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The Trip
How well do you know your friends?Four friends on the holiday of a lifetime. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise.Four friends who’d do anything for each other, until now.Only one of them killed Caleb.But all four know how to keep a secret.And they’re all guilty of something…Praise for Phoebe ‘Combines a beautiful, exotic location with a slithering, unsettling sense of suspense. A page-turner, full of secrets and reveals’ Adele Parks, No. 1 bestselling author of One Last Secret , in Platinum‘Tense, well-paced and with a cast of relatable flesh-and-blood women … an exhilarating, read-in-one-sitting ride’ Louise Candlish, bestselling author of The Heights‘A deadly cocktail of lies, secrets, obsession and revenge hits boiling point under the blazing African sun in this breathlessly twisty thriller’ T.M. Logan, bestselling author of The Curfew‘A superbly executed tale with just the right amount of tension and intrigue’ The Sun‘A delightfully sinister romp’ Heat'A wonderfully atmospheric thriller of secrets, lies and betrayals … a heart-stopping rollercoaster of a read with a dark sense of menace and hugely relatable characters’ B A Paris, bestselling author of The Therapist‘This is great. Kept me gripped!’ Jane Fallon, bestselling author of Just Got Real‘This will take you into another world. But hold your breath! Because you’re in for a ride’ Jane Corry, bestselling author of We All Have Our Secrets'A hugely entertaining thriller that turns a dream holiday into a nightmare’ Jane Casey, bestselling author of The Killing Kind‘Properly tense and full of surprises’ Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange‘Great characters, all with secrets, and a fabulous setting’ Catherine Cooper, bestselling author of The Cruise
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2024
226 people are currently reading
19258 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Morgan
12 books674 followersPhoebe Morgan is an author and editor. She studied English at Leeds University after growing up in the Suffolk countryside. She has previously worked as a journalist and now edits crime and women’s fiction for a publishing house during the day, and writes her own books in the evenings. She lives in London and you can follow her on Twitter @Phoebe_A_Morgan. The Doll House is her debut novel. It became a bestseller, topping the iBooks charts at #1 and the Amazon charts at #35.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
November 19, 2024
After reading and loving The Wild Girls last year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on whatever Phoebe Morgan managed to came up with next. So just imagine my glee when I read the synopsis for The Trip. Four close friends. A dream holiday in Thailand. Plenty of life-changing secrets. And, of course, the dark, twisted turn of events. Put all together, this intoxicating premise promised one wild ride for this diehard lover of suspense-laden tales.
While I certainly found much of what I had hoped for within this quick, easy read, the slow burn first half dragged just a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I did speed through these pages in just one thoroughly enjoyable evening, but it didn’t quite have the pizzazz that Morgan’s last novel possessed. My only other mild let down was how I guessed each and every finely plotted twist before it was revealed in all of its glory. Much of this was likely down to my insatiable appetite for all things suspense, but it definitely put a damper on my love for this novel.
That’s not to say, of course, that I didn’t inhale every word. Told via multiple POVs in a round robin-type way, I loved getting a full picture of the escalating unease from all those involved. Likewise, the first-person narration was a nice addition to the structure. It made me feel as though I was hearing it from a dear friend and not just a fictional character. The best pieces of the puzzle, however, were easily the palpable tension and fast-paced second half. Sinister and dark, I happily gobbled it all up.
All in all, this was a dream trip that quickly turned into anything but. With one final twist in the very last chapter, Morgan came up with plenty of surprises that managed to ratchet the growing apprehension. With a dynamite setting filled with evocative descriptions, I could smell the Thai food, taste the salt on the wind, and feel the sand under my feet. A claustrophobic tale of a vacation gone wrong, you should be sure to grab this now, no ifs, ands, or buts. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
How well do you know your friends?
Four friends are on the vacation of a lifetime in Thailand. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise.
Four friends who would do anything for each other—until now.
Only one of them committed a crime.
But all four know how to keep a secret.
And they’re all guilty of something…
Thank you to Phoebe Morgan and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 8, 2024
Trigger warning: debt, blackmail, stalking, domestic violence
While I certainly found much of what I had hoped for within this quick, easy read, the slow burn first half dragged just a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I did speed through these pages in just one thoroughly enjoyable evening, but it didn’t quite have the pizzazz that Morgan’s last novel possessed. My only other mild let down was how I guessed each and every finely plotted twist before it was revealed in all of its glory. Much of this was likely down to my insatiable appetite for all things suspense, but it definitely put a damper on my love for this novel.
That’s not to say, of course, that I didn’t inhale every word. Told via multiple POVs in a round robin-type way, I loved getting a full picture of the escalating unease from all those involved. Likewise, the first-person narration was a nice addition to the structure. It made me feel as though I was hearing it from a dear friend and not just a fictional character. The best pieces of the puzzle, however, were easily the palpable tension and fast-paced second half. Sinister and dark, I happily gobbled it all up.
All in all, this was a dream trip that quickly turned into anything but. With one final twist in the very last chapter, Morgan came up with plenty of surprises that managed to ratchet the growing apprehension. With a dynamite setting filled with evocative descriptions, I could smell the Thai food, taste the salt on the wind, and feel the sand under my feet. A claustrophobic tale of a vacation gone wrong, you should be sure to grab this now, no ifs, ands, or buts. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
How well do you know your friends?
Four friends are on the vacation of a lifetime in Thailand. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise.
Four friends who would do anything for each other—until now.
Only one of them committed a crime.
But all four know how to keep a secret.
And they’re all guilty of something…
Thank you to Phoebe Morgan and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 8, 2024
Trigger warning: debt, blackmail, stalking, domestic violence
July 20, 2024
Points for a plot that I actually will remember, other than that it was a bit drawn out at times and didn’t love the ending.
September 16, 2024
This was alright… I think I was expecting more?? I love books with a group of friends behaving badly and the fun whodunnit read but this kinda fell flat for me. Not a lot happened in this book, everything dragged out until the last 10 percent of the book. Honestly the ending saved this book for me.
I would still recommend this book to the right audience
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & William Marrow Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
I would still recommend this book to the right audience
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & William Marrow Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
October 29, 2024
My thanks to William Morrow, Phoebe Morgan and Netgalley.
I quit this book damned near halfway through.
For shits sake! I was over it at the 25% mark!
Stupid people. Keeping stupid secrets.
I hate that!
I know its just a book and I should see how it all plays out, but really?
I am someone who lies like a rug, "what i call anecdotal fibs" otherwise known as increasing the humor. But on the big things I'm ALWAYS honest. Usually to my detriment, but I don't want to try to keep my facts "lies" straight. Why bother and stress?
Because of this ridiculous part of my personality I often find it difficult to enjoy books like this. It has to be really well written and the characters absolutely have to be likable.
This book was not that.
Secrets annoy me.
I am an open book.
Liars get no play.
Unless you're a serial killer or rapist, then what's the point of lies?
It all comes out in the wash.
It's a lifetime. Everyone screws up, and if you haven't? Boring.
No recs for this book.
I quit this book damned near halfway through.
For shits sake! I was over it at the 25% mark!
Stupid people. Keeping stupid secrets.
I hate that!
I know its just a book and I should see how it all plays out, but really?
I am someone who lies like a rug, "what i call anecdotal fibs" otherwise known as increasing the humor. But on the big things I'm ALWAYS honest. Usually to my detriment, but I don't want to try to keep my facts "lies" straight. Why bother and stress?
Because of this ridiculous part of my personality I often find it difficult to enjoy books like this. It has to be really well written and the characters absolutely have to be likable.
This book was not that.
Secrets annoy me.
I am an open book.
Liars get no play.
Unless you're a serial killer or rapist, then what's the point of lies?
It all comes out in the wash.
It's a lifetime. Everyone screws up, and if you haven't? Boring.
No recs for this book.
September 27, 2024
I have been a fan of Phoebe Morgan since I read The Girl Next Door 5 years ago, so I was thrilled when a copy of The Trip arrived on my doorstep. Thank you so much to Harlequin Australia for sending it my way.
Now you might think you know what is going to happen here, but trust me, you can’t predict this one. 2 couples on a dream trip to a Thailand to escape the English winter. Sun, cocktails, beaches.. what more could they want. But of course, there are secrets in this group, you know there has to be. Bad things keep happening to them, of course they do. And who is Caleb, the lone British traveller who comes to their rescue and then won’t leave them alone. Well, if you want to know, read this book.
The Trip will have to hankering for a holiday by the beach. It is fast paced, full of shocking twists and has an ending that will really surprise you. Always a pleasure to read this author. Out in Australia on October 2nd.
Now you might think you know what is going to happen here, but trust me, you can’t predict this one. 2 couples on a dream trip to a Thailand to escape the English winter. Sun, cocktails, beaches.. what more could they want. But of course, there are secrets in this group, you know there has to be. Bad things keep happening to them, of course they do. And who is Caleb, the lone British traveller who comes to their rescue and then won’t leave them alone. Well, if you want to know, read this book.
The Trip will have to hankering for a holiday by the beach. It is fast paced, full of shocking twists and has an ending that will really surprise you. Always a pleasure to read this author. Out in Australia on October 2nd.
October 11, 2024
’The Trip by Phoebe Morgan - Expected Publication October 8th, 2024
This is an excellent thriller - a fast read that I absolutely enjoyed. I loved the Thai setting, the well-drawn, flawed characters, the interaction among them, and the masterful buildup of suspense. I was surprised more than a few times right up to the very end. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller or just a wander through one of the most fascinating places in the world, then this book is for you! Let's parachute in...
Everyone, pack your bags and fasten your seat belts for a turbulent journey on a holiday gone terribly wrong. Set in the chaotic streets and idyllic landscapes of Thailand, ’The Trip’ is sure to keep you on the edge of your beach chair!
Four friends become increasingly paranoid as a variety of unsettling events unfold. Then they meet an enigmatic stranger who threatens to turn their dream getaway into a nightmare. Tensions rise like the tropical heat as some of the friends become suspicious, not knowing the deadly secrets the others have to hide.
So pack your sunscreen and suspicions - this is one holiday where the baggage is emotional, the souvenirs are sinister, and the return trip might just be a one-way ticket!!
P.S. Props to the author for bringing Bangkok and Thailand’s beautiful beaches to vivid life. The details were authentic, from the busy streets, the beautiful temples, the food at the outdoor market, to the everyday interactions between tourists and locals. As a reader, I got lost in a trip of my own through these pages. If you’ve never been to Thailand and would like a taste of what the country is like, then this book is a great place to start!
My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. #TheTrip #NetGalley
3 Stars: Three-star books are solid and enjoyable reads without offering anything particularly exceptional. They have good writing, coherent plots, and sufficiently developed characters but lack the depth, originality, or emotional impact to make them stand out. These are books you don’t regret reading but wouldn’t necessarily rush to recommend.
This is an excellent thriller - a fast read that I absolutely enjoyed. I loved the Thai setting, the well-drawn, flawed characters, the interaction among them, and the masterful buildup of suspense. I was surprised more than a few times right up to the very end. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller or just a wander through one of the most fascinating places in the world, then this book is for you! Let's parachute in...
Everyone, pack your bags and fasten your seat belts for a turbulent journey on a holiday gone terribly wrong. Set in the chaotic streets and idyllic landscapes of Thailand, ’The Trip’ is sure to keep you on the edge of your beach chair!
Four friends become increasingly paranoid as a variety of unsettling events unfold. Then they meet an enigmatic stranger who threatens to turn their dream getaway into a nightmare. Tensions rise like the tropical heat as some of the friends become suspicious, not knowing the deadly secrets the others have to hide.
So pack your sunscreen and suspicions - this is one holiday where the baggage is emotional, the souvenirs are sinister, and the return trip might just be a one-way ticket!!
P.S. Props to the author for bringing Bangkok and Thailand’s beautiful beaches to vivid life. The details were authentic, from the busy streets, the beautiful temples, the food at the outdoor market, to the everyday interactions between tourists and locals. As a reader, I got lost in a trip of my own through these pages. If you’ve never been to Thailand and would like a taste of what the country is like, then this book is a great place to start!
My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. #TheTrip #NetGalley
3 Stars: Three-star books are solid and enjoyable reads without offering anything particularly exceptional. They have good writing, coherent plots, and sufficiently developed characters but lack the depth, originality, or emotional impact to make them stand out. These are books you don’t regret reading but wouldn’t necessarily rush to recommend.
April 5, 2025
Four unassuming friends from the UK are taking a trip to Thailand where they will find their friendships threatened when they discover out that someone's past came back to haunt them across the ocean and now they are all targets of a sinister plot that may ruin a marriage or possibly cost one of them their lives. What dangerous webs lies will weave!
This was a terrific book with wonderful, atmospheric storytelling along with great writing. The story mainly takes place in Thailand and beauty of the descriptions of the scenery and tourist sites was so well-done that I could visualize everything that the couples were seeing and doing. I found the writing very appealing and special, The story started light and easy and then took a fast turn down a dark road which was so interesting and intriguing that I couldn't stop reading when I should have been doing other things, lol. Definitely a page turner and I'm looking forward to reading more books by author 'Phoebe Morgan' in the future.
I highly recommend this fun and fast paced thriller!
I want to thank the publisher "WILLIAM MORROW" and for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 SINISTER AND DEVIOUS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
This was a terrific book with wonderful, atmospheric storytelling along with great writing. The story mainly takes place in Thailand and beauty of the descriptions of the scenery and tourist sites was so well-done that I could visualize everything that the couples were seeing and doing. I found the writing very appealing and special, The story started light and easy and then took a fast turn down a dark road which was so interesting and intriguing that I couldn't stop reading when I should have been doing other things, lol. Definitely a page turner and I'm looking forward to reading more books by author 'Phoebe Morgan' in the future.
I highly recommend this fun and fast paced thriller!
I want to thank the publisher "WILLIAM MORROW" and for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 SINISTER AND DEVIOUS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
April 3, 2024
Rating: 1.5/5
As a full length novel, this latest offering from Phoebe Morgan leaves a lot to be desired. I can't help thinking that it would have worked better as a short story of around 100 pages. The main problem is that so little happens for such a long time. For the first two-thirds of the book it really does meander around quite aimlessly. There is plenty of repeated carrot dangling, but the narrative contains lots of padding and the storyline makes very little progress. If you only read the first few pages and then skip to the final third of the novel, you should be able to piece everything together without having had to wade your way through the rest.
Also, by way of a heads-up, the plot summary on "goodreads" contains a massive spoiler!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
As a full length novel, this latest offering from Phoebe Morgan leaves a lot to be desired. I can't help thinking that it would have worked better as a short story of around 100 pages. The main problem is that so little happens for such a long time. For the first two-thirds of the book it really does meander around quite aimlessly. There is plenty of repeated carrot dangling, but the narrative contains lots of padding and the storyline makes very little progress. If you only read the first few pages and then skip to the final third of the novel, you should be able to piece everything together without having had to wade your way through the rest.
Also, by way of a heads-up, the plot summary on "goodreads" contains a massive spoiler!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
This is an ideal beach read: home or away, you have a thrilling mystery that is enjoyable, albeit quite predictable as well. Personally, I don’t think this book was as good as previous reads from Morgan and this was because I thought the plot development was too obvious. However, if you are after something that is a jolly good distraction from daily life, this is a perfect choice.
I loved the setting that Morgan portrays, feeling like I am with the four friends as they travel to Bangkok and beyond. I could vividly picture the exotic setting and loved the intensity of Bangkok versus the eventual tranquillity of the beaches. The excitement from the characters was palpable, although as travellers, they came across as quite foolish and naïve, making silly mistakes that leads to increasing trouble. I disliked how frivolous Saskia is as a character, especially how much she flaunts her opulent style in front of her friends and online. She is presented as someone who needs constant online validation which is a shame when she is supposed to be going on an exciting adventure with her husband and friends.
Unfortunately I found the plot too predictable to get excited by it. When Holly’s bag is temporarily lost, I could foresee how the story would develop. Saskia’s past added a bit if depth to the novel but, on the whole, I thought the story was verging on being far-fetched. Indeed, the final scenes in Thailand were convenient but I liked how Morgan unexpectedly concluded the story, altering my opinion of another character as well.
Every chapter seems to carry an undercurrent on tension and suggests something sinister is at play. As you progress through the novel, it is easy to determine whether it is a character over-reacting or whether this threat is genuine. Unfortunately, I thought Morgan could have done more to develop some of these signs and I was particularly hoping that more was done with Theo’s character, rather than him being presented as a wealthy man with few cares and too much money to throw about.
I was really hopeful for this story but found the obvious plot development a massive let-down. There were too many clear clues to the story and the ending was too neatly wrapped up. I don’t think it helped that the protagonists were quite idiotic in places but, one thing was certain, it definitely transported me away to sunnier climes whilst my weather is so unpredictable.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the setting that Morgan portrays, feeling like I am with the four friends as they travel to Bangkok and beyond. I could vividly picture the exotic setting and loved the intensity of Bangkok versus the eventual tranquillity of the beaches. The excitement from the characters was palpable, although as travellers, they came across as quite foolish and naïve, making silly mistakes that leads to increasing trouble. I disliked how frivolous Saskia is as a character, especially how much she flaunts her opulent style in front of her friends and online. She is presented as someone who needs constant online validation which is a shame when she is supposed to be going on an exciting adventure with her husband and friends.
Unfortunately I found the plot too predictable to get excited by it. When Holly’s bag is temporarily lost, I could foresee how the story would develop. Saskia’s past added a bit if depth to the novel but, on the whole, I thought the story was verging on being far-fetched. Indeed, the final scenes in Thailand were convenient but I liked how Morgan unexpectedly concluded the story, altering my opinion of another character as well.
Every chapter seems to carry an undercurrent on tension and suggests something sinister is at play. As you progress through the novel, it is easy to determine whether it is a character over-reacting or whether this threat is genuine. Unfortunately, I thought Morgan could have done more to develop some of these signs and I was particularly hoping that more was done with Theo’s character, rather than him being presented as a wealthy man with few cares and too much money to throw about.
I was really hopeful for this story but found the obvious plot development a massive let-down. There were too many clear clues to the story and the ending was too neatly wrapped up. I don’t think it helped that the protagonists were quite idiotic in places but, one thing was certain, it definitely transported me away to sunnier climes whilst my weather is so unpredictable.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
I love a thriller set on holiday and this one finds us In Thailand with two couples in their early 30s - Saskia & Theo and Lucas & Holly.
There is a financial divide between the couples with one counting every penny and the other with more than they know what to do with.
The book kicks off well and we soon find out there is a secret that we are waiting to uncover. They don’t seem to be having much luck on the trip with things going missing, bookings having not gone through and creepy messages being left.
This is a quick easy read and your mind can wander off to Thailand while it is wet and gloomy at home.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
There is a financial divide between the couples with one counting every penny and the other with more than they know what to do with.
The book kicks off well and we soon find out there is a secret that we are waiting to uncover. They don’t seem to be having much luck on the trip with things going missing, bookings having not gone through and creepy messages being left.
This is a quick easy read and your mind can wander off to Thailand while it is wet and gloomy at home.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
Phoebe Morgan is a bestselling author and editor, who has published five books. The Trip is the first book that I have read by this London based writer. Taking readers directly into the depths of a sun-drenched retreat, an act of deception occurs issuing the audience with a tale leans to buried truths and shared guilt while holidaying abroad.
I turned to The Trip by Phoebe Morgan as I was drawn to its escapist feel cover and the tone set by the blurb which suggested a sun-soaked escapist style thriller with a dark twist. Destination fiction is my favourite genre, which The Trip easily slots into. I love how this genre has the ability to pull back the curtain on paradise in a gripping manner. Morgan’s latest managed to start out with the right ingredients. We are gifted the image of a picture-perfect island retreat from the world, a luxurious staycation and a group of friends ready for a dream holiday. But as this is a true psychological thriller, the initial surface of serenity doesn’t last for long.
The Trip’s main setting is the kind of place you’d expect to see on travel blogs. But the slow reveal of secrets, lies and long held betrayals that adds a psychological angle to this narrative. The flip over between an ideal tropical paradise and the sense that something is going to go very wrong is what pulled me in to this book and implored me to read on.
I did find that as the plot progressed and the story shifted into another mode, my interest began to falter. While the moving narrative and escalating tension worked hard to keep me hooked, I found myself disengaged. I didn’t seem to care for the characters or their livelihoods. Their issues seemed murky, and their relationships and problems failed to gain my full interest.
This was my first experience of reading a Phoebe Morgan novel. Despite the fact that The Trip wasn’t a great hit for me personally, I appreciated the setting and the early segments. This is a decent pick for fans of beach noir.
Phoebe Morgan is a bestselling author and editor, who has published five books. The Trip is the first book that I have read by this London based writer. Taking readers directly into the depths of a sun-drenched retreat, an act of deception occurs issuing the audience with a tale leans to buried truths and shared guilt while holidaying abroad.
I turned to The Trip by Phoebe Morgan as I was drawn to its escapist feel cover and the tone set by the blurb which suggested a sun-soaked escapist style thriller with a dark twist. Destination fiction is my favourite genre, which The Trip easily slots into. I love how this genre has the ability to pull back the curtain on paradise in a gripping manner. Morgan’s latest managed to start out with the right ingredients. We are gifted the image of a picture-perfect island retreat from the world, a luxurious staycation and a group of friends ready for a dream holiday. But as this is a true psychological thriller, the initial surface of serenity doesn’t last for long.
The Trip’s main setting is the kind of place you’d expect to see on travel blogs. But the slow reveal of secrets, lies and long held betrayals that adds a psychological angle to this narrative. The flip over between an ideal tropical paradise and the sense that something is going to go very wrong is what pulled me in to this book and implored me to read on.
I did find that as the plot progressed and the story shifted into another mode, my interest began to falter. While the moving narrative and escalating tension worked hard to keep me hooked, I found myself disengaged. I didn’t seem to care for the characters or their livelihoods. Their issues seemed murky, and their relationships and problems failed to gain my full interest.
This was my first experience of reading a Phoebe Morgan novel. Despite the fact that The Trip wasn’t a great hit for me personally, I appreciated the setting and the early segments. This is a decent pick for fans of beach noir.
August 15, 2025
The Trip was a super fun vacation read! Four British friends (two couples) go on vacation to Thailand together, starting with a few days in Bangkok and then onto a few days at a beach house on the island of Koh Samet. After Season 3 of White Lotus, I was expecting a similar type of story, and ehile this wasn't quite as scandalous or shocking, it was a good thriller!
Once the group arrives in Thailand, strange things begin happening: Their reservation at a luxurious Bangkok hotel was never confirmed, forcing the friends to stay at a sketchy hostel where they feel like they're being watched at night, they begin receiving creepy notes, one of the group's Rolex goes missing and another loses her bag at a temple. They all feel like they're being watched.
The group meets a fellow traveler who seems harmless and fun at first, but soon reveals himself to be more ominous than any of them could have imagined. Soon the group's secrets start to be revealed - how well do they really know each other? How much can they trust each other?
This book has several red herrings, meant to make you suspect the four friends of being shadier than they really are and the situation to be even more dangerous. I could have done with a few less. Also the book alternates chapters between the two female friends, in first person, and one of the male friends in third person. It was a little odd that all four didn't have their own POVs. I figured out the big plot twist way ahead of time, but did not expect thr final one (didn't really care for that one). This was still an enjoyable read, overall!
Content Warnings: DV, stalking, murder
Once the group arrives in Thailand, strange things begin happening: Their reservation at a luxurious Bangkok hotel was never confirmed, forcing the friends to stay at a sketchy hostel where they feel like they're being watched at night, they begin receiving creepy notes, one of the group's Rolex goes missing and another loses her bag at a temple. They all feel like they're being watched.
The group meets a fellow traveler who seems harmless and fun at first, but soon reveals himself to be more ominous than any of them could have imagined. Soon the group's secrets start to be revealed - how well do they really know each other? How much can they trust each other?
This book has several red herrings, meant to make you suspect the four friends of being shadier than they really are and the situation to be even more dangerous. I could have done with a few less. Also the book alternates chapters between the two female friends, in first person, and one of the male friends in third person. It was a little odd that all four didn't have their own POVs. I figured out the big plot twist way ahead of time, but did not expect thr final one (didn't really care for that one). This was still an enjoyable read, overall!
Content Warnings: DV, stalking, murder
September 16, 2024
Title: The Trip
Author: Phoebe Morgan
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Kindle Page Count: 337
Genre: Thriller
Anticipated Publish Date: October 08, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Trip was a wild ride from start to finish! I loved how the alternating points of view allowed me to get inside each friend’s mind, revealing their individual secrets while building tension. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious vacation in Thailand, the story masterfully explores the hidden betrayals that threaten to unravel friendships. What begins as an idyllic getaway quickly spirals into a tense and suspenseful nightmare.
The alternating perspectives kept me guessing in the beginning, holding back just enough to make the mystery hard to crack. That said, around the 70% mark, I started piecing things together before the characters themselves did. The slow build-up of tension was worth it though, with the lush descriptions of the hotel, villa, and various locales adding to the immersive atmosphere. Morgan’s attention to detail made it easy to picture the stunning settings, which only heightened the suspense as the plot thickened.
The ending caught me completely off guard! Just when I thought I had it figured out, one character’s growing obsession led to an unexpected twist that took me by surprise. The final chapter had me smiling out of pure satisfaction—it was the kind of clever turn that makes you want to go back and re-read certain parts.
Overall, I’d highly recommend The Trip to anyone who enjoys travel thrillers. The exotic setting was captivating, and while some moments felt a bit far-fetched (in that classic thriller way), the suspense more than made up for it. My only gripe was that the characters seemed frustratingly oblivious at times, much like people in horror movies who make all the wrong choices. Still, it added to the tension, and I couldn’t put the book down. A solid four-star read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.
Author: Phoebe Morgan
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Kindle Page Count: 337
Genre: Thriller
Anticipated Publish Date: October 08, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Trip was a wild ride from start to finish! I loved how the alternating points of view allowed me to get inside each friend’s mind, revealing their individual secrets while building tension. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious vacation in Thailand, the story masterfully explores the hidden betrayals that threaten to unravel friendships. What begins as an idyllic getaway quickly spirals into a tense and suspenseful nightmare.
The alternating perspectives kept me guessing in the beginning, holding back just enough to make the mystery hard to crack. That said, around the 70% mark, I started piecing things together before the characters themselves did. The slow build-up of tension was worth it though, with the lush descriptions of the hotel, villa, and various locales adding to the immersive atmosphere. Morgan’s attention to detail made it easy to picture the stunning settings, which only heightened the suspense as the plot thickened.
The ending caught me completely off guard! Just when I thought I had it figured out, one character’s growing obsession led to an unexpected twist that took me by surprise. The final chapter had me smiling out of pure satisfaction—it was the kind of clever turn that makes you want to go back and re-read certain parts.
Overall, I’d highly recommend The Trip to anyone who enjoys travel thrillers. The exotic setting was captivating, and while some moments felt a bit far-fetched (in that classic thriller way), the suspense more than made up for it. My only gripe was that the characters seemed frustratingly oblivious at times, much like people in horror movies who make all the wrong choices. Still, it added to the tension, and I couldn’t put the book down. A solid four-star read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this book.
September 24, 2024
This honestly was the holiday from hell. The plot had me guessing the entire way through. Up until the last 40 pages, I had no idea what was going to happen or who the bad guy in it was. It was an easy read and quick page turner.
May 12, 2024
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This was my first book by phoebe morgan and I would definitely read her work again.
I loved how in depth it was with all the descriptions I felt as though I was there in Thailand too.
I loved all the twists and turns from thus book and where I didn't know where it would go.
Without spoilers I would recommend this book it you like lots of plot twists.
I would have gave this 5 stars but I feel it started to get a little stale right before the end but the ending definitely mafe up for it.
Thank you netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review.
This was my first book by phoebe morgan and I would definitely read her work again.
I loved how in depth it was with all the descriptions I felt as though I was there in Thailand too.
I loved all the twists and turns from thus book and where I didn't know where it would go.
Without spoilers I would recommend this book it you like lots of plot twists.
I would have gave this 5 stars but I feel it started to get a little stale right before the end but the ending definitely mafe up for it.
Thank you netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review.
November 26, 2024
The synopsis pulled me into this book, despite it being vague. Now that I’ve finished reading it, I know why! I thought I had already read this, but I was thinking of a similarly named story I recently read. My apologies go out to the publisher and author, but at least I can say, this book was worth the wait!
Saskia and her new husband Theo are taking a trip with their best friends, Lucas and Holly. The four leave London to head to Thailand with a few secrets under their belt. Lucas has something he’s keeping from Holly, and Saskia has something she’s keeping from everyone - especially her new husband.
On the first night, their week of luxury doesn’t start off as planned when they find out they have to stay in a hostel instead of the hotel that lost their booking. It’s sketchy, they’re stuck with a bunch of loud, younger people, and they come back to their dorm after a night out drinking to see the padlock on their locker is broken.
Luckily nothing is missing, but the next day, Holly loses her bag with all of their passports in it. They are about to go crawling to the British Embassy when a man runs up to them with the bag. His name is Caleb, and he saved them. Now he wants to hang out with the two couples, but one person in the group is not happy with the new addition. They know Caleb, and he could ruin their life.
This was definitely a page turner, though it threw me off that for some reason Holly and Saskia’s chapters are in first person, and Lucas and Theo’s are in third. I had the ending pegged, but I would have been disappointed if it ended differently. There was also another twist in the last chapter that I definitely didn’t see coming, and it was great. This is a fun and suspenseful thriller! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks, Phoebe Morgan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Saskia and her new husband Theo are taking a trip with their best friends, Lucas and Holly. The four leave London to head to Thailand with a few secrets under their belt. Lucas has something he’s keeping from Holly, and Saskia has something she’s keeping from everyone - especially her new husband.
On the first night, their week of luxury doesn’t start off as planned when they find out they have to stay in a hostel instead of the hotel that lost their booking. It’s sketchy, they’re stuck with a bunch of loud, younger people, and they come back to their dorm after a night out drinking to see the padlock on their locker is broken.
Luckily nothing is missing, but the next day, Holly loses her bag with all of their passports in it. They are about to go crawling to the British Embassy when a man runs up to them with the bag. His name is Caleb, and he saved them. Now he wants to hang out with the two couples, but one person in the group is not happy with the new addition. They know Caleb, and he could ruin their life.
This was definitely a page turner, though it threw me off that for some reason Holly and Saskia’s chapters are in first person, and Lucas and Theo’s are in third. I had the ending pegged, but I would have been disappointed if it ended differently. There was also another twist in the last chapter that I definitely didn’t see coming, and it was great. This is a fun and suspenseful thriller! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks, Phoebe Morgan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
October 9, 2024
The Trip by Phoebe Morgan
AD PR PRODUCT: Thank you Harlequin (HQ) Australia and Phoebe Morgan for gifting me a copy of The Trip for an honest review!
The Trip is now available for purchase! [Amazon, Dymocks, QBD & BIGW]
Thoughts: This suspenseful crime psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat! I enjoyed the short chapters and the changing points of view. The book became even more gripping around the 70% mark, and I was completely surprised by the ending. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a jaw-dropping thriller!
Synopsis: The perfect holiday. The perfect crime. Four friends on the holiday of a lifetime. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise. Four friends who’d do anything for each other, until now. Only one of them committed a crime. But all four know how to keep a secret. And they’re all guilty of something…
Please check trigger/content warnings prior to reading this book.
★★★★☆
AD PR PRODUCT: Thank you Harlequin (HQ) Australia and Phoebe Morgan for gifting me a copy of The Trip for an honest review!
The Trip is now available for purchase! [Amazon, Dymocks, QBD & BIGW]
Thoughts: This suspenseful crime psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat! I enjoyed the short chapters and the changing points of view. The book became even more gripping around the 70% mark, and I was completely surprised by the ending. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a jaw-dropping thriller!
Synopsis: The perfect holiday. The perfect crime. Four friends on the holiday of a lifetime. Until a vicious murder shatters their paradise. Four friends who’d do anything for each other, until now. Only one of them committed a crime. But all four know how to keep a secret. And they’re all guilty of something…
Please check trigger/content warnings prior to reading this book.
★★★★☆
October 5, 2024
The blurb for this book is incredibly misleading. The "vicious murder" that shatters the perfect holiday, mentioned in the very second line of the blurb, sounds like it is going to be the kicking off point of the story. Imagine my surprise when I'm on page 280 of a 320 page book and no murders have as yet taken place.
In fact, the advertised murder is essentially the climax of the whole book. Um, spoiler alert?? I don't understand how multiple publishing professionals must have read this blurb in connection with this book and said - oh yes, this is a perfect representation of the story. Like???
Most of the book is the two couples being on a holiday in Thailand that is less pleasant than they'd hoped.
And it's definitely easy reading and I was honestly enjoying it, but it felt like it just petered out. Not a single thing was surprising about the ending. I spent a lot of the book thinking "you'd solve this problem if you just did X" and then they do X, the end. Okay??
A solid ending would have made this a solid read for me. As it stands, it all just feels like a bunch of nothing. A travelogue of someone's disappointing trip ruined by interpersonal drama.
In fact, the advertised murder is essentially the climax of the whole book. Um, spoiler alert?? I don't understand how multiple publishing professionals must have read this blurb in connection with this book and said - oh yes, this is a perfect representation of the story. Like???
Most of the book is the two couples being on a holiday in Thailand that is less pleasant than they'd hoped.
And it's definitely easy reading and I was honestly enjoying it, but it felt like it just petered out. Not a single thing was surprising about the ending. I spent a lot of the book thinking "you'd solve this problem if you just did X" and then they do X, the end. Okay??
A solid ending would have made this a solid read for me. As it stands, it all just feels like a bunch of nothing. A travelogue of someone's disappointing trip ruined by interpersonal drama.
February 23, 2024
#TheTrip #NetGalley
Not a good read.
Four friends decide to go on a holiday to Thailand. Saskia and Theo have no money worries and live a luxury lifestyle whole Lucan and Holly are scrimping to save to buy a flat and are struggling to pay for this holiday. On arrival they find there has been a mix up with the hotel booking and end up in a hostel. Things start to go wrong immediately and isn't helped by the fact that they all have secrets.
Nothing is happening in this book. Please don't waste your time.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me an advance copy.
Not a good read.
Four friends decide to go on a holiday to Thailand. Saskia and Theo have no money worries and live a luxury lifestyle whole Lucan and Holly are scrimping to save to buy a flat and are struggling to pay for this holiday. On arrival they find there has been a mix up with the hotel booking and end up in a hostel. Things start to go wrong immediately and isn't helped by the fact that they all have secrets.
Nothing is happening in this book. Please don't waste your time.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me an advance copy.
July 19, 2025
I struggled with this one. I found the characters were so irritating and completely unable to think things through. Spoilt thirty year olds that were acting like teeenagers on their first holiday without their parents and completely clueless on security and taking care of themselves. This book annoyed me so much that I was glad to finish this one.
November 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Trip.
The best thing about this book is Thailand, which is on my to-go list of destinations.
The blurb is false advertising; the plot is not heart-stopping and the vicious murder doesn't occur until the end of the book.
The narrative is a mishmash of tropes found in all genre thrillers.
The basic gist is the same trope you've read time and time again; a group of (insert number) friends go on an amazing trip together but all four of them harbor a deeeep, darkkkkkkk secret.
Odd things happen. Stuff goes missing. Stolen. A stranger appears.
We get POVs from Saskia, Holly, and Lucas but Lucas' was useless; Caleb would have been a better perspective.
And why is Saskia and Holly written from first person and Lucas the third person?
It was distracting to follow the flow of the writing style every time it shifted.
The perspectives only served as filler and to bump up the word count since the only thing Lucas thinks about is how poor he is and how he's going to afford this trip.
Saskia is constantly fretting, Holly is worried about Saskia and creeped out by Caleb, and those ruminations and descriptions make up 90% of the plot.
The narrative is made up of the friends' travel and sightseeing day trips, which is the less fun version of looking at someone's vacation photos.
None of the characters are well developed and it's never explained how Caleb tracked them down in Thailand.
And if it was, I didn't see it because I was skimming a lot.
This was not suspenseful, thrilling or interesting, and sounded like so many previous books I've read.
The best thing about this book is Thailand, which is on my to-go list of destinations.
The blurb is false advertising; the plot is not heart-stopping and the vicious murder doesn't occur until the end of the book.
The narrative is a mishmash of tropes found in all genre thrillers.
The basic gist is the same trope you've read time and time again; a group of (insert number) friends go on an amazing trip together but all four of them harbor a deeeep, darkkkkkkk secret.
Odd things happen. Stuff goes missing. Stolen. A stranger appears.
We get POVs from Saskia, Holly, and Lucas but Lucas' was useless; Caleb would have been a better perspective.
And why is Saskia and Holly written from first person and Lucas the third person?
It was distracting to follow the flow of the writing style every time it shifted.
The perspectives only served as filler and to bump up the word count since the only thing Lucas thinks about is how poor he is and how he's going to afford this trip.
Saskia is constantly fretting, Holly is worried about Saskia and creeped out by Caleb, and those ruminations and descriptions make up 90% of the plot.
The narrative is made up of the friends' travel and sightseeing day trips, which is the less fun version of looking at someone's vacation photos.
None of the characters are well developed and it's never explained how Caleb tracked them down in Thailand.
And if it was, I didn't see it because I was skimming a lot.
This was not suspenseful, thrilling or interesting, and sounded like so many previous books I've read.
May 5, 2024
I love Phoebe Morgan and was thrilled to receive her soon to be published new thriller
This time, two couples travel to Thailand together. There’s wealthy newly weds Sakia and Theo and unwealthy Lucas and Holly
I only mention the wealth because it’s mentioned in the majority of chapters
There’s weird vibes until a third of the way in when something finally happens - friends know I’m not keen on a slow burn
I enjoyed the book once it got going but the pace was way too slow for me. The plane journey, the hotel booking confusion, the hostel - why was any of it necessary?
We got to know each character well enough, but there was such a strong emphasis on their wealth, it felt like there wasn’t much more to them than that
Because of this, when the reveal finally came, I didn’t feel as emotionally moved as I’d have liked
Overall, I felt that the characters and the mystery was missing something and definitely feel this is this authors, weakest book so far
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
This time, two couples travel to Thailand together. There’s wealthy newly weds Sakia and Theo and unwealthy Lucas and Holly
I only mention the wealth because it’s mentioned in the majority of chapters
There’s weird vibes until a third of the way in when something finally happens - friends know I’m not keen on a slow burn
I enjoyed the book once it got going but the pace was way too slow for me. The plane journey, the hotel booking confusion, the hostel - why was any of it necessary?
We got to know each character well enough, but there was such a strong emphasis on their wealth, it felt like there wasn’t much more to them than that
Because of this, when the reveal finally came, I didn’t feel as emotionally moved as I’d have liked
Overall, I felt that the characters and the mystery was missing something and definitely feel this is this authors, weakest book so far
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review
June 1, 2024
I feel awful but this really wasn’t for me. I can understand other people loving it but for a thriller I prefer to be gripped throughout. I felt it was dragged out too long and the “crime” wasn’t even that dramatic it was over in like 1 page.
November 2, 2024
super disappointing read. written poorly, every little thing is explained in excruciating detail to the point where i basically skimmed half the book. all the characters were so annoying and unlikable, and the plot was meh.
July 17, 2024
4.5 stars. Theo and Saskia. Holly and Lucas. Two couples that are the best of friends. Who embark on a luxurious holiday to Thailand. This is just what they all need. Despite Lucas being strapped for cash he’s determined to enjoy this exotic holiday.
But then along comes Caleb. A mysterious lone traveller who helps them out. Then won’t stay away.
Is their trip of a lifetime swiftly becoming a nightmare?
This is the PERFECT beach read! Short, snappy chapters, a gorgeously idyllic location, an intriguing plot which was filled with foreboding means this is a book you can’t put down. I raced through it and enjoyed every page.
I especially loved that there were just 4 main characters. Often a destination thriller has way too many for me & I struggle to separate them. Four was perfect. And Caleb. You really need to meet him!
But then along comes Caleb. A mysterious lone traveller who helps them out. Then won’t stay away.
Is their trip of a lifetime swiftly becoming a nightmare?
This is the PERFECT beach read! Short, snappy chapters, a gorgeously idyllic location, an intriguing plot which was filled with foreboding means this is a book you can’t put down. I raced through it and enjoyed every page.
I especially loved that there were just 4 main characters. Often a destination thriller has way too many for me & I struggle to separate them. Four was perfect. And Caleb. You really need to meet him!
April 24, 2024
This is the first Phoebe Morgan book I’ve read, and the premise of the book really appealed to me- perhaps because I’ve not been abroad on a proper holiday for some time and the thought of a book about somewhere warm was very appealing!!
I’m never usually a fan of books written with chapters from different viewpoints as I feel there’s a lot of overlapping, but I only noticed it once in this book- it was very readable and only took me two days. I think it would be a good holiday read- not too taxing, certainly enough to keep you entertained and an ending you probably wouldn’t predict (well unless you read the description on goodreads first which gives it away- although you do still need to read the book to find out what it’s all about!).
All in all, I liked it- a solid 3.5 from me, and I’d probably read more from Phoebe Morgan on the back of this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m never usually a fan of books written with chapters from different viewpoints as I feel there’s a lot of overlapping, but I only noticed it once in this book- it was very readable and only took me two days. I think it would be a good holiday read- not too taxing, certainly enough to keep you entertained and an ending you probably wouldn’t predict (well unless you read the description on goodreads first which gives it away- although you do still need to read the book to find out what it’s all about!).
All in all, I liked it- a solid 3.5 from me, and I’d probably read more from Phoebe Morgan on the back of this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
I love reading books where something crazy happens to people on vacation. The Trip by Phoebe Morgan checked those boxes for sure. Saskia, Theo, Holly and Lucas travel to Thailand where one thing after another happens to flub up their trip. Unfortunately, it was a bit dragged out for me as not a whole lot happened in most of the book. Though I did like the ending! I am looking forward to reading more by Phoebe Morgan.
November 1, 2024
A mediocre thriller! Mostly predictable with a mild twist at the end
May 10, 2024
A killer holiday read/listen. Two couples embark on a luxurious trip to Thailand, which gets off to a rocky start when they arrive at the hotel to discover they have no booking. They resort to a hostel for the first evening. During the first night, a sinister feeling of being watched looms, and a strange photo is left in the room. The four become five when another traveller latches on. He becomes overly familiar too quickly and creates tension and friction in the group. A holiday in paradise soon turns into a deadly nightmare. A pacy thriller that is well narrated on audiobook. #thetrip #phoebemorgan #harpercollins #netgalley
September 8, 2024
Had to read this book for a book club I’ve joined and it’s absolutely not my normal read at all.
A group of 4 30 somethings go on holiday to Thailand - with dialogue so stunted and laborious I wonder if the author was ever 30 herself. 30 year olds just don’t talk like that!
Billed as a murder mystery, but for most of the book the mystery was when the murder would actually take place. 2/3 of the book is exposition, and made me feel like the author just wanted to drop in facts about Thailand.
The ending felt extremely predictable, and whilst it was an easy read, it wasn’t a great one.
A group of 4 30 somethings go on holiday to Thailand - with dialogue so stunted and laborious I wonder if the author was ever 30 herself. 30 year olds just don’t talk like that!
Billed as a murder mystery, but for most of the book the mystery was when the murder would actually take place. 2/3 of the book is exposition, and made me feel like the author just wanted to drop in facts about Thailand.
The ending felt extremely predictable, and whilst it was an easy read, it wasn’t a great one.
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