Hostage By Clare Mackintosh

‘Hostage’ is the latest book by Clare Mackintosh.

You’re on board the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney. It’s a landmark journey, and the world is watching. Shortly after take-off, you receive a chilling anonymous note. There are people on this plane intent on bringing it down – and you’re the key to their plan. You’d never help them, even if your life depended on it.But they have your daughter . . . So now you have to choose.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Clare so ‘Hostage’ was a fantastic return to the author.

Set thousands of miles above the ground, Mina has been chosen for the first flight direct from London to Sydney, a momentous moment in her career. But right from the moment that she steps on the plane, she felt that something was wrong and when her daughter’s life is put in danger leaving her with no option but to help hijacker’s take over the plane.

I loved this story, it’s adrenaline inducing, fast paced and written in a style that the reader also feels stuck on the claustrophobic plane.

The story is written through the narrative of Mina and her ex husband Adam. Mina had a childhood dream of becoming a pilot but becomes a cabin crew member instead. Adam has messed up his marriage and is trying to repair it. He wishes that he had the same close relationship with Sophia that Mina has and finds himself always in the sidelines of the family. Sophia is the daughter that they always longed for and even though she wasn’t conceived naturally and isn’t a blood relative. Mina adores her like she’s her own flesh and blood. Sophia is a complex little girl, wise and full of energy, she likes order and routine.

There’s also the inclusion of narratives from the passengers on this famous flight, their background and reasoning behind their trip to Sydney. This is really interesting and was a clever addition by the author, as it keeps the reader on their toes as they try to figure out who the hijackers are.

Thrilling from the first page, ‘Hostage’ is a suspenseful story that pardon the pun – I flew through it! Packed with drama, deceit and focusing on real hard hitting topics such as environment and climate change, this book is about the strength and bond of a mother’s love, whether they are blood related or not.

You can buy ‘Hostage’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.