A plot twist delivery device rather than a fleshed-out narrative, The Business Trip's audiobook has a stacked list of 10 narrators, which seems extravagant considering this is a debut from an untested author—but after finishing the novel, I start to understand the publisher's strategy for such a lavish production; the actors really add the needed personality and emotion, because without their distinct voice and performance, on paper this is some of the most bland, bare-bone writing I've read in quite a while.

The Business Trip's plot only works because it centers around an implausible protagonist who shape-shifts at the author's convenience; the character's initial helpless desperation (she didn't even know how to use Uber) propelled the story, yet within the span of a week she suddenly became cunning and merciless, pulling off elaborate schemes requiring layers of planning. There are also tons of shortcuts throughout its narrative, from red herring characters simply disappeared after they serve the intended purpose, to overuse of stereotypes (gay character is flamboyant and loves musicals, and straight White male character is self-obsessed, cannot cook, and misogynistic).

The Business Trip is catered to readers who enjoy fast-food thrillers from the like of Freida McFadden, where unpredictability eclipses style, logic, and character. There's definitely some easy, immediate gratification to be had, seeing how its ridiculousness unravels, but I also couldn't help but feel like I could've better spend my time elsewhere.

**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**