BookView Review

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Phayre’s How to Deliver a Ransom is a gripping, no-nonsense guide to one of the highest-stakes crises imaginable: a kidnapping for ransom. The book is divided into six sections, each tackling a different aspect of the kidnapping business. Phayre breaks down the types of kidnappings, the phases of an abduction, and the legal and logistical hurdles of ransom delivery. He explores the high-risk nature of transactions, the ethical dilemmas of ransom payments, and strategies for avoiding abduction. He also offers a rare glimpse into the emotional toll on both victims and negotiators.

Phayre’s Red Team vs. Blue Team approach challenges readers to think like a kidnapper before shifting to the mindset of a negotiator. The book concludes with reflections on his career and the evolution of hostage negotiations. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book is highly readable. Phayre simplifies complex concepts, guiding readers through ransom payment methods, proof-of-life protocols, and the intricate planning behind a ransom drop. Equal parts manual, memoir, and case study, the book blends technical expertise with real-world stories, offering a clear-eyed view of hostage rescue operations. Phayre’s background—handling more than 40 ransom cases, including record-breaking maritime payouts—gives the book undeniable credibility. Readers walk away with a deep understanding of how kidnappings unfold, from criminal motivations to the logistics of a ransom drop. 

Indispensable for professionals and travelers facing the realities of kidnapping threats worldwide.