This page is dedicated to the reviews and media for How To Deliver A Ransom, by Rob Phayre. Here you will find links to book reviews, podcasts and articles.
Other Reviews and Media for How To Deliver A Ransom
Podcasts
Spycraft101 & Rob Phayre collaboration
Rob spoke to Justin at Spycraft101 to talk about Somali Piracy and kidnap for ransom cases around the world. Find out more on the Spycraft101 podcast – Episode 184. – How To Rescue A Hostage.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/
Encyclopedia Geopolitica – How To Get On A Watchlist Season 3 Episode 5
In this Episode of the Encyclopedia Geopolitica podcast series ‘How To Get On A Watchlist’ Rob talks to Lewis and Cormac about ransom deliveries to Somali Pirates.
Reviews
Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite
How to Deliver A Ransom by Rob Phayre is a deep dive into the real world of kidnapping for ransom (K&R) in its various forms, such as traditional K&R, ideological abductions, tiger kidnaps, and express kidnaps. Phayre details the stages of a K&R event, from selecting victims to ransom negotiation and delivery. He talks about the different types of ransom payments, including cash, cryptocurrency, and even livestock, each with its own challenges. Phayre also speaks on the logistics behind ransom handovers, the risks kidnappers and victims face at different stages, the role of governments in negotiations, and the importance of security measures. Phayre shares personal experiences, like his involvement in a mission to recover a ship and its crew held by Somali pirates. Additionally, he gives readers practical advice on preventing kidnappings, surviving captivity, and managing the psychological impact.
Review
How to Deliver A Ransom: The Complete Guide to Kidnap for Ransom by Rob Phayre is the book that no one ever hopes to use but that everyone who travels or operates in a way that could make them a high-value target should read. Going into this book, I admit that this is not a topic I was particularly versed in. That said, I come from a country where kidnapping for ransom does happen. I found Phayre’s style of writing to be clear, authoritative, and grounded in real-world experience, making it as interesting as it is informative. Phayre’s extensive background in crisis management is undeniable.
While areas like the meticulous breakdown of the steps required in such a crisis are intriguing, its strength is in how well the author balances the technical with the human element, addressing not just logistics, but the moral dilemmas surrounding ransom payments. Aside from recommending the book to the reader demographic previously mentioned, I think this guide would be a spectacular resource for fiction writers as well. Very highly recommended.
BOOKVIEW REVIEW
Review
Phayre’s How to Deliver a Ransom is a gripping, no-nonsense guide to one of the highest-stakes crises imaginable: a kidnapping for ransom. The book is divided into six sections, each tackling a different aspect of the kidnapping business. Phayre breaks down the types of kidnappings, the phases of an abduction, and the legal and logistical hurdles of ransom delivery. He explores the high-risk nature of transactions, the ethical dilemmas of ransom payments, and strategies for avoiding abduction. He also offers a rare glimpse into the emotional toll on both victims and negotiators.
Phayre’s Red Team vs. Blue Team approach challenges readers to think like a kidnapper before shifting to the mindset of a negotiator. The book concludes with reflections on his career and the evolution of hostage negotiations. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book is highly readable. Phayre simplifies complex concepts, guiding readers through ransom payment methods, proof-of-life protocols, and the intricate planning behind a ransom drop. Equal parts manual, memoir, and case study, the book blends technical expertise with real-world stories, offering a clear-eyed view of hostage rescue operations. Phayre’s background—handling more than 40 ransom cases, including record-breaking maritime payouts—gives the book undeniable credibility. Readers walk away with a deep understanding of how kidnappings unfold, from criminal motivations to the logistics of a ransom drop.
Indispensable for professionals and travellers facing the realities of kidnapping threats worldwide.
Read the review here on BookView Reviews website.
The Prairies Book Review
Review
A clear-eyed, unflinching look at the high-risk world of ransom negotiations and hostage recovery.
Phayre delivers a sharp, no-nonsense guide to navigating the high-stakes world of kidnap-for-ransom. With nearly two decades in crisis management, Phayre distils his experience into a sharp, authoritative look at how ransoms are negotiated and delivered. He uses real-world case studies, hypothetical scenarios, and step-by-step strategies, delving into how kidnappings unfold, negotiations play out, and the safest ways to deliver a ransom. His approach is methodical yet accessible, stripping away Hollywood dramatization to reveal the brutal logic behind ransom demands.
The book places heavy emphasis on risk mitigation. “Avoidance is always better than negotiation,” it warns, detailing how situational awareness, behavioural tactics, and travel planning can reduce one’s target profile. For those already in captivity, he stresses psychological resilience: “The moment you panic, you hand control to your captors.” Despite some sections diving into the logistics of ransom drops and corporate security measures, the content remains digestible. Phayre’s expertise and straightforward writing make it a must-read for security professionals, corporate risk managers, and even travellers looking to better understand personal safety in high-risk areas.
Read the review here on The Prairies Book Review website.
