Arabesque by Colin Mulnern (Young Adult, 10/10)

1st September 2012, Catnip Books

303 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: agility of gymnasts, bond of friendship, family ties, kidnap, witnessing horrifying scenes, tough decisions, several escape attempts, constant danger, being under guard, darker side of life, guns, theft, forgery, outsmarting the enemy, mega plot twists, almost constant suspense, some violence, prostitution (the world of, but no actual acts)

Summary from Colin's website

Amy May is the best at everything she does.

But how do you know you're the best until you're tested?

Until you're pushed to the limit?

A botched kidnapping drags Amy and her best friend

into the depths of a criminal underworld, a world where

the players think with bullets and blackmail.

Where they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

And what they want right now, only Amy May can provide.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This book ticks all the boxes for me: kidnapping, deadly dangerous criminals, always looking for escape. Amy and Mia are in deeeeep trouble, all because of their talents....among other things. Amy has a lot of non gymnastic based skills which both serve her well and throw her even deeper into trouble. Mia is the hysterical, sometimes helpless one. It takes time for Mia to find her courage. When she does, although she is apart from Amy both friends have their eyes set on freedom. Such a shame that they won't find it an easy goal to reach in this 10/10 read. Oh, by the way, if you don't like cliffhanger endings don't read this book.

You can find out more on Colin's website.

Suggested read

For more kidnap drama check out Michelle Davidson Argyle's The Breakaway, a favourite read of mine.