The Abduction: A Mystery

by: James Grippando

Published by: Avon Books

Reviewed by Bob Pike CSP, CPAE – Speakers Hall of Fame

Allison Leahy is the Democrat’s nominee for president – and the current U.S. Attorney General. She’s in a tight race with the Republican nominee, African American Lincoln Howe, a retired four-star general and a war hero.

Things heat up when Kristen Howe, the General’s 12-year-old granddaughter is kidnapped. As the U.S. chief law enforcement officer, Leahy has ultimate responsibility for the nationwide manhunt to rescue the granddaughter. And the kidnapping opens old wounds of her own daughter being abducted from her home nearly ten years before.

A situation that should be focused on finding a frightened little girl suddenly becomes the focus of the campaign as Allison’s motives are questioned by her opponent and dark secrets begin to emerge on both sides. Leads are followed up and discarded as the Mob gets involved.

Grippando does a wonderful job of painting pictures of both Leahy and Howe as flawed human beings struggling with past mistakes, even as they try to appear perfect in seeking the nation’s highest office. You will feel compassion for both–as well as some anger, as political motivation outweighs the safety of a child and the healing of a family.

This is a great read anytime, but especially with this year’s political landscape.

Armchair Interviews agrees.