This book had so much promise! I was already recommending it to people when I wasn't even half-way through. And then Trent was introduced and I realized that the characters are caricatures, and it felt like there should have been an editor who would have noticed. Trent was the first to be over the top: gelled hair, arrogant, and icky with women. And instead of showing the reader who the characters are, the author tells us (repeatedly).

We're introduced to Jasmine, a person living in an abusive relationship. Her boyfriend's jealous, angry, controlling, and violent. He takes her earnings from the bar for "household expenses," leaving her dependent on him. With help from a friend, she is able to escape and create a new life far away.

We meet Stephanie next. She's the successful, single news director at a station in Madison, WI who is always being sent to conferences because the rest of the staff has family/children. She has a cat. And a gay next-door neighbor (who also has a cat), with whom she is friends and hangs out. He is also willing to cat-sit when she's away.

When Stephanie and Jasmine sit next to one another on a plane, Jasmine starts to get ideas about what life could look like for her. And Stephanie is just waiting for this business trip to be finished. She meets Trent and some other news directors, and except for Trent being smarmy, it's all good.

Then the texts start coming from Stephanie to her neighbor, her boss, her coworkers, telling them she'll be staying a couple extra days. She tells one that she's met someone and will be going to Atlanta with him for a week. The others get some excuse or another as to why she's not back at the station. It all seems a little fishy, but there are photos of her trip and a voicemail saying she's having fun, so everything's fine, right?

I wish the author hadn't written stereotypical characters, or at least not so obviously. The descriptions only double down on their traits, which made them 1-dimensional. The twists at the end didn't work for me, but maybe they will for you.

This is a debut novel and I like so much of what the author wrote. I look forward to her second book. I hope she will have more robust characters and an ending that makes me catch my breath.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZING!!! I absolutely was NOT expecting the ending at all. If you love a good thriller with twists and turns I highly recommend this book, definitely adding it to my top 10 Books.

I enjoyed the narrative told in several voices, notably those of Jasmine and Stephanie, two women who meet on a plane. Jasmine's clever way of escaping from a controlling and abusive boyfriend includes stealing Stephanie's ID on the plane, and then her complete identity later. Friends of theirs back home try to keep up by emails and text messages with the two women. Stephanie seems to have become a different person with an unbelievable reason for why she is not back at work.

The entire suspense plot rests on the machinations of Jessica to plot and get away with stealing Stephanie's identity so that she can escape to Mexico, her ideal final destination. Stephanie's next door neighbor and cat sitter, Robert, is a main character too, who even tries to fly to San Diego to find Stephanie.

Showing unbelievable ways to fool people, this is a great book for travelers on what to look for to protect themselves from scammers and thieves. Jasmine is a truly Machiavellian character. Great plotting and character development.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC and the opportunity to leave an honest review.

A debut psychological thriller that keeps you hooked from the opening pages and delivers a very satisfying read. I would have never guessed “The Business Trip” is a debut! I couldn’t put it down. Alternating multiple 1st person POVs (author does a great job), the character building, intrigue, and suspense are exceptionally well-done. I found the plot compelling. Stephanie and Jasmine, two incredibly different women, cross paths and a mystery ensues. There are plenty of twists and turns. I thought I had the ending all figure out, but no I did not! I also enjoyed how the conclusion is thoroughly wrapped up for a satisfying, clean ending. This makes for the perfect travel book for the plane or train, a beach read, or bedtime indulgence. Fair warning, be prepared to stay up later than you intended. I will absolutely seek out this talented, author’s future work.

The Business Trip is a wild and crazy ride! Two women are seated next to each other on a plane to Denver; Jasmine is very poor and trying to escape an abusive relationship, and Stephanie is a divorced workaholic going on a business trip. Soon, Jasmine’s friend and Stephanie’s neighbor each receive a text independently that their friend has met a wonderful man named Trent and will be going away to his house to be with him. Both women disappear and then Trent is arrested for murdering them both. Nothing is as it seems. Despite this story being a bit over the top, it is clever and mesmerizing, with nonstop twists. With thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

This was an edge of the seat thriller! I thought it was going to be a completely different book than it ended up being and I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed the unique story and multiple POVs. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone! I was very surprised by not only the ending but all the twists and turns!

I absolutely was engulfed into this story.. Starting with part one and the first POV it captured me. I hated having to put it down. The only POV that I didn’t like was Trent…because screw that guy…the author did a a really good job at making me hate him. The book made me have all the feelings…rage at Glenn…shock…sadness…anger….more shock. I was surprised by the ending and was happy with the path the author took. I would definitely recommend this quick read.

A lot of books claim to be “edge of your seat” thrillers- but this one actually was. I was so nervous at certain parts that I had to skim ahead a few sentences before doubling back. Needless to say, this one was hard to put down.

As a whole? It was fine. We follow multiple characters which helped the pacing, but what I found odd was how often the author repeated pages of dialogue and texts when we switched view points. I can only assume it was to make the story longer since a simple recap would have sufficed as opposed to the cut and paste.

I had mixed feelings about the main twist, but I guess it had to be done to catapult the story. The last twist was ridiculous and the story should have ended before we got there. Parts I liked and parts I didn’t like, so I’m rating this right down the middle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Business Trip was such an interesting read. I love books with multiple POVs and really enjoyed Parts One and Two of the book. All the different POV chapters and the two different main characters made things so interesting. I thought this was going to be a one sitting read for me because I was so interesting in trying to figure out what was going on, but things took a turn for me later on in the book when the first twist happened. It changed the tone of the book and slowed things down. And unfortunately the ending really did the book in for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to have a lot of twists and it just came off very soap opera ish. Overall, it wasn’t terrible, but I wish it had a more consistent vibe and didn’t try to throw so many twists in.

If you are not use to reading books with each chapter being someone else's POV, you might have a hard time at first. It's definitely worth taking the time and figuring it all out.

Jasmine is running from her abusive boyfriend and Stephanie is hoping that something might happen to her so that she can get closer to her son. Both look alike and both are on the same flight. You should never trust strangers! The all the events that happened fell into place so easily... until you get to the twist at the end. I am still piecing it all together after I just read it to think how could I have missed that.

I really enjoyed this book by Jessie Garcia which is my first one by her. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Jessie Garcia for this advance reader.

Three people from different parts of the country are going on a trip. Trent and Stephanie are professionals heading to a conference; Jasmine is escaping another abusive relationship. These three very different people’s lives will converge in a way from which they’ll never fully recover. This book is not about the destination, but about the journey - the Business Trip, everyone has a different kind of business they need to take care of.
This book is well paced, engaging and entertaining. The author does a good job giving the main characters unique presence, you get a real feel for their head space and intentions. The story was slightly rough around the edges and a bit contrived, but a fun read. As my husband always has to remind me: ITS JUST A (movie / book./ post / story, etc). Great debut.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia is an exciting debut that pulls you into a psychological thriller full of twists and mind games. The story centers around two women—Stephanie, on a business trip, and Jasmine, escaping an abusive relationship—who mysteriously vanish after sending increasingly disturbing texts about the same man, Trent McCarthy.

As their disappearance unfolds, tension mounts, and you’re left questioning who Trent really is and what happened to the women. The narrative keeps you on edge, with twist after twist revealing layer upon layer of manipulation. Garcia masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue into a fast-paced, gripping read that keeps you guessing until the final page. If you love thrillers where nothing is as it seems, The Business Trip is a must-read!

This was a debut thriller and I was expecting more honestly. It wasn’t terrible, but definitely lacking. I found myself starting to get bored with our FMCS and was needing more.

In the opening chapters one may think, "I know where this is going." Nope! I enjoyed the variety of character viewpoints of events. The slow unravel as the plot moved forward. And the ending! I was engaged all through the story and definitely surprised by the end!

This was a fun read! It grabbed my attention from the beginning and I just couldn’t wait to see what else was going to happen. It does have a lot of characters and different POVs, so if that isn’t your style of reading, this one won’t be for you. I love books with multiple POVs. The only problem with that is, sometimes things can get repetitive. That happened a little here towards the end. Overall, the ending just felt a little rushed in comparison to what else happened in the book. Overall, I really enjoyed it!

THE BUSINESS TRIP by Jessie Garcia is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, who find themselves entangled in a web of mystery and danger after boarding the same flight to Denver. Stephanie is on a business trip, while Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they both send identical, increasingly erratic messages about the same man, Trent McCarthy, before vanishing without a trace.

As the women's lives intertwine, their texts become increasingly erratic and disturbing, leading to their disappearance. The novel delves into the depths of human psychology, exploring themes of trust, deception, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves. Stephanie and Jasmine's lives become increasingly intertwined and dangerous, leaving readers questioning who is truly in control. Garcia masterfully weaves a complex web of intrigue, keeping readers guessing and constantly questioning the motives of the characters.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories. Stephanie is a driven professional on a business trip to Denver. She is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who is dedicated to her career. However, beneath her composed exterior, she harbors insecurities and past traumas that gradually surface as the story unfolds.

Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship, seeking a fresh start and safety. She is resilient and resourceful, having endured significant hardships. Her journey is one of survival and self-discovery. Jasmine’s character highlights the struggles of escaping a toxic environment and the courage required to rebuild one’s life. Her connection with Stephanie, despite their diverse backgrounds, underscores the theme of solidarity and shared experiences.

Trent is the enigmatic figure at the center of the mystery. His character is shrouded in ambiguity, making readers question his true intentions. As the book progresses, Trent goes from villain to victim; becoming sympathetic, then someone you love to hate. Trent’s interactions with both Stephanie and Jasmine are pivotal to the plot, driving the suspense and tension. His manipulative nature is gradually revealed, adding layers of complexity to the story.

The novel's triple narrative, alternating between Stephanie, Trent, and Jasmine's perspectives, adds to the suspense and tension. As the characters’ stories unfold, readers are drawn into their lives, becoming invested in their fate and unraveling the mystery that binds them together.

The novel touches on the idea of identity and how easily it can be manipulated or misunderstood. The impact of technology on our lives is demonstrated for nefarious purposes, such as the use of text messages as a central plot device. This serves to highlight the ways in which our digital interactions can shape our relationships and our identities. In addition to the psychological suspense, the novel also explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection. Stephanie and Jasmine are both seeking something more in their lives, and their encounter on the plane offers them a chance to find a sense of belonging.

Garcia's writing is both captivating and thought-provoking. She skillfully creates a sense of unease and paranoia, building a palpable atmosphere of suspense. The novel's pacing is expertly crafted, with each chapter revealing new clues and keeping readers hooked. The alternating perspectives and detailed descriptions create a vivid and immersive reading experience, with a constant undertone of who might be an unreliable narrator. However, some readers might find certain parts of the story overly detailed, which can slow down the pace at times.

The novel's ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of closure while also hinting at the possibility of further consequences. THE BUSINESS TRIP is a well-crafted and compelling debut that will leave readers engaged and entertained from beginning to end. Fans of psychological thrillers will find this book particularly enjoyable.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia is a fast-paced and twisty thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the final page.

Jasmine and Stephanie are strangers who first meet while sitting together on a flight. Jasmine is fleeing from an abusive relationship, while Stephanie is travelling to attend a work conference. As the women strike up a conversation, Jasmine begins to imagine a different life, one that comes with the respect and privilege that Stephanie seems to command and exude.

The tension unfolds beautifully as the lives of both women are cleverly intertwined over the course of a plotline that is devilishly clever. Overall, this is a most impressive debut, and I look forward to reading much more from this author in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.

3.5 This book was off to a strong start but fell flat in the last quarter with really horrible plot holes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a quick page turner that had me hooked from the beginning and kept me wanting to keep reading til the end. This book was so unpredictable and the twists were totally unexpected. Reading this was such a fun adventure!

Wow this book was something else. Seeing the length some people to get something they want and have never had. This book touches on mental health, domestic abuse, and extreme jealousy. The character of Jasmine was one that I went from feeling bad for and rooting for to saying “WTF” a few diff times. So many twists and turns. Every time I was like oh ok this is what happened the author Jessie Garcia flipped the script.

This was very well written and as a debut author it read to me as someone that has done this many times over. Highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good Thriller. #NetGalley #TheBusinessTrip #JessieGarcia