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Guilt Trip
A group of parents expose each other's darkest secrets when a minibus carrying their teenage children disappears without trace in this unputdownable thriller.
It will be a day to remember...
It is 3pm on Monday. Emily Smith is summoned to her daughter's school, an elite hothouse where pupils work under exacting standards of grades and behaviour. She is reassured that Olivia isn't in trouble, but the news is even worse - her child is missing.
A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back after a meet. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's 'no phones' policy means none of the kids have a device. They have vanished.
As time ticks by and fear becomes unbearable, the real danger may not be the kidnapper but someone much closer to home...
It will be a day to remember...
It is 3pm on Monday. Emily Smith is summoned to her daughter's school, an elite hothouse where pupils work under exacting standards of grades and behaviour. She is reassured that Olivia isn't in trouble, but the news is even worse - her child is missing.
A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back after a meet. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's 'no phones' policy means none of the kids have a device. They have vanished.
As time ticks by and fear becomes unbearable, the real danger may not be the kidnapper but someone much closer to home...
- GenresThriller
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 27, 2025
Should I feel guilty about my "GUILT TRIP" rating?
WHY?
I am on Outlier Island AGAIN.
The book's premise was brilliant:
A minibus carrying an elite school's swim team never returns from a swim meet.
What happened to the bus and the students?
The story unfolds from multiple timelines and POVs.
IMHO, one needed a scorecard to keep track of all of the characters.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Anna Burnett.
Although Anna Burnett did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from multiple narrators.
Jackie Kablar's "The Vanishing of Class 3B" had a similar premise (missing elite school bus).
But "The Vanishing of Class 3B" had fewer, well-developed characters and was an easy 5-star read.
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book, it’s very good with plenty of twists to it. The story is quite unique and there’s a lot going on. Lots of different characters and plots but easy to follow. I have taken one star off because at times it did seem a bit far-fetched, especially the childrens side. It’s the first book I have read by Jo Furniss but I would definitely look out for her others to try.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Publication date of 28th August’25.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Publication date of 28th August’25.
September 4, 2025
This is a very twisty mystery thriller from this author. A school bus disappears on its return to school from a swimming competition. The school is a private one and there are parents who are well-known, rich or have a certain standing that could lead them to being targets for blackmail.
There is a core of characters in this book, parents, teachers, police and students. While this may sound like a lot, it is actually really easy to remember who is who. The characters are introduced in a well laid out fashion and you gradually get to know the relationships between he characters as the story unfolds.
The story is told in a back-to-front fashion. I do like this format as you get the basic crime, and then the story is told from events preceding until you are up to date again. During this time, the details are explored, expanded and developed. It leads the reader to question, wonder and also get to know each of the characters.
There are a couple of sides to the story, and this is told from the main protagonists. From the students and the parents' points of view. With characters that could be targets, there is a certain amount of showboating, and power tripping. It does make some of the characters feel aloof. Some aspects of the story were full of secrets, but there were a couple I did get before the reveals. The majority of the secrets, though, were a surprise when they were revealed.
The story is tense, there is a lot of suspicion and I wasn't completely sure who was actually telling the right story. There are some great twists and this made for an enjoyable mystery thriller. Ideal for fans of intriguing and twisted thrillers and one I would be happy to recommend.
There is a core of characters in this book, parents, teachers, police and students. While this may sound like a lot, it is actually really easy to remember who is who. The characters are introduced in a well laid out fashion and you gradually get to know the relationships between he characters as the story unfolds.
The story is told in a back-to-front fashion. I do like this format as you get the basic crime, and then the story is told from events preceding until you are up to date again. During this time, the details are explored, expanded and developed. It leads the reader to question, wonder and also get to know each of the characters.
There are a couple of sides to the story, and this is told from the main protagonists. From the students and the parents' points of view. With characters that could be targets, there is a certain amount of showboating, and power tripping. It does make some of the characters feel aloof. Some aspects of the story were full of secrets, but there were a couple I did get before the reveals. The majority of the secrets, though, were a surprise when they were revealed.
The story is tense, there is a lot of suspicion and I wasn't completely sure who was actually telling the right story. There are some great twists and this made for an enjoyable mystery thriller. Ideal for fans of intriguing and twisted thrillers and one I would be happy to recommend.
August 22, 2025
After reading ( and loving ) the outstanding ‘Dead Mile’ was interested in how the authors new book would be
It has the same brash characters and the immense descriptive genius observation of these people, situations and even objects and the hilarious cruel witticism of them
Again it is transport based ( at least at the beginning ) where the top senior school in the land has a mini bus of its students on the way back from a swim comp, among them millionaire’s, Govt Ministerial and TV Reality stars almost adult kids….then the bus disappears, vanishes, is no more…..and with it go all the kids
The story is then told in alternate chapters by the parents and the kids and what is happening to them, cleverly often finishing in words the other chapter starts with and we see just who these parents and kids are and what secrets and manipulative lies they are involved with
Fascinatingly life/real like, I believed 100% it was happening, uncompromising in his tautness and writing
Brill
It has the same brash characters and the immense descriptive genius observation of these people, situations and even objects and the hilarious cruel witticism of them
Again it is transport based ( at least at the beginning ) where the top senior school in the land has a mini bus of its students on the way back from a swim comp, among them millionaire’s, Govt Ministerial and TV Reality stars almost adult kids….then the bus disappears, vanishes, is no more…..and with it go all the kids
The story is then told in alternate chapters by the parents and the kids and what is happening to them, cleverly often finishing in words the other chapter starts with and we see just who these parents and kids are and what secrets and manipulative lies they are involved with
Fascinatingly life/real like, I believed 100% it was happening, uncompromising in his tautness and writing
Brill
May 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this book!
Wealthy parents begin to panic when their kids don’t return from a swim meet. Each parent and child has their own secrets to hide. Didn’t see the twists and turns which I loved while watched the story unfold
Full of complex characters, this is a fun fast paced thrilling read.
Wealthy parents begin to panic when their kids don’t return from a swim meet. Each parent and child has their own secrets to hide. Didn’t see the twists and turns which I loved while watched the story unfold
Full of complex characters, this is a fun fast paced thrilling read.
May 8, 2025
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, it drew me in from the first page and kept me guessing right up to the end. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.
August 26, 2025
When a mini bus of students vanishes, the parents are called into the school so the news can be delivered to them. As the parents desperately try to find out where their children are, fear mounts and secrets start coming to light, while it becomes clear that the real danger may lie with someone closer to home.
I read this author’s previous book and enjoyed the unique locked room mystery. This seemed like it would be another original, intriguing thriller so I was keen to read. The story is told in the timeline of the parents and the children, which I found worked well, however parts of both may have been a bit unbelievable at times. Even so this was fun and compelling to read.
I found the pacing quite slow at first, although this picked up as the story went on. There were a lot of interesting characters and secrets waiting to be discovered, which made this compelling. I enjoyed watching the story come together and working out the twists and turns. This was a solid, well written thriller overall and I will be interested to see what the author writes next. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I read this author’s previous book and enjoyed the unique locked room mystery. This seemed like it would be another original, intriguing thriller so I was keen to read. The story is told in the timeline of the parents and the children, which I found worked well, however parts of both may have been a bit unbelievable at times. Even so this was fun and compelling to read.
I found the pacing quite slow at first, although this picked up as the story went on. There were a lot of interesting characters and secrets waiting to be discovered, which made this compelling. I enjoyed watching the story come together and working out the twists and turns. This was a solid, well written thriller overall and I will be interested to see what the author writes next. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
The story started with a mini bus that carried students and a teacher from swim gala has vanished, the parents of missing children had been called to the private school so that the children are missing and wait for the updates. 🤨
I found first half so exciting with the twists and turns but it has gone downhill at last half of the book which I’m gutted with! 🥺
I felt like the story was dragging on too much and too many characters in the story. I just don’t get how can people get away with it and move on, acting like nothing happened?! 🤯
But I have to say that I absolutely love Dixie and how she talks! Some of her quotes made me chuckle! 🤣
I’ve enjoyed sharing our theories and chatting with the girls for our Buddy Read! Hopefully we can do it again soon! 🥰😘
I found first half so exciting with the twists and turns but it has gone downhill at last half of the book which I’m gutted with! 🥺
I felt like the story was dragging on too much and too many characters in the story. I just don’t get how can people get away with it and move on, acting like nothing happened?! 🤯
But I have to say that I absolutely love Dixie and how she talks! Some of her quotes made me chuckle! 🤣
I’ve enjoyed sharing our theories and chatting with the girls for our Buddy Read! Hopefully we can do it again soon! 🥰😘
August 26, 2025
Emily’s daughter, Olivia, is missing. She and four of her friends never made it back to school after a swim meet, and the police can’t find the minibus they were traveling in. What happened to the teenagers? Were they in an accident? Are they on the run? Were they kidnapped? Lots of questions and very little answers.
What is clear though, is that none of the parents frantically waiting for news at the school are particularly likeable, and that Emily stands out like a sore thumb. The school her daughter is attending is posh with a capital P, and the headmaster will do whatever it takes to maintain its reputation. As a single mum and personal trainer, Emily finds herself surrounded by an anaesthetist, and a politician, and a survivalist influencer of all things. Luckily she does have her friend, Mariah. However, it soon becomes apparent Emily really doesn’t know these people at all.
Meanwhile, the story also follows Olivia. Obviously I won’t be mentioning what’s going on in that particular part of the mysterious tale. Suffice to say that Olivia is also getting to know different sides to her friends. And maybe Olivia herself isn’t quite the goodie two shoes people think she is.
Lots of secrets to be discovered, then. Very few of the characters are who they seem. One or two might even surprise you. That goes for the parents, as well as their children. It just goes to show that nothing is ever quite as it seems, and you never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. While Emily is trying to find out what’s happening, her daughter is out there proving herself to be rather awesome, as it goes. I really liked Olivia. Fierce and determined, she’s just trying to get herself and her friends back home.
What follows is a fast-paced and hugely addictive rollercoaster of a ride. Sure, it may get a little chaotic at times, and maybe some of it is a little bit over the top and out there. But I was utterly entertained, trying to figure out what was going on and who was responsible. There were definitely some things I didn’t see coming at all. And yes, there’s guilt. But you’ll have to discover that for yourself.
‘Guilt Trip‘ is an enjoyable thriller with great characters and some unexpected twists and turns. The twin timelines held my attention throughout, and while I did feel the storyline went a tad overboard, I remained gripped and engaged throughout. Another winner from Jo Furniss.
What is clear though, is that none of the parents frantically waiting for news at the school are particularly likeable, and that Emily stands out like a sore thumb. The school her daughter is attending is posh with a capital P, and the headmaster will do whatever it takes to maintain its reputation. As a single mum and personal trainer, Emily finds herself surrounded by an anaesthetist, and a politician, and a survivalist influencer of all things. Luckily she does have her friend, Mariah. However, it soon becomes apparent Emily really doesn’t know these people at all.
Meanwhile, the story also follows Olivia. Obviously I won’t be mentioning what’s going on in that particular part of the mysterious tale. Suffice to say that Olivia is also getting to know different sides to her friends. And maybe Olivia herself isn’t quite the goodie two shoes people think she is.
Lots of secrets to be discovered, then. Very few of the characters are who they seem. One or two might even surprise you. That goes for the parents, as well as their children. It just goes to show that nothing is ever quite as it seems, and you never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. While Emily is trying to find out what’s happening, her daughter is out there proving herself to be rather awesome, as it goes. I really liked Olivia. Fierce and determined, she’s just trying to get herself and her friends back home.
What follows is a fast-paced and hugely addictive rollercoaster of a ride. Sure, it may get a little chaotic at times, and maybe some of it is a little bit over the top and out there. But I was utterly entertained, trying to figure out what was going on and who was responsible. There were definitely some things I didn’t see coming at all. And yes, there’s guilt. But you’ll have to discover that for yourself.
‘Guilt Trip‘ is an enjoyable thriller with great characters and some unexpected twists and turns. The twin timelines held my attention throughout, and while I did feel the storyline went a tad overboard, I remained gripped and engaged throughout. Another winner from Jo Furniss.
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August 22, 2025I loved Jo Furniss’s last book, Dead Mile, for its unusual premise, an ingeniously staged and plotted locked room mystery set on a grid-locked mystery. And she’s done it again in Guilt Trip, another transport-related thriller.
Working single mother, Emma, gets a text summoning her to her daughter’s school. Daughter Olivia is a pupil at Saints, an elite private school. The institution is out of Emma’s league, both financially and politically, but Olivia is an outstanding student and talented swimmer on a full scholarship.
On arrival at school, Emma is shown into the Great Hall where four other parents are waiting:
Akin, a consultant anaesthetist.
Jack Kent, a social influencer,
Ayesha, a government minister,
Mariah, Emma’s friend, married to a shady property developer.
The headmaster briefs them that their children’s minibus, due back from a swim meet at midday, has still not returned three hours later. Having had no phone contact with the teacher driving the minibus or any of the five pupils on board, the PR-conscious and scandal-phobic headteacher reluctantly calls the police.
Told from Emma’s viewpoint, the story reveals how each parent and the head teacher react to emerging news from the police search. Naturally because this is a thriller, each adult has something to hide and conceals secrets that may have led to the teenagers being kidnapped. The school setting made me think of Your Time Is Up by Sarah Naughton.
The other viewpoint character is Olivia. Her story starts a few hours earlier at breakfast at home with Emma, moving to the swim meet and then to the ill-fated return journey to school. We meet the teenage children of the four other anxious parents:
Temi, all round good guy, son of the anaesthetist,
Kiran, neurotic geek, son of the government minister,
Alix, bad boy son of the social influencer,
Dixie, Olivia’s friend and daughter of Emma’s friend Mariah.
Their survival attempts put me in mind of The Search Party by Simon Lelic.
Lots of twists and deadpan humour.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
Working single mother, Emma, gets a text summoning her to her daughter’s school. Daughter Olivia is a pupil at Saints, an elite private school. The institution is out of Emma’s league, both financially and politically, but Olivia is an outstanding student and talented swimmer on a full scholarship.
On arrival at school, Emma is shown into the Great Hall where four other parents are waiting:
Akin, a consultant anaesthetist.
Jack Kent, a social influencer,
Ayesha, a government minister,
Mariah, Emma’s friend, married to a shady property developer.
The headmaster briefs them that their children’s minibus, due back from a swim meet at midday, has still not returned three hours later. Having had no phone contact with the teacher driving the minibus or any of the five pupils on board, the PR-conscious and scandal-phobic headteacher reluctantly calls the police.
Told from Emma’s viewpoint, the story reveals how each parent and the head teacher react to emerging news from the police search. Naturally because this is a thriller, each adult has something to hide and conceals secrets that may have led to the teenagers being kidnapped. The school setting made me think of Your Time Is Up by Sarah Naughton.
The other viewpoint character is Olivia. Her story starts a few hours earlier at breakfast at home with Emma, moving to the swim meet and then to the ill-fated return journey to school. We meet the teenage children of the four other anxious parents:
Temi, all round good guy, son of the anaesthetist,
Kiran, neurotic geek, son of the government minister,
Alix, bad boy son of the social influencer,
Dixie, Olivia’s friend and daughter of Emma’s friend Mariah.
Their survival attempts put me in mind of The Search Party by Simon Lelic.
Lots of twists and deadpan humour.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
August 30, 2025
Some of the teenage students from the prestigious Saints College have gone to a swim meet and, when Emily Smith, the mother of Olivia is summoned to the school at 3pm, she never expects to see some of the other parents there or to be told that the minibus they were travelling on has vanished into thin air and, due to the schools strict no phones policy, none of the students can be contacted. As the day, and the investigation, progresses certain theories are thrown around as to why this has happened but nobody seems very keen to inform the police and there's lots of whispering behind closed doors, what are these wealthy people hiding and what relevance does it have to their missing children?
Guilt Trip is the new thriller by this author, told from the perspectives of the parents and children in alternate chapters. This is an intriguing read with a complex premise, characters that weren't particularly likeable, although there was something about 'Jones' that I liked and some interesting twists and turns even though, at times, you have to suspend belief at some of the revelations and actions, having said that I was compelled to find out who and what was behind all the mystery and mayhem. This is a new to me author and I look forward to seeing what she produces next.
I'd like to thank Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Guilt Trip is the new thriller by this author, told from the perspectives of the parents and children in alternate chapters. This is an intriguing read with a complex premise, characters that weren't particularly likeable, although there was something about 'Jones' that I liked and some interesting twists and turns even though, at times, you have to suspend belief at some of the revelations and actions, having said that I was compelled to find out who and what was behind all the mystery and mayhem. This is a new to me author and I look forward to seeing what she produces next.
I'd like to thank Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
August 13, 2025
Jo Furniss delivers a taut, emotionally charged thriller in Guilt Trip—a story that starts with a missing school bus and spirals into something far more sinister. What begins as every parent’s worst nightmare quickly becomes a layered exploration of secrets, suspicion, and the fragile bonds between family and community.
The setup is instantly gripping: Emily Smith is called to her daughter’s elite school, only to learn that Olivia and her swim teammates have vanished. No phones, no clues, and no idea where the minibus went. As panic sets in, Furniss masterfully shifts the focus—not just to the mystery of the disappearance, but to the unsettling possibility that the real danger might be closer than anyone suspects.
What makes this novel stand out is its dual tension: the race against time and the slow unravelling of trust. Furniss writes with precision and empathy, capturing the raw fear of a parent and the claustrophobic pressure of a community under scrutiny. The pacing is tight, the twists are smart, and the emotional stakes feel real.
If you enjoy thrillers that blend psychological depth with page-turning suspense, Guilt Trip is a compelling ride from start to finish. Perfect for fans of Belinda Bauer and T.M. Logan, it’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
With thanks to Jo Furniss, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The setup is instantly gripping: Emily Smith is called to her daughter’s elite school, only to learn that Olivia and her swim teammates have vanished. No phones, no clues, and no idea where the minibus went. As panic sets in, Furniss masterfully shifts the focus—not just to the mystery of the disappearance, but to the unsettling possibility that the real danger might be closer than anyone suspects.
What makes this novel stand out is its dual tension: the race against time and the slow unravelling of trust. Furniss writes with precision and empathy, capturing the raw fear of a parent and the claustrophobic pressure of a community under scrutiny. The pacing is tight, the twists are smart, and the emotional stakes feel real.
If you enjoy thrillers that blend psychological depth with page-turning suspense, Guilt Trip is a compelling ride from start to finish. Perfect for fans of Belinda Bauer and T.M. Logan, it’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter.
With thanks to Jo Furniss, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 19, 2025
It will be a day to remember....
It's 3 pm on Monday, Emily Smith is summoned to her daughter's school, an elite hothouse where pupils work under exacting standards of grades and behaviour. She is reassured that Olivia isn't in trouble, but the news is even worse - her child is missing. A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back after the meet. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's "no phones" policy means none of the kids have a device. They have vanished. As time ticks by and fear becomes unbearable, the real danger may not be the kidnapper, but someone much closer to home.
I was pulled in from the first page and didn't put it down again until I had turned the last page. I was kept guessing throughout. The characters are complex, the pace is fast. We get fragile bonds between the family members, suspicion, secrets, a race against time and raw fear from the parents. The story develops over a day. We get some chapters that are told from the children's perspectives.
Published 28th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BonnierBooks #Zaffre and the author #JoFurness for my ARC of #GuiltTrip in exchange for an honest review.
It's 3 pm on Monday, Emily Smith is summoned to her daughter's school, an elite hothouse where pupils work under exacting standards of grades and behaviour. She is reassured that Olivia isn't in trouble, but the news is even worse - her child is missing. A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back after the meet. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's "no phones" policy means none of the kids have a device. They have vanished. As time ticks by and fear becomes unbearable, the real danger may not be the kidnapper, but someone much closer to home.
I was pulled in from the first page and didn't put it down again until I had turned the last page. I was kept guessing throughout. The characters are complex, the pace is fast. We get fragile bonds between the family members, suspicion, secrets, a race against time and raw fear from the parents. The story develops over a day. We get some chapters that are told from the children's perspectives.
Published 28th August 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BonnierBooks #Zaffre and the author #JoFurness for my ARC of #GuiltTrip in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2025
When Emily Swift's daughter wins a place at the prestigious and up market school full of the children of privileged parents, she understandably feel that her child future is bright.
The last thing she expects is for the minibus of school children training her daughter to go missing on the way back from a swim meet at another school.
The story is told in an intense combination of what is happening from the children's perspectives, and how the distraught, angry parents are coping with their disappearance.
There are plenty of twists (as you would expect, if you have read Jo Furniss' previous book set in a traffic jam), and quite a few of them are unexpected. One of the things that was genuinely surprising to me was the sense of unease the book left me with in terms of the moral relativism of modern day society in the UK.
Very entertaining and well worth checking out. Can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The last thing she expects is for the minibus of school children training her daughter to go missing on the way back from a swim meet at another school.
The story is told in an intense combination of what is happening from the children's perspectives, and how the distraught, angry parents are coping with their disappearance.
There are plenty of twists (as you would expect, if you have read Jo Furniss' previous book set in a traffic jam), and quite a few of them are unexpected. One of the things that was genuinely surprising to me was the sense of unease the book left me with in terms of the moral relativism of modern day society in the UK.
Very entertaining and well worth checking out. Can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 23, 2025
It is 3pm on Monday. Emily Smith, along with some other parents, is summoned to her daughter's school, an elite private school with high standards for both academic performance and behaviour. However, the call isn’t anything to do with Olivia not meeting those standards but something even worse: Olivia is missing.
A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back from a gala. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's 'no phones' policy means none of the kids has a device. They have vanished.
As time ticks by and the parents wait at school for news, it becomes clear that not every parent is as they seem. Arguments flair, secret conversations are overheard and even the headmaster is exposed for questionable behaviour. And as we get glimpses of where the children are, with alternating chapters, it’s also clear that the children have their own secrets too. With rising tension and twist after twist, I could so imagine this being turned into a TV drama.
I enjoyed Dead Mike by the same author but I’d say this is even better!
A minibus carrying the swim team never arrived back from a gala. The police don't know where it has gone and the school's 'no phones' policy means none of the kids has a device. They have vanished.
As time ticks by and the parents wait at school for news, it becomes clear that not every parent is as they seem. Arguments flair, secret conversations are overheard and even the headmaster is exposed for questionable behaviour. And as we get glimpses of where the children are, with alternating chapters, it’s also clear that the children have their own secrets too. With rising tension and twist after twist, I could so imagine this being turned into a TV drama.
I enjoyed Dead Mike by the same author but I’d say this is even better!
October 12, 2025
What an excellent book. Had I not needed sleep it would have been a one sitting read. Personal trainer Emily Smith is called into her daughter Olivia’s exclusive school to find that a minibus carrying Olivia, and her four teammates, back from a swim meet has gone missing. Told from Emily and Olivia’s POVs as the narrative moves between the parents at the school and the children in the minibus.
Briefly, with a group of wealthy parents, a consultant anaesthetist, an MP, a social media influencer and the wife of a property developer the initial expectation is that this is ransom situation but no demand arrives. So the police, and Emily, start looking at the individual parents.
It was very hard to decide who to trust in this book, both with the parents and the children, and I was constantly changing my mind. Some great characters, almost all flawed, and I loved the two main characters but the one I disliked intensely was ‘salamander’ what a creepy slimy creature! A well paced entertaining read with some excellent twists and turns and some wow reveals. Very enjoyable.
Briefly, with a group of wealthy parents, a consultant anaesthetist, an MP, a social media influencer and the wife of a property developer the initial expectation is that this is ransom situation but no demand arrives. So the police, and Emily, start looking at the individual parents.
It was very hard to decide who to trust in this book, both with the parents and the children, and I was constantly changing my mind. Some great characters, almost all flawed, and I loved the two main characters but the one I disliked intensely was ‘salamander’ what a creepy slimy creature! A well paced entertaining read with some excellent twists and turns and some wow reveals. Very enjoyable.
May 13, 2025
Guilt Trip is a good thriller that takes some very unexpected turns. It starts when the swim team from an elite private school goes missing on the way home from a meet. Parents are called to the school to meet with police as they try to figure out the motive.
The story develops in twin timelines, from the points of view of Emma Smith, a personal trainer and her daughter Olivia, who has achieved a full scholarship to the school. The other parents are all well off, including a property magnate, a social media influences and a government minister. But where does the motivation for the disappearance lie?
The characters, parents and children, are well developed and most seem to be hiding secrets. The story arc is wide and the reader is kept guessing about several characters until close to the end of the novel. Guilt Trip feels a little unrealistic on occasions but overall is a gripping read.
The story develops in twin timelines, from the points of view of Emma Smith, a personal trainer and her daughter Olivia, who has achieved a full scholarship to the school. The other parents are all well off, including a property magnate, a social media influences and a government minister. But where does the motivation for the disappearance lie?
The characters, parents and children, are well developed and most seem to be hiding secrets. The story arc is wide and the reader is kept guessing about several characters until close to the end of the novel. Guilt Trip feels a little unrealistic on occasions but overall is a gripping read.
May 14, 2025
Emily Smith’s daughter has won a scholarship to the most sought after, ambitious school in town and she’s making the most of it.
When a minibus full of high achieving students goes missing on the way back from a swim meet, no one knows what’s happened. Is it an accident, a kidnapping or something else? They know stakes are high, the children include the son of an MP, daughter of a major business developer, the son of a TV influencer and more.
The story develops over a day with police, social media investigators, and private companies all trying to find the missing children. Back at school, the parents are discovering more about each other, some of it not strictly legal..
‘Guilt Trip’ cuts between the intense search for the children and chapters told from the children’s perspective. It’s a high octane adrenaline filled read that will make you want to keep your children closer.
When a minibus full of high achieving students goes missing on the way back from a swim meet, no one knows what’s happened. Is it an accident, a kidnapping or something else? They know stakes are high, the children include the son of an MP, daughter of a major business developer, the son of a TV influencer and more.
The story develops over a day with police, social media investigators, and private companies all trying to find the missing children. Back at school, the parents are discovering more about each other, some of it not strictly legal..
‘Guilt Trip’ cuts between the intense search for the children and chapters told from the children’s perspective. It’s a high octane adrenaline filled read that will make you want to keep your children closer.
September 1, 2025
Outlier review - sorry 😔
The premise for this was absolutely fantastic and I was really excited to get stuck in. Unfortunately, for me, it didn’t deliver. The pace was slow and although some of the twists were pretty good, more than that, actually, they were brilliant, but the reasoning behind them was a letdown and I think due to the slow pace, I was so relieved that something had finally, actually happened, that I didn’t get the shock factor that I would have done if I wasn’t so bored.
There were so many characters too, I was really confused. At one point, someone was kissing someone and I had no idea who! Lots of the filler and the bitching between the kids and the parents could be edited out and several characters are not needed at all.
Sadly, not for me.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The premise for this was absolutely fantastic and I was really excited to get stuck in. Unfortunately, for me, it didn’t deliver. The pace was slow and although some of the twists were pretty good, more than that, actually, they were brilliant, but the reasoning behind them was a letdown and I think due to the slow pace, I was so relieved that something had finally, actually happened, that I didn’t get the shock factor that I would have done if I wasn’t so bored.
There were so many characters too, I was really confused. At one point, someone was kissing someone and I had no idea who! Lots of the filler and the bitching between the kids and the parents could be edited out and several characters are not needed at all.
Sadly, not for me.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
September 28, 2025
A book with a lot of twists . 5 teenagers in a school mini bus are missing after the mini bus was hijacked on the way back from a swimming meet. The book is told from their point of view as well as from that of their parents waiting, together with police, at school for news. Although the premise was good, I thought the writing was confusing at times and some actions a little farfetched . The main chracters are Emily and her daughter Olivia. The characterizations were Ok, if shallow, in places and the pacing of the writing up and down. Although the plot was interesting and the twists added extra dimensions, it didn't really reel me in and I had to suspend the bounds of credibility in places.
Certainly not a bad read, but I was n't blown away by the book
Solid 3 stars from me . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Certainly not a bad read, but I was n't blown away by the book
Solid 3 stars from me . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
August 8, 2025
Having enjoyed Jo Furniss's previous book, I was excited to dive into this one. Guilt Trip is an enjoyable, fast-paced thriller full of interesting characters and unsettling events.
The book follows teenage Olivia as events unfold in the past with the hijacking of the school minibus with the swimming team aboard, and her mother Emily in the present as the parents are informed their children are missing.
From the very beginning this book was intriguing. Not even a quarter of the way in, I had plenty of questions and even a budding theory. The teens and adults all have secrets and plenty of murky motivations.
I flew through this book and thoroughly enjoyed it, right until the satisfying conclusion.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
The book follows teenage Olivia as events unfold in the past with the hijacking of the school minibus with the swimming team aboard, and her mother Emily in the present as the parents are informed their children are missing.
From the very beginning this book was intriguing. Not even a quarter of the way in, I had plenty of questions and even a budding theory. The teens and adults all have secrets and plenty of murky motivations.
I flew through this book and thoroughly enjoyed it, right until the satisfying conclusion.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
July 14, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Another excellent fun filled read from Jo Furniss. An addictive one sit read that is full of great characters and a rapid pace. The short chapters add to the suspense and while the twists won't blow you away the story does unfold nicely. You may have to suspend a certain amount of belief at the end but it all adds to the excitement. Very well written as the chapters go back and forth between the parents and children which makes for a gripping read. Another solid read from this talented and original author
August 17, 2025
A thriller tackling current world events with twists you won’t expect.
It was a slow start to this story. There were lots of characters being introduced and I’ll be honest, I still couldn’t get to grips with whose child was who’s by the end.
The story was told using dual timelines and whilst it was effective for the story I found it confusing flitting between the chapters and their timings. I would have preferred their names as the chapter titles as well as the time stamps.
The last 3rd was super gripping and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold. I don’t want to spoil it but the plot follows very current issues and it was hard hitting to read. Especially as a parent my self.
I love how Furniss threw suspicions on everyone. I didn’t predict the plot twists and I loved how it came together.
There were a lot of great friendships in this book. I loved how close the mums were but my favourite was Jones and Olivia’s relationship 🫶🏻
3.5 ⭐️
It was a slow start to this story. There were lots of characters being introduced and I’ll be honest, I still couldn’t get to grips with whose child was who’s by the end.
The story was told using dual timelines and whilst it was effective for the story I found it confusing flitting between the chapters and their timings. I would have preferred their names as the chapter titles as well as the time stamps.
The last 3rd was super gripping and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold. I don’t want to spoil it but the plot follows very current issues and it was hard hitting to read. Especially as a parent my self.
I love how Furniss threw suspicions on everyone. I didn’t predict the plot twists and I loved how it came together.
There were a lot of great friendships in this book. I loved how close the mums were but my favourite was Jones and Olivia’s relationship 🫶🏻
3.5 ⭐️
October 24, 2025
Picked up at Crime Central and this is a superbly plotted thrill ride that grips from the off and doesn't let go.
Following both Emily's and Olivia's stories as the unfold we are led through a parent's nightmare of a missing child mixed with twists and turns as the nature of the abduction of the group is revealed and everyone is not who they say they are.
It moves with such speed that you almost whiplash at every reveal, never once taking you out of the story but just gripping you tighter as you accelerate to the conclusion. Brilliantly done and left with a satisfying concluded this is highly recommended.
Following both Emily's and Olivia's stories as the unfold we are led through a parent's nightmare of a missing child mixed with twists and turns as the nature of the abduction of the group is revealed and everyone is not who they say they are.
It moves with such speed that you almost whiplash at every reveal, never once taking you out of the story but just gripping you tighter as you accelerate to the conclusion. Brilliantly done and left with a satisfying concluded this is highly recommended.
September 16, 2025
3.5
Told over a dual timeline, from a dual perspective, this starts out as an intense locked room thriller from the parent’s POV, and a race against time for the kids.
With a focus on organised crime groups and county lines gangs, I felt there could’ve been more from this storyline and a bigger emphasis on the effect it has on kids now, the first half of the book was fast paced where the second half did slow down a bit. My first transport based thriller, an interesting concept and a good read!
Told over a dual timeline, from a dual perspective, this starts out as an intense locked room thriller from the parent’s POV, and a race against time for the kids.
With a focus on organised crime groups and county lines gangs, I felt there could’ve been more from this storyline and a bigger emphasis on the effect it has on kids now, the first half of the book was fast paced where the second half did slow down a bit. My first transport based thriller, an interesting concept and a good read!
October 2, 2025
What would you do to get your child back?
Every parents nightmare has just happened, children were sent on a school trip but never returned home. With no way of contacting them and no trace of where they could be the clock starts ticking to find them.
Whilst I enjoyed this book I did think it dragged on a little bit and I got to the point where I found flipping between the two groups a bit tiresome. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this and I’m sure it won’t be the last book I read by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#GuiltTrip
#JoFurniss
Every parents nightmare has just happened, children were sent on a school trip but never returned home. With no way of contacting them and no trace of where they could be the clock starts ticking to find them.
Whilst I enjoyed this book I did think it dragged on a little bit and I got to the point where I found flipping between the two groups a bit tiresome. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this and I’m sure it won’t be the last book I read by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#GuiltTrip
#JoFurniss
May 14, 2025
I really enjoyed the first novel so was looking forward to this one. Both are standalone.
Guilt Trip is a twisty delight in which nobody is exactly what they appear to be and the plot is fast moving and addictive. Well written with great characters, it has the benefit of being a real page turner.
The Kind of psychological thriller I love. No jumping of the shark to get out of corners just a great story.
Guilt Trip is a twisty delight in which nobody is exactly what they appear to be and the plot is fast moving and addictive. Well written with great characters, it has the benefit of being a real page turner.
The Kind of psychological thriller I love. No jumping of the shark to get out of corners just a great story.
August 27, 2025
Grab a coffee, get comfy and delve in to Guilt trip, a fantastic, thrilling, suspenseful book.
It has two points of view, that of Emily Smith and her daughter Olivia. They tell the story from both sides of events and quickly create a great storyline that builds in to an unputdownable thriller.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It has two points of view, that of Emily Smith and her daughter Olivia. They tell the story from both sides of events and quickly create a great storyline that builds in to an unputdownable thriller.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
Emily Smith is called at 3pm to go to her daughter's school. She learns that her daughter and 4 other students are missing after going to a swim meet. What happens next is the parents are put through the wringer trying to understand how the kids were taken? Why? Who? It was fast paced, full of twists and turns, gripping and a roller-coaster of a read. The story is told over a day and in multiple characters. The ending was a complete surprise.
September 24, 2025
When an elite school minibus disappears on the way home from a swim meet, Emily and a group of other parents race against time to find out what happened to their teens.
As police start questioning one by one, it turns out the parents, and the teens are all keeping secrets.
Told in dual POV, this fast paced, short chapter novel is an enjoyable read.
Intense with lots of twists along the way!
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As police start questioning one by one, it turns out the parents, and the teens are all keeping secrets.
Told in dual POV, this fast paced, short chapter novel is an enjoyable read.
Intense with lots of twists along the way!
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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