RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL
by Jamie Freveletti
William Morrow/Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 9780061684227
Hardback, 320 pages, $24.99
Biochemist, ultramarathon runner Emma Caldridge is returning to Colombia when her plane is hijacked and crash lands outside of Bogota. Emma is thrown from the plane and, hidden, watches in horror as guerrillas take the surviving passengers captives. Emma manages to text a cell phone message to her boss, relaying what has happened, and follows the guerillas, hoping her message got through and a rescue team is on the way. The Department of Defense, made aware of the downed plane, turns to Edward Banner and his specialized forces for help in what looks to be a kidnap-for-ransom scheme by the guerrillas, not knowing that Emma is the real reason behind the hijacking. Emma utilizes her skills as a chemist to survive while being pursued by men intent on capturing her for her knowledge and the secret, deadly weapon in her possession.
Emma Caldridge is the quintessential female action hero. She’s smart, athletic, and tough mentally and physically. Her knowledge of plants and skills as a chemist enhance this debut thriller, which is filled with action and suspense. Freveletti weaves into the story the complex political situation between Washington DC and the Colombian government, and gives the reader a better understanding of the Colombian drug cartels and FARC, Colombia’s infamous paramilitary organization known for its kidnapping attempts. An excellent debut novel.
Showing posts with label kidnap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kidnap. Show all posts
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sunday, September 14, 2008
TAKEOVER BY LISA BLACK
TAKEOVER
By Lisa Black
William Morrow
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022-5299
ISBN: 9780061544453
Hardback, 341 pages, $24.95
Genre: Thriller
Theresa MacLean is a forensic scientist called to gather evidence at the murder of a bank officer which her fiancé, homicide detective Paul Cleary, is investigating. Later that morning, she learns that Paul has been taken hostage in a bank robbery which occurred at the bank where the slain man worked. Theresa heads to the scene and meets acclaimed hostage negotiator Chris Cavanaugh. Theresa convinces Cavanaugh to allow her to stay on during the negotiation and watches in horror as her fiancé is shot by one of the armed robbers. In an effort to save Paul’s life, Theresa approaches the robbers and asks that she be exchanged for Paul. The robbers agree, and from that point on, things spiral out of control.
This book has the makings of a good thriller, but distracting factors are the initial slow pace and lack of characters with real depth. A forensic scientist makes for not only an entertaining but an edifying read; however, there is very little forensic information relayed in the book. Theresa takes too long to figure out what’s actually going on and can’t seem to keep her emotions in check. The robbers’ rationalization for robbing the bank is not plausible; there is a much simpler way they could have accomplished what they were trying to achieve.
By Lisa Black
William Morrow
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022-5299
ISBN: 9780061544453
Hardback, 341 pages, $24.95
Genre: Thriller
Theresa MacLean is a forensic scientist called to gather evidence at the murder of a bank officer which her fiancé, homicide detective Paul Cleary, is investigating. Later that morning, she learns that Paul has been taken hostage in a bank robbery which occurred at the bank where the slain man worked. Theresa heads to the scene and meets acclaimed hostage negotiator Chris Cavanaugh. Theresa convinces Cavanaugh to allow her to stay on during the negotiation and watches in horror as her fiancé is shot by one of the armed robbers. In an effort to save Paul’s life, Theresa approaches the robbers and asks that she be exchanged for Paul. The robbers agree, and from that point on, things spiral out of control.
This book has the makings of a good thriller, but distracting factors are the initial slow pace and lack of characters with real depth. A forensic scientist makes for not only an entertaining but an edifying read; however, there is very little forensic information relayed in the book. Theresa takes too long to figure out what’s actually going on and can’t seem to keep her emotions in check. The robbers’ rationalization for robbing the bank is not plausible; there is a much simpler way they could have accomplished what they were trying to achieve.
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