complains about the difficulty of her own life. Eventually, she takes Stephanie's life and assumes her identity. Despite the well-written scenes with some humor, I was disappointed by the death of an innocent character. I couldn't help but wonder about everything that Jasmine did to get away why not just kill her abuser, instead of resorting to extreme measures...I mean, she has killed before, right?... Overall, a decent read for your next business trip. 😉Just don't forget to put the secure lock on your hotel room.
I want to express my gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the eARC.
August 27, 2024
3.5/5
Today I am talking to you about Jessie Garcias debut book about a wild and crazy business trip. How wild and crazy?! Well buckle up for this plane ride because it’s not what you’d expect! In this book we meet Stephanie and Jasmine who actually don’t know each other. Stephanie is a business woman who is run ragged by her boss basically throwing her name in the hat for each business trip no one wants to go to. She’s getting sick of going and being the one who always has to sacrifice. Jasmine feels stuck in an abusive relationship and cannot get out…or can she? Jasmine gets creative and hops a flight where her path crosses with Stephanie. And both then vanish. 😱 All communication goes dark. Except for this man named Trent. Who is he and how is he involved? You’ll just have to read to find out!
I was very intrigued from the get go in this one which made it easy to become addicted to and want to keep going. I was very intrigued to see how these women’s paths would cross. There was a good amount of tension and suspense the whole way through. This is the type of book that you’ll need to suspend belief for because the twists did seem far fetched to what would happen in real life. My favorite part of the book is how the author truly made it so you could not trust anyone. 👀
Today I am talking to you about Jessie Garcias debut book about a wild and crazy business trip. How wild and crazy?! Well buckle up for this plane ride because it’s not what you’d expect! In this book we meet Stephanie and Jasmine who actually don’t know each other. Stephanie is a business woman who is run ragged by her boss basically throwing her name in the hat for each business trip no one wants to go to. She’s getting sick of going and being the one who always has to sacrifice. Jasmine feels stuck in an abusive relationship and cannot get out…or can she? Jasmine gets creative and hops a flight where her path crosses with Stephanie. And both then vanish. 😱 All communication goes dark. Except for this man named Trent. Who is he and how is he involved? You’ll just have to read to find out!
I was very intrigued from the get go in this one which made it easy to become addicted to and want to keep going. I was very intrigued to see how these women’s paths would cross. There was a good amount of tension and suspense the whole way through. This is the type of book that you’ll need to suspend belief for because the twists did seem far fetched to what would happen in real life. My favorite part of the book is how the author truly made it so you could not trust anyone. 👀
August 17, 2024
The oldest advice “Don’t talk to strangers”that all parents should give their children is ignored by these characters and it created a storyline that proved we should heed its warning.
There is a reason why we have personal boundaries, why we don’t tell others our secrets, why we should be careful when sharing information even with our closest friends, and why this story setup worked from page one.
The Business Trip has multiple points of view but boils down to how easily one person can use existing technology to help them commit crimes while simultaneously remaining anonymous.
A page turning work with many twists and turns that ultimately lead you to an entirely different conclusion than you previously imagined when you started reading this book.
There is a reason why we have personal boundaries, why we don’t tell others our secrets, why we should be careful when sharing information even with our closest friends, and why this story setup worked from page one.
The Business Trip has multiple points of view but boils down to how easily one person can use existing technology to help them commit crimes while simultaneously remaining anonymous.
A page turning work with many twists and turns that ultimately lead you to an entirely different conclusion than you previously imagined when you started reading this book.
August 24, 2024
This was….not great. It had its moments where I thought it was going to get really clever! And I did Want to keep reading but that’s where my enthusiasm ended. I had to just get past the amateur writing style and try to embrace the story.
We start by following Jasmine, a bartender dealt a tough hand in life, stuck in an abusive relationship with Glenn. Jasmine decides she’s had enough and wants to leave Glenn in secret. So she starts a plan. Firstly, Jasmine, is AWFUL. Like the most insufferable character, yet I feel like the author was trying to make us root for her? She not only murdered a girl in high school and framed her boyfriend for literally no reason other than “they’re mean and rich”, she then murders a completely innocent woman for zero reason whatsoever. Then frames Trent, another completely innocent man she doesn’t even know. Then we’re supposed to feel bad for her because she thinks they deserved it for being better off in life than she is? It’s a nah for me. If she was fine with killing people why didn’t she kill Glenn, the abusive asshole boyfriend? Instead she acted afraid of him and ran away. Makes no sense.
Don’t even get me started on the amount of pointless POVs we’re given. Random co-workers, the neighbor, another friend from high school. We’re told the story from all these POVs and when the “reveal” happens around the 50% mark, we are told the exact same story from Jasmine’s POV. I could’ve Skipped the last half of the book and just read the epilogue and understood it.
The end knocked this down to a 1 star read for me, with the last reveal being so wildly absurd and thrown together it was laughable.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We start by following Jasmine, a bartender dealt a tough hand in life, stuck in an abusive relationship with Glenn. Jasmine decides she’s had enough and wants to leave Glenn in secret. So she starts a plan. Firstly, Jasmine, is AWFUL. Like the most insufferable character, yet I feel like the author was trying to make us root for her? She not only murdered a girl in high school and framed her boyfriend for literally no reason other than “they’re mean and rich”, she then murders a completely innocent woman for zero reason whatsoever. Then frames Trent, another completely innocent man she doesn’t even know. Then we’re supposed to feel bad for her because she thinks they deserved it for being better off in life than she is? It’s a nah for me. If she was fine with killing people why didn’t she kill Glenn, the abusive asshole boyfriend? Instead she acted afraid of him and ran away. Makes no sense.
Don’t even get me started on the amount of pointless POVs we’re given. Random co-workers, the neighbor, another friend from high school. We’re told the story from all these POVs and when the “reveal” happens around the 50% mark, we are told the exact same story from Jasmine’s POV. I could’ve Skipped the last half of the book and just read the epilogue and understood it.
The end knocked this down to a 1 star read for me, with the last reveal being so wildly absurd and thrown together it was laughable.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
Garcia’s debut was SO MUCH FUN! I could not put this book down until i found out how it ended. It’s really best to go into this completely blind, the story twists and turns multiple times and the author does a fantastic job of weaving misdirections and its multiple moving parts made me so invested in this story. it’s definitely an over the top thriller with a few too many coincidences but it was just so readable that i didn’t care.
kinda like a fr**** mcf***** book if she knew how to tighten up a story
kinda like a fr**** mcf***** book if she knew how to tighten up a story
August 30, 2024
•This was such a quick, thrilling read. At one point I thought I knew where it was going, and I was wrong. And I was so happy I was!
•Two women, Jasmine and Stephanie are from different worlds, but their paths cross on a flight to Denver. Both women send identical texts to their friends about meeting a man. After a few days, the texts begin to sound strange and unlike the women. Things spiral out of control from there.
•The Business Trip will be available on January 14, 2025. Thank you to @netgalley, @jessiegarcia_author, and @stmartinspress for this ARC.
•Two women, Jasmine and Stephanie are from different worlds, but their paths cross on a flight to Denver. Both women send identical texts to their friends about meeting a man. After a few days, the texts begin to sound strange and unlike the women. Things spiral out of control from there.
•The Business Trip will be available on January 14, 2025. Thank you to @netgalley, @jessiegarcia_author, and @stmartinspress for this ARC.
July 31, 2024
Wow! What a debut novel! I loved it! I wouldn’t even read the blurb about this book! You don’t want to take any bit of excitement from reading! I especially liked the first half where I was completely in the dark! Then, the last half answered all those questions with a great twist! This book is now one of my favorites! I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 12, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy of The Business Trip.
I started out really enjoying this book, with the alternating POV and the "hole" in the timeline of the story I was hooked! Unfortunately, the further I read the more and more absurdly improbable the story became until I was just annoyed. I'm not surprised that Freida McFadden wrote the endorsement featured on the cover because the ending to this book was as ridiculous as the ending of her books 🙄 If you enjoy endings that are "jaw dropping" but also make no sense, this is the book for you.
2.5 stars
I started out really enjoying this book, with the alternating POV and the "hole" in the timeline of the story I was hooked! Unfortunately, the further I read the more and more absurdly improbable the story became until I was just annoyed. I'm not surprised that Freida McFadden wrote the endorsement featured on the cover because the ending to this book was as ridiculous as the ending of her books 🙄 If you enjoy endings that are "jaw dropping" but also make no sense, this is the book for you.
2.5 stars
August 26, 2024
This was a whole lot of crazy with a good amount of eye rolling added in. Everything had to be very fortuitous for this storyline to even be possible. That being said, it was good and kept you on the edge of your seat while watching it all play out and the pieces come together. I definitely don't see how this could or would have happened in the real world, but in the book world it was a fun thrillery adventure.
August 1, 2024
Wow!! Just wow this one had my head reeling on so much going on. It was fantastic! Crazy idea that worked out to be a great story. Loved the character's they were all written perfectly. I couldn't put this book down.
Fantastic just fantastic
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Fantastic just fantastic
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
August 7, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Two women meet on a flight in San Diego. One is headed to a work conference, the other is escaping an abusive relationship. When both women depart from the plane, it appears to be the end of their story. However both of their loved ones receive texts that from the women stating they have fallen for with a guy named Trent, who is sweet but mean sometimes. How could this be possible? You'll have to read more to find out!
This book was very fast paced and quick to read. I loved the authors ability to switch between multiple POVs and still keep true to each character. I can imagine that was a daunting task. This is a light, easy thriller I'd say. Very reminiscent of some of our favorite thriller writers like B.A. Paris and Gillian Flynn. I see a lot of success in this author's future.
Two women meet on a flight in San Diego. One is headed to a work conference, the other is escaping an abusive relationship. When both women depart from the plane, it appears to be the end of their story. However both of their loved ones receive texts that from the women stating they have fallen for with a guy named Trent, who is sweet but mean sometimes. How could this be possible? You'll have to read more to find out!
This book was very fast paced and quick to read. I loved the authors ability to switch between multiple POVs and still keep true to each character. I can imagine that was a daunting task. This is a light, easy thriller I'd say. Very reminiscent of some of our favorite thriller writers like B.A. Paris and Gillian Flynn. I see a lot of success in this author's future.
July 9, 2024
Fast-paced, a page-turner, will keep you up all night! If you like twists and turns and complex female characters, you'll enjoy this. Start it early in the day, because you won't want to put it down!
June 24, 2024
Veelbelovende start! Het einde was niet helemaal wat ik had gehoopt. Wel benieuwd naar andere boeken van deze auteur! Ik zou zeggen 3.5 sterren!.
August 13, 2024
Read this book all the way through the end of chapter 42 and then close the book and walk away. If you keep reading, it will ruin everything.
***SPOILERS***
I tore through this book in one day. I found the plot to be original and engaging, and at one point it even crossed my mind that this was almost like following a female Tom Ripley. I was impressed that she was coolheaded and always able to think three steps ahead in order to cover her tracks. I was so close to the end of the book that I just knew it had to end with her slipping away into a new life and getting away with everything. I was so impressed that the author was doing the dangerous thing and letting the villain win. And then...
And then.
The most nonsensical plot twist. It made NO sense on any level. It was so bad that it kind of undid all the solid plotting that came before. DOPPELGÄNGERS? Seriously??
Suddenly I was noticing all the other problems that I had overlooked in my Reader's Fugue state... The female characters all had kind of the same voice. The males were mostly clunky caricatures. The relationships didn't feel real… I mean, Jasmine's childhood best friend knows that her new boyfriend is abusive, and decides not to warn her? Stephanie sits on an airplane next to a complete rando and freely gives up every detail of her itinerary, including what hotel she's staying in? And the doppelgänger stuff… It was just so ridiculous and far-fetched. A random actress that Stephanie sort of resembles appears on an app and she's going to hire this woman to impersonate her at a conference, complete with a matching human hair wig or something, while she disappears to party in Mexico? And then she's going to give this total stranger all of her social media accounts and passwords? And her clothes? (Except the underwear! I mean, she's not GROSS.) What is she supposed to do when she gets home and is meant to be presenting the findings of the conference to her boss and her news team? This is so stupid.
Chapters 1-42 of this book, five stars. After Chapter 42, one star. What I'm saying is, stop reading at the end of chapter 42. You'll thank me for it.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
***SPOILERS***
I tore through this book in one day. I found the plot to be original and engaging, and at one point it even crossed my mind that this was almost like following a female Tom Ripley. I was impressed that she was coolheaded and always able to think three steps ahead in order to cover her tracks. I was so close to the end of the book that I just knew it had to end with her slipping away into a new life and getting away with everything. I was so impressed that the author was doing the dangerous thing and letting the villain win. And then...
And then.
The most nonsensical plot twist. It made NO sense on any level. It was so bad that it kind of undid all the solid plotting that came before. DOPPELGÄNGERS? Seriously??
Suddenly I was noticing all the other problems that I had overlooked in my Reader's Fugue state... The female characters all had kind of the same voice. The males were mostly clunky caricatures. The relationships didn't feel real… I mean, Jasmine's childhood best friend knows that her new boyfriend is abusive, and decides not to warn her? Stephanie sits on an airplane next to a complete rando and freely gives up every detail of her itinerary, including what hotel she's staying in? And the doppelgänger stuff… It was just so ridiculous and far-fetched. A random actress that Stephanie sort of resembles appears on an app and she's going to hire this woman to impersonate her at a conference, complete with a matching human hair wig or something, while she disappears to party in Mexico? And then she's going to give this total stranger all of her social media accounts and passwords? And her clothes? (Except the underwear! I mean, she's not GROSS.) What is she supposed to do when she gets home and is meant to be presenting the findings of the conference to her boss and her news team? This is so stupid.
Chapters 1-42 of this book, five stars. After Chapter 42, one star. What I'm saying is, stop reading at the end of chapter 42. You'll thank me for it.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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