Review of Those in Peril by Wilbur Smith

** What it’s about **

Hazel Bannock is the heir to the Bannock Oil Corp, one of the major oil producers with global reach. While cruising in the Indian Ocean, Hazel's private yacht is hijacked by African pirates. Hazel is not on board at the time, but her nineteen year old daughter, Cayla, is kidnapped and held to ransom. The pirates demand a crippling twenty billion dollar ransom for her release. Complicated political and diplomatic considerations render the civilized major powers incapable of intervening.

When Hazel is given evidence of the horrific torture which Cayla is being subjected to, she calls on Hector Cross to help her rescue her daughter. Hector is the owner and operator of Cross Bow Security, the company which is contracted to Bannock Oil to provide all their security. He is a formidable fighting man. Between them Hazel and Hector are determined to take the law into their own hands.

** What I thought **

I am ashamed to say that I have never read a Wilbur Smith book before.  Obviously I recognised the name and reputation so I was eager to read Those in Peril sent to me for review by Waterstones.

This is an incredible adventure story packed full of action and truly believable characters.  The book is centred on a very topical issue, which has been written about with great intensity and depth.  The writing is superb; Smith must do an incredible amount of research to come up with such excellent detail.  It’s packed full of rather explicit and brutal violence/torture which is portrayed with the rawness that it requires.  Smith doesn’t hold back – this book isn’t for the faint-hearted but perfect for anyone who enjoys a wonderfully written adventure thriller.