The Trip
BOOK BY Audrey J. Cole
ABOUT BOOK From USA Today bestselling author Audrey J. Cole comes a locked-room thriller at sea about image and influence, guilty secrets that won’t sink, and the lies we cling to in the storm. A luxury sailing trip is the perfect escape from Palmer’s shattered marriage. Until the Pacific Coast cruise—a chance for old friends to mend old wounds—descends into a harrowing fight for their lives. Twenty years ago, the five of them were inseparable. But after a rafting accident their senior year, only four of them returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found. And their lives were never the same. Now Palmer, her ride-or-die Beth, and home renovator Emma are on an all-expenses-paid trip with mega-influencer Gigi. But a mysterious note and a violent storm soon push them dangerously off course. The radio’s down, the captain’s missing, and the first officer’s woefully inexperienced. And in a chilling echo of the past, Gigi gets swept away. Perhaps on purpose. Someone doesn’t want them to make it back. Palmer’s not sure who to trust, but she knows the truth lies in the murky depths of what really happened that day on the river. The author’s writing style demonstrates consistency, helping readers remain comfortable and engaged from beginning to end. A steady tone and clear structure allow the narrative to flow naturally, making it easy to remain immersed in the story. Many readers find the book appealing because it respects their intelligence. Rather than explaining every detail explicitly, the author allows meaning to emerge organically. This approach creates a more interactive and rewarding reading experience.