A violent crime brings together four lives in Danielle Steel’s sixtieth bestselling novel, the story of a mother’s courage, a family’s terror, and a triumph of human strength and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Outside the gates of a California prison, Peter Morgan is released after four long years and vows to redeem himself in the eyes of the young daughters he left behind. Simultaneously, Carl Waters, a convicted murderer, is set on the path of freedom with him. That night, three hundred miles south in San Francisco, police detective Ted Lee comes home to a silent house; for twenty-nine years, he has been living for his job–and slowly falling out of love with his wife. Across town, in an exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, a mother tries to shield her three children from the panic rising within her. Four months after her husband’s death, Fernanda Barnes faces a mountain of debt she cannot repay, a world destroyed, and a marriage lost.
Within weeks, the lives of these four people will collide in ways none of them could have foreseen. For Fernanda, whose life had once been graced by beautiful homes, security, success, and stunning wealth, the death of her brilliant, brooding husband was already too much to bear. She simply couldn’t imagine a greater loss, until a devastating crime rocks her family to its core–and brings Detective Ted Lee into her life.
A man of unshakable integrity, Lee will soon become the one person who tries to save Fernanda’s family from a terrifying fate. Fernanda must draw on a strength she never knew she had. Racing against time in the underbelly of the criminal world, buffeted by the dark side of power, and unmoored by loss and betrayal, no one can predict where this tragedy will take them.
Danielle Steel brilliantly explores the collision of a shocking crime with the ordinary lives of its victims in a novel that mesmerizes from start to finish. Ransom is at once a riveting evocation of life’s inexplicable turns of fate and a testament to the human will to survive.
Dive into a gripping tale of survival and resilience with Danielle Steel's "Ransom," a compelling novel exploring the intricate connections between seemingly disparate lives shattered by a single act of violence. In her sixtieth bestselling novel, Steel weaves a masterful narrative of courage, family, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. "Ransom" opens with the parallel releases of Peter Morgan, seeking redemption after four years in prison, and Carl Waters, a convicted murderer, both embarking on uncertain paths to freedom. Simultaneously, in San Francisco, we meet Detective Ted Lee, a dedicated officer whose devotion to his job has strained his marriage, and Fernanda Barnes, a wealthy widow struggling to keep her family afloat after her husband's sudden death. Fernanda is grappling with mounting debt and the daunting task of protecting her three children from the stark realities of their changed circumstances. As fate would have it, these four lives, seemingly worlds apart, are set on a collision course. Fernanda's privileged existence is irrevocably shattered by a devastating crime, thrusting her and her children into a terrifying ordeal. Detective Ted Lee, a man of unwavering integrity, becomes her unlikely ally, offering a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. He dedicates himself to protecting Fernanda's family, navigating the treacherous underbelly of the criminal world in a desperate race against time. Fernanda, once sheltered by wealth and security, discovers an inner strength she never knew she possessed. She must confront betrayal, loss, and the dark side of power to safeguard her children. The novel expertly portrays the emotional turmoil and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her children when confronted with unimaginable horror. "Ransom" is more than just a thriller; it's a poignant exploration of human nature, resilience, and the unexpected connections that bind us. Steel masterfully captures the emotional depth of her characters, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. The narrative unfolds with suspense and intensity, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Expect unexpected twists and turns as the characters confront moral dilemmas and difficult choices. This paperback edition published by Corgi, transports the reader into the heart of a family's struggle against insurmountable odds. The story highlights themes of justice, redemption, and the profound impact of violence on individuals and families. "Ransom" is a testament to the enduring power of love, hope, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Perfect for fans of women's fiction, family dramas, and suspenseful thrillers, this book will leave you pondering the fragility of life and the strength we find within ourselves when faced with the unthinkable. A compelling and unforgettable read from a beloved author.