Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

How to Deliver A Ransom by Rob Phayre is a deep dive into the real world of kidnapping for ransom (K&R) in its various forms, such as traditional K&R, ideological abductions, tiger kidnaps, and express kidnaps. Phayre details the stages of a K&R event, from selecting victims to ransom negotiation and delivery. He talks about the different types of ransom payments, including cash, cryptocurrency, and even livestock, each with its own challenges. Phayre also speaks on the logistics behind ransom handovers, the risks kidnappers and victims face at different stages, the role of governments in negotiations, and the importance of security measures. Phayre shares personal experiences, like his involvement in a mission to recover a ship and its crew held by Somali pirates. Additionally, he gives readers practical advice on preventing kidnappings, surviving captivity, and managing the psychological impact.

How to Deliver A Ransom: The Complete Guide to Kidnap for Ransom by Rob Phayre is the book that no one ever hopes to use but that everyone who travels or operates in a way that could make them a high-value target should read. Going into this book, I admit that this is not a topic I was particularly versed in. That said, I come from a country where kidnapping for ransom does happen. I found Phayre’s style of writing to be clear, authoritative, and grounded in real-world experience, making it as interesting as it is informative. Phayre’s extensive background in crisis management is undeniable. While areas like the meticulous breakdown of the steps required in such a crisis are intriguing, its strength is in how well the author balances the technical with the human element, addressing not just logistics, but the moral dilemmas surrounding ransom payments. Aside from recommending the book to the reader demographic previously mentioned, I think this guide would be a spectacular resource for fiction writers as well. Very highly recommended.