The Hostage

In this thriller, a cop tracks the kidnapped teenage daughter of a wealthy developer in a American Rust Belt town. The captors could not have anticipated the quick and clever brilliance of the exceptionally smart teen, and Delia must crack the code to bring her home unharmed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this gripping thriller from the acclaimed author of The Yards, a determined cop sets out to track down the kidnapped teenage daughter of a wealthy developer in a desolate American Rust Belt town. The arrival of a new Nissan plant in Baxter, once a struggling city plagued by crime, has brought about a wave of change, with Captain Delia Mariola dedicating herself to cleaning up the lawless streets. However, when Elizabeth, the fifteen-year-old daughter of the lead bidder on the construction project, vanishes without a trace, it becomes evident that a professional kidnapping ring is at work.

Delia, aware of the potential threat posed by the factory's influx of cash, realizes that this could bring forth an entirely new realm of danger. Despite the well-planned abduction and the expertise of the kidnappers, Elizabeth's intelligence and quick thinking prove to be a formidable obstacle. Confined to the trunk of the car, she ingeniously devises a method to send cryptic messages to her loved ones, hoping to enlist their help in her escape.

The only problem is that the messages may be too intricate and cryptic for anyone to decipher, leaving Delia with a race against time to unravel the code and uncover the meaning behind each message. With the clock ticking, she must navigate through a web of lies, deceit, and danger, as she races against the kidnappers to bring Elizabeth home safely.

The Hostage is a gritty mystery that unfolds in the same hardscrabble town as The Yards, offering a compelling portrayal of a community struggling to overcome its past. The novel is filled with memorable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, as they navigate through a treacherous landscape. From the corrupt police officers to the ruthless criminals, the story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Reviewers have praised The Hostage for its breathless suspense, acute portrayal of the Rust Belt, and its ability to evoke a sense of empathy for the characters. A.F. Carter, in a review for A.F. Carter, describes the novel as a "breathless suspenser that's also a painfully acute evocation of the wrong side of the tracks." Kirkus, in a review for The Yards, praises Carter's impressive effort, stating that "another impressive effort from Carter." Publishers Weekly, in a review for The Yards, commends the novel as a "riveting, must-read tale of suspense, murder, and retribution." Reed Farrel Coleman, in a review for All Of Us, praises the novel as a "thrilling, must-read tale of suspense, murder, and retribution."

In conclusion, The Hostage is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and powerful themes, it is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Whether you are a fan of crime fiction or simply seeking a compelling story that will leave you thinking, this novel is a must-read.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804548868