The Professionals by Owen Laukkanen

[Ray]

From Kirkus Review:

"A fast-moving debut thriller with enough twists to fill a pretzel bag.

They aren’t bad people. It’s just that times are tough in Michigan, and none of these young friends can find a decent job. So Pender, Sawyer, Mouse and Marie decide that kidnapping a few rich people for quick, modest ransoms would solve their financial woes and let them live out their lives on a beach in the Maldives. No one gets hurt, no one gets greedy and they all stay professional. They just need to grab some rich businessmen, make a few quiet deals and walk away with a $60,000 payoff each time. One victim even complains he’s worth way more, but $60K is enough for them. The plan works beautifully until they mess with the wrong guy and their great retirement plan goes insanely haywire. Meanwhile, state cop Kirk Stevens and FBI agent Carla Windermere team up to investigate the crimes. The characters are as much fun as the plot. Stevens is happily married and faithful, and Windermere has a beau, yet when they work together the sexual tension between them is obvious. They are the real pros in this case as they try to nail the criminals and stop the mayhem that spirals out of control. And for all the danger, Stevens and Windermere tell each other they’re having so much fun they wish the case would go on forever. The kidnappers, however, enjoy themselves somewhat less while they learn that some things may be more important than money—like staying alive, for example.

Let’s hope Laukkanen writes more thrillers like this one."

 

     For those people reading Criminal Enterprise, be sure to pick up this first book in the series.

[Flowergram]

Oh boy, another author to add to my list. Thanks Ray - sounds like 2 more great books to read.  I hope I live long enough to get through my list LOL

[Slopok]

Looks like a winner!

[Carci]

Sounds like another winner... my kind of book!  Thanx Ray, I have requested it from my library. :)

[Carci]

Wow! Started this book yesterday and I'm having a hard time putting it down. The action keeps building and I have a real interest in all the characters... even the kidnappers.  If this is his first novel I look forward to many more with Stevens and Windermere teeming up.

I just checked fantastic fiction and there is a second one out and another due next March.  YES!

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/owen-laukkanen/

 

[Carolyn Tewell]

Thanks for the head's up...I'll check it out!~mlo

[rapa]

Library called and this book is in for me.  Will pick it up in a couple days. Thanks to all for the recommendation!!

[Carci]

Finished it late last night...  excellent book... start to finish!

Fast paced, interesting plot, well developed characters.

[rapa]

Finished THE PROFESSIONALS last night.  Super good read!  Thanks to Ray for turning us on to this author!