A King's Ransom

Just finished A King's Ransom, after getting hooked on Grippando's books by reading Under Cover of Darkness. A King's Ransom kept me guessing right up to the last chapter, and left me wanting more. I especially enjoyed the cohesiveness with which the plot was woven and, also, the easy style of writing where one can become immersed in the story and not be bogged down in detail. It is obvious that James Grippando put in a lot of time in research to write so convincingly about Central America. I was told by another Grippando reader that if I enjoyed Under Cover of Darkness, I will love The Informant, which I am now going out to buy.

This book kept me totally engrossed for an entire weekend. It is a fast paced thriller that leaves you on the edge. I was unfamiliar with the author until I happened onto a book signing at a local bookstore. After casually listening to the author for a few minutes, I became fascinated by his topic of Columbian kidnapping for profit. Mr. Grippando was so gracious and interesting that I bought his book. I started the book on Saturday morning and couldn't put it down until I finished it. I told him I would let him know what I thought about it and I have. I recommend this book highly.

I'm hooked on these books by James Grippando. I started with the Informant, then Under Cover of Darkness and now a Kings Ransom. When you get hooked like I did, you begin trying to guess the unsuspected villian which makes his books fun. I read Kings Ransom in three sittings. It's a book you just can't put down.

This was the best mystery I have ever read - hands down! I couldn't put this book down, and more importantly, I couldn't figure it out! Until the very last page, I was baffled and mystified! What an incredible story. Every time I thought that the book was finished twisting and turning, it twisted and turned again. I couldn't catch my breath. The characters were real, the situation was terrifying, and the ending was fabulous! What more can you ask for. Move everything on your reading list down one and make room at the very top for A King's Ransom - you will love it!

On a business trip off the coast of Columbia, Matthew Rey, a partner in a seafood business, is kidnapped. The terms of the kidnapping are simple...supply the kidnappers with a three million dollar ransom.Back at home in Miami, Matthew's pregnant wife, and fresh out of law school son Nick, are devastated by the news.Nick, willing to do whatever is needed to free his father, begins looking into his families finances and discovers a kidnapping insurance policy for three million dollars. Shocked by his finding, Nick submits the claim, and is given Alex Cabrera, the young agent assigned to his claim.As Alex begins her discussions with the kidnappers, Nick is approached by the FBI, claiming his father is actually a drug smuggler, and they are investigating every angle, including his father's business partner, and his estranged sister Lindsey, whom the family has not spoken to in months, but is living somewhere in Columbia.As the kidnapper's demands are escalating, Alex is told the insurance comapny will not pay the ransom.With no one to trust, Nick and Alex begin their own mission to rescue his father, even if it costs them their lives. With the FBI on their tail, and the kidnappers getting anxious, the pair will have to race the clock to bring Matthew home alive.'A King's Ransom' grabs hold on page one, and plunges you on a suspenseful ride through 400 pages. Non-stop surprises, and action galore will keep the pages turning until the shocking climax.James Grippando has been churning out excellent suspense novels, and his new novel proves he is a master of his craft.The season of the "page-turning beach book" has arrived, and 'A King's Ransom' is the first entry in the category.A MUST read!Nick Gonnella