Billion-Dollar Ransom

"These kidnappers are asking for the equivalent of the weight of a thousand toddlers in cash?" ~ pg. 69

The plan is unlike any other. A ten-figure ransom. A stubborn FBI agent. Six kidnappers. Two children taken from a school bus. A film producer and movie star grabbed from a resort. A wife whisked off the street of a beauty salon. All at the same time, down to the second! The connection is a billionaire patriarch who wants his family back.

The Billion-Dollar Ransom was my first book read by Duane Swierczynski. I am familiar with a few of Patterson's co-authors but he was a newbie to me. Their writing styles meshed together well, making for a good thriller with a bit of suspense. There were a lot of characters but each was well-developed with individual personalities and interesting chemistry.

"Are you trying to make this plan go to shit?" ~ pg. 161 

Was it a perfect plan? Almost. Was it a predictable thriller? Kinda. Was it page-turning? Yes, by default, because of Patterson's signature short chapters. The action began immediately and continued down to the wire. Would I recommend it? Sure.

Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski! Billion-Dollar Ransom will be available Monday, September 1.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Billion-Dollar Ransom
Author: James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski
Published: September 2025
Pages: 312
Edition: Galley
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤

I Should Be Smarter By Now

In this new comically insightful collection titled I Should Be Smarter By Now, Issa Rae shares her aspirational journey from childhood to cultural storyteller. She redefines modern success and tells the deets in candid, often hilarious, essays. Issa Rae allows readers to go behind the scenes of her empire. She does not shy away from the downs, praises the ups, unabashedly reveals the challenges and shares her creative vision. 

1. The Business of Being Me 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
2. Playing Well With Others 🖤 🖤
3. The Geography of Creativity 🖤 🖤 🖤
4. I See You Seeing Me 🖤 🖤 🖤
5. The Art of Strategic Procrastination 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
6. I Almost Know What I'm Doing 🖤 🖤 🖤 

This Amazon Original Stories collection consists of six (6) quick eBooks that readers may consume in one sitting, even while taking notes. It is a masterclass in literary format designed for those on the go, looking for quick inspiration and an authentic comedic take on success. I had plenty of highlighted quotes and tips by the time I finished. Get inspired for free with Prime or Kindle Unlimited membership. 📖🎧

Happy Pub Day, Issa Rae! I Should Be Smarter By Now collection is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: I Should Be Smarter By Now
Author: Issa Rae
Published: August 2025
Pages: 107
Edition: eBook
Genre: Nonfiction
Ratings: see above