The Bookish Ashley

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Jessie Garcia’s debut novel, The Business Trip, is a high-octane psychological thriller that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go until its jaw-dropping conclusion. With a premise as intriguing as its execution, this story deftly combines mystery, suspense, and a mind-bending game of manipulation that will keep you guessing at every turn.

The Premise: A Tale of Two Women

Stephanie and Jasmine couldn’t be more different—or so it seems. Stephanie is a high-powered professional on a business trip, while Jasmine is desperate to escape a toxic relationship. Their worlds collide in an unsettling way when both women send eerily similar texts about the same man, Trent McCarthy, only to vanish days later. The unraveling of their disappearance is where the real fun (and anxiety) begins.

Garcia masterfully sets the stage with dual perspectives, allowing readers to connect with both women while keeping the mysterious Trent at arm’s length. The tension builds with every page as the question lingers: Is Trent a villain, a victim, or something else entirely?

The Twists: A Masterclass in Suspense

One of the book’s standout features is its relentless twists. Just when you think you’ve figured out the dynamic between Trent, Stephanie, and Jasmine, Garcia flips the script. The layers of deception are as enthralling as they are dizzying, and the shifting perspectives add an extra layer of complexity to the story. It’s not often you read a book where every single character feels unreliable, yet somehow it works brilliantly here.

That said, the twists can feel slightly excessive at times. Some of the revelations toward the end stretch believability, which is why this book didn’t quite earn a perfect 5-star rating. Still, the ride is so enjoyable that it’s easy to forgive these moments of overindulgence.

The Themes: Power, Control, and Survival

At its core, The Business Trip is a study of power dynamics and survival instincts. Both Stephanie and Jasmine are compelling, flawed protagonists, and their stories shine a light on how easily people can become trapped—emotionally, physically, or mentally. The book also challenges readers to question their assumptions about good vs. evil, leaving us with a chilling realization: sometimes, the line is razor-thin.

Final Thoughts

Jessie Garcia has crafted a debut that is as addictive as it is unsettling. The Business Trip is perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone. If you enjoy stories that keep you on edge and force you to second-guess everything, this book will not disappoint.

While a couple of the plot twists felt a little too over-the-top, the overall experience was gripping and thoroughly satisfying. The Business Trip cements Garcia as a fresh voice in the thriller genre—and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Have you read The Business Trip? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!