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The Business Trip

Review

The Business Trip

Jasmine is plotting an escape during the dead of night to leave her abusive boyfriend, Glenn. His transformation from ideal man to controlling monster had been sudden and brutal. Jasmine knows she will need to put many miles between them, but she is estranged from her family, and many of her friends are known to Glenn. Colorado appeals to Jasmine as a place to begin anew, but her mind is still wary of his wrath.

Stephanie is a TV news director preparing for an industry conference in San Diego. She enjoys her job, yet she believes her life could use a shot in the arm. Her marriage crumbled after her son went off to college; as a result, her relationship with her son has become estranged. Stephanie is desiring a new experience in her life, and the conference may provide the backdrop for that opportunity.

"THE BUSINESS TRIP is a quintessential psychological thriller that will keep your synapses firing well after the last chapter has concluded."

Both Jasmine and Stephanie are pursuing their own vision of happiness, yet events are about to unfold that place them not only in proximity to each other, but also in immediate danger. Anna is a longtime friend of Jasmine who is growing increasingly concerned about her whereabouts. She is fielding texts and calls from an unhinged Glenn, who believes Anna knows where Jasmine is. Anna receives word from Jasmine that she is fine and has found a new man in her life named Trent.

Stephanie’s inner circle consists of her best friend and neighbor, Robert, along with a few co-workers. Robert receives a message from Stephanie that the conference went well, and she is extending her vacation as she is besotted with a man she met named Trent. Robert is ecstatic about the news but is discouraged as texts from Stephanie become infrequent. This turns to alarm as her feelings about Trent go from smitten to frightened. Her co-workers at the TV station are flummoxed by her flighty behavior, and a couple view it as uncharacteristic of her. Each text brings new worries about Stephanie’s well-being.

Here we have two women who don’t know each other and have seemingly nothing in common, except for meeting a mystery man who may be more than they bargained for.

THE BUSINESS TRIP is a quintessential psychological thriller that will keep your synapses firing well after the last chapter has concluded. The viewpoint of this inventive narrative switches from Stephanie and Jasmine to many of the significant people in their lives and further fuels the plot’s tension. In Jasmine’s life, the roll of the dice has perpetually come up snake eyes, and her decision to flee provides her with a chance to take charge. Her strength of will is unquestionable. Stephanie only recently has met with misfortune, yet she worries it will drag her down. Her life lacks joie de vivre, and her escapist thoughts conjure up extreme scenarios.

The pacing of the plot is measured, and the suspense builds with every chapter, culminating in an outstanding climax. Jessie Garcia has penned an intriguing read that will leave readers gleefully off balance with every feint. Hopefully, this will be the first of many thrillers from this talented debut novelist.

Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro on February 14, 2025

The Business Trip
by Jessie Garcia