Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Review: 'The Garbage Man' by Tessa Pacelli

Disclosure: I received a free review copy from the publisher. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. [*]

Writing introductions has always felt like navigating a maze blindfolded, especially when it comes to reviews. You always hear that the first few words should grip the reader, but what can you do when you’re faced with a blank page and a foggy mind? So, let’s jump straight in: Today, I’m discussing the mystery thriller The Garbage Man [*], penned by Tessa Pacelli and published by Zero Day Books. I snagged a digital copy on NetGalley last year and have taken my sweet time organizing my thoughts. Life has a way of throwing distractions my way: changes in reading routines, unexpected obligations—you name it. Now, let's unwrap this book.

Cover art image of the novel "The Garbage Man" by Tessa Pacelli.

The story begins with Kayla Mousavi, fresh out of Harvard Business School and stepping into what she believes is her dream job at General Recycling, a tech company touted as the future of clean energy. Kayla is thrilled to work under the elusive CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan, and is convinced that her role is pivotal in saving the planet. With GR’s revolutionary bacteria designed to eat trash, she’s not just chasing corporate success; she’s aiming to be one of the youngest stars in an eco-conscious world.

However, beneath the gleaming surface of innovation lies an ominous truth.

When Kayla stumbles upon discrepancies in the data and uncovers a horrifying secret lurking in the company’s labs, she quickly finds herself in peril. As she inches closer to the truth, the stakes skyrocket, and she becomes the target of a professional hit—a hit intended for her. What she once viewed as a benevolent company is now shrouded in a darker reality involving more than just financial deception.

Now, on the run from a tech mogul with boundless influence, Kayla must outmaneuver a man determined to reshape the world, just not in the way he presents it.

The Garbage Man title caught my attention immediately: simple yet unique, it evoked curiosity. The cover art offers an intriguing glimpse into the woman depicted, suggesting she's fleeing something ominous. I usually don’t care much for modern covers, so when one breaks through the clutter and sparks my interest, it's a good thing. But let's be honest: a captivating title and cover can only get you so far; the real test lies in the writing. So how does Pacelli fare?

She proves herself to be an adept storyteller, perhaps even surpassing some of those so-called New York Times bestsellers. Her prose is crisp and fast-paced; the dialogue is generally engaging, though it occasionally lacks the sharpness it could have. Her descriptive powers shine, painting vivid images that linger long after the pages turn; these were some of the highlights for me. While the premise might not strike as groundbreaking at first glance, as I settled into the story, it revealed itself to be refreshingly unique.

In the end, The Garbage Man [*] was quite enjoyable; certainly not flawless, but a far cry from the predictable thrillers that flood the market these days. If you’re hunting for a thriller that offers something a bit out of the ordinary, I recommend giving this book a shot. Happy reading! ╌★★★★✰

〜B.J. Burgess

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