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Hostage - Review.

Hostage - Kristina Ohlsson

Publication Date: Available Now from Simon and Schuster UK Fiction.

 

Source: Netgalley

 

Shortly after a crowded New York-bound flight takes off from Stockholm, a bomb threat is found on board. Anonymous hijackers demand that the Swedish government revoke its decision to deport a Moroccan man. If their demands are not met, the plane will explode if it attempts to land. The US and Swedish governments must choose between negotiating with terrorists in order to save the four hundred passengers held hostage at thirty thousand feet, or to stand their ground and pursue the deportation of a possibly innocent man. Fredrika Bergman, familiar with the deportation case through her work in the Justice Department, now returns to the police force to act as a liaison between Police Superintendent Alex Recht, and the abrasive Eden Lundell, agent with the Security Service's counter-terrorism unit.

 

A really excellent thriller this one - I am aware now that there are previous novels in this series featuring Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht but sadly these had passed me by - however in this case I have started "late" at the right point,this novel being a slight change in direction from the previous - and introducing (I believe) Eden Lundell, a character I fell in love with. I will certainly go back and read the others, however for the next reader, starting here will give you no problems whatsoever.

 

A series of bomb threats brings Alex Recht into contact with Sapo, the Swedish intelligence service and also back together with previous partner Fredricka Bergman - when the threats pass with no actual explosions, everyone is relieved if somewhat confused - however the real danger has just taken off from Stockholm and is en route to New York...

 

This is a novel of many twists and turns and some absolutely edge of the seat moments throughout...Alex has a particular reason for being determined to bring the plane down safely, but he is embroiled in political motivations and secrecy involving many agencies across a divide of many countries, so he has his work cut out for him. It is all very exciting, eminently readable and one of those page turners that keeps you burning the midnight oil...

 

I particularly liked the intricate plotting, the depth of the characters and the seamless way the author immerses you into the story  - playing on some emotional issues with relation to the fight against terrorism, human rights and the issue of "how far is too far" it is an intelligently drawn novel that makes you think about those issues whilst at the same time being absolutely entertained and enthralled.  The scenes on board the endangered flight are realistically scary, the mystery element is terrifically well written so you are never quite sure what is what and there is absolutely no promise of a happy ending so you barely get a chance to draw breath.

 

As I said earlier I loved Eden as a character - I am hoping that her story will continue - I also enjoyed the interpersonal relationships of the main protagonists from the series, the pragmatic look at work versus family and all in all it really was a very very good read with some tightly drawn characters and a very stimulating storyline.

 

Highly Recommended especially for fans of Scandinavian Fiction.

 

Happy Reading Folks!