Crime

Very good first introduction to a new series. The bad guys kind of stole the show, I think. They were a group of friends who recently graduated college, and weren't happy with their job prospects. Some of them chose badly in picking degrees that weren't very profitable and needed someone other than themselves to blame. Of course, it's always society's fault at that age. So, they felt perfectly justified in choosing a life of crime to make some money that would allow them to retire in style - quickly, of course. The first idea was robbing banks, but that seemed too dangerous, so they decided on kidnapping well-off guys for a small enough ransom that it would be easy for them to pay without involving the police. This worked out fairly well for a while, but of course, nothing's perfect.

Even though the group was mostly spoiled and irresponsible, they were young and not really so bad, so it was hard not to sympathize with them when trouble arises. Sometimes I'd find myself forgetting they are not the good guys, especially when they battle the other bad guys, and I'd have to remember what they had done. It was sad and somewhat painful reading about their adventures, but they made their choices on their own, and were not forced into anything.

The real heroes, Stevens and Windermere, were very likable and personable. They didn't want to hurt the kids; in fact, they seemed like they would want to help turn them around if they could. But you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. ( )

Merely "eh." The premise is clever, and the characters pleasantly drawn, but altogether it's just a little to fantastic. ( )

Did not miss a step

Not maudline, nothing hanging, no unexplained anything, just a solid thriller with great characters. I Am on to the second book and looking forward to it. ( )

I really enjoyed spending time with these characters, both the good guys and the bad ones. I will be continuing with this well written series. Happy to have found a new author who is a master at the craft. I read the Library Of Congress Talking Books version, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. Excellent Job, Mr. Ballerini. ( )