The Garbage Man by Tessa Pacelli @tessa.pacelli @caitlindaviesny @netgalley

the setup…
Kayla Mousavi is a recent Harvard Business School graduate at a panel interview for a job with General Recycling, along with other candidates. She really wants the job, not because she’s interested in the company but the handsome financial package she needs to pay her father’s legal expenses. During the interview, she gets the attention of CEO Frederick (Rick) Douglass Monahan who later presents her with a unique chance to work for him. Kayla, who is a skilled high-stakes poker player, considers the odds and accepts the challenge. Soon she’s working for this high-tech company with a revolutionary approach to waste disposal but stumbles upon their hidden secret…and becomes a target. Kayla goes on the run from enemies unknown with help from “friends” who have a vested interest in seeing her survive.

the heart of the story…
“Inside every great company lies a great crime.” That was a familiar mantra Kayla’s father drilled into her head and it’s one that kept playing in mine. What makes this story work is Kayla who’s smart and has exceptional instincts. Her poker skills become crucial as she has to make snap judgments in seconds as to who she can or cannot trust. General Recycling is using a sophisticated virtual reality experience for nefarious purposes that has global consequences if not stopped.

the narration…
Caitlin Davis did a wonderful job managing a relentless pace for the storytelling. She really captured Kayla’s essence and voice.

the bottom line…
I had no idea that virtual reality would play such a major role in the story and I’m glad I didn’t as I might have given this a pass. But this isn’t your typical AI and it’s as smart and innovative as our girl Kayla. She makes this story work with its high speed chases, intrigue and science. It’s intelligent, witty and takes your breath away. I was initially a little lost but glad I hung in there because there is indeed a huge payoff. Surely there will be a sequel, right?

Book info

• Release Date: January 20, 2026
• Narrator: Caitlin Davies
• Audio Length: 10 hours, 23 minutes
• Publisher: Zero Day Books

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(Thanks to Zero Day Books and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)