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Detour
Paul and Joanna desperately want, but can't have, children, and so they travel to Columbia in order to adopt a little girl. Joelle is everything they wanted and they are soon devoted to her. However she comes with a nanny, whose job it is to ease them into parenthood. Trusting her, and leaving Joelle in her care, they are horrified to return home one day to find another child in Joelle's place, and to be informed by the nanny that they will never see their daughter again unless Paul agrees to become a 'mule', smuggling drugs into the US. Paul refuses but then Joanna is kidnapped too, and he realizes he has no choice. Things don't go according to plan, however: the house which was to be his delivery point doesn't exist, and the lawyer who set him up is murdered. With no one to turn to, Paul enlists the help of his ex- lover, and together they are in a race against time to unravel the conspiracy before Joelle and Joanna are murdered.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
30 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 30, 2013
I wasn't as big of a fan of this story as I was with "Derailed". I was hooked when we realized the babies were swapped but after the smuggling of narcotics and drug war unfolded, it threw me on a limb. I'm not sure if I was really disappointed at this because, after all, it does takes place in Columbia and aside from the revolution, its other biggest problem is the illegal export of cocaine. I get that but I found the story to be boring. It could also be the fact that I found Joanna to be so annoying. It bugged me that she always had to be right and things had to be her way. I know kidnapping is an awful thing to go through and I could only imagine what it must feel like BUT I actually sympathize with the kidnappers when they had to deal with Joanna.
I almost gave up halfways but as much as I wanted to enjoy a good book, I can't bring myself to quit. The story does have some good twists but most are predictable. It's safe to say that this book was not for me.
I almost gave up halfways but as much as I wanted to enjoy a good book, I can't bring myself to quit. The story does have some good twists but most are predictable. It's safe to say that this book was not for me.
August 16, 2014
There is not a boring page in this book. There is constant action throughout the book so much that its a bit unbelievable and unrealistic but hey, its a fiction novel. About halfway through the book, I was a little disappointed at how predictable things were but I was totally caught off guard with the final plot twist, I didn't see it coming! Even though most of the first oh, three quaters of the book is pretty predictable, the non-stop action and suspense will make you want to keep reading just to see if your predictions are acurrate. I also love the love/hate relationship the author makes us feel with the "bad guys" they may be theives, kidnappers, drug dealers, murderers but they are all doing what they do for a cause and they all have a back story that just can't let us completely hate them.
★Spoiler alert. Stop reading review here kf you haven't read the book yet.★
The only thing that really left a bad taste in my mouth after I finished the book was the situation with Miles and Ruth. Paul was able to piece together Ruth's existance based off of some lose letters and a book he found while spending one night in Miles' home. Ruth's existance was obviously one of the biggest secrets Miles was keeping from his wife and if she were to ever discover Ruth's existance surely the rest of his shady life would unravel and his life would virtually be over yet, he left a book titled 'The Story of Ruth' stuffed with incriminating letters of his arrangemet with Galina to adopt Ruth for a hefty price sitting right on his bookshelf so obvious that a man who spent one night in his home discovered it. I know that's a minor thing but its something that stuck in my mind after reading. But like I said earlier, its a fiction novel.
★Spoiler alert. Stop reading review here kf you haven't read the book yet.★
The only thing that really left a bad taste in my mouth after I finished the book was the situation with Miles and Ruth. Paul was able to piece together Ruth's existance based off of some lose letters and a book he found while spending one night in Miles' home. Ruth's existance was obviously one of the biggest secrets Miles was keeping from his wife and if she were to ever discover Ruth's existance surely the rest of his shady life would unravel and his life would virtually be over yet, he left a book titled 'The Story of Ruth' stuffed with incriminating letters of his arrangemet with Galina to adopt Ruth for a hefty price sitting right on his bookshelf so obvious that a man who spent one night in his home discovered it. I know that's a minor thing but its something that stuck in my mind after reading. But like I said earlier, its a fiction novel.
May 10, 2011
Wonderfully paced thriller! The action starts early and the plot gets twisted and tangled very soon thereafter. I wouldn't call this book "cheap thrills" per se, but it isn't the densest book you'll ever read. However, if you go into this novel knowing what you're getting into, you'll love it. The story has just enough plausibility to keep you interested, just enough emotion to keep you invested, and to reiterate, a good helping of pace. I read "Detour" in several short periods over two days, but I could have easily done it in a sitting over a couple cups of coffee.
Word to the wise: do not read a long synopsis or detailed review of this book. Reading reviews after completing the book, I feel that going into the story as blind as possible is advisable. The premise is almost a spoiler in itself, and some if not most of the mysteries will be unraveled by smart readers well before the conclusion. But like a decent action thriller, even though you already know the "what", stay along for the ride and marvel at the "how". Trust me, it's a very quick ride.
Word to the wise: do not read a long synopsis or detailed review of this book. Reading reviews after completing the book, I feel that going into the story as blind as possible is advisable. The premise is almost a spoiler in itself, and some if not most of the mysteries will be unraveled by smart readers well before the conclusion. But like a decent action thriller, even though you already know the "what", stay along for the ride and marvel at the "how". Trust me, it's a very quick ride.
September 1, 2016
This story reminded me of Murphy's Law. You throw in an Actuary whose job and speciality is probability into a cartel of drugs and sit back and watch. Maybe, and most definitely, grab some popcorn while you watch him drown in messes he cannot comprehend.
I'd give this book two things : an every day man, Paul, whom a reader can relate to and secondly, a situation that anyone can empathize with, parents who yearn for a child and finally get their big break.
It was not all guns and fire, sadly, but the author made up for it with smarts. Paul is the clueless father to be in this story and how his brain connects the dots is way better than shots being fired.
I'd give this book two things : an every day man, Paul, whom a reader can relate to and secondly, a situation that anyone can empathize with, parents who yearn for a child and finally get their big break.
It was not all guns and fire, sadly, but the author made up for it with smarts. Paul is the clueless father to be in this story and how his brain connects the dots is way better than shots being fired.
August 29, 2013
This was a very average thriller. Writing or pacing or plotting or characters or reading (listened to it on audio) never got above the average point. Which was perfectly fine for what it was and it served to pass the time nicely during walks and a long bus ride. One plot twist that was good. The reader did very entertaining accents. If anyone didn't already know Colombia is dangerous, this tale of an adoption gone array serves as a solid reminder.
March 29, 2013
I wish goodreads had half stars. This is a solid three and a half. The writing was plain but the story was interesting enough. It kept me interested but not enthralled. I would recommend this for someone who is looking for an easy interesting read. The main thing I got from this book was to never visit Colombia. Not bad, not amazing.
June 30, 2015
Beaucoup aimé. L'action démarre rapidement, plein de rebondissements, j'ai aimé qu'on ait les cheminements des 2 conjoints en parallèle. Le livre aborde en quelque sorte le fait de tout donner, tout risquer pour être parent. Fin quelque peu prévisible par contre.
June 17, 2022
Detour is one couple's story of traveling to Columbia to adopt a baby but end up entrapped in the Columbia drug trade, fighting for survival.
Likes:
- Definitely a page turner! This novel keeps the reader hanging on to see how everything comes together in the end.
- The twists and turns that the family encounters along the way. When one thing after another just doesn't seem to pan out.
- This novel capitalizes on the idea that who you think are the good guys have nefarious intent to them.
Dislikes:
- There wasn't much about this novel that I disliked.
- It's never quite explained why Galina ended up working for the FARC.
Overall, an action and adventure page turner that is sure to entertain. May not be the best read if you are trying to wind down for the evening but a worth while read when someone is looking for a roller coast of a novel.
Likes:
- Definitely a page turner! This novel keeps the reader hanging on to see how everything comes together in the end.
- The twists and turns that the family encounters along the way. When one thing after another just doesn't seem to pan out.
- This novel capitalizes on the idea that who you think are the good guys have nefarious intent to them.
Dislikes:
- There wasn't much about this novel that I disliked.
- It's never quite explained why Galina ended up working for the FARC.
Overall, an action and adventure page turner that is sure to entertain. May not be the best read if you are trying to wind down for the evening but a worth while read when someone is looking for a roller coast of a novel.
March 17, 2020
At first I thought this book was OK, a little heavy on the drippy emotions, but OK. Then I realized it really wasn't a very pleasant story. Who would write such a negative story involving kidnapping, betrayal, and violence in a South American country? There really wasn't anything enjoyable about it at all. It was sad, unpleasant, and difficult to read.
Then the violence factor increased dramatically, and this already unpleasant story now included very sadistic violence and multiple torture scenes, as if the author thought more brutality would make for a better story.
Finally the plot got just too twisted, far fetched, and confusing. Who would think to tie a childless couple in New York to a drug lord in Columbia via a child napping ring used to pay off gambling debts owed by a Jewish lawyer to a Russian mobster assisted by a corrupt DEA agent (I think I got that right)? In order to make it all work the author had to write a lot of very convenient things into the plot, like just happening to find some children's letters, or getting a widow to tell very personal things to a complete stranger, or meeting a stranger at a wake who just happens to tell him about the zoo.
I'm sorry I wasted four days on this book.
Then the violence factor increased dramatically, and this already unpleasant story now included very sadistic violence and multiple torture scenes, as if the author thought more brutality would make for a better story.
Finally the plot got just too twisted, far fetched, and confusing. Who would think to tie a childless couple in New York to a drug lord in Columbia via a child napping ring used to pay off gambling debts owed by a Jewish lawyer to a Russian mobster assisted by a corrupt DEA agent (I think I got that right)? In order to make it all work the author had to write a lot of very convenient things into the plot, like just happening to find some children's letters, or getting a widow to tell very personal things to a complete stranger, or meeting a stranger at a wake who just happens to tell him about the zoo.
I'm sorry I wasted four days on this book.
April 1, 2020
AUTHOR Siegel, James
TITLE Detour
DATE READ 03/31/20
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE Buenas tardes. When they got to Bogota, the first thing Paul and Joanna saw was a man with no head.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Crime Fiction/2005/Warner Books/404 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 51/120; Random Travel to 9 Countries 4/9 Kuwait, Lesotho, Japan, Columbia ( Guatemala, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Kiribati, Eritrea)
Around the World in 80 Countries 2019-2021 30/80 for 2019; 37/80(Spain, Denmark, Kuwait, Lesotho, Romania, Switzerland, Columbia)
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2005/Columbia
CHARACTERS Paul & Joanna Breidbart
COMMENTS Great read … this one really holds your attention. Lots of twisted surprises. Paul & Joanna want to adopt a baby their attorney advises them to go to Columbia -- it is easier, faster and he has a relationship with an orphanage/unwed mother's home. What could go wrong… Almost everything!! Shortly after bringing their infant daughter to the hotel, they are kidnapped and so the journey home has many detours.
TITLE Detour
DATE READ 03/31/20
RATING 4.5/B+
FIRST SENTENCE Buenas tardes. When they got to Bogota, the first thing Paul and Joanna saw was a man with no head.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF Crime Fiction/2005/Warner Books/404 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 51/120; Random Travel to 9 Countries 4/9 Kuwait, Lesotho, Japan, Columbia ( Guatemala, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Kiribati, Eritrea)
Around the World in 80 Countries 2019-2021 30/80 for 2019; 37/80(Spain, Denmark, Kuwait, Lesotho, Romania, Switzerland, Columbia)
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 2005/Columbia
CHARACTERS Paul & Joanna Breidbart
COMMENTS Great read … this one really holds your attention. Lots of twisted surprises. Paul & Joanna want to adopt a baby their attorney advises them to go to Columbia -- it is easier, faster and he has a relationship with an orphanage/unwed mother's home. What could go wrong… Almost everything!! Shortly after bringing their infant daughter to the hotel, they are kidnapped and so the journey home has many detours.
September 25, 2023
tense thriller with high stakes
didn't liek the descriptions of literally anyone who wasn't surburban white
Paul and Joelle are desperate for a child. So desperate that when their lawyer tells them how easy it is to adopt a kid from Colombia. In months, not years, they'll finally have the child they've been dreaming of.
Their family is finally complete. Until the nanny comes back with a different baby. They find themselves at the will of waring forces who have no problems sacrificing a couple pawns, fighting to save the family they've dreamed of.
betrayal at every twist and turn
great job at hiding people's motives until it's narratively necessary
there's an additional character who feels like a last minute addition
didn't liek the descriptions of literally anyone who wasn't surburban white
Paul and Joelle are desperate for a child. So desperate that when their lawyer tells them how easy it is to adopt a kid from Colombia. In months, not years, they'll finally have the child they've been dreaming of.
Their family is finally complete. Until the nanny comes back with a different baby. They find themselves at the will of waring forces who have no problems sacrificing a couple pawns, fighting to save the family they've dreamed of.
betrayal at every twist and turn
great job at hiding people's motives until it's narratively necessary
there's an additional character who feels like a last minute addition
June 30, 2017
Three and half stars!!!
This is a good book, the action starts within the first 20 pages and has nice twists and turns. The second half was my favorite because thats when all the pieces come together and things get complicated. Or they seem complicated because I dont read many books like this so this was a fresh story for me. I was up til 3 am trying to finish. I wanted to know what happened to Paul and Joanna lol
This is a good book, the action starts within the first 20 pages and has nice twists and turns. The second half was my favorite because thats when all the pieces come together and things get complicated. Or they seem complicated because I dont read many books like this so this was a fresh story for me. I was up til 3 am trying to finish. I wanted to know what happened to Paul and Joanna lol
July 24, 2020
Very entertaining!!!
Had to laugh when I hit the part in the beginning of the book that corresponds with the "disturbingly different" part of the description. It wasn't as intense of a difference as it had made it sound 😂
But I did really enjoy the book! It was full of twists and turns. Picked this book up every free chance I got. I would recommend this for others to read but I'm not sure if I feel the need to read it again.
Had to laugh when I hit the part in the beginning of the book that corresponds with the "disturbingly different" part of the description. It wasn't as intense of a difference as it had made it sound 😂
But I did really enjoy the book! It was full of twists and turns. Picked this book up every free chance I got. I would recommend this for others to read but I'm not sure if I feel the need to read it again.
July 15, 2025
3.25*
Opzich wel wat beter dan ik had verwacht maar alsnog niet geweldig ofzo. Op sommige vlakken voorspelbaar en had momenten waar personages zo dom deden alleen om het verhaal verder te ontwikkelen. Er waren ook momenten waar arbitraire referenties werden gedaan die echt niks te maken hadden met het verhaal? Daar had een editor wel wat mogen aanpassen.
Voor de rest toch een spannend verhaal en heel makkelijk weg te lezen.
Opzich wel wat beter dan ik had verwacht maar alsnog niet geweldig ofzo. Op sommige vlakken voorspelbaar en had momenten waar personages zo dom deden alleen om het verhaal verder te ontwikkelen. Er waren ook momenten waar arbitraire referenties werden gedaan die echt niks te maken hadden met het verhaal? Daar had een editor wel wat mogen aanpassen.
Voor de rest toch een spannend verhaal en heel makkelijk weg te lezen.
April 15, 2020
Everything I want in a thriller. Great story - a childless couple travel to Columbia to adopt a baby, but end up involved in the drug trade - along with loads of cliff hangers and twists. The ending was a bit twee but loved the roller coaster ride to get there.
First time I've read this author. Won't be the last.
First time I've read this author. Won't be the last.
December 12, 2016
A really terrible offering from the author of Derailed. I think he's another writer to suffer from the debut novel being excellent. That happens sometimes, it's hard to surpass your first book being successful.
October 9, 2020
Not as amazing as Derailed, but still amazing. James Siegel's talent shines all throughout the book. If you are from the Philippines and looking for an affordable copy of this impressive read, simply click this link: https://shopee.ph/Detour-by-James-Sie...
dnf
November 9, 2020*Tigger Warnings*
Drugs
Torture
Violence
Gore
At first, I was interested in the book, but as I went on the book started getting harder to read. I personally couldn't handle everything going on and I had to DNF it when I read a graphic torture scene. It made me sick to my stomach I found out there was even more later on and it just gets more brutal and graphic with later torture scenes.
Drugs
Torture
Violence
Gore
At first, I was interested in the book, but as I went on the book started getting harder to read. I personally couldn't handle everything going on and I had to DNF it when I read a graphic torture scene. It made me sick to my stomach I found out there was even more later on and it just gets more brutal and graphic with later torture scenes.
September 2, 2022
Fast paced thriller and great story - a childless couple travel to Columbia to adopt a baby, but end up involved in the drug trade - along with loads of cliff hangers and twists. The couple suspect that their child has been swapped for another. When they challenge the Nanny assigned to care for the baby, they are kidnapped. The adoptive father is forced to smuggle drugs to North America and if successful, their baby will be returned to them. It's a race against time.
The ending was a bit predictable, but loved the roller coaster ride to get there. First time I've read this author. Won't be the last
3.5 stars 🇨🇴 🇺🇸 👶
The ending was a bit predictable, but loved the roller coaster ride to get there. First time I've read this author. Won't be the last
3.5 stars 🇨🇴 🇺🇸 👶
August 24, 2017
4.5. Läst på svenska: Omvägar
August 6, 2018
A good thriller. Can't say it lives up to the standards set by DERAILED. Still, there are a few good moments.
October 3, 2018
Writing review ..............
February 22, 2019
I found this very compelling, disturbing, palpable. I think this could be one of my new favourite authors.
April 15, 2019
Almost every chapter suspenseful and plot twisted. Loved it.
February 24, 2020
good thriller
September 29, 2020
A fascinating thriller that becomes increasingly convoluted but still believable, just. Fast-paced, threatening and somewhat old school and gung-ho. Definitely worth reading.
September 2, 2021
The book l read had a different cover but same title. I enjoyed it once l l got into it, for me l found it a little hard to follow at times but over all it was a great read.
February 25, 2022
Surprisingly thrilling. A must read
July 4, 2022
Read in 2005. Once you start, consider your life on hold until you finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews