I really enjoyed this thriller about how far tabloids will go to get a story, and I don’t even want to think about how much this is true in real life. I'm guessing it probably is not far from reality, especially given Jones' background in journalism. This one captivated me from the start and I read it in one setting, I am a sucker for topics like these and this one did not let me down. I loved the two female protagonists and their two POV’s. I listened to this one via audio and thought the narrators did a fantastic job with the story, and I would absolutely recommend listening if you can. This was overall well done and one I would recommend.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the copies to review.

I have to thank Minotaur Book specially, because if it wasn't for taking a chance on me I wouldn't know a lot about Sandie Jones. It's safe to say Jones is now one of my autobuy, must own a physical copy of authors. I devour everything and anything she writes.
The Trade Off was a little different for Jones, and I did enjoy this one, but I struggled with it just a little. While it took me a little bit to get through, I did find that I really enjoyed the book, and would recommend it!
Journalism as we all know is a nasty, deceptive world. You must be first, or you're last. How far would you go to ensure the truth was revealed? Ethics, truths, lies, scandals and the stress of deciding to do what's right is front and center in this domestic thriller.
Showing the ugliness of journalism, the reality of this novel is SCARY. You're either the hunter, or the huntee.
While the first half is a bit slow in the building of the story, part two really takes off, and at that point I couldn't put it down.
Thank you for netgalley and Minotaur books for the copy in exchange for review

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy.

I loved the author’s previous work. This one was just okay for me. I felt the first half was very slow as it was introducing us to all the characters. I just was not fully invested into this book like the author’s past books. I am definitely looking forward to her future books!

This was a pacy and adrenaline-pumping read, anchored by the dynamic duo of tabloid reporters: the seasoned and ruthless Stella, and the rookie, Jess. Stella’s relentless pursuit of success knows no bounds, while Jess strives to infuse a touch of morality into the cutthroat realm of celebrity reporting.

The story propels itself into action from the get-go and maintains an unrelenting pace throughout. I had to suspend disbelief many times. While this might require some suspension of disbelief, it undeniably is an entertaining read.

3.5 stars rounded upto 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this novel by Sandie Jones. I have read a couple of her other books, this was probably my least favorite. The story is told in alternating voices between a new reporter and her boss. I found the premise interesting, but it was a little slow for me to start. Once the book got going I did move through it pretty quickly. At times I felt that some of the plot points did not quite add up and I was a little frustrated as the reader. If you are looking for a novel of suspense featuring the world of journalism you will probably enjoy this one.

The Trade Off
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Sandie Jones

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: For Stella, deputy editor of The Globe, the choice has always been clear. It doesn’t matter how low she has to stoop—getting the best story is what she’s built her reputation on.

For Jess, The Globe’s rookie reporter, the story stops when the truth does. But she knows that the dirty tricks of the tabloids will be hard to overturn.

And when a celebrity is hounded by The Globe and pays the ultimate price, Jess wonders just how much Stella and the paper are responsible. Determined to show the world what the tabloid is capable of, Jess will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth, but she needs to watch her back, because someone else is prepared to kill to bury it.

My Thoughts: This story opens with a bang. It is a slow burn thriller. Stella, who is a deputy editor with the Globe, will do anything to get the story, even if it means crossing a line or six. Jess, just starting at the Globe, wants to be the type of journalist that reports only the truth. The Globe is a tabloid journal, not a respectable news source. We all know journalists can be overbearing, reaching, and obnoxious, but every once in a while, there will be a journalist that cares about the truth. When Jess stumbles across of what crossing the line can do, she will do everything she can to bring light to the questionable tactics of the Globe. However, in doing so, will it cost her the job or her life? How far will the Globe go to protect themselves? In this dangerous cat and mouse game, we see questionable ethics, lines being crossed, threatens celebrities for the story, fabricated stories, and pieces of the truth displayed in alternate theories. This is more of a workplace thriller that could be seen as authentic and realistic.

The story is narrated primarily by Stella and Jess, in their respective perspectives. Stella has been in the journalism business for 15 years, has developed thick skin, still ambitious, and will do anything for the story. Jess is only 25 and this is her first national journalism assignment, while she is green, she believes that the truth can be reported and stories do not need to be fabricated to sell. After a short time at the Globe, Jess soon realizes that they use questionable ethics and she is not sure if this is the job for her. The characters were built well with depth, mystery, questionable ethics, backstabbing, and creative. The author’s writing style was complex, suspenseful, twisty, and engaging. The plot was delivered in twisty layers, especially in the second half with an ending that I did not expect.

The first half of the book is slow but the second half really picks up and has you on the edge of seat as all of the plot lines start to blend together and explode. While the character build up is necessary to get to the second half, if you stick with it, you will not be sorry. I really felt like this story was a very realistic approach to tabloid journalism in today’s world. It is a rough industry and very cutthroat. I highly recommend picking this book up.

I have enjoyed previous books written by this author, so looked forward to another one. Exactly how far would you go, and what would you do to get the big story? Jess must make that decision when she begins a new job. Although for me this book was not up to what I have come to expect from this author, but I would still recommend it because I realize not everyone enjoys the same storyline.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

3.5 stars

Sandie Jones’s thriller The Trade Off centers around the ugly and cutthroat nature of the tabloid industry, and those whose lives are upended by it. Set in London, the narrative alternates between Jess, the newly hired journalist hoping to make her mark at The Globe, a successful UK tabloid, and Stella, the veteran assistant editor known for doing whatever it takes to get a story to sell.

As Jess begins her job at The Globe, her hopes of delivering stories by authentic measures is dashed after seeing the subterfuge that Stella employs to capture a sensational story. Max, the editor of The Globe, decides to bring Jess into a side project: investigate Stella’s methods and inform him when unethical tactics are used, in an effort to “clean up” the paper. As Jess begins to dig into Stella’s methods, she realizes that there is more at stake and that Stella may not know the extent of it. People’s lives are being destroyed with the telling of false tales, but there is a deliberate reason as to why. Both Jess and Stella have to team up and rely on each other to right the wrongs that The Globe has committed, even when it endangers both of their lives.

This was a fast-paced thriller that digs into just how vicious the tabloid industry can be, and the tactics that are employed to deliver a story that sells, regardless of how it will affect others’ lives and how much is fabricated in the process. When it comes to tabloid journalism, I’m not sure how much of this is fiction and how much is true. But if this is rooted in truth, it’s scary. I liked the dynamic between Stella and Jess and how their characters played off of each other throughout the story. I do feel like some sections of action were a bit confusing with their descriptions; I had to reread to understand what was really going on more than once throughout the novel. In addition, the ending and epilogue felt a little rushed and left me with some unanswered questions. Overall, readers who enjoy thrillers and tabloids will enjoy this book.

Content/Trigger Warnings: suicide, sexual assault

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Trade Off by Sandie Jones is a suspenseful novel that I really enjoyed reading.

The setting of tabloid journalism. Definitely a murder mystery here with a feminist twist.

I enjoyed the well written, complex characters and the story was compelling.

There are twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

Fun and juicy inside look at the world of tabloid journalism, with a Me Too twist. Though the beginning had a little too little murder and mayhem for my liking, it brought the drama and character intrigue which kept me invested and guessing until the end. Sandie Jones is a reliable, friendly, juicy, twisty author, and this book is a solid entry into her canon. Looking forward to the next one! Audiobook was well-narrated and an easy and smooth listen.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

Sandie Jones is becoming a go to author for me, so I was excited to get this one. I didn't care for this one as much as her others. I disliked the characters. They were either horrific people or idiots. The story also wasn't compelling to me and I was not excited to pick up the book and keep reading. Even though it was a short book, it took a long time to read and I was happy to get to the end. I will definitely be watching for the next book from this author though.

When local reporter, Jess, gets a break and starts working at The Globe she is excited to reach a larger audience & report on more important news. She quickly realizes there is a level of journalism politics she must understand & learn to navigate. In particular, there are Trade Offs. Often there is a price to pay. Deaths occur and Jess gets in over her head. Can Jess uncover the secrets at The Globe and figure out who she can trust before it’s too late? Thanks to Minotaur Press at St. Martin’s and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I loved this book! It was so unique and different learning about the insides of media and how far they will go for a story. This one kept me on my toes until the very end. Thanks to the publishers for the gifted copy!

Where is the line that you won’t cross? Is there something that could move that line? Is there something that is worth giving up your integrity? A young journalist must answer these questions as she strives to make her paper better than it has been. Although the people at the top remain… so how can that change happen? And, at what cost? Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read the excerpt on this book, but I like Sandie Jones, so I gave it a try. It was different than the thriller I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it. I studied communications in college, so it was interesting seeing the behind the scenes of a tabloid. I know it was fiction, but I’m sure those tricks really happen. I thought the book was a little long and started to drag in the middle, but it was still a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sandie Jones and St Martin’s Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty solid thriller. I enjoyed the last 25% the most because that’s where all the action was, but it was a unique idea. So much corruption and back and forth in this one and I didn’t see those twists coming.

Do you love a workplace thriller set in the world of journalism? How about books with dynamic, but morally gray female leads? If you answered yes to these questions, pick up THE TRADE OFF. I am not usually a thriller reader, however I do love stories set in the world of journalism. This one really dove into the ethics at play in modern reporting. It considers big questions like the negative impact of tabloid style journalism.

The book has two POV characters, Jess and Stella. Jess is young and feels uncomfortable with the dirty tricks at play by tabloids. Stella is older, well-established and ambitious. The more scandalous the story the better.

The story starts slow, but begins to pick up when Jess decides to intervene on behalf of celebrities who have been rocked by the stories that are published.

I've really enjoyed Sandy Jones's writing in the past, so I was excited to read this one as well. It took me a little bit to get into this one despite how intrigued I was by the description. I can't really pinpoint why it was so hard to connect to this in the beginning though. It was just a bit of a slow start and slightly confusing until I understood exactly what was going on. This is quite dramatic and exciting towards the end, but I did think it had quite a few lulls as well. What saved it for me was the ending. It felt so justified and relatable as a woman. It was nice to see the female characters stand strong together and go against toxic masculine culture. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

The first quarter of this book had promise, but it just wasn't it. Following two POVs: Jess and Stella, as they navigate their jobs working for The Globe, a British newspaper infamously known for it's scathing tabloids. Jess is the new girl, aka still in possession of her moral compass; Stella is the seasoned journalist who will do anything to get a good story.

WHAT I LIKED:
- the office drama, the tabloids, the (fake) celebrity of it all
- the POV from two very different women in two very different stages in life

WHAT I DIDN'T:
- there were so many side stories going on, but they all felt unfinished? Nothing ever came to a conclusion so I am left with more questions than answers
- how this book tried so hard to focus on the #MeToo movement, but it just didn't land for me
- you mean to tell me that Stella, the woman with like 20 years experience, had NO IDEA that her superiors were skeevy pervs? I'm gonna need more convincing than that

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my advanced copy of THE TRADE OFF in exchange for an honest review.