Blood Ransom

Title: BLOOD RANSOM
Author: Lisa Harris
Publisher: Zondervan Books
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-31905-4
Genre: Inspirational/thriller

Joseph Komboli has managed to make a life for himself away from his remote village. But when he returns home to visit his family, he finds “Ghost Soldiers” already there. He watches from the forest as they kidnap the entire village, killing the elderly, but taking the rest to work as slaves in the mines. Then he overhears two men talking about a government take-over. Joseph takes pictures, but when his presence is discovered he loses the camera while trying to escape.

Natalie Sinclair is sympathetic to Joseph’s story, but doesn’t know what to do about it. The Dhambizao government denies all charges of the “Ghost Soldiers.” And since Joseph has no proof…

Dr. Chad Talcott is on sabbatical from his American medical practice, helping to take care of those in Dhambizao who need medical help. Chad doesn’t believe Joseph at first, but eventually evidence comes to light that indicates he might be telling the truth. When a high-ranking political figure involved, disaster nips at their heels. But can Chad and Natalie expose this modern day slave trade in time?

BLOOD RANSOM is the first book in Ms. Harris’ Mission Hope Series set in the African soil where she and her husband serve as missionaries. The prologue starts out with Joseph watching the horror in his village, and it is gripping. I had to keep reading to find out if he was able to prove what he saw.

I enjoyed reading this very well-written thriller, and getting to know the characters. Natalie is kind and considerate, and so is Chad, but he is a bit more skeptical than Natalie, and more willing to consider ulterior motives than she. I had to cheer for this couple as they took on a cause to help a village boy. If you are interested in a thriller, then BLOOD RANSOM is definitely a book to consider! It will hold your interest to the end. $14.99. 316 pages.