A review by wynnz
Reduced Ransom! (Hotshot Book 1) by Mike Faricy

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

 

Pitched as "humor" and a "comedy," I would go as far as to say it is mildly amusing in some situations. As for the ineptitude of the main characters, they were surprisingly successful in their endeavors. Although they decided on one of the most difficult crimes to commit - kidnapping - the exchange of the ransom money is normally fraught with complexities, but our perpetrators had no such problems. I think the victims were dumber or more unstable than the perpetrators. Either that, or the kidnappers were clever in choosing their victims extremely well. There are no good guys in this caper, just some guys better than others.

The plot was straightforward, with a medium-paced narrative, decent characterization, some amusing dialogue dotted here and there. It was an enjoyable and entertaining, lighthearted look at the kidnap business. There seems to be a conflicting message; they say crime doesn't pay, unless you're incompetent and extremely naive, in which case, it does.