Kidnap & Ransom

Kelly Jones #4

by Michelle Gagnon

When the world's foremost kidnap and ransom negotiator is snatched by a ruthless drug cartel, Jake Riley becomes ensnared in the effort to save him. But he's up against Los Zetas, an elite paramilitary organization renowned for its ferocity and skill. Now he and his colleagues must navigate the dark underbelly of Mexico, from raging street wars to perilous jungles, in an effort to rescue him before time runs out.

After nearly losing her life on her last case, FBI Agent Kelly Jones may never do fieldwork again. Determined to regain her confidence, she joins Jake on his mission—and quickly realizes she's in over her head. Then in the slums of Mexico City, she encounters a former nemesis who's enacting a nightmarish ritual on the weak and vulnerable. Now she has one last, desperate shot to prove herself—by taking down a killer.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Ebooks

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 13, 2010

About the author

Michelle Gagnon is a former modern dancer, bartender, dog walker, model, personal trainer, and Russian supper club performer. Her bestselling adult thrillers THE TUNNELS, BONEYARD, THE GATEKEEPER, and KIDNAP & RANSOM have been published in North America, France, Denmark, Spain, Argentina, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Australia. BONEYARD was a finalist for a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

The first book in her Young Adult PERSEFONE trilogy, DON'T TURN AROUND, was selected as one of the best books of 2012 by the American Library Association, Entertainment Weekly Magazine, and Kirkus. It was nominated for an ITW Thriller award, and was a Junior Library Guild and Indienext pick. Along with DON'T LOOK NOW and DON'T LET GO, the entire series received multiple starred reviews and state library awards.

UNEARTHLY THINGS is a modernized, deconstructed version of Jane Eyre set in the world of San Francisco high society. (SoHo Teen, 2017)

Her latest adult novel, KILLING ME, is a neo-noir thriller about unlikely heroines who hunt serial killers.

Michelle lives in Los Angeles, where she is currently attaining a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.

Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichelleGagno...
or Twitter: @Michelle_Gagnon

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cesar Calderon is CEO of the Tyr Group. An organization that helps with kidnapping and ransoms, especially in foreign countries. Cesar is in Mexico City as a guest speaker. Cesar steps out of the restaurant for a smoke, when he is kidnapped.

Jake Riley works for the Longhorn Group, a rival company to Tyr Group. Jake is also Kelly’s fiancé. When Jake learns that his brother, Mark, who works for Tyr Group has gone missing, he and his team head to Mexico City. Kelly comes along with Jake but for a different reason. One of Kelly’s prior cases has gone unresolved. A dangerous man, Stefan Gundarsson got away. Kelly has learned that Stefan is in Mexico City. Let the games begin.

Kidnap and Ransom is book four of the FBI Agent Kelly Jones novels. These books can be read as stand alone novels. I have to say that this book really drew me in. I read it in one afternoon. There was lots of action and it was much harder and grittier. While I did like this book, I did feel like the balance was a little off. There were several different story lines happening in this book. There was the rescue mission and the one involving Kelly and her tracking down Stefan. While the rescue mission was strong, I felt like there was a lot of focus put on what was happening with Kelly and this story line were flat to me. It felt rushed and I was disappointed that Stefan was not harder to take down. I do look forward to reading the next book.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my first time reading this author.
I did like it very much and will be reading
more from her.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this, but it just wasn't for me. I'm not a fan of drug cartel type thrillers in general.

[Jannene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. The ending wasn't what I was expecting for the conclusion of the series.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems I have arrived late for the party yet again. Kidnap & Ransom is Michele Gagnon’s fourth novel, The Gatekeeper, Boneyard and The Tunnels are here other works to date. I am going to get right to the rundown of what the novel is about and then we can discuss it:
“When the world's foremost kidnap and ransom negotiator is snatched by a ruthless drug cartel, Jake Riley becomes ensnared in the effort to save him. But he's up against Los Zetas, an elite paramilitary organization renowned for its ferocity and skill. Now he and his colleagues must navigate the dark underbelly of Mexico, from raging street wars to perilous jungles, in an effort to rescue him before time runs out.
After nearly losing her life on her last case, FBI Agent Kelly Jones may never do fieldwork again. Determined to regain her confidence, she joins Jake on his mission—and quickly realizes she's in over her head. Then in the slums of Mexico City, she encounters a former nemesis who's enacting a nightmarish ritual on the weak and vulnerable. Now she has one last, desperate shot to prove herself—by taking down a killer.”
The Tunnels is the other FBI Agent Kelly Jones vehicle, I am going to back track to that, to get the whole story on her. Kidnap& Ransom is a very good character driven novel so this was right up my alley. I dug into this with a fury and the action, suspense, and thrill was better than I expected. Michele Gagnon is now officially on my radar and being the OCD type of guy I am I will go to the novels I missed and then impatiently wait for the newest novel.
I know everyone dollars are tight, Kidnap & Ransom is in paperback and also ereader form. As it says on the Amazon Kindle page, you can be reading this novel in under a minute. I say go rogue and get kidnapped by Michele Gagnon and her heroine FBI Agent Kelly Jones, it will be a pleasant experience.
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[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing ... action packed.. sad ending ... so much happens in this book .. although the ending does seem to end the series I hope there is more of Kelly Jones , rodregous, and syd and the crew.. I loved the character's.... this is a book i couldn't put.down a absolute page turner from beginning to end . as the killer from the tunnels reemerges in Mexico ..on a tip from a PI ... Kelly is not.who she used to be begs Jake to let her go.along with him to Mexico to help find Jake's brother Mark... although Kelly has other things in mind .... after helping Jake for a while the hunt for mark becomes to dangerous and Jake sends her back to he hotel to get on a plane back to new York ...Kelly dosnt leave .. she goes on the hunt for stefan ... only to have ended up hurt again and in a Mexican prison.. but Danny rodrigeous saves her .. he's such a great partner and friend to her .. meanwhile on there hunt in the ruines and garbage dumps in Mexico .. Kelly discovers she is still her old self even though in the gatekeeper ... book #3 she was seriously injured never to be the same . .. Jake and his partner syd are with there team in the jungles of Mexico trying to save Jake's bro Mark and Mark team from the Tyr group ..
many exciting things happen ... so much suspense and action ... highly recommend this series ... but start at book one .

[J.E. Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Michelle Gagnon's work and I am very impressed. I understand it's her fourth book in the series, but I didn't feel like I had missed out on the histories and relationships because Ms. Gagnon did a great job of making this a stand alone story and peppering just enough back story to keep the character relationships complex but not to much to dilute the pace.

I loved the fact that I was carried away by the story, completely pulling me in to the point I was no longer in my family room but crawling through the mud in the Mexican jungle right along with the characters.

The ending was shocking, but I give Ms. Gagnon props for taking that risk. I'm sure it was a hard choice and honestly, I couldn't see any other ending without the reader going - well wasn't that convenient.

I'm glad I won this book through firstreads and got a chance to experience Ms. Gagnon's writing. She now has another fan. :)

If you haven't read her books and are a fan of crime series fiction - you should give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kidnap and Ransom sounded like a fast paced thriller with lots of action when I read the description on the back.


I believe that Kelly was suppose to be the main character but so much was going on that I am not sure. It felt like the author had a bunch of ideas and just pushed them all into one book instead of just focusing on one story. I did not enjoy this method of story telling at all. I was unable to care about any of the characters or even really like them. Due to the poor story telling I was hoping the bad guy would win since he was the least annoying by far.


I do not plan on reading anything else by Michelle Gagnon.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

oh for heaven's sake. WHAT THE HELL??? the guy freakin DIES! reDICulous. i hate it when one of the main characters die, and die inthe arms of their fiancee no less. justridiculous. i don't read these to read reality, i already know that people die, i get it! I read these books to ESCAPE from reality. what a lousy way to end a perfectly good book. it would have gotten a soild 3 stars without the goddamned endling. With the ending it get 1 star. That's it. Endings are important and this one sucked

[MARILYN · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to the Kelly Jones series. This one takes place in Mexico where Jake and his Co. look for a kidnapped businessman and Kelly chases her arch nemesis Stefan. Great action and adventure but a startling conclusion. I can't even guess where this goes next. I recommend it to fans of the series, but
if you haven't read this series start at the beginning.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that convinces me never to go to Mexico! Besides that the return of serial killer Stephan was as terrifying as his appearance in "The Tunnels". I hope Michelle Gagnon writes another one for adults after her recent foray into Young Adult novels. Overall without giving anything away...another good read from Michelle Gagnon!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing! Very dark read which means to me that it's probably pretty true to life. Had no idea that kidnapping was used that often in various parts of the world. Knew it happened but not to this extent. Characters and their problems are very well drawn and the resolution makes perfect sense.

[Rainelle]

Excellent writing. I was hooked to the book from the first page. I love a book with a lot of action, suspense and heavy drama that keeps the readers attention. This is a can’t put down book. Good luck to other readers. You will experience a sleepless night if you read this book. Two thumbs up.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning the CEO of a Kidnap and Ransom company is a guest speaker at a conference in Mexico. He is kidnapped but no ransom is ever requested. A recovery team with Mark Riley as leader is sent to rescue him. The recovery team is kidnapped as well. FBI Kelly Jones is on medical leave after her leg was amputated following an injury while trying to capture a serial killer. Her fiancee, Jake Riley is the co-owner of a competitor Kidnap and Rescue company. Jake's other brother, Chris comes to see him. He is aware Mark has disappeared and wants Jake to help him find Mark. Jake was unaware Mark was working for a competitor company as they had a disagreement several years ago and had since lost track of each other. Kelly insists on going with Jake and his recovery team even tho she is still in rehab. Although the FBI believe the serial killer who caused her injury was killed, she is not convinced. When her injury prevents her from following Jake in the jungle to a prison camp, she goes off on her own to track down leads on the serial killer. Jake is unaware, thinking she has gone back to the States. Their relationship has been strained since her injury. And, so goes the story. It was good but not as wonderful as I had hoped.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Gagnon brings up a shocking conclusion to the Kelly Jones thriller series in Kidnap and Ransom. It continues where it left off in the Gatekeeper. More drama and tension are in the air as Kelly deals with the loss of her leg and wearing a prosthetic ankle for her leg, while she's on leave. There's friction with her relationship with Jake, while it takes a backseat for the while. When his brother Mark is missing in action in Mexico, he brings his K&R team along to help rescue Cesar Calderon and his brother. We see how Kelly feels about the situation, when she feels useless and unwanted, and considered a hindrance. She sets off on her own mission with her former FBI partner, Danny Rodriguez, to find Stefan Gunderson from the Tunnels. There's plenty drama and shocking twists and turns over here and a surprise ending I won't give away. From California to Mexico, we can really feel for Kelly and Jake and despise Syd Clement and the bad guys in this explosive finale.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read! It starts during the Christmas holidays, but quickly moves south to Mexico where a businessman who (ironically) helps retrieve kidnapped victims is himself kidnapped. Gagnon's series protagonist, FBI agent Kelly Jones, shares the spotlight with two security/soldier/hero-type brothers, one of whom is her fiancee, and the shifting points of view of those characters helps build the suspense.

KIDNAP AND RANSOM is relentlessly paced.... it NEVER stops! And just when you think it can't get any worse, of course, it does. I couldn't put it down. Btw, the research and details read like a Tom Clancy novel. I really don't know how she did it. If you're into thrillers, Mexican drug cartels, and kidnapping schemes, you need to read this book.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book read out of order. Jake works for a kidnap recovery business and his girlfriend Kelly works for the fbi. She is on leave recovering from an accident where she suffers a bka ( in the last book), from Stephan, the evil man. They are having a tough time.
He needs to go to mexico to save his kidnapped boss(irony) and she tags along, hoping to continue her investigation into rumors of her nemesis.
The book is a definite thriller, moving quickly, surprises around every page.I liked the realism in the scenes, and characters. I will have to backtrack to the older books.
It will make you think twice about going to mexico, you might get kidnapped.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Michelle Gagnon to date, in my opinion! I loved the dual story line and loved bringing back Stefan from The Tunnels. I am extremely sad that Jake died, but I think had he lived and they hadn't stayed together, that would have been worse! I am now rooting for Kelly and Maltz to get together... I thought I saw some foreshadowing of something developing between them????

Anyway, marvelous page turner, wonderful descriptions of the underground Aztec temples. Great job, and I can't wait for the next one!

[Deidre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first three books in this series. If you have not read them, do NOT start with this one. This is a very dark book, you will ruin reading the first three. Plus, you won't really get a sense of the people. I did not like this as much, and I cannot tell where she might be going. As all of these, it is scary!

[J.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this novel was inspired by the true story of the kidnap of Felix Batista, an American security consultant, it’s not a copycat of that incident, which remains unresolved.

Michelle Gagnon took the Batista case as inspiration and built upon it an absorbing thriller with enough suspense and plot twists to satisfy any fan of the genre.

[Mart Ramirez]

Author Michelle Gagnon has created an adventurous story with superb characterization—lots of tension and suspense. Kidnap & Ransom is about a world's foremost negotiator who is snatched by a ruthless drug cartel in Mexico.

A very talented writer with very promising stories to tell.

Learn more about Michelle Gagnon: http://michellegagnon.com/

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads first-reads book. I thought it was an OK book, I just couldn't get into the story or the characters. I just didn't like the shoot em up in the jungle.
I was hoping for more of the mystery and that is not what this is.

[Gerrie Finger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book and thank Michelle's publisher for sending it to me. I'm not a fan of capture and chase books or movies, but I got into this one and enjoyed it. The characters move the plot, which I like.

[Landy]

Thank you Goodreads First Reads for this free copy to read. Waiting to recieve it.

[Kristi | Hidden Staircase | · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get through this one. It did not hold my interest for some reason. I haven't read the previous books in the series, and I haven't been able to get into the characters.

[Dena Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the series, a few slow spots. But, I'm still grabbing the next book in the group.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok, it just wasn't my cup of tea but well written. I'm just not into kidnapping and ransom.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but a bit formulaic.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good, but a most surprising ending....never expected it.