This is a fourth part of the series about Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht, my adventure with the series started from the third part (I somehow rarely start crime series from the beginning). I really enjoyed The Disappeared, so when I saw nearly new Hostage at the #AmnestyBookSale in November I couldn’t resist, even though I try not to buy paperback crime, to save my shelves for some more ‘serious’ fare.

Here’s the blurb from the back of the book: Shortly after a crowded New York-bound flight takes off from Stockholm, a bomb threat is found on board. Anonymous hijackers demand that the Swedish government revoke its decision to deport a Moroccan man. If their demands are not met, the plane will explode if it attempts to land. 

So far so typical, but just like the previous book this one is charged with the wider context of social issues as well as characters private lives. New very interesting character is added to the mix – Eden Lundell – harsh agent from the Security Service counter-terrorism unit and again like in case of Alex and Fredrika she is a well-rounded character, full of flaws, not always consistent, yet always trying to do what’s best in her opinion. There’s the issue of immigration and whether it automatically means increased terrorist threat or not, how much of our freedom should we give up for safety and also a surprisingly good cooperation between the Secret Service and police, something very refreshing after the usual squabbles between FBI and CIA described in American thrillers (and also mentioned here). All in all very good entertainment and a kick back to reading I needed after my slow February.

Photo by Violetta Kaszubowska @ vkphotospace