What do you think?
Rate this book
Todd Mills Mystery #3
Hostage
It's the coup of his career--until the unthinkable happens.Todd Mills, Minneapolis's only openly gay journalist, is getting ready for what promises to be an explosive television an exclusive interview with Congressman Johnny Clariton, a conservative whose vehement opposition to gay rights and AIDS research has fueled his rapid political ascent.But coup turns to chaos when Todd's interview is abruptly ended by three gun-wielding kidnappers--an unlikely trio of domestic terrorists in the final stages of AIDS. With Todd as their conduit to a global audience, the abductors are willing to risk what's left of their lives to give violent expression to their AIDS rage.Their to make the world know what it's like to live--and die--with AIDS.Their a video camera, a hostage, and a syringe full of blood.While the increasingly desperate events play out on television for the world to see, Todd's relationship with homicide investigator Steve Rawlins is dragged into the fray, throwing the unsuspecting Rawlins--still grieving over the recent end of his closest friend's long struggle with AIDS--on a collision course with the kidnappers. And as television reporter, cop, and the FBI all continue their hunt for the terrorists, the tension builds to a heart-wrenching, tragic climax.Unsettling, unpredictable and unapologetic, Hostage is Zimmerman's darkest and most suspenseful tale yet, a bold step forward for this acclaimed and widely popular series.
Under the pen name of Robert Alexander, Zimmerman's novels include The New York Times bestseller, The Kitchen Boy, and his latest, When Dad Came Back As My Dog. For more info on the author, www.robertalexanderbooks.com
Under the pen name of Robert Alexander, Zimmerman's novels include The New York Times bestseller, The Kitchen Boy, and his latest, When Dad Came Back As My Dog. For more info on the author, www.robertalexanderbooks.com
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
5 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Zimmerman
22 books19 followersA pseudonym used by Robert Alexander
Award-winning author R.D. Zimmerman has been nominated for two Edgars, two Lambda Literary Awards, and an Anthony. He has written ten previous novels, including Tribe and Closet (1996 Lambda Literary Award winner) in the Todd Mills series, six children's books, and created six bestselling mystery jigsaw puzzles. Raised in Chicago, he now lives in Minneapolis.
Award-winning author R.D. Zimmerman has been nominated for two Edgars, two Lambda Literary Awards, and an Anthony. He has written ten previous novels, including Tribe and Closet (1996 Lambda Literary Award winner) in the Todd Mills series, six children's books, and created six bestselling mystery jigsaw puzzles. Raised in Chicago, he now lives in Minneapolis.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2020
I was definitely not in the mood for this book.
I feel like I've read too many serious things lately, with lots of sad and difficult topics. And this story turned out to be another such thing. We have two difficult topics here. The first is homophobia. I am used to this topic in my MM books, so this part was not so depressing for me.
The topics related to HIV and AIDS were much more difficult for me. And I must admit that this book does not spare us the difficult picture of people suffering from HIV and dying of AIDS. As well as the problems of their daily lives. This book was written in the mid-90s and it is still very topical. So far I have not read books (including MM romances) that would deal with this topic. The cruel image contained in this book makes me think about the author's experiences and whether any part of this plot is derived from his own experiences. Anyway, this topic turned out to be difficult for me, just as all other motives of severe illness and dying. I have to be in a special mood to read about them.
When I think about it, I'm starting to realize that this book was not as much mystery as I expected. From the very beginning we know who kidnapped the senator and for what reasons. Todd also quickly understands the situation. And this is probably why the subject of AIDS comes to the fore. I didn't expect that. I thought it was going to be a crime novel, but it's not quite the case.
I haven't read any previous books in this series. I wonder if they are all so heart breaking. I hope not because I liked Todd and Rawlins and I would like to read earlier books from this series to see how they met and the next ones to see how their relationship will develop further. But I'm not in the mood for it right now.
I feel like I've read too many serious things lately, with lots of sad and difficult topics. And this story turned out to be another such thing. We have two difficult topics here. The first is homophobia. I am used to this topic in my MM books, so this part was not so depressing for me.
The topics related to HIV and AIDS were much more difficult for me. And I must admit that this book does not spare us the difficult picture of people suffering from HIV and dying of AIDS. As well as the problems of their daily lives. This book was written in the mid-90s and it is still very topical. So far I have not read books (including MM romances) that would deal with this topic. The cruel image contained in this book makes me think about the author's experiences and whether any part of this plot is derived from his own experiences. Anyway, this topic turned out to be difficult for me, just as all other motives of severe illness and dying. I have to be in a special mood to read about them.
When I think about it, I'm starting to realize that this book was not as much mystery as I expected. From the very beginning we know who kidnapped the senator and for what reasons. Todd also quickly understands the situation. And this is probably why the subject of AIDS comes to the fore. I didn't expect that. I thought it was going to be a crime novel, but it's not quite the case.
I haven't read any previous books in this series. I wonder if they are all so heart breaking. I hope not because I liked Todd and Rawlins and I would like to read earlier books from this series to see how they met and the next ones to see how their relationship will develop further. But I'm not in the mood for it right now.
Read
August 26, 2016Hostage ranks with Morris West's
Proteus
and Vince Flynn's
Term Limits
as an excellent example of how an author's innate devotion to social order can spoil the best and most revolutionary ideas.
The premise is brilliant: three people dying of AIDS will infect a congressman who has been busy demonizing them and blocking funding for medical research into HIV, so that he will come to understand their suffering, and so that the world will grasp the scope and horror of the disease. Their anger is certainly justified, and the actions they take are in the best traditions of the classic fable, where the central character is removed from a position of power and thrust into poverty and despair as a learning experience. The Arab legend surrounding the loss of Solomon's ring leaps to mind as a similar, albeit much older, tale, as does the story of Griselda, though the parallel in that case is less exact.
But Zimmermann fails to deliver on all of this promise. At the last second, after nearly three hundred pages with only occasional gleams of insight, the man with the syringe turns into a coward. He can't press the plunger home. He steps away in failure to waste away and die, his point unmade - because his social conditioning overtakes him and he can't bear to pour the poison into his enemy's blood.
Of course, this outcome was predictable from the spoiler alone. Zimmermann is willing to let the reader sympathize with the despair of his characters. However, as a good, upstanding citizen on the side of law and order, he, like his creations, cannot ultimately shatter the stability of the world in which he lives and writes. The plot of Hostage is a farce that parallels the way in which it was written. Its actors merely pretend to be transgressive, and at the end behave as society expects them to behave. Its author pretends to write a biting, revealing commentary on the terrors of AIDS and the indifference of the state, and at the end lets his target go free, because the conventions of the genre and his own inherent deference demand it. The abuser survives and prospers, his pursuers have suffered for nothing, and in that resolution, a story about the basic justice of revenge becomes one about how the only plausible, possible, conceivably just outcome is the upholding of the status quo.
It would have been so easy for the author and the character to drive the needle home. Neither one could do it. And that is a grave error which does a disservice to a reader who expects daring and unconventionality in the mold of the brave men and women who rioted at Stonewall.
The premise is brilliant: three people dying of AIDS will infect a congressman who has been busy demonizing them and blocking funding for medical research into HIV, so that he will come to understand their suffering, and so that the world will grasp the scope and horror of the disease. Their anger is certainly justified, and the actions they take are in the best traditions of the classic fable, where the central character is removed from a position of power and thrust into poverty and despair as a learning experience. The Arab legend surrounding the loss of Solomon's ring leaps to mind as a similar, albeit much older, tale, as does the story of Griselda, though the parallel in that case is less exact.
But Zimmermann fails to deliver on all of this promise. At the last second, after nearly three hundred pages with only occasional gleams of insight, the man with the syringe turns into a coward. He can't press the plunger home. He steps away in failure to waste away and die, his point unmade - because his social conditioning overtakes him and he can't bear to pour the poison into his enemy's blood.
Of course, this outcome was predictable from the spoiler alone. Zimmermann is willing to let the reader sympathize with the despair of his characters. However, as a good, upstanding citizen on the side of law and order, he, like his creations, cannot ultimately shatter the stability of the world in which he lives and writes. The plot of Hostage is a farce that parallels the way in which it was written. Its actors merely pretend to be transgressive, and at the end behave as society expects them to behave. Its author pretends to write a biting, revealing commentary on the terrors of AIDS and the indifference of the state, and at the end lets his target go free, because the conventions of the genre and his own inherent deference demand it. The abuser survives and prospers, his pursuers have suffered for nothing, and in that resolution, a story about the basic justice of revenge becomes one about how the only plausible, possible, conceivably just outcome is the upholding of the status quo.
It would have been so easy for the author and the character to drive the needle home. Neither one could do it. And that is a grave error which does a disservice to a reader who expects daring and unconventionality in the mold of the brave men and women who rioted at Stonewall.
January 25, 2018
Well, what a gritty, gripping and emotional installment in this series.
This definitely gave me a deep insight into how people faced the spectre of HIV and AIDS - the fear of diagnosis, the rejection by friends, family and society, the abandonment by government, the vitriol, the knowing that death would not be easy. I imagine most of this is still relevant now even though HIV is largley controlled by drugs (though I do not have direct, relevant experience).
Todd goes from new highs in his career, even being involved in the kidnap brings positive exposure. But then the lowest low with Rawlins, and the kidnap expands to include them both in it’s race to destruction.
I did have sympathy with the thoughts of the kidnap gang, you could feel their despair and the symptons described make you want to weep for the lack of support they had.
In the approx 25 years since this was set, a lot of the political comments and attidtudes of some and the greed of some are no different it seems.
There were a couple of issues that I guess may be covered in the next book, and I wanted to know how Elliott got on.
This definitely gave me a deep insight into how people faced the spectre of HIV and AIDS - the fear of diagnosis, the rejection by friends, family and society, the abandonment by government, the vitriol, the knowing that death would not be easy. I imagine most of this is still relevant now even though HIV is largley controlled by drugs (though I do not have direct, relevant experience).
Todd goes from new highs in his career, even being involved in the kidnap brings positive exposure. But then the lowest low with Rawlins, and the kidnap expands to include them both in it’s race to destruction.
I did have sympathy with the thoughts of the kidnap gang, you could feel their despair and the symptons described make you want to weep for the lack of support they had.
In the approx 25 years since this was set, a lot of the political comments and attidtudes of some and the greed of some are no different it seems.
There were a couple of issues that I guess may be covered in the next book, and I wanted to know how Elliott got on.
May 14, 2023
Pretty grim. Written and set in the 90s when the hysteria surrounding AIDS was still very prevalent, so it felt like a realistic time capsule in that sense. The book definitely doesn't shy away from accurately portraying the devastation experienced by characters surrounding the subject matter. Overall I think this was an important read, and I'm glad that I continued the Todd Mills mystery series
September 16, 2012
Welcome back Todd Mills!! This is the Todd Mills that I enjoyed so in Closet and not the one who I was bored with in Tribe....In this third mystery we find our intrepid reporter now hired by Channel 10 as a reporter a year later and in love with gruff and sexy reporter Steven Rawlins. Todd and Steven are practically living together in Todd's condo and even have a cat,Girlfriend who they have taken responsibility of since a friend of Steven has succumb (so they think) to AIDS .The two men have also decided a short vacation trip to NYC, that is if Steven gets the ok from his doctor to fly because he has a sinius infection he can't seem to shake .On the work front ,Todd is nervous and excited about an interview that he has with a controversial Republican senator whose views on AIDS and homophobic remarks have him ready for a bid for the White House.Todd wants to show the senator as the morally corrupt individual this man is and he can hardly wait to interview this man. Senator Clariton ,isin town for two purposes, to promote a science fiction book that has thought to be ghost written and also to be in attendance to a $5000 plate fundraiser at one of the elite restaurants in the area. The senator has also come to the attention to 3 individuals who are in the final stages of AIDS who plan to kidnap this narrow-minded man and give him a taste of what their life is like. This is a book so filled with thrills and tension that it's hard to put down.In someways, you find yourself rooting for the 3 young people who have stooped to this desperate act and you hope they pull it off. I loved this book and find it as exciting now,as when I first read it ...do yourself a favor and read Hostage, you won't regret it.
February 14, 2016
Not the best Todd mills
It was interesting just felt it was getting a bit old about hiv+ blood used as a weapon.
But back then their was a . Lot of hysteria so probably when this was first published it wasn't so cartoonist.
Evil congressman at start of story is understandable
but as the story progressed he stayed evil while everyone else was allowed to learn grow.
In my experience once you get to know a person they may still believe it's wrong
but usually you are not just "gay" and he doesn't remain "rabid christian"
___________________________________________
Everyone fears the word but once they've talked to you especially if they knew you before you came out... their unsteady but eventually they realize in the end your still the same person as before just a lot less depressed and more comfortable and confident.
___________________________________________
World war 2 the holocaust; Jews were hearded together and gassed.... every person in germany was not evil
but Adolf Hitler was the voice and he turned them from being human to a word "Jew".
When your in hard times and some one says it's not your fault these evil people are responsible most will take the out they don't want to believe there actions is why the future is so bleak.
We all need to have the strength enough to confront yourself even if there is a convenient scapegoat available to lay your sins on.
**remember all it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing***
That holds true wither your gay straight or just religious insane Jews suffered horribly I'd hope at the least we can learn to identify evil wither unaware (or uninformed)
It was interesting just felt it was getting a bit old about hiv+ blood used as a weapon.
But back then their was a . Lot of hysteria so probably when this was first published it wasn't so cartoonist.
Evil congressman at start of story is understandable
but as the story progressed he stayed evil while everyone else was allowed to learn grow.
In my experience once you get to know a person they may still believe it's wrong
but usually you are not just "gay" and he doesn't remain "rabid christian"
___________________________________________
Everyone fears the word but once they've talked to you especially if they knew you before you came out... their unsteady but eventually they realize in the end your still the same person as before just a lot less depressed and more comfortable and confident.
___________________________________________
World war 2 the holocaust; Jews were hearded together and gassed.... every person in germany was not evil
but Adolf Hitler was the voice and he turned them from being human to a word "Jew".
When your in hard times and some one says it's not your fault these evil people are responsible most will take the out they don't want to believe there actions is why the future is so bleak.
We all need to have the strength enough to confront yourself even if there is a convenient scapegoat available to lay your sins on.
**remember all it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing***
That holds true wither your gay straight or just religious insane Jews suffered horribly I'd hope at the least we can learn to identify evil wither unaware (or uninformed)
January 20, 2015
Enter R.D. Zimmerman and his Todd Mills Mysteries. I was suspicious, having been duped before, but seeing the awards he's won, I gave it a shot. Boy am I glad I did! Zimmerman creates great characters, fully three dimensional with personality and flaws, that are easily seen throughout the series. To be fair, I've read 3 of the 5 books so far and can wholeheartedly recommend them. Since they are a couple (TV anchor/detective and Policeman/detective) they do have sex but it is 'behind closed doors', not beaten over your head with two billyclubs. That's what I loved: you are told they are in love but not shown. I'm all for man on man sex, but there is time and place for it.
The storylines could be ripped from today's headlines, Zimmerman carefully crafts each book's premise, so you can see it happening in the back of your mind. Side characters are introduced at the right time, they have their time and place as well; written fully dimensional to boot. Zimmerman balances his storylines to make a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I easily give 4.5 stars!
The storylines could be ripped from today's headlines, Zimmerman carefully crafts each book's premise, so you can see it happening in the back of your mind. Side characters are introduced at the right time, they have their time and place as well; written fully dimensional to boot. Zimmerman balances his storylines to make a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I easily give 4.5 stars!
June 1, 2012
First I want to say that I love the whole series! "Tribe" wasn't really one of my favorites but it was still a nice read.
I have one problem with the Mills-books: they need a little long until they really get started with the story. But when the story starts rolling, the books have a great pace and it's hard to put the books away if only for a second.
There are always one or two situations that seem a little unrealistic and maybe even cliché, but that doesn't lessen the joy of reading.
Now a little
I have one problem with the Mills-books: they need a little long until they really get started with the story. But when the story starts rolling, the books have a great pace and it's hard to put the books away if only for a second.
There are always one or two situations that seem a little unrealistic and maybe even cliché, but that doesn't lessen the joy of reading.
Now a little
August 8, 2012
#3 in the Todd Mills series. Gay journalist Todd Mills and a somewhat preachy series featuring acceptance of gays in the age of AIDS.
Todd Mills is getting ready for the coup of his career: an exclusive interview with right-wing congressman Johnny Clariton, whose positions against gay rights and AIDS research promise to make his appearance with Minneapolis's only openly gay journalist an explosive television event. Todd's interview ends with the Congressman abducted by gun-wielding kidnappers, a trio of unlikely domestic terrorists in the final stages of AIDS, willing to risk what's left of their lives to give violent expression to their desperate AIDS rage. Their conduit to the global viewing audience: Todd Mills.
Todd Mills is getting ready for the coup of his career: an exclusive interview with right-wing congressman Johnny Clariton, whose positions against gay rights and AIDS research promise to make his appearance with Minneapolis's only openly gay journalist an explosive television event. Todd's interview ends with the Congressman abducted by gun-wielding kidnappers, a trio of unlikely domestic terrorists in the final stages of AIDS, willing to risk what's left of their lives to give violent expression to their desperate AIDS rage. Their conduit to the global viewing audience: Todd Mills.
Read
August 2, 2011HOSTAGE was really gripping! I hadn't planned on spending the better part of 2 days reading, but I just couldn't put it down. A senator is held hostage by 3 people with full blown AIDS who intend to inject him with their blood so he'll stop thinking it's only a gay disease, and that "the private sector can take care of it". Of course, TV reporters, police, and the FBI get involved. A real page-turner!
September 10, 2012
This is the best of the series to date. While it sides a little bit on the side of being preachy, the topic remains a passionate one even today. I felt the author did an especially good job in bringing home just how devestating the early years were as well as calling out the unending pressure of being gay in middle America.
August 21, 2007
I have not gotten my hands on any other of these books but this one is AMAZING! I found out later it was part of a series but if you just picked up this book alone you wont really be lost at all. The way it is written and descriptions in writing are nicely done.
February 21, 2016
Gripping and grim, I read it in one sitting.
June 22, 2013
I'm not a mystery fan, but I enjoyed learning something about the gay life style the Todd Mills books discribe.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews