Desperate Measures
A Mystery
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
When Gabriel Ash's wife and kids were kidnapped four years ago by Somali pirates, his life spiraled out of control. He left his job working for the British government and moved to a small town where he descended into near madness. But with the help of his dog, Patience, and his friendship with young police officer Hazel Best, his focus returned. So when he discovers that his wife is still alive, Ash is once again filled with hope and fear. Hope that he has another chance to find her and their two young sons; fear that, in trying, he may bring about their deaths.
Hazel is deeply worried for Ash. But even she is unprepared for what Ash seems willing to do to secure the safety of his wife and children. In fact, nothing is as it seems and loyalty, friendship, and family bonds will be called into question. When Ash learns who was behind the events that wrecked his life and his sanity, even the resourceful Hazel might not be able to keep him from getting hurt. How much is Ash willing to sacrifice in order to bring his family home and bring justice to those responsible?
Jo Bannister's police procedurals are widely praised for outstanding plotting and suspense, and their brilliant and compelling characterization. Desperate Measures, the third novel in the series following Deadly Virtues and Perfect Sins, is an engrossing novel from "one of the undersung treasures of the mystery genre." -The Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Bannister's uneven third mystery featuring former security analyst Gabriel Ash and Norbold, England, police officer Hazel Best (after 2014's Perfect Sins), the pair learn that Ash's wife and two sons, kidnapped by Somali pirates four years earlier, are alive. The pirates promise to release them if Ash broadcasts his own suicide. With help from his former supervisor at the Home Office, he fakes his death and goes into hiding while intelligence agencies pursue the pirates. Meanwhile, Hazel becomes suspicious of his wife's account of captivity and launches her own investigation. Bannister relies on stereotypes and clich s for the shadowy Somali pirates, and other characters lack nuance and depth. The narrative often becomes bogged down in overabundant explication. Still, damaged Ash and chipper Hazel are a compelling-enough duo to keep readers turning pages. Ash's talking dog, Patience, will delight animal lovers, and a subplot involving a homeless teen provides a heartwarming contrast to Ash's conniving wife.
