Hostage (Bergman & Recht 4)

Hmmmm, I do like this series but this one is probably the one I've enjoyed the least. It does go on a bit and is also quite confusing in places which made it a bit of a chore to keep picking up again.I do like that red cover though it doesn't really have anything to do with the tale itself !!There were some very funny lines in it and the team are back again with the introduction too of a team in Sapo. Eden is certainly a girl with an interesting past and hopefully we're going to have them all working together in future instalments. The story is certainly VERY topical still as it was when it was written a few years ago.It did make me think at one point where phone records were going to take a "few hours" to get.....surely all these people that create tripe like Angry Birds, for example-other tripe is available-could put their abilities to a far more useful cause and create an app to sort this issue out. It's the 21st century after all. Surely the security services worldwide could utilise some application to spit out the data needed in minutes !!At one point I'd have written recommendations as opposed to decisions but once more there are no mistakes in one of her books which I greatly applaud. Oh, I didn't know what NCU was and couldn't find a match on Google, either. Sterling work. I have book 5 downloaded already and hope there will be more to come.

Kristina Ohlsson's Bergman and Recht books are all well worth a read if you enjoy a police procedural/crime fiction. I have read most, if not all, of them and none have disappointed me. Hostage is another excellent addition to her library of books. I will not give you a precis. I will simply say that if you enjoy crime fiction Ms Ohlsson writes some of the best.

This taut well-plotted novel features Police Superintendent Alex Recht,and Fredrika Bergman,from the author's previous novels.The latter now works for the Justice Department ,but is seconded to assist Recht and the Swedish Security Service's counter-terrorism unit to deal with a hijacking.A note is found on a Stockholm to New York flight advising that there is a bomb on board the aircraft which will be exploded unlesstwo demands are met.It transpires that Recht's son is a co-pilot on this flight.The action takes place over the tense few hours whilst the plane is in the air,as the Swedish and US secret services and governments endeavour to avert a disaster.The suspense is at a high pitch throughout the story,and the author's own knowledge of counter-terrorism,gained by previous employment,adds to the interest and authenticity of this excellent thriller.

I love Kristina Ohlsson’s Bergman and Recht series and this is no exception. Fast paced (it almost reads in real time), it’s a compelling page turner that I couldn’t put down. Ohlsson’s previous experience working in the security services give credibility to the story, and you can feel the frustrations trying to share information between the US and Swedish agencies.

There are times when thoughts and feelings slow the gripping narrative and become intrusive but overall this is my choice for the best of the Bergman and Recht series. Brilliant writing and powerful characters woven into a vivid drama which keeps every page turning from start to finish.

Having read all the previous books, I did find a little difficult in getting into the story and so many new characters.However, able to catch up with Frederika and Alex were good. Did struggle with the investigation , surely certain personalities does play such an important part?Would recommend as it does hold your attention.Can,t wait for next book.

I've read all Kristina Ohlsson's books and this is the weakest by far. Apart from the implausible - nay, risible - premise on which this novel is based it's full of glaring inconsistencies and plot holes big enough to drive a bus through. In particular the aviation side of things is very inaccurate and would have benefited from a lot more research. As for the familiar characters - Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht - they are solid enough, but the narrative is dragged down by far too much inner musing and cod philosophising.Alas, there's very little that actually works in this book. Even the dialogue - not a strong point in translations - is more stilted than usual; it isn't terribly idiomatic either. Most of the characters are thinly drawn, and the Americans are dull stereotypes. Frankly this one never gets off the ground. Avoid.

Another very good novel from Kristina Olsson. Frederica Bergman with an altered role in this one. A new great female lead for Sapp - with an interesting past. As the story reached its climax I felt very emotional and quite stirred by all the family connections that were explored. It really made me think about terrorism, especially in light of recent events in Europe. A really good read.Kristin Olsson's connection to national security services explained at the end of the book is fascinating and adds what seems to be a great dealt of authenticity.