Heather’s Bookshelf: How to Deliver a Ransom
Author: Rob Phayre
Released: 02/01/25
Genre: Non-fiction: true-crime
“This is a book that will help you understand the whole kidnap for ransom business. Its primary purpose is to support successful outcomes for hostages, their families and the team that delivers the ransom.”
“How to Deliver a Ransom” is a non-fiction book all about how to deliver a ransom, facilitate a ransom for a loved one, or survive if you’re the one taken. Interested in true crime? This might be for you, too!
Written from the perspective of an expert who participated in the rescue of over 800 hostages. The author is mindful not to give advice that could help kidnappers, this book includes many examples and anecdotes. Along with ample advice and diagrams, it’s written with personal anecdotes from the author, example scenarios, and reported cases.
This book includes guidance on how to avoid getting kidnapped in the first place. It also covers what to do, and what not to do if you do find yourself or your loved one in a dire situation. It covers the different groups or culprits and motivations behind the kidnappers actions along with modifications to recommendations based on these factors. It also includes dilemmas one might encounter during various parts of the kidnap or rescue process.
Trigger Warning: violence, reference to death, kidnapping, reference to sexual assault
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s a non-fiction, so there aren’t spectacular characters or suspenseful moments to boast about. However, the author does an excellent job in providing a voice and tone that reflects the seriousness of the content while also providing bits of levity to not make it utterly depressing. The structure of the book is also well-done, facilitating interest through division of topics, examples, and dilemmas associated with varying situations. The best part of the book (and I think other true crime fans will agree with me) are all the interesting and real-life examples given by the author. His expertise and experience certainly shines through, but he also supplements with other reported situations. The anecdotes give credence to the author’s advice and also provides background behind why the information provided is so vital and relevant. The statistics provided regarding kidnappings in Nigeria was astounding in itself! An interesting addition to the true crime genre without the often too-disturbing details shared from case files.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A non-fiction supported by an expert author, easy-to-read structure, and filled with examples and anecdotes.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Rob Phayre
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Find it for purchase here
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