What if you could temporarily travel to the Afterlife and transcend the limitations of your physical form? What if you got stuck there? Follow the unexpected and mystifying journey of Tobias Munch, an aspiring novelist at the lowest point of his life, who has a near fatal accident that thrusts him into the life of a free-spirited barista Mia, for whom he secretly pines. Fed up with the monotony of his going-nowhere life, Tobias partakes in a psychedelic ritual that transports him to the in-between, where the dead go to prepare for the Great Beyond. But when the effects wear off and Mia returns to Earth, Tobias inexplicably remains. With the help of a recently deceased musician, murdered by racist police, Tobias is challenged to re-evaluate his life and what truly matters, all while experiencing the extraordinary yet oddly familiar world of the “in-between.” When he finds out that his body on Earth has fallen into a coma, it’s only a matter of time before they pull the plug and there is no coming back. Unique and abstract—a tale of trust and humanity Tobias Munch feels stuck. Stuck at a job he hates, in an apartment he hates. He's recently divorced and looking for solace in the novel he's been writing for the last eight years . "More than anything, Tobias wanted to be understood." Enamored with a vibrant barista, Mia, from the café he frequents, he yearns in secret until the night she accidentally hits him with her car. And invites him into her life. He takes psychedelic drugs with her, desperate to impress her, but their trip takes them to a place called the "the-in-between"—the afterlife between life and death. Tobias is trapped once again, it seems. And it's up to him to find the answers. J. B. Velasquez's debut sci-fi novel Tourist Trapped reveals an intricate world in which the reader is not fully asked to suspend disbelief, just to come along for a ride. Velasquez has a wonderful way of describing the situations and settings in which we're thrown. The storytelling style feels natural with a good mix of point of view and dialogue. The descriptions and inner-workings of "the in-between" shapes the story well and makes it all feel somewhat plausible. The reader gets to see how people communicate with others throughout the vastness of this purgatory, as well as the many activities one can do to stay busy while there. This attention to worldbuilding is refreshing, and it kept the pages turning quicker. I also loved that Uber was responsible for all transportation; a comical choice, but one of many specific details that suggests that "the in-between" bears some resemblance to our current plane of existence. Another personal enjoyment: there is no connection to religion in terms of this afterlife. Everyone arrives at "the in-between" first, and whatever happens in the "Great Beyond" past the final doorway is left to the individual's (and readers') interpretation. Because of this, the author is able to show different people from different walks of life here, how they interact with their surroundings, and how they cope with their new situation. It is uncomfortable to confront one's own mortality, but the author does a wonderful job of showing humanity in every aspect. The witty, dry humor throughout compliments the story nicely; despite the seriousness of most scenes, Tobias never fails to make light of the situation somehow. The author's background in psychotherapy brings forward a unique perspective on introspection and how every aspect of character development is a type of growth. This novel might pass as a science fiction story, but there is realism snaking its way into Tobias's musings. He might not be the strongest character right away, but he learns how to point himself in the right direction, and we get to watch how it makes a world of a difference. "If you weren't scared, it wouldn't be worth it." -Independent Book Review Loved it! Velasquez takes Tobias's angst and turns it into a madcap head trip. Some touches seem gratuitously bizarre, but overall, he creates an over-the-top fantasy world with its own peculiarly consistent internal logic. There's also satiric darkness that creeps into the narrative and drives the action forward. More than its oddities, though, Tourist Trapped succeeds because of its compelling plot and relatable main character who evolves over its course. -Reedsy Discovery Tourist Trapped by J. B. Velasquez is an intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The author's depiction of the afterlife, a realm of mystery and wonder, is an intriguing and amusing concept. The protagonist's character was superbly developed by the author. There are numerous moral lessons to be gleaned from this fantastic story. Never have I read a science fiction story that had so many life truths. I, therefore, awarded the book five out of five stars. I recommend this book to lovers of science fiction and fantasy. -OnlineBookC