The Weekend Trip
A weekend escape to the Catskills is meant to help Claire recover after a mugging in New York City, but the quiet retreat quickly turns unsettling. Strange noises, a too-attentive neighbor, and a growing sense of isolation leave Claire questioning what is really happening—and who she can trust. As buried secrets surface, Claire must act fast to survive. The Weekend Trip is a taut psychological thriller about deception, control, and the moment a victim refuses to remain one.
- Claire - Jacob’s wife
- Jacob - Claire’s husband
- Donna - Neighbor at the cabin, Jacob’s mother
- Claire and Jacob take a weekend trip to the Catskills after Claire is mugged in New York City.
- Claire hears unexplained noises during the night.
- Claire meets Donna, who is staying in the cabin next door. Donna says her husband has died, says Jacob resembles him, and urges Claire to appreciate Jacob while she still has him.
- Claire bikes into town and tries to use Jacob’s credit card, but it is declined.
- Claire hikes to a waterfall while Jacob goes into town for a work call.
- Claire goes to Donna’s cabin to ask for a phone charger, finds the door unlocked, and discovers photos of Jacob stapled all over the walls.
- The next morning, Claire discovers some of her clothes are missing.
- She peers into Donna’s window, sees her clothes on a table, and enters the unlocked cabin to search for more of her belongings.
- She finds the watch that was stolen during her mugging.
- Donna catches Claire in her cabin as Jacob is returning.
- Jacob reveals Donna is his mother, his job is fake, and they targeted Claire for her wealth.
- Jacob orders Claire to transfer all her money to him and implies they will then kill her.
- Claire stabs Jacob in the chest with a skewer and sets the cabin on fire, forcing Donna to choose between saving Jacob or chasing Claire.
- Claire bikes into town while calling for a helicopter to pick her up.
- Claire throws her wedding ring out of the helicopter.
The Weekend Trip is a perfect bite-sized thriller. I really enjoy Jack Dane’s writing style; it draws you in immediately and keeps the story moving at a fast pace.
I was caught off guard by the twist, which is exactly what I want from a story like this. If you are looking for a quick psychological thriller that you can devour in one sitting, this is a great choice!
This book is not available for purchase anywhere. The only way to get a copy is to subscribe to Jack Dane's newsletters on his website: https://jackdanebooks.com.
- Stalking
- Fire
- Death
Publisher: Back Alley Press: This book is not available for purchase and can only be obtained by signing up for the author's email newsletter. Visit jackdanebooks.com to subscribe, and a free copy of the novella will be emailed to you.
Publication Date: December 31, 2024
Note: Details are for the original edition. Other formats, editions, and audiobook versions may be available.
