The Kidnapping of Aaron Greene [Library Binding]

Terry Kay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2000

Occasionally, something happens that so enrages a community that it unites in a demand for justice. The kidnapping of a young Jewish boy named Aaron Greene, in an Atlanta suburb, is just such an event -- because Aaron is the classic nobody, a mailboy at a powerful bank in downtown Atlanta. The kidnappers, in audiotaped messages using the phone-tapped voice of Atlanta journalist Cody Yates, demand one million dollars as a ransom for Aaron's life -- but it must be the bank that pays. The bank refuses, leading to a question that becomes one of loud public debate: if the victim had been the president of the bank, would the ransom have been paid? As the story grows in intensity, one of the city's wealthiest and most influential citizens, Ewell Pender, begins a national campaign for Aaron's life...one that will lead to a stunning revelation.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Veteran author Kay delivers an edge-of-the-seat thriller that begins with the kidnapping of a nondescript young man whose unusual abductors are more focused on their philosophical message than on the $10-million ransom they demand for his safe return. Kay's (To Dance with the White Dog) ace here is the kidnapped man, Aaron Greene of Atlanta, a bank mail clerk, whose very commonness ironically propels him into a maelstrom of media attention. He makes clever use of digital technology as well, as Aaron's captors use popular local newspaper reporter Cody Yates's voice on their audiotapes to feed information to the media. Kay's true heroes are the men who do the behind-the-scenes legwork trying to solve the crime: detective Victor Menotti and Yates, whose dogged reporting contrasts with the frenzied hype that Kay lampoons along the way. Despite employing some stock characters?the arrogant bank president who cheats his board members, the manipulative lawyer who craves the bank president's job, the lawyer's wife who uses sexual liaisons to alleviate tedium?the author displays a knack for originality in his characterization of the innocent Aaron and his naive captors. He also manages to contrive a solid, old-fashioned love story involving Yates and a colleague. This is a clever, well-wrought tale from an author who knows how to do it. Agent, Harvey Klinger.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Smooth storyteller Kay (To Dance with the White Dog, Peachtree, 1990) creates a rich assortment of Southern eccentrics in this complex suspense thriller. His satirical jabs at radio talk show hosts, investigative journalists, and highly paid litigators are as satisfying as the nonstop action. A very ordinary Atlanta mailboy is abducted by a high-tech cult that demands $10 million from his employer?a corruptly managed bank?in exchange for his life. When the bank refuses to pay up, private philanthropists go into high gear to raise the money?and among them is the kidnapper. The scene in which the victim unwittingly attends a fundraising party for himself and works as a valet for celebrities is a masterpiece of ironic humor. At the end we're not quite sure why it all happened, but it doesn't matter. For upscale suspense readers in all public libraries.?Joyce W. Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, NJ
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Tandem Library (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613279239
• ISBN-13: 978-0613279239
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,818,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful page turner with intriguing characters, June 14, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Houston,TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kidnapping of Aaron Greene (Hardcover)

Since ..WHITE DOG I've been a Terry Kay fan, and I wasn't disappointed this time either. I believe Mr. Kay is a highly underrated author. Barnes and Noble doesn't even have this book in stock. John Grisham could learn a thing or two from the ending in this book. At the end you felt as if you'd gotten your moneys worth, that the author has respected his readers intelligence and stayed true to his story...didn't cop out with a cheesy ending. If you haven't read other words by Mr. Kay, give them a shot, you won't be disappointed. A very versatile author, and I always look forward to his books.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing questions, January 24, 2001

By 

Amy Leemon (North Fond du Lac, WI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kidnapping of Aaron Green (Mass Market Paperback)

Aaron Greene is kidnapped on the way to his job in the mail room of a bank. There is no obvious reason for his kidnapping. Aaron is a "nobody", the type of person that people just don't notice or remember. The kidnappers demand 10 million dollars to be paid, not by his family, but by the bank. The manager of the bank can't even place who Aaron is and refuses to pay the ransom.

Aaron's kidnapping becomes part of a media circus. Who is Aaron? Why was he kidnapped? And who is ultimately responsible for someone no one can even remember?

There are many wonderful characters in this book. People that you remember when the book is finished. There is humor and friendship and caring and also some surprises.

Terry Kay can take a subject and completely turn it around into a whole new story.

If you want to try something different, read this book. I think you'll like it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In one word - EXCELLENT!, March 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kidnapping of Aaron Green (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first book that I've read by Terry Kay - I held me entralled from beginning to end. Wonderful characters, great plot line and a clear message that people never REALLY see you. I felt strongly for Aaron Green - and thought the ending of the book (the whole book) was brillant! Kudo's to you Mr. Kay, looking forward to your next novel!