Customer Reviews

Ransom: The Untold Story of International Kidnapping

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A while back I picked up Robert Pelton's absolutely fascinating "World's Most Dangerous Places, 4th edition". After reading his intrepid accounts of kidnapping in places like Colombia, I was intrigued & wanted to learn more. I bought "Ransom" expecting the same engrossing level of detail that W.M.D.P. provides. Instead, what I got was a patched together, overlong work that purports to give us the "inside scoop" on international kidnapping and instead is a series of chapters verging back and forth between fawning profiles of counter-kidnapping professionals (sans any real insight into what it is they *do*) and melodramatic tales of victims in Kashmir. I'm sure Auerbach meant well, but her book does not provide enough interesting information to be worthwhile; her style is overblown and windy, and her reporting is not up to par. If you're really interested in this subject, my advice is to save your money and pick up W.M.D.P. instead-- you'll be glad you did.

Auerbach's brilliant and prescient book shows us how terrorists-including Osama bin Laden-have been financing their operations all these years: kidnapping innocent tourists and businessmen in a now too-famous part of world. Auerbach's writing is wonderful; the book reads like a thriller. Her reporting is the best of journalism, sensitive and informative. She gets behind the scenes of the private kidnap consultants and the U.S. government that, for complicated political reasons, failed to protect and save Americans in that troubled region. And her message is very important. Your safety is your own reponsibility. No one may be able to warn you more specifically about these terrorists' intent or come to your rescue if you fall into their hands. Auerbach was ahead of her time. But now we all know how right she is. Read the book for your own protection. The kidnap problem is ongoing--and getting worse.

So many non-fiction books dealing with politics are so boring to read. I thought this book had the dynamics of a novel with the information of a textbook. I commend Auerbach for successfully marrying the two. This book is a must read for people who want to know more than the media reports about international kidnapping.

This book is just a jumble of disconnected thoughts in incoherent paragraphs, each having nothing to do with any other. I was so excited to begin reading this book. Then, after reading 100 pages, I was so excited to throw it away. Please, please, please don't buy this book. Not buying it will teach the erroneous editors that let it pass, that people want something better for their reading.

excellent writing, makes you think twice about travel to many nations considered "safe"

Ann described my kidnapping situation well and the more general problem facing Americans overseas of getting the US State Department to act quickly and effectively when we are kidnapped. I appreciate her sensitivity to victims and our families in her telling and analysis of our stories. Recommended reading for anyone living or travelling overseas.

The true story of the international terror of kidnapping, Ransom is a book that keeps you in your seat. Beautifully written, the compelling story is a real eye-opener. After reading it, you'll cancel your travel plans!

At times reading like a James Bond thriller, "Ransom" takes you behind the scenes of a frightening reality: you'll never be James Bond, but this book makes it clear your chances of getting kidnapped are greater than you thought. The major kidnap case threaded through the book is suspenseful, and the wife still waiting to learn if she's a widow, Jane Schelly, emerges as a powerful heroine. This is that rare accomplishment, a book that is both important and compelling.

The stories are captivating and emotionally rich. Anyone planning to travel to these countries should read this book. A well written book that I had trouble putting down.

As the chief of the US Navy School of Terrorism Survival, we are making Ransom required reading for all our counter-terrorist force trainees. In an exhaustive study of the modern kidnapping trade, Ann Auerbach has presented a concise and completely accurate account of the increasing threat to the average western traveler in the Third World. Outstanding!