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: 🖤 🖤 🖤