The Wrong Hostage

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Lowell

Narrated by: Maria Tucci

New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell returns with a chilling tale of the law gone wrong and a kidnapping that threatens more than one life. Orphaned at thirteen, Grace Silva clawed her way out of poverty and violence to become one of the most respected judges on the federal bench. Grace believes in the rule of law -- lives it, breathes it. She has always been buttoned up and buttoned down. Except once.

Joe Faroe has learned that laws are made by politicians, and politicians are all too human. He believes in the innocents, the ones getting ground up by governments that are too corrupt to protect their own citizens. He's been through the political meat grinder himself. It cost him his career, his freedom, and the woman who still haunts him. Since then Faroe has worked outside the rules as a kidnap specialist for St. Kilda Consulting, a Manhattan-based global business that concentrates on the shadow world. He is good at his work -- intelligent, confident, ruthless. Until a friend dies trying to kill him.

Now Faroe is out of the business. Then Grace comes to him and Faroe finds himself sucked back into the shadows, tracking a violent killer who holds the life of Grace's son in his bloody hands.

Great Story

Loved the story although I am not sure I would want to listen to another with this narrator.

Amazing Grace

Finally! An entertaining book featuring an assertive woman uses her brain, asks for help when necessary, doesn't take crap from macho jerks or whine about her troubles.

Grace, a federal judge and single mother of a teen, was definitely one of the most interesting characters I have read in a long time. While flawed (her ex-husband was a waste of oxygen) Grace was determined to rescue her son Lane, showing incredible strength and a wicked sense of humor.

Lane's biological father Joe (ex-DEA & security specialist) was my idea of the perfect man; he supported Grace without being a bully, applauded her intelligence & spunk, and risked death for his newly discovered son. Most importantly, Joe was not intimidated by Grace's success or intelligence - he enjoyed having an equal partner who challenged him.

Even 15 year old Lane was engaging and believable; often teens are either portrayed as snotty brats or too adult-like. The plot and suspense were well done, with some graphic violence but enough humor and romance to keep it balanced. Excellent work!

Great read

Usual great read from Elizabeth Lowell can’t rate this highly enough the rest in the series r just as good

Dreadful narrator

Pretty typical Elizabeth Lowell suspese/romance worth 4 stars but ruined by awful narration - 2 stars so ave 3. I appreciate there must be different tones for different people and moods but the narrators loud and soft tones are not just irritating, it was difficult to hear the softer parts. No use turning up the volume as it would make the rest of audiobook too loud.

A Romance

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I recognized the formula for this fictional rescue tale and settled in for a fun, fast paced listen. What I ended up with was far too much of the earnest sentimental musings, erections and body part descriptions of (I assume) the romance genre.

Would you be willing to try another book from Elizabeth Lowell? Why or why not?

I might listen to another Elizabeth Lowell if she left out the romance-y elements.

Which character – as performed by Maria Tucci – was your favorite?

Lane, the son, was my favorite character. Wish there was more from/about him as it would've increased the tension and more heavily invested those looking to rescue him. The romance-y elements set the pace instead. Pity.

Any additional comments?

The narrator was quite good.