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The Garbage Man
Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Kayla Mousavi lands a coveted job at General Recycling, beating out thousands to work for Americaʼs hottest tech company and its legendary CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan. It seems like a golden opportunity. GRʼs trash eating bacteria gobble up refuse, rescuing a world choking on garbage. And her job, as the right-hand analyst of a global business celebrity, guarantees a glittering future. But Kayla should have remembered what her father – in prison for insider trading – always said. Inside every great company is great crime.
It's not long before Kayla stumbles onto the kind of dirt that not even the magic GR bugs can disappear. Soon, she’s witness to a professional hit — a hit meant for her — and on a collision course with the truth behind the trash: deep in the bowels of a Wall Street darling is an extraordinary and terrifying business that will reshape everything we believe about psychology, security, privacy, and human nature. Now, to live, Kayla will have to outsmart a ruthless genius with unlimited resources. A man who absolutely intends to change the world…just not exactly as advertised.
It's not long before Kayla stumbles onto the kind of dirt that not even the magic GR bugs can disappear. Soon, she’s witness to a professional hit — a hit meant for her — and on a collision course with the truth behind the trash: deep in the bowels of a Wall Street darling is an extraordinary and terrifying business that will reshape everything we believe about psychology, security, privacy, and human nature. Now, to live, Kayla will have to outsmart a ruthless genius with unlimited resources. A man who absolutely intends to change the world…just not exactly as advertised.
374 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2025
22 people are currently reading
13749 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Pacelli
1 book63 followersLike one of my protagonists, I have an MBA from Harvard Business School and a background in finance. I will forever love finance – a complex, elegant discipline full of conflict, suspense, massive highs and lows. But something was missing from my life. Namely, I wanted to write, just like my childhood idols: Shirley Conran, V.C. Andrews, Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins, Belva Plain, Barbara Taylor Bradford. Their books got me through many hard times a kid. As a teen. Here were heroines who devoured life, never compromised, went through hell, refused to give up. As I got older, I started reading the great thriller writers. Ludlum, Clancy, Grisham, Koontz, Patterson.
It seems it all melded together, because today I write woman-centric thrillers. My protagonists have their feet on the ground and their eyes on the prize. They know just enough to be dangerous and run just fast enough to stay alive. For now.
It seems it all melded together, because today I write woman-centric thrillers. My protagonists have their feet on the ground and their eyes on the prize. They know just enough to be dangerous and run just fast enough to stay alive. For now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 10, 2025
4.5 rounded up
The Garbage Man took turns that I did not expect. I knew this was a thriller filled with suspense - but this one. this was good!!!
Kayla - lands a job that she truly didn't have much fo a desire for. She aspired to play poker. But she ended up with the career of a life time, working for General Recyclying the leading tech company. There were soooo many folks fighting for this number one spot and Kayla "won" it by losing her dream and baby did that take a turn.
My girl was running for her life, once she started to dig into the woman who previously had her position and what "happened" to her. She got herself into some MESS and played the game a bit smart and well. Bodies started dropping and things got REAL. I had NO idea what the garbage man was really about to get into or be about but I can really say that even though it started slow, it had me on the edge of my seat until the end.
I would most definitely read a part two to find out what happens next - I need more!!!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
The Garbage Man took turns that I did not expect. I knew this was a thriller filled with suspense - but this one. this was good!!!
Kayla - lands a job that she truly didn't have much fo a desire for. She aspired to play poker. But she ended up with the career of a life time, working for General Recyclying the leading tech company. There were soooo many folks fighting for this number one spot and Kayla "won" it by losing her dream and baby did that take a turn.
My girl was running for her life, once she started to dig into the woman who previously had her position and what "happened" to her. She got herself into some MESS and played the game a bit smart and well. Bodies started dropping and things got REAL. I had NO idea what the garbage man was really about to get into or be about but I can really say that even though it started slow, it had me on the edge of my seat until the end.
I would most definitely read a part two to find out what happens next - I need more!!!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
November 14, 2025
There was a little bit of a humorous tone underlining the seriousness of this plot.
I was confused about a lot of things at the beginning of this book. I kept flipping back thinking I must have missed something, but no. Things get cleared up as you keep going. There are so many secrets hidden inside this corporation, things shouldn’t be making sense at first.
The last thing I expected to happen in this story was for the main plot to involve a virtual reality game. From there, this story really took off with the mystery of what the hell was going on at this company. Honestly, it felt like it was too fast paced. Things went from normal to chaotic almost instantly.
4.5 stars
I was confused about a lot of things at the beginning of this book. I kept flipping back thinking I must have missed something, but no. Things get cleared up as you keep going. There are so many secrets hidden inside this corporation, things shouldn’t be making sense at first.
The last thing I expected to happen in this story was for the main plot to involve a virtual reality game. From there, this story really took off with the mystery of what the hell was going on at this company. Honestly, it felt like it was too fast paced. Things went from normal to chaotic almost instantly.
4.5 stars
August 27, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Garbage Man, by Tessa Pacelli, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Kayla Mousavi just graduated and got a job at a recycling facility. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, a thrilling read. This book had a lot going on, people can be ruthless.
October 28, 2025
I didn't even read the synopsis before I grabbed this one off netgalley. After seeing great reviews and high star ratings I was having fomo. Well even though sci-fi isn't my thing, I have to say, this one was pretty good. It was a really fast paced cat and mouse type thriller. There is lots of action to keep the pages turning and it kept me guessing throughout. I love a good revenge style plot and the main character was all about it. She is relatable, and determined. The situations she finds herself in are sometimes so high stakes, and you'll totally be on the edge of your seat. Really great read.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley for providing me an ARC.
Garbage Man” by Tessa Pacelli is a techno-thriller that grabs you by the collar and whispers, “Trust no one, especially your screen.”
It’s sharp, fast, and unsettlingly relevant—basically your worst digital nightmare wrapped in a plot twist.
The main character’s a badass, the tension’s nonstop, and I read in one day.
Still, if you like your thrillers smart, pissed off, and socially conscious, Pacelli delivers the digital paranoia with flair.
4.25⭐️
Garbage Man” by Tessa Pacelli is a techno-thriller that grabs you by the collar and whispers, “Trust no one, especially your screen.”
It’s sharp, fast, and unsettlingly relevant—basically your worst digital nightmare wrapped in a plot twist.
The main character’s a badass, the tension’s nonstop, and I read in one day.
Still, if you like your thrillers smart, pissed off, and socially conscious, Pacelli delivers the digital paranoia with flair.
4.25⭐️
November 18, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Pacelli, and Zero Day Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Eager to discover new authors, I turned to this piece of by Tessa Pacelli. It pushes the limits and creates a mysterious thriller that is sure to pique the reader’s interest, with a peppering of sci-fi to add depth. After a successful time in Harvard Business School,
Kayla Mousavi comes upon a great job at General Recycling after an odd interaction, overcoming many other applicants and working for one of the business world’s most coveted CEOs, Frederick Douglass Monaghan. Some of the tech that GR has been using will surely help rid the world of excess garbage and provide recycling options for the 21sr century. Wishing her father could see the success she’s found, Kayla cannot help but remember his mantra; every company is hiding a great crime. Kayla soon stumbles upon it, which leads to someone trying to wipe her out so that she cannot share the secrets. Kayla will have to find ways to dodge a ruthless tech-savvy killer while making sure she gathers enough intel to share with the authorities. Should she fail, not only will she be dead, but the world will fall into the hands of a man will plans of his own. Pacelli scores a strong piece that keeps the reader thinking until the final page.
The story works well as a thriller seeped in modern conversations about future possibilities, permitting the reader to see ideas that would surely make headlines. Tessa Pacelli develops a well-grounded novel that keeps adding depth as chapters progress. The narrative takes the reader in many tense directions and the action refuses to stand down, adding a sci-fi theme to allow readers added mental stimulation. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but failed to connect properly with much of the piece. I could see the intended direction and liked how the use of recycling technology fills each page, but Pacelli failed to hook me completely.
Key characters provide some backstories as well as develop throughout the reading experience. This was a definite redeeming quality of the piece, as it allowed me to connect with people during the quick pace of the novel. Pacelli worked character connections to create strong bond and left me wondering about them, which helped me to forge onwards.
There are a scattering of plot twists, adding to the ongoing mystery of the central mystery. The reader connects the dots slowly, alongside Kayla, though there are moments of surprise to keep the reader on edge. Themes emerge that keep things up in the air, though I was still unable to leave the reading experience feeling enthralled. This tends to happen when things get too sci-fi, so it is understandable. While many will surely enjoy the piece, I was not committed to the story.
Kudos, Madam Pacelli, for a decent effort.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Eager to discover new authors, I turned to this piece of by Tessa Pacelli. It pushes the limits and creates a mysterious thriller that is sure to pique the reader’s interest, with a peppering of sci-fi to add depth. After a successful time in Harvard Business School,
Kayla Mousavi comes upon a great job at General Recycling after an odd interaction, overcoming many other applicants and working for one of the business world’s most coveted CEOs, Frederick Douglass Monaghan. Some of the tech that GR has been using will surely help rid the world of excess garbage and provide recycling options for the 21sr century. Wishing her father could see the success she’s found, Kayla cannot help but remember his mantra; every company is hiding a great crime. Kayla soon stumbles upon it, which leads to someone trying to wipe her out so that she cannot share the secrets. Kayla will have to find ways to dodge a ruthless tech-savvy killer while making sure she gathers enough intel to share with the authorities. Should she fail, not only will she be dead, but the world will fall into the hands of a man will plans of his own. Pacelli scores a strong piece that keeps the reader thinking until the final page.
The story works well as a thriller seeped in modern conversations about future possibilities, permitting the reader to see ideas that would surely make headlines. Tessa Pacelli develops a well-grounded novel that keeps adding depth as chapters progress. The narrative takes the reader in many tense directions and the action refuses to stand down, adding a sci-fi theme to allow readers added mental stimulation. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but failed to connect properly with much of the piece. I could see the intended direction and liked how the use of recycling technology fills each page, but Pacelli failed to hook me completely.
Key characters provide some backstories as well as develop throughout the reading experience. This was a definite redeeming quality of the piece, as it allowed me to connect with people during the quick pace of the novel. Pacelli worked character connections to create strong bond and left me wondering about them, which helped me to forge onwards.
There are a scattering of plot twists, adding to the ongoing mystery of the central mystery. The reader connects the dots slowly, alongside Kayla, though there are moments of surprise to keep the reader on edge. Themes emerge that keep things up in the air, though I was still unable to leave the reading experience feeling enthralled. This tends to happen when things get too sci-fi, so it is understandable. While many will surely enjoy the piece, I was not committed to the story.
Kudos, Madam Pacelli, for a decent effort.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 5, 2025
Thank you to Tessa Pacelli, and NetGalley for providing this ARC.
Much like everyone else I found this book to be a smart, fast-paced thriller that blends suspense, moral complexity, and cinematic storytelling.
Pacelli keeps the tension relentless, her worldbuilding immersive, and her characters compelling, making this an unputdownable read for fans of intelligent, action-driven thrillers.
Much like everyone else I found this book to be a smart, fast-paced thriller that blends suspense, moral complexity, and cinematic storytelling.
Pacelli keeps the tension relentless, her worldbuilding immersive, and her characters compelling, making this an unputdownable read for fans of intelligent, action-driven thrillers.
September 2, 2025
I read an ARC of The Garbage Man through NetGalley, and it was a gritty, emotional, and engaging read. The writing pulled me in quickly, and the characters felt raw and real. I especially liked how the story balanced suspense with deeper emotional layers. A few spots felt a little slow, which kept it from being a full five stars, but overall it’s a strong, well-written book that kept me turning the pages.
October 31, 2025
I first read this one as an eARC, and at that point, my feelings were pretty middle-of-the-road. It’s a tightly written, fast-paced thriller with a ton of moving parts and the kind of layered plotting that keeps you sharp. For fans who love a sci-fi/thriller mashup, this really does deliver — the futuristic touches blend seamlessly with high-stakes action and tension. Still, it didn’t initially land as a personal favorite for me, and I chalked that up to personal taste more than anything. The craft is absolutely there.
The FMC is laser-focused on revenge — tunnel-vision level — and that drive fuels the story. At first, that intensity made her feel a little “one-note” to me, but it also fits the narrative. She’s relentless, and because the pacing doesn’t let up, it works. You’re pulled forward constantly, no real room to breathe.
I also appreciated the moral complexity threaded throughout. It isn’t just an action-heavy thriller — it’s asking questions about consequences, choices, and how far someone will go when they feel they have nothing left to lose. Fans of morally gray characters and layered tension will eat this up.
Now here’s where things shifted: after finishing the ebook, I decided to give the audiobook a try to see how it would hit in a different format. And honestly? I ended up enjoying the book even more. Caitlin Davies narrates, and she was fantastic. I’ve listened to her before and she’s always a standout — her pacing, character distinctions, and tone were spot-on here. The audio helped me lean into the science-fiction aspects in a way I didn’t as much on the page, and I found myself far more engaged and invested. It just clicked more for me.
So while my initial reaction was, “This is well-done, just not totally my thing,” by the end of the audiobook, I had a much deeper appreciation for the story and the ambition behind it. Sometimes the right format is the key, and in this case, audio absolutely elevated the experience.
If you like genre-blending reads that push boundaries, this one is bold, relentless, and packed with energy — and I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC and ALC from Zero Day Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
The FMC is laser-focused on revenge — tunnel-vision level — and that drive fuels the story. At first, that intensity made her feel a little “one-note” to me, but it also fits the narrative. She’s relentless, and because the pacing doesn’t let up, it works. You’re pulled forward constantly, no real room to breathe.
I also appreciated the moral complexity threaded throughout. It isn’t just an action-heavy thriller — it’s asking questions about consequences, choices, and how far someone will go when they feel they have nothing left to lose. Fans of morally gray characters and layered tension will eat this up.
Now here’s where things shifted: after finishing the ebook, I decided to give the audiobook a try to see how it would hit in a different format. And honestly? I ended up enjoying the book even more. Caitlin Davies narrates, and she was fantastic. I’ve listened to her before and she’s always a standout — her pacing, character distinctions, and tone were spot-on here. The audio helped me lean into the science-fiction aspects in a way I didn’t as much on the page, and I found myself far more engaged and invested. It just clicked more for me.
So while my initial reaction was, “This is well-done, just not totally my thing,” by the end of the audiobook, I had a much deeper appreciation for the story and the ambition behind it. Sometimes the right format is the key, and in this case, audio absolutely elevated the experience.
If you like genre-blending reads that push boundaries, this one is bold, relentless, and packed with energy — and I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC and ALC from Zero Day Books via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
November 12, 2025
The Garbage Man is a tech-thriller that combines corporate corruption, eco-tech innovation, and speculative fiction in a fast-paced, thrilling narrative! This is Tessa Pacelli’s debut novel, and it’s the kind of addictive story that will keep readers flipping pages until the very end!
The story follows Kayla Mousavi, freshly graduated from Harvard Business School. After losing a seemingly friendly poker game, she’s offered a job at General Recycling, a clean energy firm. Recruited to work under the charismatic CEO Frederick Douglass Monahan, working on a project for bacteria that devour trash, saving the planet. When Kayla begins to notice data that don’t add up and witnesses something chilling, it becomes clear she may be the target. Forced to flee, she joins forces with others & investigates the world of “Resilusio,” her employer's virtual world, in an effort to rescue her father and stop the planned virtual reality mind training.
Kayla Mousavi is a compelling, determined protagonist who proves how quick-witted she is throughout the story. What initially seems like a dream job for her quickly turns into a nightmare, and she always has to stay one step ahead of powerful, sinister characters to survive! She’s also a flawed character—at times she’s so focused on revenge that she doesn’t consider the consequences of her actions until it’s too late. Subsequently, her internal arc is one of the most interesting parts of the story—she transforms from an eager (and idealistic) analyst to a hunted insider forced to outsmart everyone around her. The emotional stakes between her and her father are the heart of the story and reveal some of her vulnerability. The CEO Frederick Douglass Monahan (aka The Garbage Man) is a delicious villain (and perhaps the real protagonist of the story) that readers will love to despise—he’s a genius entrepreneur and a brilliant poker player who gives off a charming, “visionary” persona, but under the surface he’s actually a ruthless man who’s willing to do anything to get what he wants!
His relationship with Kayla shifts from mentor/boss to predator very quickly, making most of their interactions in the story emotionally charged and dangerous! Kayla interacts with a lot of characters while on the run and during her time in the virtual world Resilusio—but no interaction is more compelling than with Miles—the chemistry between them is immediately apparent, and the evolution of their relationship is a real highlight of the story. Even with their chemistry, the relationship doesn’t lean towards a “romantic subplot,” but instead a friendship built on trust, ambition, fear, and survival that keeps their dynamic fresh and cinematic!
The pacing is propulsive right from the first chapter. The poker game deal setup draws readers right into the story while providing rich character development right off the bat. From there, there’s very little downtime before the wheels start coming off. With Kayla’s discoveries and then being witness to something, the pacing accelerates and doesn’t let up. With the virtual reality subplot and detailed mention of business strategy, tech implications, and data anomalies, some of the narrative might go above some readers’ heads, but rest assured that the story never drags, and the next big reveal is just around the corner! The final act is intense, high-stakes, and action-packed. Without giving anything away, the ending nicely ties up Kayla’s arc (for now), the tech-morality themes, and the corporate corruption, but it opens possibilities for a sequel and gives readers a sense that Kayla’s story is just getting started!
Overall, this is a highly original, cleverly written, action-packed debut that will absolutely appeal to readers who love speculative thrillers with dark technology undercurrents! It’s also a story that poses questions about choices, consequences, and how far someone will go when they have nothing left to lose! If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, morally gray characters, and fresh, innovative stories (like nothing you’ve ever read before) that will keep you turning the pages, grab a copy of this book! It’s a debut people will be talking about!
NARRATOR PERFORMANCE (5⭐️):
The audiobook of The Garbage Man is a thrilling, immersive listen narrated by award-winning narrator Caitlin Davies. Davies portrays protagonist Kayla with a confident, determined voice with a hint of vulnerability, perfectly capturing a young woman who’s eager and driven in a new exciting job but still has her doubts. As Kayla unravels secrets and realizes she’s in danger, Davies subtly shifts her performance to give Kayla a more anxious voice and faster cadence, making the listening experience increasingly thrilling and immersive. By the end, Kayla’s arc from excited (and naive) new employee to a woman determined to fight for the truth and get revenge is beautifully mirrored in Davies’s performance!
The dialogue between Kayla and Miles is a real highlight—their chemistry is immediately evident, and Davies makes them a duo that readers will be rooting for, especially in the high-action climactic scenes. For the charismatic, powerful CEO villain, Monahan, Davies uses a smooth, calm voice that exudes corporate polish and authority. When his darker side reveals itself, Davies makes him sound more menacing and with less patience in his tone—and his sudden relationship shift with Kayla from mentor to adversary feels very convincing!
In scenes where the characters are immersed in the virtual‑reality world Resilusio, Davies alters her voice to sound more detached and a bit synthetic—and Kayla’s interactions there feel a bit like a fever dream, making the story more interesting! All of the supporting characters, including Kayla’s colleagues, individuals she meets on the run, and her father, are given distinct voices with individual pacing, making it easy for listeners to know when there’s a shift in the speaker. At the most thrilling moments, especially towards the end, Davies accelerates the pacing and tension so much that some listeners may be left breathless—and for a thriller, this definitely enhances the ride!
Overall, Caitlin Davies’s performance elevates The Garbage Man by bringing immersion, emotion, and urgency to every chapter, keeping listeners engaged the entire ride. This audiobook is perfect for listeners who love sharp, high-stakes tech thrillers, fearless female leads, and innovative narrator performances that will have you on the edge of your seat and fully immersed!
The story follows Kayla Mousavi, freshly graduated from Harvard Business School. After losing a seemingly friendly poker game, she’s offered a job at General Recycling, a clean energy firm. Recruited to work under the charismatic CEO Frederick Douglass Monahan, working on a project for bacteria that devour trash, saving the planet. When Kayla begins to notice data that don’t add up and witnesses something chilling, it becomes clear she may be the target. Forced to flee, she joins forces with others & investigates the world of “Resilusio,” her employer's virtual world, in an effort to rescue her father and stop the planned virtual reality mind training.
Kayla Mousavi is a compelling, determined protagonist who proves how quick-witted she is throughout the story. What initially seems like a dream job for her quickly turns into a nightmare, and she always has to stay one step ahead of powerful, sinister characters to survive! She’s also a flawed character—at times she’s so focused on revenge that she doesn’t consider the consequences of her actions until it’s too late. Subsequently, her internal arc is one of the most interesting parts of the story—she transforms from an eager (and idealistic) analyst to a hunted insider forced to outsmart everyone around her. The emotional stakes between her and her father are the heart of the story and reveal some of her vulnerability. The CEO Frederick Douglass Monahan (aka The Garbage Man) is a delicious villain (and perhaps the real protagonist of the story) that readers will love to despise—he’s a genius entrepreneur and a brilliant poker player who gives off a charming, “visionary” persona, but under the surface he’s actually a ruthless man who’s willing to do anything to get what he wants!
His relationship with Kayla shifts from mentor/boss to predator very quickly, making most of their interactions in the story emotionally charged and dangerous! Kayla interacts with a lot of characters while on the run and during her time in the virtual world Resilusio—but no interaction is more compelling than with Miles—the chemistry between them is immediately apparent, and the evolution of their relationship is a real highlight of the story. Even with their chemistry, the relationship doesn’t lean towards a “romantic subplot,” but instead a friendship built on trust, ambition, fear, and survival that keeps their dynamic fresh and cinematic!
The pacing is propulsive right from the first chapter. The poker game deal setup draws readers right into the story while providing rich character development right off the bat. From there, there’s very little downtime before the wheels start coming off. With Kayla’s discoveries and then being witness to something, the pacing accelerates and doesn’t let up. With the virtual reality subplot and detailed mention of business strategy, tech implications, and data anomalies, some of the narrative might go above some readers’ heads, but rest assured that the story never drags, and the next big reveal is just around the corner! The final act is intense, high-stakes, and action-packed. Without giving anything away, the ending nicely ties up Kayla’s arc (for now), the tech-morality themes, and the corporate corruption, but it opens possibilities for a sequel and gives readers a sense that Kayla’s story is just getting started!
Overall, this is a highly original, cleverly written, action-packed debut that will absolutely appeal to readers who love speculative thrillers with dark technology undercurrents! It’s also a story that poses questions about choices, consequences, and how far someone will go when they have nothing left to lose! If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, morally gray characters, and fresh, innovative stories (like nothing you’ve ever read before) that will keep you turning the pages, grab a copy of this book! It’s a debut people will be talking about!
NARRATOR PERFORMANCE (5⭐️):
The audiobook of The Garbage Man is a thrilling, immersive listen narrated by award-winning narrator Caitlin Davies. Davies portrays protagonist Kayla with a confident, determined voice with a hint of vulnerability, perfectly capturing a young woman who’s eager and driven in a new exciting job but still has her doubts. As Kayla unravels secrets and realizes she’s in danger, Davies subtly shifts her performance to give Kayla a more anxious voice and faster cadence, making the listening experience increasingly thrilling and immersive. By the end, Kayla’s arc from excited (and naive) new employee to a woman determined to fight for the truth and get revenge is beautifully mirrored in Davies’s performance!
The dialogue between Kayla and Miles is a real highlight—their chemistry is immediately evident, and Davies makes them a duo that readers will be rooting for, especially in the high-action climactic scenes. For the charismatic, powerful CEO villain, Monahan, Davies uses a smooth, calm voice that exudes corporate polish and authority. When his darker side reveals itself, Davies makes him sound more menacing and with less patience in his tone—and his sudden relationship shift with Kayla from mentor to adversary feels very convincing!
In scenes where the characters are immersed in the virtual‑reality world Resilusio, Davies alters her voice to sound more detached and a bit synthetic—and Kayla’s interactions there feel a bit like a fever dream, making the story more interesting! All of the supporting characters, including Kayla’s colleagues, individuals she meets on the run, and her father, are given distinct voices with individual pacing, making it easy for listeners to know when there’s a shift in the speaker. At the most thrilling moments, especially towards the end, Davies accelerates the pacing and tension so much that some listeners may be left breathless—and for a thriller, this definitely enhances the ride!
Overall, Caitlin Davies’s performance elevates The Garbage Man by bringing immersion, emotion, and urgency to every chapter, keeping listeners engaged the entire ride. This audiobook is perfect for listeners who love sharp, high-stakes tech thrillers, fearless female leads, and innovative narrator performances that will have you on the edge of your seat and fully immersed!
September 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Zero Day Books for this ARC. The Garbage Man turned out to be a fast-paced, surprising read that kept me constantly on edge. From the very beginning, the writing immediately pulled me in the tension doesn’t take long to build, and I found myself flipping pages quickly to keep up with the momentum. What I really enjoyed was how the thriller elements intertwined with a subtle but effective sci-fi layer. It wasn’t overwhelming or distracting, but instead added a sharp, unexpected twist to a story that could have easily been just another chase driven thriller.
Pacelli balances action and suspense well, while also giving us a protagonist who feels grounded in very human fears. The paranoia and danger never let up, and the backdrop of technology and its hidden dangers gave the book a chilling relevance. There were moments where the sci-fi angle caught me off guard, but in the best way it elevated the tension and made me second-guess where the story might go next.
While I rounded my rating up to 4, I would say it sits more firmly at 3.5 for me. The pacing was strong, the atmosphere had me hooked, but there were times where I wished for just a little more depth in character development. Still, the sharp writing, creative twists, and relentless sense of urgency made this an entertaining and memorable thriller. If you enjoy thrillers that merge real-world stakes with just a hint of speculative danger, this one is worth picking up.
Pacelli balances action and suspense well, while also giving us a protagonist who feels grounded in very human fears. The paranoia and danger never let up, and the backdrop of technology and its hidden dangers gave the book a chilling relevance. There were moments where the sci-fi angle caught me off guard, but in the best way it elevated the tension and made me second-guess where the story might go next.
While I rounded my rating up to 4, I would say it sits more firmly at 3.5 for me. The pacing was strong, the atmosphere had me hooked, but there were times where I wished for just a little more depth in character development. Still, the sharp writing, creative twists, and relentless sense of urgency made this an entertaining and memorable thriller. If you enjoy thrillers that merge real-world stakes with just a hint of speculative danger, this one is worth picking up.
August 13, 2025
Kayla Mousavi wants nothing more than to be a high stakes poker player. Instead, fresh out of Harvard Business School, she finds herself working for tech superstar CEO Frederick Douglass Monahan at General Recycling, a high tech garbage company that uses bacteria to consume waste. The job is intense, all consuming, and morally shady. But Kayla’s got a father awaiting trial for insider trading, so she wants to stay on the right side of the law.
As a hot tech company, General Recycling offers all manner of perks to its employees, including Resilusio, a disturbingly real virtual reality metaverse that knows things about Kayla that she’s never voiced to anyone at the company.
Kayla discovers that Resilusio is illegally feeding on people’s digital waste to create a personalized, highly addictive, and sanity-destroying platform. Her discovery makes her an instant target and suddenly she is running for her life, from the safety of a private plane to stomach-turning New York City sewers and industrial juice factories.
Kayla is not unfazed by the danger she finds herself in - but she is so determined that she powers through all the frightening and uncomfortable situations she finds herself in to save the world from techno-villain Monahan and his creation Resulisio. She has some personal vengeance and hatred of her boss driving her too.
Overall, I found the premise very interesting, if a little confusing. This book is all page-turning action and Kayla doesn’t really slow down to contemplate anything other than her fear and revenge. As a result she felt a little distant as a character and I didn’t feel as invested in her as I would have liked. I also found the book to be a bit longer than it needed to be. Some of the action felt drawn out.
The Garbage Man is a thought provoking addition to the new crop of techno-thrillers exploring the potential downsides of AI and extreme technical innovation on humanity. 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Pacelli for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
See more of my reviews at http://www.fogfiction.com
As a hot tech company, General Recycling offers all manner of perks to its employees, including Resilusio, a disturbingly real virtual reality metaverse that knows things about Kayla that she’s never voiced to anyone at the company.
Kayla discovers that Resilusio is illegally feeding on people’s digital waste to create a personalized, highly addictive, and sanity-destroying platform. Her discovery makes her an instant target and suddenly she is running for her life, from the safety of a private plane to stomach-turning New York City sewers and industrial juice factories.
Kayla is not unfazed by the danger she finds herself in - but she is so determined that she powers through all the frightening and uncomfortable situations she finds herself in to save the world from techno-villain Monahan and his creation Resulisio. She has some personal vengeance and hatred of her boss driving her too.
Overall, I found the premise very interesting, if a little confusing. This book is all page-turning action and Kayla doesn’t really slow down to contemplate anything other than her fear and revenge. As a result she felt a little distant as a character and I didn’t feel as invested in her as I would have liked. I also found the book to be a bit longer than it needed to be. Some of the action felt drawn out.
The Garbage Man is a thought provoking addition to the new crop of techno-thrillers exploring the potential downsides of AI and extreme technical innovation on humanity. 3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Pacelli for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
See more of my reviews at http://www.fogfiction.com
August 24, 2025
Sci- fi is not my thing but The Garbage Man is a page - turner!
The story of Kayla Masouvi, whose penchant for high stakes gambling lands her a job that could enable her to clear her family debts and free her father from his (apparent) unjust incarceration grips the reader and the AI/ VR at the core of the story is extremely topical. Not many pages in to the book, the dream job becomes a nightmare as her fiancé is killed in a plane crash and it turns out that this was no accident but an intentional act of her employer. What follows is a relentless quest for revenge that sees Kayla and a co- worker investigating and spending time in the world of Resilusio, their employer’s digital creation with the dual intention of rescuing Kayla’s father and preventing the world- wide distribution of the Matrix- like creation.
If action- oriented thrillers with a lightening pace are your thing, The Garbage Man is for you. Although I enjoyed the read, I found the character of Kayla to be somewhat shallowly drawn. She is so focused on revenge that she takes no time to consider her actions or the consequences that they may have, for herself and for others who are assisting her in her quest. Based on the ending and some commentary by the author, it seems there may be a sequel in the works.
Thank you to Net Galley and Zero Day Books for the electronic ARC to review.
One thing for Tessa Pacelli to note: Robert Plant was NEVER the singer for The Cure. That was Robert Smith! I hope that this error is corrected in the published version.
The story of Kayla Masouvi, whose penchant for high stakes gambling lands her a job that could enable her to clear her family debts and free her father from his (apparent) unjust incarceration grips the reader and the AI/ VR at the core of the story is extremely topical. Not many pages in to the book, the dream job becomes a nightmare as her fiancé is killed in a plane crash and it turns out that this was no accident but an intentional act of her employer. What follows is a relentless quest for revenge that sees Kayla and a co- worker investigating and spending time in the world of Resilusio, their employer’s digital creation with the dual intention of rescuing Kayla’s father and preventing the world- wide distribution of the Matrix- like creation.
If action- oriented thrillers with a lightening pace are your thing, The Garbage Man is for you. Although I enjoyed the read, I found the character of Kayla to be somewhat shallowly drawn. She is so focused on revenge that she takes no time to consider her actions or the consequences that they may have, for herself and for others who are assisting her in her quest. Based on the ending and some commentary by the author, it seems there may be a sequel in the works.
Thank you to Net Galley and Zero Day Books for the electronic ARC to review.
One thing for Tessa Pacelli to note: Robert Plant was NEVER the singer for The Cure. That was Robert Smith! I hope that this error is corrected in the published version.
September 25, 2025
Wow! What a fast-paced, intense, heart-pounding read!! This one had me flipping pages like a madman trying to figure out how in the heck Kayla was going to get herself out of this mess, and I finally gave up because there was no way I was going to guess anything remotely correct. This was very well done; several different folks are after our protagonist, it seems, and no one can be trusted. This only helped build the suspense throughout, and the ending was fantastic. I loved that this had a bit of family drama, a dash of romance, and a lot of cat-and-mouse chasing that all made for a very intense, suspenseful, and unique plot with several characters with a depth to them that I enjoyed.
I absolutely loved this one, all the stars for it, and hope that you add it to your list. You won’t be able to stop once you start it; I read it in two settings and would have finished it in one if not for having to go to work in between. (Argh, haha) Pacelli is now on my radar, and I am excited to read what she writes next!
Thank you to the author Tessa Pacelli and Zero Day Books #partner for the GORGEOUS PR Box and finished copy to review.
I absolutely loved this one, all the stars for it, and hope that you add it to your list. You won’t be able to stop once you start it; I read it in two settings and would have finished it in one if not for having to go to work in between. (Argh, haha) Pacelli is now on my radar, and I am excited to read what she writes next!
Thank you to the author Tessa Pacelli and Zero Day Books #partner for the GORGEOUS PR Box and finished copy to review.
December 19, 2025
A wonderful blend of suspense, thriller, and sci-fi! The main character stumbles into a bad situation at a new job and has to make some hard choices. I found Kayla to be a very likable protagonist and I found her integrity to be refreshing. What a shame this company (minus the bad stuff) doesn't actually exist, I love the idea of it.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tessa Pacelli, and Zero Day Books for my ARC of this book.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Tessa Pacelli, and Zero Day Books for my ARC of this book.
August 22, 2025
One word sums up this novel - MINDBLOWN!
In the same class as Michael Crichton and his novels, Tessa Pacelli brings all of her talent and writing prowess to the fore with The Garbage Man, a thrilling story about ambition, betrayal, love, loyalty, and cutting-edge tech. This bizarre yet believable tale explores the intersection of science, technology, and humanity.
Kayla Masouvi is a talented, Harvard-educated, young, good-looking woman who is clever, persistent, and doggedly focused on achieving what she wants. Hobnobbing at cigar-smoke and perfume-filled gambling parlors, teeming with waitresses in dazzling mini skirts, wielding cocktail trays and loud, raucous laughter and cheers, to the swanky perks that only a senior executive at a billion-dollar company office can enjoy, Kayla is equally at ease in both settings because she lived a life full of adventure, and did not mind risking everything she owned to get what she wants.
Yet...she is not the protagonist of the book. It is The Garbage Man. A brilliant entrepreneur, a shrewd employer, a crackerjack poker player, and a really, really rich man. There are more aspects to his magnanimously sinister personality, but all will be disclosed when you get to the end of the novel. Trust me, you will pray that you never get so successful as to have a boss like that.
I thank Tessa Pacelli, Zero Day Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this nail-biting ARC. This book is coming out soon, and I'm excited to read other raving reviews when it does. The twists will jolt you, the turn of events will enthrall you, and the hours will simply melt away.
Read it with Depeche Mode playing in the background. It will enhance your reading experience, whether you are a devout 'devotee' or not! ;)
My personal theme song for this book would be Every Breath You Take by The Police.
In the same class as Michael Crichton and his novels, Tessa Pacelli brings all of her talent and writing prowess to the fore with The Garbage Man, a thrilling story about ambition, betrayal, love, loyalty, and cutting-edge tech. This bizarre yet believable tale explores the intersection of science, technology, and humanity.
Kayla Masouvi is a talented, Harvard-educated, young, good-looking woman who is clever, persistent, and doggedly focused on achieving what she wants. Hobnobbing at cigar-smoke and perfume-filled gambling parlors, teeming with waitresses in dazzling mini skirts, wielding cocktail trays and loud, raucous laughter and cheers, to the swanky perks that only a senior executive at a billion-dollar company office can enjoy, Kayla is equally at ease in both settings because she lived a life full of adventure, and did not mind risking everything she owned to get what she wants.
Yet...she is not the protagonist of the book. It is The Garbage Man. A brilliant entrepreneur, a shrewd employer, a crackerjack poker player, and a really, really rich man. There are more aspects to his magnanimously sinister personality, but all will be disclosed when you get to the end of the novel. Trust me, you will pray that you never get so successful as to have a boss like that.
I thank Tessa Pacelli, Zero Day Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this nail-biting ARC. This book is coming out soon, and I'm excited to read other raving reviews when it does. The twists will jolt you, the turn of events will enthrall you, and the hours will simply melt away.
Read it with Depeche Mode playing in the background. It will enhance your reading experience, whether you are a devout 'devotee' or not! ;)
My personal theme song for this book would be Every Breath You Take by The Police.
September 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC of this book.
The Garbage Man is a fast-paced thriller that jumps from one life-threatening situation to the next. It begins quite sedately with a luxurious dinner for aspirants to a coveted position at General Recycling, a corporate giant. At the dinner are Kayla Mousavi, the protagonist and one of the candidates for the job, and Frederick Douglas Monahan, the antagonist and the CEO of General Recycling.
The stakes rise soon after the dinner. Kayla is described as someone who was used to a life of privilege until her father was arrested and sent to prison for insider trading. Hence, the need for a steady income instead of following her dream of playing poker professionally.
The book was filled with poker terminology. Kayla constantly drew inspiration from poker strategies for her life choices. I wasn’t able to quite relate to Kayla’s inner monologue, which consisted predominantly of Poker analogies. Also, Kayla was projected as someone capable of thinking ahead and strategising, again thanks to her Poker background. Yet, the actual action repeatedly showed Kayla as a deer in the headlights, being rescued. I got that Kayla was running for her life and to avenge her fiancé, Sameer (who was killed in a plane crash, presumably caused by Monahan), so she probably wasn’t at her best. But even the various plans that Kayla came up with for the showdown with Monahan were amateurish, at best. It was disappointing.
The sentences in the book were short, crisp and to the point. It gave everything a sense of urgency, which worked very well. Also, despite the pace, I never lost the sense of place. There were short yet rich descriptions of the various parts of New York City, the sleek and ornate offices of GR and every other place that Kayla ended up in. It made me feel rooted in the story.
The plot, while good, felt unnecessarily convoluted at times. There were a lot of things happening that didn’t make sense. The poker game at the beginning, for instance, between Kayla and Monahan, felt too complicated, and I didn’t understand why it was needed. Then there was Sameer turning up out of the blue while Kayla was mired in the mystery of Olivia Chen’s (Kayla’s predecessor at General Recycling) disappearance and Resilusio (the shady VR video game), only to die in the so-called plane crash that set all the action in motion. There was no explanation for Sameer showing up other than that Kayla’s father, who was in prison, had called him. It got even more confusing later in the book when it became clear that it wouldn’t have been possible for Kayla’s father to call anyone.
Despite the irking plot holes, the book was a page turner. There was not a moment of respite. It was go, go and go. Difficult not to want to know what happens next. I did put the book down from one action-packed sequence to the next just to reflect on everything. The climax, after the eventful build-up, was a slight let-down. As mentioned earlier, the expectation that Kayla would dazzle with a brilliant plan to thwart Monahan never came to fruition.
Overall, even though a few plot points niggled and Kayla’s character was a letdown, I enjoyed the breakneck speed of the action in this book. I also liked the descriptions and the writing style. Any fans of constant, page-turning action with the ability to ignore minor plot holes will be satisfied with this book. But a nitpicker who can’t let go of minor errors or someone expecting surprising twists will not find this book too compelling.
For more reviews visit https://bookishexperiences.wordpress.com
The Garbage Man is a fast-paced thriller that jumps from one life-threatening situation to the next. It begins quite sedately with a luxurious dinner for aspirants to a coveted position at General Recycling, a corporate giant. At the dinner are Kayla Mousavi, the protagonist and one of the candidates for the job, and Frederick Douglas Monahan, the antagonist and the CEO of General Recycling.
The stakes rise soon after the dinner. Kayla is described as someone who was used to a life of privilege until her father was arrested and sent to prison for insider trading. Hence, the need for a steady income instead of following her dream of playing poker professionally.
The book was filled with poker terminology. Kayla constantly drew inspiration from poker strategies for her life choices. I wasn’t able to quite relate to Kayla’s inner monologue, which consisted predominantly of Poker analogies. Also, Kayla was projected as someone capable of thinking ahead and strategising, again thanks to her Poker background. Yet, the actual action repeatedly showed Kayla as a deer in the headlights, being rescued. I got that Kayla was running for her life and to avenge her fiancé, Sameer (who was killed in a plane crash, presumably caused by Monahan), so she probably wasn’t at her best. But even the various plans that Kayla came up with for the showdown with Monahan were amateurish, at best. It was disappointing.
The sentences in the book were short, crisp and to the point. It gave everything a sense of urgency, which worked very well. Also, despite the pace, I never lost the sense of place. There were short yet rich descriptions of the various parts of New York City, the sleek and ornate offices of GR and every other place that Kayla ended up in. It made me feel rooted in the story.
The plot, while good, felt unnecessarily convoluted at times. There were a lot of things happening that didn’t make sense. The poker game at the beginning, for instance, between Kayla and Monahan, felt too complicated, and I didn’t understand why it was needed. Then there was Sameer turning up out of the blue while Kayla was mired in the mystery of Olivia Chen’s (Kayla’s predecessor at General Recycling) disappearance and Resilusio (the shady VR video game), only to die in the so-called plane crash that set all the action in motion. There was no explanation for Sameer showing up other than that Kayla’s father, who was in prison, had called him. It got even more confusing later in the book when it became clear that it wouldn’t have been possible for Kayla’s father to call anyone.
Despite the irking plot holes, the book was a page turner. There was not a moment of respite. It was go, go and go. Difficult not to want to know what happens next. I did put the book down from one action-packed sequence to the next just to reflect on everything. The climax, after the eventful build-up, was a slight let-down. As mentioned earlier, the expectation that Kayla would dazzle with a brilliant plan to thwart Monahan never came to fruition.
Overall, even though a few plot points niggled and Kayla’s character was a letdown, I enjoyed the breakneck speed of the action in this book. I also liked the descriptions and the writing style. Any fans of constant, page-turning action with the ability to ignore minor plot holes will be satisfied with this book. But a nitpicker who can’t let go of minor errors or someone expecting surprising twists will not find this book too compelling.
For more reviews visit https://bookishexperiences.wordpress.com
October 3, 2025
*I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
4 stars! I really enjoyed this sci-fi (-ish) thriller.
This book starts with Kayla, a recent graduate of Harvard Business School and high-stakes poker player, getting a coveted job at General Recycling to help pay off her father’s substantial legal fees. The job itself is already insanely high-stress (much as I imagine IRL finance jobs) but things go truly crazy when she digs too deep into the dirty details of the company and its CEO.
This book is less about major unexpected twists and more about taking many small turns that sum up to completely alter the trajectory of the plot, so much so that I almost forgot what the premise was until I wrote this review. I think it’s great that the author was able to make it flow so seamlessly, although I admit (as one of those nerdy microbiology types) that I wish I could’ve seen more bugs :( that concept was what drew me in, but I ended up loving the real plot anyway. The details about NYC and high finance were also pretty cool! It’s clear the author has that background.
Kayla is a fantastic protagonist with a killer (and useful) poker face. I’ve never read a protagonist quite like that and I found her both realistic and likeable — it’s so hard to nail that balance of being imperfect and not frustrating, but this was perfect. I LOVED the detail of explicitly naming her Mean Voice, the inner critic we have in all of our heads. The pacing is great and the story is compelling, so I ended up breezing through this crazy fast. I would recommend to anyone who likes thrillers and scarily realistic warnings about the future of AI and privacy!
4 stars! I really enjoyed this sci-fi (-ish) thriller.
This book starts with Kayla, a recent graduate of Harvard Business School and high-stakes poker player, getting a coveted job at General Recycling to help pay off her father’s substantial legal fees. The job itself is already insanely high-stress (much as I imagine IRL finance jobs) but things go truly crazy when she digs too deep into the dirty details of the company and its CEO.
This book is less about major unexpected twists and more about taking many small turns that sum up to completely alter the trajectory of the plot, so much so that I almost forgot what the premise was until I wrote this review. I think it’s great that the author was able to make it flow so seamlessly, although I admit (as one of those nerdy microbiology types) that I wish I could’ve seen more bugs :( that concept was what drew me in, but I ended up loving the real plot anyway. The details about NYC and high finance were also pretty cool! It’s clear the author has that background.
Kayla is a fantastic protagonist with a killer (and useful) poker face. I’ve never read a protagonist quite like that and I found her both realistic and likeable — it’s so hard to nail that balance of being imperfect and not frustrating, but this was perfect. I LOVED the detail of explicitly naming her Mean Voice, the inner critic we have in all of our heads. The pacing is great and the story is compelling, so I ended up breezing through this crazy fast. I would recommend to anyone who likes thrillers and scarily realistic warnings about the future of AI and privacy!
December 22, 2025
In a turn of an unfortunate poker game Kayla is forced to work one year for the general garbage company. She works a desk job that is absolutely taxing and draining. Kayla’s gambling has pushed her away from her partner and into this job that she cannot stand. While working herself to the core she overhears some coworkers speaking about the vr room and how rejuvenating it is. While giving it a try Kayla is not only swept into a different type of reality, but now she must take down a project that is going to hurt a lot of people if she doesn’t step up.
This was such an interesting and fun read that centered really heavily on revenge and character growth, Kayla’s growth throughout the entire story was so gratifying and powerful to see all the way through. I really enjoy a character who loves to gamble that’s always a favorite of mine and I loved the way that Kayla carried herself and the things she learned while gambling through the entire story.
I did end up getting a bit lost only because of how out there this story was, I genuinely have never read anything like this and I had a great time with it I enjoyed how bold and out of the box it went and I always felt like I didn’t see what was coming next.
All and all this was a fantastic story and I would recommend if you enjoy spy/ thriller books with heavy revenge tropes.
This was such an interesting and fun read that centered really heavily on revenge and character growth, Kayla’s growth throughout the entire story was so gratifying and powerful to see all the way through. I really enjoy a character who loves to gamble that’s always a favorite of mine and I loved the way that Kayla carried herself and the things she learned while gambling through the entire story.
I did end up getting a bit lost only because of how out there this story was, I genuinely have never read anything like this and I had a great time with it I enjoyed how bold and out of the box it went and I always felt like I didn’t see what was coming next.
All and all this was a fantastic story and I would recommend if you enjoy spy/ thriller books with heavy revenge tropes.
Read
September 23, 2025*Thank you to author Tessa Pacelli for this gifted copy!
Poker, endgame, “phony”…
After financing her way through Harvard Business School playing poker, Kayla takes a job with General Recycling. What should be an ideal job quickly becomes a nightmare dealing with an AI product.
AI - “it will be perfection. Train it. Bend it to your will. Together we will create the most important technology the world has ever seen.”
Game on!
What could possibly go wrong ???
THOUGHTS:
*I am extremely tech challenged so a lot of this was over my head. I appreciated the glossary at the end.
* I consider this to be a Sci Fi thriller / adventure fiction read. Very unique, original storyline. A change the world kind of plot.
*I see this as a good match for Sci Fi / fantasy readers. Not my usual genre of choice.
*Wild ending on this technological nightmare of a story.
Poker, endgame, “phony”…
After financing her way through Harvard Business School playing poker, Kayla takes a job with General Recycling. What should be an ideal job quickly becomes a nightmare dealing with an AI product.
AI - “it will be perfection. Train it. Bend it to your will. Together we will create the most important technology the world has ever seen.”
Game on!
What could possibly go wrong ???
THOUGHTS:
*I am extremely tech challenged so a lot of this was over my head. I appreciated the glossary at the end.
* I consider this to be a Sci Fi thriller / adventure fiction read. Very unique, original storyline. A change the world kind of plot.
*I see this as a good match for Sci Fi / fantasy readers. Not my usual genre of choice.
*Wild ending on this technological nightmare of a story.
January 10, 2026
This was a wild ride! This was a taught twisty and very intelligent techno thriller. Very well researched book and quite enjoyable. Imagine a world of completely AI generated. Kayla a Harvard graduate enjoys gambling, loses a poker game to General Recycling CEO and ends up working for his company. General Recycling uses people's trash to create anything needed. General Recycling has an employ lounge that includes Resilusio a highly addictive AI world. This was an insanely fun read filled with twists and turns that will give you whiplash.
November 4, 2025
This book grabbed my attention from the very winning! It’s full of non-stop action, twists, turns, adventure, and suspense.
I loved the narrator and main characters! I would love to see this become a series.
Thank you NetGalley and Zero Day Books for this advanced reader copy!
I loved the narrator and main characters! I would love to see this become a series.
Thank you NetGalley and Zero Day Books for this advanced reader copy!
November 4, 2025
The story went in directions I didn’t suspect. Parts to the story were interesting, long sections gave me a headache, and some of the dialogue was terrible. The MC also kept switching between a sad puppy and someone who appeared smart and unflappable. I can’t say I liked this overall but there are some unusual and surprising turns. The narrator did okay except when trying to make a male English accent. 2.75
Thanks netgalley
Thanks netgalley
September 27, 2025
If you like your thrillers served with a side of "AI nightmare fuel", then buckle up. "The Garbage Man" is equal parts sci-fi cautionary tale and heart-pounding chase, with themes of addiction, corporate corruption, and the creeping dangers of AI that feel way too close to home.
The FMC? Strong, relatable, and easy to root for (no cardboard heroines here). The pacing took a minute to heat up, but once it did—whew—I was flipping pages like my Wi-Fi depended on it.
Perfect for anyone who likes their thrillers to not only entertain but also make them side-eye Alexa, Siri… and maybe even the Roomba.
Thanks to Tessa Pacelli & Zero Day Books for this #gifted advanced reader copy. My thoughts are my own.
4.25🌟
The FMC? Strong, relatable, and easy to root for (no cardboard heroines here). The pacing took a minute to heat up, but once it did—whew—I was flipping pages like my Wi-Fi depended on it.
Perfect for anyone who likes their thrillers to not only entertain but also make them side-eye Alexa, Siri… and maybe even the Roomba.
Thanks to Tessa Pacelli & Zero Day Books for this #gifted advanced reader copy. My thoughts are my own.
4.25🌟
September 30, 2025
The Garbage Man is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that made me think what really is behind all the virtual places we touch through mobile phones, lap tops, and all other eletronic paraphernalia that surround us. What will the future bring? Interesting story where a virtual reality created by man can engage with our brains and lead to craziness and death.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!
4.75⭐️ this was such a great sci fi thriller! I read it in almost one sitting and pulled me right out of a reading slump. If you want a fast paced eerie thriller that might keep you looking over your shoulder definitely pick this one up.
4.75⭐️ this was such a great sci fi thriller! I read it in almost one sitting and pulled me right out of a reading slump. If you want a fast paced eerie thriller that might keep you looking over your shoulder definitely pick this one up.
October 26, 2025
At one point in Pacelli’s explosive technothriller, the central character, Harvard MBA Kayla Masouvi, is beset by an evil that is ostensibly forthcoming and omnipotent, and when she closes her eyes, we, along with Kayla, are thrust into an alternate universe ready made for a sequel for its introspective view into a future bleak in substance and reality.
“Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.”
Here, there’s no Morpheus, but Kayla is the One.
For Masouvi, a position at General Recycling, “the coolest company on the planet,” is a dream.
Helmed by its mercurial CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan, whose offer of a position as Monahan’s right-hand analyst is tinged with a murky layer of the detritus its premier product, a trash-eating bacteria gobbles.
When Kayla stumbles upon what’s really behind Monahan’s megalomaniacal leanings including the disappearance of her predecessor, THE GARBAGE MAN turns her world upside down.
Kayla, whose recent past is consumed by pity, contempt, and guilt by association but buoyed by her passion to become a professional poker player is an action star in the making, both reticent and alluring.
THE GARBAGE MAN is a study in the polemics of addiction, a poker stratagem that heeds only the warnings of when to turn the page.
Faster?
Faster.
Pacelli bets on herself in this propulsive thriller that is both prescient and prophesy and comes out with a winner that will alter your consciousness.
“Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.”
Here, there’s no Morpheus, but Kayla is the One.
For Masouvi, a position at General Recycling, “the coolest company on the planet,” is a dream.
Helmed by its mercurial CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan, whose offer of a position as Monahan’s right-hand analyst is tinged with a murky layer of the detritus its premier product, a trash-eating bacteria gobbles.
When Kayla stumbles upon what’s really behind Monahan’s megalomaniacal leanings including the disappearance of her predecessor, THE GARBAGE MAN turns her world upside down.
Kayla, whose recent past is consumed by pity, contempt, and guilt by association but buoyed by her passion to become a professional poker player is an action star in the making, both reticent and alluring.
THE GARBAGE MAN is a study in the polemics of addiction, a poker stratagem that heeds only the warnings of when to turn the page.
Faster?
Faster.
Pacelli bets on herself in this propulsive thriller that is both prescient and prophesy and comes out with a winner that will alter your consciousness.
August 29, 2025
If you’re into The Matrix, Black Mirror, and Rounders… this one’s your girl. Think underworld dealings, high-stakes poker, and tech twisted for evil.
Nonstop action had me hooked from page one—our FMC is a total badass. 🙌 I loved watching her inner voice shift from doubt to strength, guiding her toward both confidence and connection. The balance of fierce independence with learning to trust others really hit home.
Honestly? This is one of those rare reads I immediately wanted to dive back into.
Nonstop action had me hooked from page one—our FMC is a total badass. 🙌 I loved watching her inner voice shift from doubt to strength, guiding her toward both confidence and connection. The balance of fierce independence with learning to trust others really hit home.
Honestly? This is one of those rare reads I immediately wanted to dive back into.
August 19, 2025
What if your dream job became a nightmare without end?
Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Kayla Mousavi lands a coveted job at General Recycling, beating out thousands to work for Americaʼs hottest tech company and its legendary CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan. It seems like a golden opportunity. GRʼs trash eating bacteria gobble up refuse, rescuing a world choking on garbage. And her job, as the right-hand analyst of a global business celebrity, guarantees a glittering future. But Kayla should have remembered what her father – in prison for insider trading – always said. Inside every great company is great crime.
This book was definitely one that caught my attention and had me hooked. For the first bit, I thought this was going to be a story about poker, but 50 pages in and everything takes a turn. I loved the conclusion being left with the possibility for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Pacelli/Zero Day Books for this ARC!
Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Kayla Mousavi lands a coveted job at General Recycling, beating out thousands to work for Americaʼs hottest tech company and its legendary CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan. It seems like a golden opportunity. GRʼs trash eating bacteria gobble up refuse, rescuing a world choking on garbage. And her job, as the right-hand analyst of a global business celebrity, guarantees a glittering future. But Kayla should have remembered what her father – in prison for insider trading – always said. Inside every great company is great crime.
This book was definitely one that caught my attention and had me hooked. For the first bit, I thought this was going to be a story about poker, but 50 pages in and everything takes a turn. I loved the conclusion being left with the possibility for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tessa Pacelli/Zero Day Books for this ARC!
August 16, 2025
Tessa Pacelli wrote one hell of a captivating thriller that really shows how bad AI and capitalism can become all with a heavy Matrix sci-fi vibe. I was flipping through the pages needing to know what happens to Kayla no matter how much it ripped my heart out. There were some minor gripes I had with the pacing, for example, how short the Escondido plot was.
But other than that, I can bet this will get a sequel. One that I needed yesterday for how bad I want to know what happens next.
Thank you Netgalley and Zero Day Books for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But other than that, I can bet this will get a sequel. One that I needed yesterday for how bad I want to know what happens next.
Thank you Netgalley and Zero Day Books for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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