Not the Trip We Planned

by Linda N Edelstein, Carol G Kerr

Chickie and Maddy are aging in their typical yin and yang styles when old friend Lena's husband, Edward, suddenly dies. Maddy, a retired social worker, is eager to offer support; Chickie, a chronically underemployed journalist, is peeved at the inconvenience. Friendship prevails and the two reluctantly return to Chicago, where they'd all met decades earlier. 



They soon learn that Lena requires more than comfort or casseroles-she is certain Edward was murdered and demands answers. Chickie and Maddy dismiss her suspicions as grief but agree to help. They're soon astonished to discover they have a penchant for unraveling secrets, learning more about Edward than they ever wanted to know. As the tensions increase, the women must choose to remain silent or pursue justice . . . or is it revenge? 

308 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Rachel Stone]

Not The Trip We Planned is an insightful, witty read filled with just the sort of characters that make books come alive. Chickie and Maddy’s surprise-filled journey illuminates the power of friendship, the joys and challenges of growing older, and the uncanny ability of women to suss out the truth—and then help one another to face it.

[Andra]

This was a very cute book, I was lucky enough to have a Netgalley ARC of it, and the story was funny, filled with great confidence for the future, and just alltogether cosy and wholesome.

It presents a lovely story of friendship, potential regret that is then spun into something beautiful, of women in their 60s who have lived a full life and how the main plotline changes their path slightly, and makes them realize some amazing things about themselves and their friends. I loved the dynamics between the characters, love the plot and intrigue, and even though parts of it were sad, it was wrapped up beautifully. I would definitely recommend this for an easy, quick, and fun read.

[Casey]

This was such a cozy book set in my favorite city! I loved the dynamic between the women, the glimpses into their past and current selves. I think this would make a great book club book.

[Patty Parette]

A delicious adventure. Let's encourage the authors to keep writing! Recommend for book clubs, too.

[Merilee Obstbaum]

Thoroughly enjoyable book about two old friends, who become the reader’s friends almost instantly. Besides being a wonderful character study of at least six different characters, the book becomes a page-turner regarding solving numerous mysteries.
I highly recommend this excellent novel!

[Julie Swendsen]

The word "caper" doesn't quite apply but how else to describe in one word two longtime friends' redirected vacation into a "trip" that involves an unexpected death, potential scandals, nuisances of aging, and pesky personality traits. This is an escape novel of the best kind, where characters are well-drawn, flaws and all, and the steady action engages and entertains like a very good trip. I am doubly impressed that this debut novel is co-authored.

[Vicki]

What's meant to be a getaway amongst two friends catching up ends up diverted to a long left behind city and uncovered secrets.

I really enjoyed this story which follows Maddy and Chickie who each have opposite personalities learning to uncover another layer of themselves and love who they are. This book had a lot of themes that YA books have, but centers around two women who are around 70, proving that life doesn't need to slow down with age.

While each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, i found it difficult to differentiate for about the first 1/3 which character was talking and who we were following. The dialogue for each character was incredibly similar, so until each begins to address their own conflicts, I struggled.

The story wraps up nicely and leaves just enough open ended to infer what the next chapter leaves, while wrapping every bit of the story up with a nice little bow.

Thank you, Netgalley and Köehler Books for this book. This review has been left voluntarily.

[Cathy]

As a woman of a certain age, This book resonated with me. It's funny and touching and an enjoyable read. Chickie, a journalist who hasn't let reaching retirement age stop her. She and Maddy, a retired social worker, have known one another since college. They plan a fun vacation together but feel obliged to drop their plans and head for Chicago when the husband of another college friend dies suddenly. Lena always required lots of attention and as a widow she's hitting new heights - insisting that her husband was murdered. Although they roll their eyes at the idea, Chickie and Maddy stand by Lena and do some investigating.
It's really not a murder mystery. It's a book about change and coming to grips with personal issues late in life. The writing and the plot resonate as if you were having a discussion with members of your book group. The characters sound real and have opinions you may not understand if you're under 50.
I am fascinated with how two writers could produce one book. However they did it, it works.

[Jennifer Morse]

When Chickie and Maddy's vacation gets upended due to Lena's husband passing it leads to self discovery and a few trips to the room mini bar. Not the Trip We Planned is a cozy read that will show that sometime even the closest friends have secrets. This book was a slower read, but I found myself invested in the characters and wanting to see how the story ended. Thanks to Netgalley, Linda Edelsten, Carol Kerr and Koehler Books for this ARC copy for my honest review.
#netgalley #nottheropweplanned #lindaedelstein #carolkerr #koehlerbooks

[Bea Krauss]

Not the book I thought it would be from blurbs and reviews--so much better. It was described as a romp, but that does not do this book justice. It is about long-term friendships, loss and grief, support. It is about a city where each of three friends had different and pivotal experiences. The city is Chicago and, if you have lived there, it is a return to your own spaces, sights and memories. The two authors also explore aging and the conditions that come with it. The characters are well drawn, with differing communication styles; friends still. I recommend it.

[Lee]

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It is a page turner that keeps you guessing. These "pseudo"
detectives are really good at their job. And the writing is funny, joyful, and wonderful to read. The authors' references to the art of aging are extremely engaging, in a way that makes you feel good. Bravo! I can't wait for the next one.

!

[Marisol Muñoz-kiehne]

Much more than a whodunit, this story reads like a light adventure trip around a iconic city, led by an unlikely pair of likable relatable memorable characters. This dynamic duo of longtime loyal woman friends figure things out and set things straight in an original, satisfying style. May this be the first of a series, as we all could benefit and learn from their smart and surprising ways.

[Reader]

I read this cover to cover in a couple days and put it down thinking, "This will be a tv show soon". It's hilarious. It's poignant. Maddie and Chickie are characters I would follow for another ten books. Or ten seasons! I want the next one already.

[Lauren A]

I have enjoyed this book so much.
The humor, the dialog, the compelling story, all adds up to such a good read.
I admire this co written novel about older women and authentic relationships with a touch of suspense. Highly recommend.

[Ben Shute]

We follow old friends Chickie and Maddy as they uncover secrets, navigate surprises, and find that some parts of the Chicago of their youth have changed (as they have), while other parts (The Palmer House) are constant. The surprises come often, and denouement is great fun.

[Mary]

A rare find - a book about and by women of a certain age. Yes, they still have adventures. This adventure takes place in Chicago so it tugged at my heartstring.

[Joni]

Fabulous story of friendships with twists that kept you wanting for more... Hoping for more Maddy, Chickie & Lena.