Review of The Business Trip by Lisa Gardner
From the moment I stumbled upon The Business Trip by Lisa Gardner, I was intrigued. A story that intertwines mystery, suspense, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of business travel? Count me in! As an avid listener of audiobooks, the promise of a full cast of ten narrators sealed the deal. Who doesn’t love the experience of having characters leap off the pages—or, in this case, out of the speakers—into vibrant life?
Gardner’s novel revolves around two primary characters: Stephanie, a savvy business traveler, and Jasmine, a woman seeking refuge from an oppressive relationship. Their fateful meeting on an airplane sets off a chain reaction of bizarre and unsettling events. The first half of the book excels in establishing tension as both women begin texting odd messages to friends and co-workers. I was swept away, trying to piece together the puzzle right alongside their friends, feeling that delicious tension build as red flags flew up in every direction. The pacing kept me on my toes; I couldn’t hit pause even if I wanted to.
The audiobook brought its own magic, thanks to the full cast. Each narrator brought distinct nuances to their characters, transforming the experience into something akin to a cinematic performance. It truly felt like a mini-movie playing in my ears—an immersive experience where voices matched personalities perfectly. I found myself emotionally tethered to their journeys, especially during moments of vulnerability that resonated deeply.
However, the book isn’t without its stumbles. As we dive into the second half, where the big reveal takes place, I found myself occasionally scratching my head. Some plot elements stretched my suspension of disbelief to its limits, nearly lost me in the convoluted twists. I wanted to believe, yet the pacing felt a tad repetitive, drawing me away from that initial thrill. But the brilliance lies in how all my burning questions were answered through varying characters’ eyes, reigniting my intrigue.
And let’s talk about that one character—the archetypal over-the-top figure who made me cringe at times. I get that Gardner was aiming for a certain hilarity, but this character often felt more like a caricature than a fully fleshed-out person. While the narrator’s portrayal was spot-on, it did pull me from the narrative’s flow more than once. Nevertheless, if you can overlook those moments of cliché, there’s a wealth of engaging twists and dynamic characters to enjoy.
In conclusion, The Business Trip is ultimately a delightful ride for those who love a good mystery mixed with character-driven storytelling. If you’re willing to navigate the occasional bumps—mostly the exaggerated tropes—you’ll find that the thrills and engaging narrative make it worth your while. For fans of suspense with a few unexpected turns, or those who appreciate an audiobook that feels more like a performance, this is a journey you’ll want to take. It certainly left me pondering the complexities of human connection long after the last word was spoken.
So, grab your headphones, prepare for some delightful audio dramatics, and buckle up for The Business Trip. You might just lose yourself in its web of intrigue, just as I did.