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The Trip
From USA Today bestselling author Audrey J. Cole comes a locked-room thriller at sea about image and influence, guilty secrets that won’t sink, and the lies we cling to in the storm.
A luxury sailing trip is the perfect escape from Palmer’s shattered marriage. Until the Pacific Coast cruise—a chance for old friends to mend old wounds—descends into a harrowing fight for their lives.
Twenty years ago, the five of them were inseparable. But after a rafting accident their senior year, only four of them returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found. And their lives were never the same.
Now Palmer, her ride-or-die Beth, and home renovator Emma are on an all-expenses-paid trip with mega-influencer Gigi. But a mysterious note and a violent storm soon push them dangerously off course. The radio’s down, the captain’s missing, and the first officer’s woefully inexperienced. And in a chilling echo of the past, Gigi gets swept away. Perhaps on purpose.
Someone doesn’t want them to make it back. Palmer’s not sure who to trust, but she knows the truth lies in the murky depths of what really happened that day on the river.
A luxury sailing trip is the perfect escape from Palmer’s shattered marriage. Until the Pacific Coast cruise—a chance for old friends to mend old wounds—descends into a harrowing fight for their lives.
Twenty years ago, the five of them were inseparable. But after a rafting accident their senior year, only four of them returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found. And their lives were never the same.
Now Palmer, her ride-or-die Beth, and home renovator Emma are on an all-expenses-paid trip with mega-influencer Gigi. But a mysterious note and a violent storm soon push them dangerously off course. The radio’s down, the captain’s missing, and the first officer’s woefully inexperienced. And in a chilling echo of the past, Gigi gets swept away. Perhaps on purpose.
Someone doesn’t want them to make it back. Palmer’s not sure who to trust, but she knows the truth lies in the murky depths of what really happened that day on the river.
303 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
784 people are currently reading
9897 people want to read
About the author
Audrey J. Cole
23 books1,273 followersAudrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot's daughter.
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December 27, 2025
The Trip written by Audrey J. Cole was thrilling, harrowing, heart stopping, ferocious, and bone chilling. I don't know how to describe this book, it felt like when something bad happened everything would settle down, and then the next bad thing would just happen causing your heart to bottom out because you weren't expecting that said thing to just jump out at you. Audrey J. Cole writes some crazy thrilling thrillers, let me just say that after finishing The Trip I had bitten all of my nails off because of all the harrowing experiences. I was instantly hooked from the very first page, I just couldn't stop reading until I knew that everything was settled and wrapped up. When I first read Missing in Flight, I knew I had to get my hands on anything Audrey writes, and after enjoying two of her books now, my statement still stands; I WILL READ WHATEVER AUDREY J. COLE WRITES NEXT!!!!!! If you are looking for a fast paced thriller to start off your new year with, then mark your calendars for January 6th, 2026 and look no further than The Trip. I was honestly on the edge of my seat the entire time, one bad thing after another would just cause you to jump to your feet and scream "I'm never going on a boat in the middle of the ocean ever again".
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THOMAS & MERCER FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
"💗😭How did this trip go so disastrously wrong?💗😭"
"👿🔪What kind of monster wishes for someone to be dead?👿🔪"
It doesn't matter how many years ago by, Palmer, Beth, Emma, and Gigi will always be married by that horrible trip. Memorial Day Weekend in 2005, a group of five friends took a three day camping/rafting trip when one of the girls who was also the captain of the volleyball team, Courtney fell from her raft into the Sol Duc River and was never seen again. This group of girls were inseparable, but after losing Courtney, their lives were never the same again. Some suffered from guilt, grief, and anger while trying to finish out their senior year of high school. Courtney Vance was mean but she was also incredibly compassionate, she always had to make everything about her. Courtney was one of the most generous people, but she was also the most cruelest person you could have ever met. Knowing this information about Courtney, was this rafting trip an accident or was she murdered? You will definitely have to read this book to find out. Now, Palmer is a mother to two daughter- Abagail and Emily, her marriage is in crisis because her husband is having an affair with a woman way younger than him and after Courtney disappeared, Palmer sees her everywhere. After that tragic rating accident- Beth and Palmer were the only two that kept in touch. Emma is a home renovator, Beth is the president of Elliott Bay University and Gigi is a lifestyle influencer.
Twenty years later, Palmer, Gigi, Beth, and Emma take a sailing trip from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California as a tribute to their friend Courtney and it's also a chance for old friends to mend old wounds....until the Pacific Coast Cruise descends into a harrowing fight for their lives. This trip is payed for by Gigi's sponsor for social media views/posts. The members consist of the four women and two crew members- a captain and a first officer/chef who is also woefully inexperienced. The Nautical Nirvana is a white vessel with navy blue trim. The only thing required for the women- they have to wear life vests with a whistle attached to them just in case anything bad happens. Everything instantly starts going wrong when Gigi has to take a group selfie for social media according to her media managers. Let's just a give a few examples of what goes wrong, on Day Four of this trip they find a note tapped to a bathroom mirror that says "I know who killed me, and it's time for you to confess"- xo, Courtney. Another incident on Day Four- Captain Nojan goes missing, and Adam- the first officer might be a chef, but he's not a good sailor by any means. Then there's a storm out in the middle of the ocean with big waves which causes the power to go out- so that doesn't help their situation. On Day Five- Gigi is the next one who goes missing. That's just a few examples of what happens on the sailing trip, but there's so much more that happens- but you will definitely need to pick up The Trip to find out what happens, and experience the harrowing misfortunes while the women try to pay a tribute to their old friend- Courtney Vance on a three day sailing trip.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THOMAS & MERCER FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
"💗😭How did this trip go so disastrously wrong?💗😭"
"👿🔪What kind of monster wishes for someone to be dead?👿🔪"
It doesn't matter how many years ago by, Palmer, Beth, Emma, and Gigi will always be married by that horrible trip. Memorial Day Weekend in 2005, a group of five friends took a three day camping/rafting trip when one of the girls who was also the captain of the volleyball team, Courtney fell from her raft into the Sol Duc River and was never seen again. This group of girls were inseparable, but after losing Courtney, their lives were never the same again. Some suffered from guilt, grief, and anger while trying to finish out their senior year of high school. Courtney Vance was mean but she was also incredibly compassionate, she always had to make everything about her. Courtney was one of the most generous people, but she was also the most cruelest person you could have ever met. Knowing this information about Courtney, was this rafting trip an accident or was she murdered? You will definitely have to read this book to find out. Now, Palmer is a mother to two daughter- Abagail and Emily, her marriage is in crisis because her husband is having an affair with a woman way younger than him and after Courtney disappeared, Palmer sees her everywhere. After that tragic rating accident- Beth and Palmer were the only two that kept in touch. Emma is a home renovator, Beth is the president of Elliott Bay University and Gigi is a lifestyle influencer.
Twenty years later, Palmer, Gigi, Beth, and Emma take a sailing trip from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California as a tribute to their friend Courtney and it's also a chance for old friends to mend old wounds....until the Pacific Coast Cruise descends into a harrowing fight for their lives. This trip is payed for by Gigi's sponsor for social media views/posts. The members consist of the four women and two crew members- a captain and a first officer/chef who is also woefully inexperienced. The Nautical Nirvana is a white vessel with navy blue trim. The only thing required for the women- they have to wear life vests with a whistle attached to them just in case anything bad happens. Everything instantly starts going wrong when Gigi has to take a group selfie for social media according to her media managers. Let's just a give a few examples of what goes wrong, on Day Four of this trip they find a note tapped to a bathroom mirror that says "I know who killed me, and it's time for you to confess"- xo, Courtney. Another incident on Day Four- Captain Nojan goes missing, and Adam- the first officer might be a chef, but he's not a good sailor by any means. Then there's a storm out in the middle of the ocean with big waves which causes the power to go out- so that doesn't help their situation. On Day Five- Gigi is the next one who goes missing. That's just a few examples of what happens on the sailing trip, but there's so much more that happens- but you will definitely need to pick up The Trip to find out what happens, and experience the harrowing misfortunes while the women try to pay a tribute to their old friend- Courtney Vance on a three day sailing trip.
January 16, 2026
Like always, Audrey Cole knew just how to keep my eyes glued to the pages with the plot and the characters in her newest novel, The Trip. Brilliantly combining the best parts of a popcorn thriller with the feel of
And Then There Were None
, the blindingly fast pace, locked-room thrills, and suspicious characters made it into a one-sitting read. You see, not only were there toxic friendships, long-buried secrets, and oodles of lies, but the open-ocean setting came alive for me on the page as they sailed the raging seas. Trust me when I say that this means quite a bit coming from me. A water-loving sailor down to my bones, I can attest that Cole not only got all the lingo right but the feeling of being one with the wind spot-on as well. Combined with the tension, it was an utter home run.
All said and done, despite a slightly over-the-top vibe here and there, I was far more impressed with how deliciously unhinged it all felt as things spiraled out of control. From the unsettling claustrophobia to the early aughts nostalgia in this dual timeline plot, there was very little to fault as I sped through this read. The amazing characterizations, though, were easily the best piece of all. Thanks to a small cast—including the narrator—that I side-eyed at every turn, complex group dynamics, and one person I absolutely loved to hate, they were everything I love about this type of novel. After all, when the bodies began dropping like flies, I didn’t have a clue about who the right suspect was. So if you love this kind of book too, grab a copy as it was quite the fun, wild ride. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A luxury sailing trip is the perfect escape from Palmer’s shattered marriage. Until the Pacific Coast cruise—a chance for old friends to mend old wounds—descends into a harrowing fight for their lives.
Twenty years ago, the five of them were inseparable. But after a rafting accident their senior year, only four of them returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found. And their lives were never the same.
Now Palmer, her ride-or-die Beth, and home renovator Emma are on an all-expenses-paid trip with mega-influencer Gigi. But a mysterious note and a violent storm soon push them dangerously off course. The radio’s down, the captain’s missing, and the first officer’s woefully inexperienced. And in a chilling echo of the past, Gigi gets swept away. Perhaps on purpose.
Someone doesn’t want them to make it back. Palmer’s not sure who to trust, but she knows the truth lies in the murky depths of what really happened that day on the river.
Thank you Audrey J. Cole and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: bullying, fat-shaming, gaslighting, drowning, drug overdose, gun violence, infidelity
All said and done, despite a slightly over-the-top vibe here and there, I was far more impressed with how deliciously unhinged it all felt as things spiraled out of control. From the unsettling claustrophobia to the early aughts nostalgia in this dual timeline plot, there was very little to fault as I sped through this read. The amazing characterizations, though, were easily the best piece of all. Thanks to a small cast—including the narrator—that I side-eyed at every turn, complex group dynamics, and one person I absolutely loved to hate, they were everything I love about this type of novel. After all, when the bodies began dropping like flies, I didn’t have a clue about who the right suspect was. So if you love this kind of book too, grab a copy as it was quite the fun, wild ride. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A luxury sailing trip is the perfect escape from Palmer’s shattered marriage. Until the Pacific Coast cruise—a chance for old friends to mend old wounds—descends into a harrowing fight for their lives.
Twenty years ago, the five of them were inseparable. But after a rafting accident their senior year, only four of them returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found. And their lives were never the same.
Now Palmer, her ride-or-die Beth, and home renovator Emma are on an all-expenses-paid trip with mega-influencer Gigi. But a mysterious note and a violent storm soon push them dangerously off course. The radio’s down, the captain’s missing, and the first officer’s woefully inexperienced. And in a chilling echo of the past, Gigi gets swept away. Perhaps on purpose.
Someone doesn’t want them to make it back. Palmer’s not sure who to trust, but she knows the truth lies in the murky depths of what really happened that day on the river.
Thank you Audrey J. Cole and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: bullying, fat-shaming, gaslighting, drowning, drug overdose, gun violence, infidelity
August 7, 2025
A group of friends went on a camping/river rafting trip as teenagers and one didn’t make it back. Was it an accident? Was she murdered? Now years later they are all reuniting on another trip on a sailboat.
I will never be getting on any sailboat after this. Everything starts off fine, but slowly goes downhill as people start disappearing. I honestly had no idea what was going on and who was doing all the crazy things to them. Also the storm they went through made me never want to go on a boat again. 🤣
I was suspicious of every one at one point, but I think there are a few clues along the way as to who isn’t so trustworthy. But really there were so many twists and turns, it was hard to be sure.
Overall, I think this was a good thriller. I could almost see this one having a sequel as there are some things that aren’t fully tied up in the end in my opinion.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I will never be getting on any sailboat after this. Everything starts off fine, but slowly goes downhill as people start disappearing. I honestly had no idea what was going on and who was doing all the crazy things to them. Also the storm they went through made me never want to go on a boat again. 🤣
I was suspicious of every one at one point, but I think there are a few clues along the way as to who isn’t so trustworthy. But really there were so many twists and turns, it was hard to be sure.
Overall, I think this was a good thriller. I could almost see this one having a sequel as there are some things that aren’t fully tied up in the end in my opinion.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2026
Decent. However, in my opinion, it was not nearly as riveting as Missing in Flight and The Pilot's Daughter. To be fair, they are hard to top.
Narrator Vanessa Johansson did a fabulous job as the voice for the entirety of the novel. Each character has their own autonomous voice which was performed flawlessly. Many thanks for a stellar listening experience.
Narrator Vanessa Johansson did a fabulous job as the voice for the entirety of the novel. Each character has their own autonomous voice which was performed flawlessly. Many thanks for a stellar listening experience.
August 31, 2025
20 years ago Palmer and her 4 friends go on a rafting trip and one doesn’t return. Present day they all go on a sailing trip on the Pacific Coast. They start being bumped off one by one and they have to fight for their lives.
This was a fast paced thriller full of action. There was never a dull moment and full of twists and turns.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC that will be released January 6, 2026!
This was a fast paced thriller full of action. There was never a dull moment and full of twists and turns.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC that will be released January 6, 2026!
August 19, 2025
ARC for review. To be published January 6, 2026.
2 stars
Honestly, this thriller with old friends trapped in a boat was just plot holes connected by silliness. I would give it a pass.
2 stars
Honestly, this thriller with old friends trapped in a boat was just plot holes connected by silliness. I would give it a pass.
November 14, 2025
4.25 stars - locked room, vacation gone wrong, confronting dark past
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTM3347n7/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTM3347n7/
January 10, 2026
A breathtaking survival thriller mixed with a locked-room whodunnit, THE TRIP is a gripping sailing adventure and foray into the past. Twenty years ago five high school seniors went canoeing but only four returned. Now, Palmer, Beth, Gigi, and Emma are reuniting for a beautiful yet deadly trip on open water. Each woman is hiding secrets about her missing friend, Courtney, but someone is desperate to keep the truth hidden—and will kill to do so.
Told entirely from Palmer's perspective— shifting between the past and the present—the short punchy chapters kept me in suspense as I flew through them in record time. The juicy and dramatic dynamics of five teenagers elicited a mean-girls vibe, including that one person you just love to hate. As the past narrative is slowly revealed, it becomes a mind-spinning guessing game in the present as to who is the real danger. From looking at everyone with suspicion to gasping at the storm threatening to capsize the boat, the tension held fast throughout. While I was able to ascertain a few of the secrets prior to their reveal, the twists and turns kept me riveted right to the exciting conclusion!
If you enjoy a fast-paced mystery wrapped in tension, claustrophobia, and increasing paranoia, then you don't want to miss setting sail for THE TRIP!
____
Thank you Audrey J. Cole and Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Told entirely from Palmer's perspective— shifting between the past and the present—the short punchy chapters kept me in suspense as I flew through them in record time. The juicy and dramatic dynamics of five teenagers elicited a mean-girls vibe, including that one person you just love to hate. As the past narrative is slowly revealed, it becomes a mind-spinning guessing game in the present as to who is the real danger. From looking at everyone with suspicion to gasping at the storm threatening to capsize the boat, the tension held fast throughout. While I was able to ascertain a few of the secrets prior to their reveal, the twists and turns kept me riveted right to the exciting conclusion!
If you enjoy a fast-paced mystery wrapped in tension, claustrophobia, and increasing paranoia, then you don't want to miss setting sail for THE TRIP!
____
Thank you Audrey J. Cole and Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, and for the heads up from Audrey, for this ARC. This author always writes books that are different than other books in her genre. That’s why I immediately read her books when they come out. Besides the intriguing plot, I love how she brings up songs, actors, etc from the era she is writing about. I read this book in a morning. Her research on sailing was fascinating plus I like hearing about the forest animals in the NW.
January 10, 2026
The Trip is a tense and atmospheric read. Audrey J Cole is always amazing at having me glued to the pages and this one was no different. Both settings were absolutely bone chilling, stuck in the woods or stuck in a boat in the open sea.. I pick none ! She did a great job of keeping the story intriguing and interesting. The dual timeline was perfectly done and gave great insight to what happened prior. The book does start off slow, but it does pick up and it manages to keep my attention until the very end.
There are a few characters to get to know and they're all toxic in their own way. It was hard to decide who to trust and I kept going back and forth. It made me think of Pretty Little Liars at times, which is a show and book I adored. Their friendship, I don't even think you can call it that, was so toxic and I couldn't look away. The reveals were great and ended up making sense in the end. I think it's best to go in blind !
Overall, this was a highly entertaining read. It was fun to be part of their teenage drama and then see where they're at in their lives now. Audrey truly writes such atmospheric reads that are impossible to put down.
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley & @audreyjcole for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are a few characters to get to know and they're all toxic in their own way. It was hard to decide who to trust and I kept going back and forth. It made me think of Pretty Little Liars at times, which is a show and book I adored. Their friendship, I don't even think you can call it that, was so toxic and I couldn't look away. The reveals were great and ended up making sense in the end. I think it's best to go in blind !
Overall, this was a highly entertaining read. It was fun to be part of their teenage drama and then see where they're at in their lives now. Audrey truly writes such atmospheric reads that are impossible to put down.
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley & @audreyjcole for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2026
In the immortal words of Keanu Reeves, “Whoa!” This fast-moving book was wild. This is now the second book of Audrey J. Cole’s that I’ve read and I can say one thing unequivocally: her books should come with a defibrillator!!
In high school, Palmer, Beth, Courtney, Gigi, and Emma were inseparable. Sure, Courtney was a bit of a mean girl at times, but she was kind and generous at others. Before they graduated, Courtney suggested they go on a weekend camping trip, with hiking and rafting. Yet only four of them returned. Courtney fell into the river and could not be rescued.
Questions about what happened on the camping trip followed the girls everywhere. They couldn’t seem to shake the cloud of suspicion they were under. While Palmer and Beth kept in touch, for the most part they all drifted apart.
Twenty years later, Gigi is a popular influencer, married to a hotel mogul. She invites the others on a yacht trip on the Pacific, to end in San Diego. Palmer’s marriage has just ended and she’s struggling emotionally, so Beth convinces her to come on the fully paid trip. And then the four of them can pay tribute to Courtney.
It’s not long before they’re sailing directly into a storm. The power and radio go down and the captain is missing, so they’re left with the first mate, who doesn’t seem to know the first thing about sailing. And then they find a note which brings the memories—and the secrets—from that camping trip back into the light. What really happened that weekend? Who was responsible? No one is above suspicion, and they all could be at risk.
The book shifts between high school and the yacht trip. None of the characters appears particularly sympathetic, and I had no idea whom to trust or root for. The twists came as fast as the waves and the storm! I needed a reminder of why I never want to go on a cruise, so thanks, Audrey!!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
In high school, Palmer, Beth, Courtney, Gigi, and Emma were inseparable. Sure, Courtney was a bit of a mean girl at times, but she was kind and generous at others. Before they graduated, Courtney suggested they go on a weekend camping trip, with hiking and rafting. Yet only four of them returned. Courtney fell into the river and could not be rescued.
Questions about what happened on the camping trip followed the girls everywhere. They couldn’t seem to shake the cloud of suspicion they were under. While Palmer and Beth kept in touch, for the most part they all drifted apart.
Twenty years later, Gigi is a popular influencer, married to a hotel mogul. She invites the others on a yacht trip on the Pacific, to end in San Diego. Palmer’s marriage has just ended and she’s struggling emotionally, so Beth convinces her to come on the fully paid trip. And then the four of them can pay tribute to Courtney.
It’s not long before they’re sailing directly into a storm. The power and radio go down and the captain is missing, so they’re left with the first mate, who doesn’t seem to know the first thing about sailing. And then they find a note which brings the memories—and the secrets—from that camping trip back into the light. What really happened that weekend? Who was responsible? No one is above suspicion, and they all could be at risk.
The book shifts between high school and the yacht trip. None of the characters appears particularly sympathetic, and I had no idea whom to trust or root for. The twists came as fast as the waves and the storm! I needed a reminder of why I never want to go on a cruise, so thanks, Audrey!!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
August 10, 2025
If it came down to saving yourself or saving a friend, which would you choose?
Palmer & her old friends go on a luxurious Pacific Coast sailing trip, hoping to recover from her broken marriage. Twenty years earlier, a tragic rafting accident during their senior year claimed the life of their friend Courtney and left deep scars on the group. When a storm hits, the captain goes missing, the first officer is inexperienced, and then someone disappears under suspicious circumstances. Palmer must navigate dangerous waters and unravel long-buried secrets about what really happened all those years ago.
I became a fan of Audrey J. Cole after reading The Last Flight, so I was extra excited about being approved for an ARC of her upcoming book, The Trip. This was quite the wild ride- which is ironic to say given the cruise was also a wild ride. I wasn't too sure how I'd like the "girl's trip" vibe bc I know girls can be mean so it's not always my favorite plot line, but this one worked so well. I appreciate that Palmer, as the main character, was the most level headed. Though as we dove deeper into the story, we learn that no one is safe and everyone is hiding something.
The book alternates between two timelines: a senior-year rafting trip that ended in tragedy and the present-day cruise. Cole expertly weaves them together, each revealing just enough and had me questioning every character’s motives. Literally everyone could be the killer and the entire time you're skeptical.
This was a true game of whodunnit, but also who's-the-killer-now.
Anyone who enjoys a locked room mystery will enjoy The Trip!
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The Trip publishes January 6, 2026.
Trigger Warnings: death of a friend, drowning, storms at sea, violence, betrayal, grief, gaslighting.
🩷🩷🩷
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Palmer & her old friends go on a luxurious Pacific Coast sailing trip, hoping to recover from her broken marriage. Twenty years earlier, a tragic rafting accident during their senior year claimed the life of their friend Courtney and left deep scars on the group. When a storm hits, the captain goes missing, the first officer is inexperienced, and then someone disappears under suspicious circumstances. Palmer must navigate dangerous waters and unravel long-buried secrets about what really happened all those years ago.
I became a fan of Audrey J. Cole after reading The Last Flight, so I was extra excited about being approved for an ARC of her upcoming book, The Trip. This was quite the wild ride- which is ironic to say given the cruise was also a wild ride. I wasn't too sure how I'd like the "girl's trip" vibe bc I know girls can be mean so it's not always my favorite plot line, but this one worked so well. I appreciate that Palmer, as the main character, was the most level headed. Though as we dove deeper into the story, we learn that no one is safe and everyone is hiding something.
The book alternates between two timelines: a senior-year rafting trip that ended in tragedy and the present-day cruise. Cole expertly weaves them together, each revealing just enough and had me questioning every character’s motives. Literally everyone could be the killer and the entire time you're skeptical.
This was a true game of whodunnit, but also who's-the-killer-now.
Anyone who enjoys a locked room mystery will enjoy The Trip!
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The Trip publishes January 6, 2026.
Trigger Warnings: death of a friend, drowning, storms at sea, violence, betrayal, grief, gaslighting.
🩷🩷🩷
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January 4, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
Twenty years ago, 5 high school seniors went on a camping trip and one of them disappeared. Now they reunite for a sailing trip to commemorate. Their older and pretending their lives are in good places but as the trip goes wrong, their truths start to come out, including those of the past.
This one didn't really work for me. They were not really friends, even as teens, they were just girls stuck together dealing with their cruel queen bee. I didn't really find much of it to be plausible. If you like one of those, everything that can go wrong will go wrong stories with nothing but unlikable characters, this one might work for you. The reveals all made sense but the settings and disasters felt a little too much for me.
Twenty years ago, 5 high school seniors went on a camping trip and one of them disappeared. Now they reunite for a sailing trip to commemorate. Their older and pretending their lives are in good places but as the trip goes wrong, their truths start to come out, including those of the past.
This one didn't really work for me. They were not really friends, even as teens, they were just girls stuck together dealing with their cruel queen bee. I didn't really find much of it to be plausible. If you like one of those, everything that can go wrong will go wrong stories with nothing but unlikable characters, this one might work for you. The reveals all made sense but the settings and disasters felt a little too much for me.
August 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for having this title available for me to read!
the book started off a little slow with getting to know everyone. It’s hard for me to remember characters especially groups of characters in books since I’m so bad with names lol. But the story itself was extremely entertaining! Made me think of the show pretty little liars at times which was hilarious but I also got some creepy vibes also which is what I was really expecting mostly. I loved the setting of being stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean with all this happening. Made it a lot more crazier. I don’t usually like when we go back and forth with times in the book but the author did a good job with this. At times I became annoyed with some of the characters and their dumbness but it was entertaining at least!
the book started off a little slow with getting to know everyone. It’s hard for me to remember characters especially groups of characters in books since I’m so bad with names lol. But the story itself was extremely entertaining! Made me think of the show pretty little liars at times which was hilarious but I also got some creepy vibes also which is what I was really expecting mostly. I loved the setting of being stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean with all this happening. Made it a lot more crazier. I don’t usually like when we go back and forth with times in the book but the author did a good job with this. At times I became annoyed with some of the characters and their dumbness but it was entertaining at least!
November 22, 2025
There’s a good reason I tend to have just one close friend at a time. Have you ever noticed what happens when a group of girlfriends gets together? It seems like something always goes awry, feelings get bruised, and drama often unfolds. Do people actually end up dead? Oh, wait, that’s just in stories, right?
A luxury sailing trip turns into a nightmare for Palmer and her friends, who are seeking to reconnect after a traumatic past. Twenty years ago, their friend Courtney went missing during a rafting accident, leaving the group fractured. Now, Palmer, Beth, and Emma join influencer Gigi for an all-expenses-paid cruise. As a mysterious note and a violent storm complicate matters, they face danger when Gigi disappears, mirroring Courtney's fate. With the captain missing and trust issues rising, Palmer must confront the dark truths of their shared history to survive.
This tale unfolds across two timelines, gradually revealing how past events cast a long shadow over the present. The author skillfully builds suspense, revealing just enough information to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I really appreciate this approach because I found myself eager to reach the moment when everything falls into place, yet the full picture doesn’t come together until the very end. Honestly, this book will definitely test your patience!
The backstories for each character are richly crafted, so you’ll find some you can relate to immediately, while others might not connect as much. Each character feels distinct and memorable, and the pacing strikes a perfect balance. Given the number of characters, a faster pace could easily have become overwhelming, making it tough to keep track of everyone.
This book is a great pick for anyone with a taste for adventure, especially those who are curious about toxic friendships and dark secrets from the past. Reading it feels a bit claustrophobic, especially with the tension building aboard a boat that ultimately leads to a tragic and unexpected conclusion. It’ll have you questioning everything and trusting no one. I’m a huge fan of this author, particularly since I lived in the Pacific Northwest for four years! I highly recommend picking up this book and diving into Audrey's other works—her storytelling always leaves me wanting more!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A luxury sailing trip turns into a nightmare for Palmer and her friends, who are seeking to reconnect after a traumatic past. Twenty years ago, their friend Courtney went missing during a rafting accident, leaving the group fractured. Now, Palmer, Beth, and Emma join influencer Gigi for an all-expenses-paid cruise. As a mysterious note and a violent storm complicate matters, they face danger when Gigi disappears, mirroring Courtney's fate. With the captain missing and trust issues rising, Palmer must confront the dark truths of their shared history to survive.
This tale unfolds across two timelines, gradually revealing how past events cast a long shadow over the present. The author skillfully builds suspense, revealing just enough information to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I really appreciate this approach because I found myself eager to reach the moment when everything falls into place, yet the full picture doesn’t come together until the very end. Honestly, this book will definitely test your patience!
The backstories for each character are richly crafted, so you’ll find some you can relate to immediately, while others might not connect as much. Each character feels distinct and memorable, and the pacing strikes a perfect balance. Given the number of characters, a faster pace could easily have become overwhelming, making it tough to keep track of everyone.
This book is a great pick for anyone with a taste for adventure, especially those who are curious about toxic friendships and dark secrets from the past. Reading it feels a bit claustrophobic, especially with the tension building aboard a boat that ultimately leads to a tragic and unexpected conclusion. It’ll have you questioning everything and trusting no one. I’m a huge fan of this author, particularly since I lived in the Pacific Northwest for four years! I highly recommend picking up this book and diving into Audrey's other works—her storytelling always leaves me wanting more!
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
I wouldn't say that I've ever been the sort to enjoy a mean girls drama-filled sort of storyline. But for whatever reason, this one did it for me.
The way the blame for the death of Courtney shifts between her 4 surviving friends as new details come out about what sort of person she was and what she did to each of these women in the past come to light kept me guessing right up til the end.
And it doesn't help that we're learning everything from a very unreliable narrator. The whole time, Palmer is struggling with her own guilt and her own secrets and her own perceptions of what happened that fateful day 2 decades before, so weeding out the truth wasn't always a straightforward process.
However, this is one such book where I didn't immediately peg the killer. It bounced around a time or two before the truth was revealed - and for me, when I'm reading a whodunit, that's the mark of a good story.
I will say that there were times where, even in the present, the characters felt juvenile. Obviously in the past we're dealing with teenagers and that's to be expected. But in the present these people are in their 30s...The way they act and the things they say to each other made this book feel more YA than adult.
I have a feeling if you enjoy shows like Pretty Little Liars, this book will be right up your alley.
The way the blame for the death of Courtney shifts between her 4 surviving friends as new details come out about what sort of person she was and what she did to each of these women in the past come to light kept me guessing right up til the end.
And it doesn't help that we're learning everything from a very unreliable narrator. The whole time, Palmer is struggling with her own guilt and her own secrets and her own perceptions of what happened that fateful day 2 decades before, so weeding out the truth wasn't always a straightforward process.
However, this is one such book where I didn't immediately peg the killer. It bounced around a time or two before the truth was revealed - and for me, when I'm reading a whodunit, that's the mark of a good story.
I will say that there were times where, even in the present, the characters felt juvenile. Obviously in the past we're dealing with teenagers and that's to be expected. But in the present these people are in their 30s...The way they act and the things they say to each other made this book feel more YA than adult.
I have a feeling if you enjoy shows like Pretty Little Liars, this book will be right up your alley.
January 11, 2026
Audrey does it again with this one! I was kept guessing almost the entire time!
Twists on twists on twists and this sure was a RIDE.
This story uses dual timeline. We get the Present Day of "The Trip" on the boat as well as Past chapters that take place Memorial Day weekend of 2005. The narrator is Palmer, one of a group of 5 friends from high school. They are the 5 that go on the Memorial Day weekend trip. What happened that weekend is slowly revealed over the course of the book, We do know there was a tragedy but not exactly what happened.
There were certainly moments when reading this that I got so fed up with the characters. They each have their moments of being totally insufferable. BUT this added to the story as we are left unsure which character could have reason to behave badly as the trip takes a deadly turn.
I was surprised throughout this and that leads me to a 5 star review for the newest Audrey J. Cole thriller! A few books ago she became an auto-buy author for me! :)
Twists on twists on twists and this sure was a RIDE.
This story uses dual timeline. We get the Present Day of "The Trip" on the boat as well as Past chapters that take place Memorial Day weekend of 2005. The narrator is Palmer, one of a group of 5 friends from high school. They are the 5 that go on the Memorial Day weekend trip. What happened that weekend is slowly revealed over the course of the book, We do know there was a tragedy but not exactly what happened.
There were certainly moments when reading this that I got so fed up with the characters. They each have their moments of being totally insufferable. BUT this added to the story as we are left unsure which character could have reason to behave badly as the trip takes a deadly turn.
I was surprised throughout this and that leads me to a 5 star review for the newest Audrey J. Cole thriller! A few books ago she became an auto-buy author for me! :)
January 18, 2026
Palmer joins three longtime friends on a sailing trip along the Pacific Coast, hoping the escape will help her heal after her failed marriage. Instead, the voyage reopens old wounds tied to a tragedy from their teenage years when one of their group vanished during a rafting accident. Now, when a violent storm cuts off communication, the captain disappears, and one of the women goes missing at sea, the trip turns deadly. Trapped together with no way to escape, Palmer realizes someone on board is determined to make the past resurface... no matter the cost.
A luxury sailing trip with your closest friends sounds idyllic right? Oh how wrong that proves to be! The Trip is a fast-paced thriller that turns sun soaked vibes into creeping dread. Audrey J. Cole expertly traps you on the water with a group of women bound by shared history, buried secrets, and a tragedy that never truly stayed in the past. As storms hit and trust erodes, every page tightens the tension, making the boat feel smaller and the danger feel real. Twisty, atmospheric, and perfect for fans of closed circle thrillers, this is the kind of book you can devour in one sitting. Proof that some getaways aren't meant to bring peace... they're meant to expose the truth.
Thank you to NetGalley, Audrey J. Cole, and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC!
A luxury sailing trip with your closest friends sounds idyllic right? Oh how wrong that proves to be! The Trip is a fast-paced thriller that turns sun soaked vibes into creeping dread. Audrey J. Cole expertly traps you on the water with a group of women bound by shared history, buried secrets, and a tragedy that never truly stayed in the past. As storms hit and trust erodes, every page tightens the tension, making the boat feel smaller and the danger feel real. Twisty, atmospheric, and perfect for fans of closed circle thrillers, this is the kind of book you can devour in one sitting. Proof that some getaways aren't meant to bring peace... they're meant to expose the truth.
Thank you to NetGalley, Audrey J. Cole, and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC!
December 10, 2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, I loved the dual timelines and it was giving a mix of Mean Girls and And Then There Were None. We follow a group of old friends sailing the pacific when things start to go wrong and the past comes back to haunt them.
Would absolutely recommend!
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, I loved the dual timelines and it was giving a mix of Mean Girls and And Then There Were None. We follow a group of old friends sailing the pacific when things start to go wrong and the past comes back to haunt them.
Would absolutely recommend!
February 5, 2026
THE TRIP is an amazing, fast paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked the dual timelines and I quickly became invested in the relationships of these 5 friends. Just when you think you have the twist figured out, Audrey J. Cole adds another one to keep it entertaining. I highly enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it!
December 4, 2025
Locked room on a boat?! Talk about nightmares. This book cemented why being on a vessel for long periods of time in the sea are terrifying and absolutely NOT for me.
I loved that this novel centered on guilt from a dark past. Everyone had a motive; I wasn’t exactly sure “whodunnit” and I was hooked. The setting added to the tension and was well researched. The alternating timeline helped give the vibes of the ghost of their past and rounded out all the characters nicely. I don’t really want to say too much because this is a good one to go into blind.
Listen-I am convinced that Audrey Cole has magical powers. She continuously pumps out stories that are completely bingeable, entertaining and literally unputdownable at a rapid pace. They are all unique, engaging and freaking wild. I could go on and on-if you haven’t checked out one of her amazing books, do yourself a favor and grab a comfy seat because you aren’t moving!
I loved that this novel centered on guilt from a dark past. Everyone had a motive; I wasn’t exactly sure “whodunnit” and I was hooked. The setting added to the tension and was well researched. The alternating timeline helped give the vibes of the ghost of their past and rounded out all the characters nicely. I don’t really want to say too much because this is a good one to go into blind.
Listen-I am convinced that Audrey Cole has magical powers. She continuously pumps out stories that are completely bingeable, entertaining and literally unputdownable at a rapid pace. They are all unique, engaging and freaking wild. I could go on and on-if you haven’t checked out one of her amazing books, do yourself a favor and grab a comfy seat because you aren’t moving!
January 8, 2026
This dual timeline follows a group of friends in high school and then again 20 years later. In 2005 five friends went on a camping/rafting trip, but only 4 returned. In present day, the group has mostly lost touch, but agree to set sail together in honor of their friend. What should be a relaxing reunion ultimately turns deadly. Is there a murderer on board, and if so, did that same person play a role in their friend’s disappearance?
This is mysterious and full of drama. The single POV keeps the reader wondering what’s going on through the other characters’ minds and who can be trusted. But I often found my attention wandering and losing focus. I found descriptions to be repetitive at times and overall plot unlikely. The ultimate reveals that tie all the loose ends made me a bit sad/disappointed.
Pub Date Jan 06 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
This is mysterious and full of drama. The single POV keeps the reader wondering what’s going on through the other characters’ minds and who can be trusted. But I often found my attention wandering and losing focus. I found descriptions to be repetitive at times and overall plot unlikely. The ultimate reveals that tie all the loose ends made me a bit sad/disappointed.
Pub Date Jan 06 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
January 11, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🔪 (intensity)
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThYxw6jX/
The Trip by Audrey J. Cole was an absolute one-sitting thriller for me. It does what it’s supposed to do, VERY well. Fast-paced, tense, and wildly addictive, this book nails the locked-room-at-sea trope with nonstop suspense, messy friendships, and long-buried secrets coming to the surface… literally 😉.
I love when nature is an active part of a story. The open-ocean setting adds such a strong layer of claustrophobia and danger. I could feel how isolated and vulnerable the characters were, which made every twist hit harder. The small cast and complex dynamics kept me guessing the entire time. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust as things spiraled.
The dual timeline was handled really well, slowly revealing the past while the present-day tension kept escalating.
Sharp pacing, satisfying twists, and a great payoff made this a total thriller win for me. If you love fast, high-stakes, closed-circle suspense, this one’s a must-read!!!
1/5 🔪 (intensity)
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThYxw6jX/
The Trip by Audrey J. Cole was an absolute one-sitting thriller for me. It does what it’s supposed to do, VERY well. Fast-paced, tense, and wildly addictive, this book nails the locked-room-at-sea trope with nonstop suspense, messy friendships, and long-buried secrets coming to the surface… literally 😉.
I love when nature is an active part of a story. The open-ocean setting adds such a strong layer of claustrophobia and danger. I could feel how isolated and vulnerable the characters were, which made every twist hit harder. The small cast and complex dynamics kept me guessing the entire time. I genuinely didn’t know who to trust as things spiraled.
The dual timeline was handled really well, slowly revealing the past while the present-day tension kept escalating.
Sharp pacing, satisfying twists, and a great payoff made this a total thriller win for me. If you love fast, high-stakes, closed-circle suspense, this one’s a must-read!!!
January 14, 2026
Whew! Lovvvvveddd this one!
This story was told in the present as well as the past (2004-2005) and both timelines had me HOOKED. These mean girls in both timelines left me wanting more and had me on the edge of my seat. What happened to Courtney back then? What is happening to the girls now on the boat? I love a good plot where you aren’t sure if someone came back from the dead (was she dead?) or was someone avenging her, or was someone killing again to keep their secret? There were so many secrets and twists my head was spinning.
Also, let’s mention that in the present timeline, the girls were stuck on a boat with no service in bad weather as people were dying one by one. Talk about adding to the creep factor!
This trope will never get old, and Audrey did it SO WELL!
The narrator was also great, I listened at 1.75x
Highly recommend this one!
This story was told in the present as well as the past (2004-2005) and both timelines had me HOOKED. These mean girls in both timelines left me wanting more and had me on the edge of my seat. What happened to Courtney back then? What is happening to the girls now on the boat? I love a good plot where you aren’t sure if someone came back from the dead (was she dead?) or was someone avenging her, or was someone killing again to keep their secret? There were so many secrets and twists my head was spinning.
Also, let’s mention that in the present timeline, the girls were stuck on a boat with no service in bad weather as people were dying one by one. Talk about adding to the creep factor!
This trope will never get old, and Audrey did it SO WELL!
The narrator was also great, I listened at 1.75x
Highly recommend this one!
August 25, 2025
•Audrey J. Cole’s latest, The Trip, was absolutely incredible. I was left guessing until the very end.
•When five friends go on a camping trip but only four come home, rumors begin to swirl. It seems everyone has a motive to kill Courtney, but the other four girls insist it was a freak accident.
•Fast forward years later, the four friends reunite on a sailing getaway, but once again, things don’t go as planned. Secrets among the friends are revealed and the truth about what happened on that camping trip all those years ago is uncovered.
•I believe everyone should read Audrey J. Cole, and if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend starting with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. It will become available on January 6, 2026.
•When five friends go on a camping trip but only four come home, rumors begin to swirl. It seems everyone has a motive to kill Courtney, but the other four girls insist it was a freak accident.
•Fast forward years later, the four friends reunite on a sailing getaway, but once again, things don’t go as planned. Secrets among the friends are revealed and the truth about what happened on that camping trip all those years ago is uncovered.
•I believe everyone should read Audrey J. Cole, and if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend starting with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. It will become available on January 6, 2026.
August 26, 2025
Look I did not realize this thriller doesn’t drop until 2026 — I’m sorry.
I’m also sorry you have to wait because it was SO GOOD.
In a shock that surprises absolutely no one- I enjoyed a thriller about a group of friends getting stuck somewhere with no communication and getting picked off one by one!
This one is special though, it’s set on a boat 🤣
When it drops I’m going to buy a shelf trophy (I never do this with thrillers) because I rated it 5 stars.
Are there plot holes? Probably— I didn’t notice though because I was having too much fun. The deaths are spectacular in this one 🫣
I was able to read this early on NetGalley!
I’m also sorry you have to wait because it was SO GOOD.
In a shock that surprises absolutely no one- I enjoyed a thriller about a group of friends getting stuck somewhere with no communication and getting picked off one by one!
This one is special though, it’s set on a boat 🤣
When it drops I’m going to buy a shelf trophy (I never do this with thrillers) because I rated it 5 stars.
Are there plot holes? Probably— I didn’t notice though because I was having too much fun. The deaths are spectacular in this one 🫣
I was able to read this early on NetGalley!
October 29, 2025
The trip.
Audrey j cole.
Four best friends, fresh out of high school.Take a trip because wanting to stay close.Not everyone makes it home.
Jump ahead.Twenty years later, another trip on a sailboat. i definitely was suspicious of everyone on the boat. someone is out to get revenge.Someone wants to know what happened in the past. was it revenge Is someone getting even. some friends remain friends for life. But some friends, well, they have other plans.
This story goes back and forth between when the girls were eighteen and twenty years later. Such a good story . This is a well written story that I could see as a movie.It's that good. absolutely phenomenal.
Audrey j cole.
Four best friends, fresh out of high school.Take a trip because wanting to stay close.Not everyone makes it home.
Jump ahead.Twenty years later, another trip on a sailboat. i definitely was suspicious of everyone on the boat. someone is out to get revenge.Someone wants to know what happened in the past. was it revenge Is someone getting even. some friends remain friends for life. But some friends, well, they have other plans.
This story goes back and forth between when the girls were eighteen and twenty years later. Such a good story . This is a well written story that I could see as a movie.It's that good. absolutely phenomenal.
September 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of The Trip by Audrey Cole. As a big fan of her Final Hunt series, I was excited to dive into this new story. I enjoyed the dual timeline format, weaving together a past and present trip gone wrong, and how everything ultimately tied together. There were plenty of “who done it” moments that kept me turning the pages, and I appreciated that all questions were wrapped up by the end.
That said, I sometimes struggled to keep track of the many characters and their individual storylines, which made certain parts feel a bit confusing. Overall, though, this was an engaging read and a solid thriller that fans of Cole’s writing will likely enjoy.
That said, I sometimes struggled to keep track of the many characters and their individual storylines, which made certain parts feel a bit confusing. Overall, though, this was an engaging read and a solid thriller that fans of Cole’s writing will likely enjoy.
January 10, 2026
The Trip follows five friends who decide to take a hiking and rafting adventure for their senior trip. What is supposed to be a fun, unforgettable experience quickly turns into a nightmare when one of them ends up dead.
Twenty years later, the four remaining friends reunite for a boat trip. During this trip, friendships are put to the test, revenge lurks around every corner, long buried secrets are revealed, and people start dying.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. My heart was pounding at so many moments, and the twists just kept coming. I absolutely loved this book!
Twenty years later, the four remaining friends reunite for a boat trip. During this trip, friendships are put to the test, revenge lurks around every corner, long buried secrets are revealed, and people start dying.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. My heart was pounding at so many moments, and the twists just kept coming. I absolutely loved this book!
January 10, 2026
Here we have wine slurping mean girls getting a free trip from their influencer friend so they can reunite years after the meanest one didn’t make it out alive from their trip years ago. It’s entertaining and the narrator is good. Much of the dialogue is witty, but the plot is very far fetched. I need to be able to believe the story at least a little bit. This popcorn thriller is action packed and if you enjoyed Final Descent, you will likely love this one too.
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