The perfect summer (or anytime) read is one that’s thrilling and so hard to put down that you want to read it through in one sitting. “The Trade Off” by Sandie Jones certainly fits that bill, but it’s also a story that is, at its core, about the deceptive practices and outright lying that go on in today’s media. And while this story is set in the United Kingdom, those of us on this side of the pond can very well substitute some of our media outlets that use fictional “fake news” and other outlandish stories to keep viewers hooked.
The story is told from a dual perspective. Jess is the newbie to the hectic newsroom at The Globe, one of the most popular (and salacious) of the newspapers in England. She is hired by Max, the editor, ostensibly to focus on corruption and to help the newspaper find its moral compass by investigating and publishing real news, not click bait. Jess’s point of view is told in first person, and we can tell from her narrative how passionate she is about justice and doing the right thing. The story is also told from Stella’s point of view, albeit in third person. Stella, at first glance, seems to be the polar opposite of Jess. Stella is ambitious and appears ruthless in doing whatever it takes to get the story that will sell the most papers. She is the deputy editor of The Globe, and she’s determined to be the editor. Although she and Max had worked closely together before rising in the ranks at The Globe, it rankles that he’s the editor and she’s only the deputy editor.
From the first, we see how prevaricating and twisting the facts help get the story that will go viral. When a popular cookbook writer won’t grant The Globe an interview, the owner dangles something in front of her—Tiffany diamonds on loan for an important event—so she’ll give that interview. She’s tricked into it, but then so is Jess tricked into lying and helping con people into sharing secrets that the paper can spread across its front pages to sell, sell, sell more copies. There’s also the title phrase, “The Trade Off,” which is when the paper uncovers something horrible that they then hold over the person’s head to demand an interview in which they hope to uncover something just as shocking.
When, because of Jess and Stella’s machinations, someone dies by suicide, they both are shaken. Jess is hellbent on getting justice. Stella begins to wonder how much it’s worth to get the hottest story—is it worth someone’s life? And that’s when we begin to wonder what exactly is going on.
We know that Peter Kingsley, the extremely wealthy, extremely powerful owner of the paper, a media tycoon, is ruthless and completely lacking any moral fiber. We slowly come to understand exactly what is at stake in this novel that, like a mountain road, twists and winds around until we don’t know what direction we are going.
Corruption, lies, revenge, hunger for power, women hiding crimes that they have been victim to, and the power of the media are all fodder for thoughtful reflection as we turn the last page. If you were duped into committing a crime against someone, or even a hurtful act, does the fact that you didn’t really know what you were doing exonerate you? Do intentions matter? Or the devastating results?
Definitely put this one on your to-read list. It’s a quick read, but again, that’s because you don’t want to stop reading. The two women, seemingly so opposite, are—at heart—reporters out for the truth.
This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.