Robert Crais establishes this fast-paced thriller right from the off and keeps you hooked until the very end. He reveals certain characters little-by-little throughout and I was very impressed with his writing style. I hadn't seen the film "Hostage" before reading the book, and I must say, the film does not do the book justice at all. I believe that Talley stands out as the less-than-perfect hero who can be related to upon many levels. And Mars is a deeply dark focus point with a lot more up his sleeve than you might originally believe.If you like to be taken for a thrill-ride, then this book is for you.