1. Both Jasmine and Stephanie long for change and adventure. Jasmine’s boyfriend, Glenn, is abusive and possessive, while Stephanie’s job as a news director with frequent traveling takes a toll on her. Jasmine leaves her city of Madison behind with no intention of returning. Imagine what that might be like for you. What would you have to give up? How would you make a life for yourself?

2. A lot of the characters in THE BUSINESS TRIP are flawed. Were you rooting for any of them? Why or why not?

3. Jasmine makes many assumptions about other characters’ upbringings and their social class. How does jealousy manifest itself in the novel?

4. THE BUSINESS TRIP is told from multiple points of view, varying from minor to main characters. How did this narrative structure impact your reading experience? Did it successfully surprise you or reveal how the story unfolded?

5. Both Jasmine and Stephanie have childhood trauma: Jasmine is estranged from her family because of the way her mother treats her, and when she was in college, Stephanie lost her mother to breast cancer. How does this trauma impact them as adults?

6. In such a digital world, technology can be useful and harmful in many ways. What role does technology play in the novel?

7. When you recognized Jasmine’s villainous part in the story, were you surprised? Were there any moments beforehand that felt off regarding the women’s disappearances? Were there any flaws in Jasmine’s plan?

8. Were any of Jasmine’s actions justified? Do men like Glenn and Trent, who treat women like objects, deserve the punishments they received? How is justice served in the novel? Is bad behavior rewarded, or do characters take responsibility for their actions?

9. Jasmine, Anna and Raven have been friends since high school. Robert and Stephanie are neighbors and bond over their love for Broadway shows. How is loyalty presented in the story? Were you shocked at any betrayals?