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NYPD Negotiators #2
Shot Caller
In Jen J. Danna's gripping suspense series, NYPD detective Gemma Capello is called to Rikers Island, where a prison riot threatens to become a bloodbath...
On Rikers Island, tensions always run high, especially in the Enhanced Supervision Housing unit. The ESH is home to Rikers' most dangerous offenders, many of them members of rival street gangs. When Gemma Capello and her team get word of an uprising at the ESH, they know how much is at stake. Gemma also has her own unresolved feelings to deal with--this is the first case she and Detective Sean Logan have worked together since a siege at City Hall that ended with the hostage taker's death.
Built to hinder escape, prisons are also especially difficult for a tactical team to invade. That's a last resort for Gemma, but the longer the inmates remain in control, holding corrections officers hostage, the greater the risk. Gemma begins negotiating with Kill Switch, a young, aggressive member of the Filero Kings gang and the inmates' spokesman. She can tell the stress level is escalating inside. That may give her team some advantages, but it soon leads to a brutal act of retribution--and threats of more to come.
Navigating assumptions on all sides, Gemma desperately tries to stop the body count from rising. But with disagreements and volatility increasing all around, the only certainty is that the next misstep may be a fatal one...
On Rikers Island, tensions always run high, especially in the Enhanced Supervision Housing unit. The ESH is home to Rikers' most dangerous offenders, many of them members of rival street gangs. When Gemma Capello and her team get word of an uprising at the ESH, they know how much is at stake. Gemma also has her own unresolved feelings to deal with--this is the first case she and Detective Sean Logan have worked together since a siege at City Hall that ended with the hostage taker's death.
Built to hinder escape, prisons are also especially difficult for a tactical team to invade. That's a last resort for Gemma, but the longer the inmates remain in control, holding corrections officers hostage, the greater the risk. Gemma begins negotiating with Kill Switch, a young, aggressive member of the Filero Kings gang and the inmates' spokesman. She can tell the stress level is escalating inside. That may give her team some advantages, but it soon leads to a brutal act of retribution--and threats of more to come.
Navigating assumptions on all sides, Gemma desperately tries to stop the body count from rising. But with disagreements and volatility increasing all around, the only certainty is that the next misstep may be a fatal one...
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
62 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Jen J. Danna
16 books355 followersJen J. Danna is the author of the FBI K-9s and NYPD Negotiators thriller series as Sara Driscoll and the coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books at www.jenjdanna.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 17, 2021
This was a very interesting police procedural with a twist - it focused on a hostage negotiator. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it before and I found myself drawn in deeply needing to hear what happened next. I really liked the main character Gemma and appreciated the insight not only into what she did as far as a negotiator but why she was doing what she did. I do wish I had read the first book first as I think this relied more on the first one than I am used to for books like this, but there were enough explanations to not detract from the story. I wish there had been more about what was going on in the block that the inmates had control of. I understand mystery made for a more gripping story in some ways, but I feel like some more pieces heard from mics or other listening devices. I feel like this would have added another level of interest but also flesh out the story a little. Overall I really enjoyed it and will be reading more by this author. I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up.
August 30, 2021
Jen Danna has been an author whose plots have intrigued me for the last decade, beginning with her co-authoring series, the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and, more recently, the FBI K-9 Mysteries. Last year she began her solo series the NYPD Negotiators, and Shot Caller is the second book in this exciting new line of stories. Again, this series carries on the excellent plotting of her past writing. The stories begin with an engaging premise that focuses on resolution, no wandering loose canons but a clear path of action and intent.
When talking about police procedural stories, readers generally are referring to following an investigation from the criminal act or discovery of a body to gathering evidence and finding the perpetrator(s) of the crime. With the NYPD Negotiator series, we start with a guilty party and watch as the police negotiators try to defuse a dangerous situation to prevent more damage or more loss of life. The negotiator police procedural could be called a sub-genre of a sub-genre. Whatever it’s called, it is as fascinating as any investigation is. The tension and suspense are constant, as lives hang in the balance of a negotiator being able to reason with the unreasonable.
The situation Gemma Capella faces in Shot Caller is a prison riot at Rikers, the prison that sits on Rikers’ Island in the NYPD jurisdiction. Rikers is a hotbed of rival gang members and the dregs of society, sprinkled with unfortunate others who find themselves incarcerated with the hard-core criminals. The conditions are nightmarish. One area of the prison is named the Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit, created to improve on the solitary confinement situations. In the ESH inmates spend a minimum of seven hours outside their cells and have access to mental health and social programs, much different than the former 23 hours in the cell and one hour out of previous solitary confinement conditions. However, the units had not been as successful as the DOC, Department of Corrections, had hoped. It is this unit where a prisoner is able to get loose from his shackles, instigate a fight, and lead the prisoners in overcoming the guards and taking over the cell block.
More usually a negotiation involves one person with whom the negotiating team must establish contact and try to convince the hostage taker or perp into a give and take relationship, with the goal being the person ultimately giving himself up and any hostages freed. This time Gemma and her team are faced with a cell unit full of 42 prisoners and eight prison guard hostages. Whereas there might be hope of one negotiating team handling and resolving a situation in a day’s time in a normal stand-off, there’s little hope a prison situation will resolve itself in a day or even two. Gemma’s boss, Lieutenant Garcia forms two teams, with Gemma as the lead negotiator on one, the one operating from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Not all negotiations are successful, and so there is an Apprehension Tactical Team, the A Team, always ready to go in with force and end the situation. They are highly skilled and competent at their job, but too often there is loss of life when they must go in. The negotiators want to avoid the A Team solution, and work hard to do so, but it is the tactical team’s leader that has the final say in when their actions are necessary. Gemma has a good working relationship with the tactical team, and she expects to be given every chance possible to pull the conflict out of the fire.
With the initial take-over of the cell block, there is, of course, violence. It’s not known initially if any of the prison guards or prisoners are dead or injured badly. There’s plenty of bad blood in the mix. Different gangs who hate each other and, most dangerous, all the prisoners hating the guards. A powder keg waiting to ignite is not an exaggeration. The first order of business for the negotiators, after getting set up, is to contact someone inside, but even that has to wait for a cooling down period this time. When Gemma starts trying to open communications, it takes a while, and she fears that there is only chaos and no one in charge.
The prisoner who finally answers Gemma’s call is Rivas, a member of the Filero Kings gang. Kill Switch, his gang name, gains control of the unit, and focuses on Gemma as the negotiator with whom he’ll communicate. Thus, Rivas becomes the “shot caller,” and just like it sounds, he will be the one to either work with Gemma or call off negotiations. It takes all the years of experience Gemma has accumulated to handle the volatile scene, where a misstep on her part can mean someone dies. At first there are some steps forward, and Gemma gets Rivas to submit a list of demands, always an important step in negotiations. But, unpredictability is always just around the corner, and in a negotiation with rival gang members in the mix, the chances for disaster are high. At a moment of crisis, will cooler heads prevail, or will force be the only viable answer? Readers will find it hard to predict the outcome.
Besides plot and pacing, Jen Danna has a deft hand at character development. Each book is revealing more about the Capella family, a strong, closely knit group who have each other’s backs. Of course, it helps that they are all deeply entrenched in the NYPD, with Gemma’s father being the current Chief of Special Operations for the NYPD, her brother Alex being in Internal Affairs, and brother Joe being a captain with the NYPD Gang Unit. Joe is able to give some insight into the gang members holed up in the cell unit. Readers will be drawn to this family who has suffered a tragedy early in Gemma’s life and who followed in the father’s footsteps of service. I look forward to getting to know them more and more.
Jen Danna is what I call a solid writer, one who has control over her story and gives readers a tightly woven plot where characters do their jobs without hysterics or psychological stumbling blocks. I’m not saying that there aren’t some background issues hanging around, and I’m not precluding the possibility for surprises; I’m just saying the focus of the story is maintained, which is the negotiation. Danna’s storylines are fresh and immediately pique my interest as soon as I start the book. With #2 now read, I can assure readers that the NYPD Negotiators is a sharp new series that will engage your attention with complete captivation.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader’s copy of Shot Caller from the author and from NetGalley. The above is my honest review.
When talking about police procedural stories, readers generally are referring to following an investigation from the criminal act or discovery of a body to gathering evidence and finding the perpetrator(s) of the crime. With the NYPD Negotiator series, we start with a guilty party and watch as the police negotiators try to defuse a dangerous situation to prevent more damage or more loss of life. The negotiator police procedural could be called a sub-genre of a sub-genre. Whatever it’s called, it is as fascinating as any investigation is. The tension and suspense are constant, as lives hang in the balance of a negotiator being able to reason with the unreasonable.
The situation Gemma Capella faces in Shot Caller is a prison riot at Rikers, the prison that sits on Rikers’ Island in the NYPD jurisdiction. Rikers is a hotbed of rival gang members and the dregs of society, sprinkled with unfortunate others who find themselves incarcerated with the hard-core criminals. The conditions are nightmarish. One area of the prison is named the Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit, created to improve on the solitary confinement situations. In the ESH inmates spend a minimum of seven hours outside their cells and have access to mental health and social programs, much different than the former 23 hours in the cell and one hour out of previous solitary confinement conditions. However, the units had not been as successful as the DOC, Department of Corrections, had hoped. It is this unit where a prisoner is able to get loose from his shackles, instigate a fight, and lead the prisoners in overcoming the guards and taking over the cell block.
More usually a negotiation involves one person with whom the negotiating team must establish contact and try to convince the hostage taker or perp into a give and take relationship, with the goal being the person ultimately giving himself up and any hostages freed. This time Gemma and her team are faced with a cell unit full of 42 prisoners and eight prison guard hostages. Whereas there might be hope of one negotiating team handling and resolving a situation in a day’s time in a normal stand-off, there’s little hope a prison situation will resolve itself in a day or even two. Gemma’s boss, Lieutenant Garcia forms two teams, with Gemma as the lead negotiator on one, the one operating from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Not all negotiations are successful, and so there is an Apprehension Tactical Team, the A Team, always ready to go in with force and end the situation. They are highly skilled and competent at their job, but too often there is loss of life when they must go in. The negotiators want to avoid the A Team solution, and work hard to do so, but it is the tactical team’s leader that has the final say in when their actions are necessary. Gemma has a good working relationship with the tactical team, and she expects to be given every chance possible to pull the conflict out of the fire.
With the initial take-over of the cell block, there is, of course, violence. It’s not known initially if any of the prison guards or prisoners are dead or injured badly. There’s plenty of bad blood in the mix. Different gangs who hate each other and, most dangerous, all the prisoners hating the guards. A powder keg waiting to ignite is not an exaggeration. The first order of business for the negotiators, after getting set up, is to contact someone inside, but even that has to wait for a cooling down period this time. When Gemma starts trying to open communications, it takes a while, and she fears that there is only chaos and no one in charge.
The prisoner who finally answers Gemma’s call is Rivas, a member of the Filero Kings gang. Kill Switch, his gang name, gains control of the unit, and focuses on Gemma as the negotiator with whom he’ll communicate. Thus, Rivas becomes the “shot caller,” and just like it sounds, he will be the one to either work with Gemma or call off negotiations. It takes all the years of experience Gemma has accumulated to handle the volatile scene, where a misstep on her part can mean someone dies. At first there are some steps forward, and Gemma gets Rivas to submit a list of demands, always an important step in negotiations. But, unpredictability is always just around the corner, and in a negotiation with rival gang members in the mix, the chances for disaster are high. At a moment of crisis, will cooler heads prevail, or will force be the only viable answer? Readers will find it hard to predict the outcome.
Besides plot and pacing, Jen Danna has a deft hand at character development. Each book is revealing more about the Capella family, a strong, closely knit group who have each other’s backs. Of course, it helps that they are all deeply entrenched in the NYPD, with Gemma’s father being the current Chief of Special Operations for the NYPD, her brother Alex being in Internal Affairs, and brother Joe being a captain with the NYPD Gang Unit. Joe is able to give some insight into the gang members holed up in the cell unit. Readers will be drawn to this family who has suffered a tragedy early in Gemma’s life and who followed in the father’s footsteps of service. I look forward to getting to know them more and more.
Jen Danna is what I call a solid writer, one who has control over her story and gives readers a tightly woven plot where characters do their jobs without hysterics or psychological stumbling blocks. I’m not saying that there aren’t some background issues hanging around, and I’m not precluding the possibility for surprises; I’m just saying the focus of the story is maintained, which is the negotiation. Danna’s storylines are fresh and immediately pique my interest as soon as I start the book. With #2 now read, I can assure readers that the NYPD Negotiators is a sharp new series that will engage your attention with complete captivation.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader’s copy of Shot Caller from the author and from NetGalley. The above is my honest review.
March 26, 2021
This is a good book about a group of inmates at Rikers Island Jail taking control of a housing unit and holding staff hostage, and of the hostage negotiation team, led by the NYPD.
As a retired Federal correctional officer (21 years), this was always one of my biggest nightmares, and was constantly in the back of my mind. What would I do if taken hostage, how would my captors act, and would the people negotiating for my release be competent and successful?
Danna does a good job of describing the scenes, the action, and the psychology of the negotiations. The action is pretty much non stop. The obligatory side stories are interesting, and add to the story. I do wish that I had read the previous book in this series, the author refers to it so much that I felt a bit lost. My advice to any future readers is to read the first book before attempting this one.
I enjoyed the author's fleshing out of the main character. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the psychology used.
I do wish there had been more effort put into what was going on inside the besieged housing unit. While I understand the necessity of making it look mysterious and unknown, it would have been better if the story had not been so one-sided. For example, in any hostage situation now days, the authorities have the ability to insert listening devices and video feeds into the area surreptitiously. The insights from this would have helped the story. Also, in a case like this, there would have been much assistance coming from other agencies (FBI, etc). To make it seem like the head negotiator and her small team were a small uninterrupted island was unrealistic. And the political pressure would have been much greater than simply a over reaching mayor.
If there was one other area that I would have changed, it would have been in the "takedown" of the housing unit by the rescuers. The scenes were rushed and unsatisfying.
All in all, I did enjoy the book. It's a good story.
As a retired Federal correctional officer (21 years), this was always one of my biggest nightmares, and was constantly in the back of my mind. What would I do if taken hostage, how would my captors act, and would the people negotiating for my release be competent and successful?
Danna does a good job of describing the scenes, the action, and the psychology of the negotiations. The action is pretty much non stop. The obligatory side stories are interesting, and add to the story. I do wish that I had read the previous book in this series, the author refers to it so much that I felt a bit lost. My advice to any future readers is to read the first book before attempting this one.
I enjoyed the author's fleshing out of the main character. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the psychology used.
I do wish there had been more effort put into what was going on inside the besieged housing unit. While I understand the necessity of making it look mysterious and unknown, it would have been better if the story had not been so one-sided. For example, in any hostage situation now days, the authorities have the ability to insert listening devices and video feeds into the area surreptitiously. The insights from this would have helped the story. Also, in a case like this, there would have been much assistance coming from other agencies (FBI, etc). To make it seem like the head negotiator and her small team were a small uninterrupted island was unrealistic. And the political pressure would have been much greater than simply a over reaching mayor.
If there was one other area that I would have changed, it would have been in the "takedown" of the housing unit by the rescuers. The scenes were rushed and unsatisfying.
All in all, I did enjoy the book. It's a good story.
July 30, 2021
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Wow! What a way to begin. The author has done a fabulous job of taking the reader inside the world of a prison riot. With great detail, we travel into Rikers Island, experiencing all the security and more. Gemma Capello is an NYPD negotiator - thus it is up to her and the team to try to end this standoff without the death of the hostages or the inmates.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. - FDR Does she have the courage needed to meet with the shot caller of this group of inmates, a group that is made up of almost every gang in the city?
An ARC was received through NetGalley and this incredible book is published by Kensington Publishing. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Wow! What a way to begin. The author has done a fabulous job of taking the reader inside the world of a prison riot. With great detail, we travel into Rikers Island, experiencing all the security and more. Gemma Capello is an NYPD negotiator - thus it is up to her and the team to try to end this standoff without the death of the hostages or the inmates.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. - FDR Does she have the courage needed to meet with the shot caller of this group of inmates, a group that is made up of almost every gang in the city?
An ARC was received through NetGalley and this incredible book is published by Kensington Publishing. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
August 7, 2021
Det. Gemma Capello finds herself dealing with a difficult, to say the least, situation when she is called to negotiate a standoff at Rikers Prison, That's her job- she's an ace at it- but this time she's got two rival gangs who want to kill one another. The Filero Kings and the Gutta Boys both have hostages. She's working with Eduardo Rivas of the Kings but then things spin even more out of control. And then there's Greg Coulter, the reporter who has been a thorn in her side but who Rivas trusts. No spoilers from me. I was a fan of the first book because I was impressed with Gemma; I think this will work fine as a standalone. I suspect those who know more than I about prisons and hostage negotiations might quibble with some details but this is a page turner. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.
April 20, 2021
NYPD detective Gemma Capello, along with team members, are sent to Rikers Island to deal with corrections officers being held hostage after a prison uprising. Many of the inmates re members of rival gangs, making for a volatile situation. She is chosen by her superior to negotiate with the inmates. If she fails, it could become a bloodbath.
Fast paced read - enjoyed the negotiation tactics and the importance of knowing as much as possible about the parties involved,
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.
Fast paced read - enjoyed the negotiation tactics and the importance of knowing as much as possible about the parties involved,
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.
April 5, 2021
Having read the first book in this series my expectations were high. I was not disappointed. From the almost non-stop action, to the return of Gemma Capello, this book delivered. Reading the first book is not essential but it helps with understanding the main characters. My only fault would be if there was a little romance, just to satisfy my cravings, as I am a sucker for romantic suspense novels. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.
August 7, 2021
This book was beyond amazing. It was fantastic and I had to finish this book in one sitting. It moves along at a speed which is a perfect fit to this story. The characters are so real that you cannot help but fall in love with them and yu want to be there for them no matter what happens. This is a must read book, there is no doubt about that at all. It needs to be on your TBR list. You will not be sorry that you did.
August 31, 2021
Shot Caller by Jen J. Danna
NYPD Negotiators #2
Character driven team attempt to prevent violence by prisoners on Riker’s Island when hostages are taken during a riot. Gemma and her team, the tactical assault team, department of corrections, and others are all involved in the solution. but Gemma and the other negotiators are on the front line doing their best with words to prevent loss of life. Will they or won’t they be successful?
What I liked:
* Gemma: negotiator, seasoned NYPD police officer, from a family of policemen and one fireman brother, skillful, driven, competent, takes things personally.
* Logan: tactical team member, went through police academy with Gemma, strong, determined, focused, lethal, bright, still wonder if he might one day be a potential love interest for Gemma
* Gemma’s family: the little we saw of her father and brothers makes me hope to see more of them in the future
* The people that Gemma worked with – felt they were cohesive, friends, competent and skilled
* Getting to see into the working of negotiators
* That the focus was on how one person, Gemma, dealt with the situation she was working
* The writing and plot
* Wondering about how bad Riker’s actually was/is
* The gang element of the story and how it impacted the situation
* That not all wearing “white hats” were as good as they should have been
* That the outcome was mixed…a win in some eyes but perhaps not in all.
* Knowing that there will probably be another book in the series to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* The hostage situation occurring in the first place BUT with this series…hostages have to be taken ;)
* The indifference some showed
* Knowing that negative behavior on the part of people “in charge” does occur in real life
NOTE: Not a dislike BUT a comment…this story focuses on Gemma and her part in the story. We don’t learn much about her team, the team members on the 12-hour shift she was not working, what is happening inside the prison…but that is fine…just a comment. We are seeing and experiencing what one person does and how she relates to it rather than an omniscient view.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest Review
5 Stars
NYPD Negotiators #2
Character driven team attempt to prevent violence by prisoners on Riker’s Island when hostages are taken during a riot. Gemma and her team, the tactical assault team, department of corrections, and others are all involved in the solution. but Gemma and the other negotiators are on the front line doing their best with words to prevent loss of life. Will they or won’t they be successful?
What I liked:
* Gemma: negotiator, seasoned NYPD police officer, from a family of policemen and one fireman brother, skillful, driven, competent, takes things personally.
* Logan: tactical team member, went through police academy with Gemma, strong, determined, focused, lethal, bright, still wonder if he might one day be a potential love interest for Gemma
* Gemma’s family: the little we saw of her father and brothers makes me hope to see more of them in the future
* The people that Gemma worked with – felt they were cohesive, friends, competent and skilled
* Getting to see into the working of negotiators
* That the focus was on how one person, Gemma, dealt with the situation she was working
* The writing and plot
* Wondering about how bad Riker’s actually was/is
* The gang element of the story and how it impacted the situation
* That not all wearing “white hats” were as good as they should have been
* That the outcome was mixed…a win in some eyes but perhaps not in all.
* Knowing that there will probably be another book in the series to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* The hostage situation occurring in the first place BUT with this series…hostages have to be taken ;)
* The indifference some showed
* Knowing that negative behavior on the part of people “in charge” does occur in real life
NOTE: Not a dislike BUT a comment…this story focuses on Gemma and her part in the story. We don’t learn much about her team, the team members on the 12-hour shift she was not working, what is happening inside the prison…but that is fine…just a comment. We are seeing and experiencing what one person does and how she relates to it rather than an omniscient view.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest Review
5 Stars
March 31, 2021
NYPD Negotiators # 2 – Shot Caller
Detective Gemma Capello is primary negotiator in a hostage situation at Rikers Island. As always, the goal is to get everyone out in one piece. Rivalry gang members in a prison is explosive at the best of times but now they have taken over an area (Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit) and are holding some of the guard’s hostage. Watch as Gemma and the team work, their thought process, personalities, … Will the gang members be able to set their rivalry aside, will the guards make it out in one piece? And will Gemma be able to set aside her misgivings and work with Detective Logan after the hostage situation at City Hall that ended with a death.
You don’t have to have read book 1 in the series to be able to read this book, but you will want too!
Once again researched details are amazing, and you really get a sense of the frustration of the inmates on their living conditions, and their guards (some good, some bad)
This book had me saying ‘one more chapter’ way into the night…
hank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Jen J. Danna for an early read of this book for my honest opinion.
Detective Gemma Capello is primary negotiator in a hostage situation at Rikers Island. As always, the goal is to get everyone out in one piece. Rivalry gang members in a prison is explosive at the best of times but now they have taken over an area (Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit) and are holding some of the guard’s hostage. Watch as Gemma and the team work, their thought process, personalities, … Will the gang members be able to set their rivalry aside, will the guards make it out in one piece? And will Gemma be able to set aside her misgivings and work with Detective Logan after the hostage situation at City Hall that ended with a death.
You don’t have to have read book 1 in the series to be able to read this book, but you will want too!
Once again researched details are amazing, and you really get a sense of the frustration of the inmates on their living conditions, and their guards (some good, some bad)
This book had me saying ‘one more chapter’ way into the night…
hank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Jen J. Danna for an early read of this book for my honest opinion.
July 12, 2021
A must read book in a newer series.
Jen writes a series about a young woman that is an NYPD detective on the hostage negotiations team.
Gemma Capello is the only female in a close knit Italian family that have dedicated theirs lives to public service. As members of NYPD and NYFD the family is very protective of Gemma.
Gemma gets a call about a hostage situation at Rikers Island and her team buckles in for a case like no other. Long days spent trying to get close to the inmates in control. Gemma finally gets to talk to Rivas who seems to be in control after a rivalry that started the situation. She gains some power with Florida's and always follows through on what she promised if he does too. With give and take things move a bit forward...then things start to fall apart and Gemma knows that something has to be now before anyone else gets hurt.
Gemma is a strong, smart and capable woman that does not need someone to hold her hand. She will setup in any situation and do what needs to be done even if everyone in her life feels like it is dangerous. If anyone can do it...it is Gemma!
You will love this series.
Similar series to try out is the F.B.I K9 novels by Sara Driscoll!!
Jen writes a series about a young woman that is an NYPD detective on the hostage negotiations team.
Gemma Capello is the only female in a close knit Italian family that have dedicated theirs lives to public service. As members of NYPD and NYFD the family is very protective of Gemma.
Gemma gets a call about a hostage situation at Rikers Island and her team buckles in for a case like no other. Long days spent trying to get close to the inmates in control. Gemma finally gets to talk to Rivas who seems to be in control after a rivalry that started the situation. She gains some power with Florida's and always follows through on what she promised if he does too. With give and take things move a bit forward...then things start to fall apart and Gemma knows that something has to be now before anyone else gets hurt.
Gemma is a strong, smart and capable woman that does not need someone to hold her hand. She will setup in any situation and do what needs to be done even if everyone in her life feels like it is dangerous. If anyone can do it...it is Gemma!
You will love this series.
Similar series to try out is the F.B.I K9 novels by Sara Driscoll!!
June 22, 2021
Shot Caller is the suspenseful new thriller in Jen J. Danna's NYPD Negotiators series. The tension soaked setting is a prison riot with hostages, some of which work at said prison. The pace is quick, emotions are high --but Gemma Capello and her team have things well in hand --when they are thrown a curve ball. I enjoyed the twisty turns the story takes as it flows towards completion. A fast, exciting ride that kept me turning pages until the end.
Thank you to #Kensington, the publisher, #ShotCaller #NetGalley for granting me an ARC to read and review. I share my honest review with friends and followers so that they can enjoy the excitement, too.
=====Coming August 31,2021======
Thank you to #Kensington, the publisher, #ShotCaller #NetGalley for granting me an ARC to read and review. I share my honest review with friends and followers so that they can enjoy the excitement, too.
=====Coming August 31,2021======
June 4, 2021
NYPD Detective Gemma Capello and her team members are sent over to Rikers Island as there is a hostage situation. Gemma is the lead negotiator. Her goal is to get all the corrections officers out safely that are being held by the prisoners, which happens to be rival gang members.
Fast paced, suspenseful and hard to put down once you start turning those pages.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Fast paced, suspenseful and hard to put down once you start turning those pages.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
August 11, 2021
Hostage situations are always tense but throw in the extra challenge of a prison and rival gangs inside and wow, what a read! It was impossible to put down.
The characters were well developed and believable and the pacing was great. You could feel the frustration, apprehension and anger.
Now I have to read the first book to have a better understanding of what happened at City Hall.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Books and Jen J. Danna for this ARC.
The characters were well developed and believable and the pacing was great. You could feel the frustration, apprehension and anger.
Now I have to read the first book to have a better understanding of what happened at City Hall.
Thank you Netgalley, Kensington Books and Jen J. Danna for this ARC.
June 19, 2023
If you are a fan of NYPD shows or shows that give you an inside look at prison, like 60 days in, you will get hooked on this book! There is a riot in Riker’s and some of the worst gang members have taken hostages. It is up to a female negotiator to get everyone out safe and sound……everyone, even the prisoners. This is an unpopular opinion with some and a hard sell with others. This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you so much to Kensington books for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much to Kensington books for the gifted copy!
June 15, 2023
Second in the series, it takes place several months after the first one. While the action centers around an unrelated hostage situation, Gemma's relationships with other NYPD officers, her family history and the hostage situation of the previous August are constantly referred to in this installment.
I didn't like SHOT CALLER as well as EXIT STRATEGY. It moved a lot slower. But I'm still looking forward to the as yet unpublished third installment.
I didn't like SHOT CALLER as well as EXIT STRATEGY. It moved a lot slower. But I'm still looking forward to the as yet unpublished third installment.
May 18, 2021
I was happy to see a second book featuring NYPD negotiator Gemma Cappello. This time she’s dealing with a prison riot on Riker’s Island. Like the first book in this series this book has a strong female lead and non-stop action that grabs you right from the first page. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I’d recommend reading the books in order.
April 13, 2021
Suspenseful and well written. The second book in the Gemma Capella hostage negotiator series takes us to Rikers Island where Gemma has to negotiate with men that have nothing to lose. And they are holding corrections officers as hostages. Fast paced and hard to put down.
June 15, 2021
I really have enjoyed this series and this latest installment is no exception. Edge of your seat waiting for what’s going to happen next. I look forward to many more.
December 30, 2021
Review to follow
September 15, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
What a rush this riveting, edge-of-the-seat thriller is! It is a fast-paced novel set in a jail on Rikers Island that demonstrates the author’s talents with setting, dialog, excellent characters, and suspense that does not quit. While I wanted to see the outcome, I didn’t want to turn that last page and leave this expert Hostage Negotiation Team.
The NYPD has several detectives who are trained hostage negotiators and can handle a wide range of situations. Few are as challenging as the one Gemma and three of her team members now face. Gemma and all but one of her siblings follow their father’s footsteps in the NYPD. Gemma was only ten when her mother was shot in front of her during a bank robbery where they were hostages.
Rikers Island houses some of the most violent jails in the country. It is for those held over awaiting trial who can’t make bail and those with short sentences. Gemma and three other negotiators have been sent there due to a hostage situation in the harshest unit with mostly gang members from rival neighborhood gangs. One inmate, Rivas, got free of his shackles and attacked Burk, from a rival gang who allegedly raped Rivas’s sister. In the ensuing riot, eight officers from the jail were taken hostage.
The negotiators’ job is incredibly challenging. They must determine who the “shot caller” is, the inmate who has taken charge of the unit and determines what happens next. The primary negotiator then works with that person in a calm, non-judgmental manner, and resolves the conflict without losing any of the hostages or inmates. Some of the officers held hostage have been accused numerous times of abuse to the prisoners. Of the seven hostages, one is a woman.
This time, Gemma is the primary for the daytime team of four; there will be another team on the night shift. There are also two teams of NYPD A-Team detectives who are trained to, among other things, handle hostage events when negotiations fail. One of the men is Sean, who Gemma went through the police academy with. They have been close friends on and off over the years until a recent hostage situation ended in the hostage taker being shot. She has since refused to speak with him. Unfortunately, Sean is on the day shift A-Team, so they must work together. One day becomes two, then three. Tensions rise and tempers are short. Rivas has given their demands, and Gemma awaits a response.
The primary characters are defined so well that I felt as if I knew them. I like Gemma and her younger brother Alex. I can see from Gemma as well as the team what it takes to be a successful negotiator. I appreciate that Gemma is not in a relationship beyond those who are family or friends, and her focus while at work was on the situation, not outside relationships. Not just anyone can be a negotiator, and that is clearly portrayed through Gemma and the day shift team.
I was very impressed with this novel! It is well written, includes why or how things are done by the NYPD or city government and how the neighborhood gangs differ from those in jail. There are plot twists and turns that ratchet up the suspense and urgency for resolution for the situation. The writing style is excellent; I was very pleased with how well each scene was designed for maximum impact. The ending was also excellent, with loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this thriller and will definitely keep up with this series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
What a rush this riveting, edge-of-the-seat thriller is! It is a fast-paced novel set in a jail on Rikers Island that demonstrates the author’s talents with setting, dialog, excellent characters, and suspense that does not quit. While I wanted to see the outcome, I didn’t want to turn that last page and leave this expert Hostage Negotiation Team.
The NYPD has several detectives who are trained hostage negotiators and can handle a wide range of situations. Few are as challenging as the one Gemma and three of her team members now face. Gemma and all but one of her siblings follow their father’s footsteps in the NYPD. Gemma was only ten when her mother was shot in front of her during a bank robbery where they were hostages.
Rikers Island houses some of the most violent jails in the country. It is for those held over awaiting trial who can’t make bail and those with short sentences. Gemma and three other negotiators have been sent there due to a hostage situation in the harshest unit with mostly gang members from rival neighborhood gangs. One inmate, Rivas, got free of his shackles and attacked Burk, from a rival gang who allegedly raped Rivas’s sister. In the ensuing riot, eight officers from the jail were taken hostage.
The negotiators’ job is incredibly challenging. They must determine who the “shot caller” is, the inmate who has taken charge of the unit and determines what happens next. The primary negotiator then works with that person in a calm, non-judgmental manner, and resolves the conflict without losing any of the hostages or inmates. Some of the officers held hostage have been accused numerous times of abuse to the prisoners. Of the seven hostages, one is a woman.
This time, Gemma is the primary for the daytime team of four; there will be another team on the night shift. There are also two teams of NYPD A-Team detectives who are trained to, among other things, handle hostage events when negotiations fail. One of the men is Sean, who Gemma went through the police academy with. They have been close friends on and off over the years until a recent hostage situation ended in the hostage taker being shot. She has since refused to speak with him. Unfortunately, Sean is on the day shift A-Team, so they must work together. One day becomes two, then three. Tensions rise and tempers are short. Rivas has given their demands, and Gemma awaits a response.
The primary characters are defined so well that I felt as if I knew them. I like Gemma and her younger brother Alex. I can see from Gemma as well as the team what it takes to be a successful negotiator. I appreciate that Gemma is not in a relationship beyond those who are family or friends, and her focus while at work was on the situation, not outside relationships. Not just anyone can be a negotiator, and that is clearly portrayed through Gemma and the day shift team.
I was very impressed with this novel! It is well written, includes why or how things are done by the NYPD or city government and how the neighborhood gangs differ from those in jail. There are plot twists and turns that ratchet up the suspense and urgency for resolution for the situation. The writing style is excellent; I was very pleased with how well each scene was designed for maximum impact. The ending was also excellent, with loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this thriller and will definitely keep up with this series!
December 6, 2021
A well done police procedural. The step by step of the negotiations done to resolve the Riker's Island riot is well written. I like this series
In Jen J. Danna's gripping suspense series, NYPD detective Gemma Capello is called to Rikers Island, where a prison riot threatens to become a bloodbath...
On Rikers Island, tensions always run high, especially in the Enhanced Supervision Housing unit. The ESH is home to Rikers' most dangerous offenders, many of them members of rival street gangs. When Gemma Capello and her team get word of an uprising at the ESH, they know how much is at stake. Gemma also has her own unresolved feelings to deal with--this is the first case she and Detective Sean Logan have worked together since a siege at City Hall that ended with the hostage taker's death.
Built to hinder escape, prisons are also especially difficult for a tactical team to invade. That's a last resort for Gemma, but the longer the inmates remain in control, holding corrections officers hostage, the greater the risk. Gemma begins negotiating with Kill Switch, a young, aggressive member of the Filero Kings gang and the inmates' spokesman. She can tell the stress level is escalating inside. That may give her team some advantages, but it soon leads to a brutal act of retribution--and threats of more to come.
Navigating assumptions on all sides, Gemma desperately tries to stop the body count from rising. But with disagreements and volatility increasing all around, the only certainty is that the next misstep may be a fatal one...
In Jen J. Danna's gripping suspense series, NYPD detective Gemma Capello is called to Rikers Island, where a prison riot threatens to become a bloodbath...
On Rikers Island, tensions always run high, especially in the Enhanced Supervision Housing unit. The ESH is home to Rikers' most dangerous offenders, many of them members of rival street gangs. When Gemma Capello and her team get word of an uprising at the ESH, they know how much is at stake. Gemma also has her own unresolved feelings to deal with--this is the first case she and Detective Sean Logan have worked together since a siege at City Hall that ended with the hostage taker's death.
Built to hinder escape, prisons are also especially difficult for a tactical team to invade. That's a last resort for Gemma, but the longer the inmates remain in control, holding corrections officers hostage, the greater the risk. Gemma begins negotiating with Kill Switch, a young, aggressive member of the Filero Kings gang and the inmates' spokesman. She can tell the stress level is escalating inside. That may give her team some advantages, but it soon leads to a brutal act of retribution--and threats of more to come.
Navigating assumptions on all sides, Gemma desperately tries to stop the body count from rising. But with disagreements and volatility increasing all around, the only certainty is that the next misstep may be a fatal one...
October 13, 2024
Another excellent book in this series
I'm very thankful that I didn't have to wait to read this after finishing Book 3 and book 1 in the series. It is another episode in the life of hostage negotiator Gemma Capello set some months after the story told in Exit Strategy . It builds on the character development from the first book but could still be read as a stand-alone.
This novel is set primarily on Riker's Island, at the penitentiary known to be a hell hole filled with men who have almost nothing yo lose. Gemma is the primary hostage negotiator and as the tension mounts, manages to outwardly present an island of calm midst the uproar. Brother Joe, who works in gang related crime is a great help as Gemma tries her best to understand the dynamics of the situation which could stretch on for days. Officer Logan is back with the A team and he and Gemma have to resolve past issues so they can better work together.
This was another taut thriller that captured my interest and kept me reading even when I probably should have been doing other things (like sleeping!) I would highly recommend it if you like thrillers and police procedural, but perhaps you should start reading early in the day!
I'm very thankful that I didn't have to wait to read this after finishing Book 3 and book 1 in the series. It is another episode in the life of hostage negotiator Gemma Capello set some months after the story told in Exit Strategy . It builds on the character development from the first book but could still be read as a stand-alone.
This novel is set primarily on Riker's Island, at the penitentiary known to be a hell hole filled with men who have almost nothing yo lose. Gemma is the primary hostage negotiator and as the tension mounts, manages to outwardly present an island of calm midst the uproar. Brother Joe, who works in gang related crime is a great help as Gemma tries her best to understand the dynamics of the situation which could stretch on for days. Officer Logan is back with the A team and he and Gemma have to resolve past issues so they can better work together.
This was another taut thriller that captured my interest and kept me reading even when I probably should have been doing other things (like sleeping!) I would highly recommend it if you like thrillers and police procedural, but perhaps you should start reading early in the day!
August 25, 2021
Another thrilling hostage situation for Detective Gemma Capello with the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team. Gemma is from a family of New York cops who are dedicated to their careers and their love of New York. Inmates at Riker’s Island have taken over the Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit along with eight correction officers as hostages. Gemma and her team are called in hoping that her ability to be calm, yet concerned will end the standoff. The inmates are members of rival gangs which adds to the volatile situation. With crucial knowledge from her brother Joe, who is a captain with the NYPD Gang Squad, she is able to begin negotiations with gang leader, Rivas. Slowly she begins to make headway with the inmates, but when a dead body is shoved out of the unit, will this lead to a violent takedown by the Apprehension Tactical Team? Is there one more chance for her to settle this without further violence, or will the “A Team” act before a hostage is killed? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
August 31, 2021
Gemma Capello is a NYPD detective for the hostage negotiations team. She comes from a long line of family members who also have served to protect the city she loves and is the only female in her family to be doing it. When a call comes in about a hostage situation at the notorious Rikers Island she knows this will not be a easy case. These people who are serving life in prison have nothing to loose unlike others she’s used to. When things start to escalate with a murder can she get everyone out safely or will one of her team members or one of the innocent people there become the next victim? You’ll have to read this to find out! Ms.Dana’s become one of my favorite authors and this is another fast paced mail biter that I could not put down! Though it is the second book in the series it can be read easily as a standalone. Fans of Lisa Jackson and J.D Robb will love this! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves suspense.
August 28, 2021
This is Jen's second book in her NYPD Negotiators Series. I was immediately pulled into this book. I was hooked mainly, because of the suspense and intensity of the hostage situation at Riker's Island. Jen did a wonderful job describing the situations, different law enforcement departments, and what each officer and/or detectives jobs entailed. Let's not forget the main character, Gemma Capello. She must do what she can to de escalate the situation and get everyone out as safe as possible. During all this Gemma is still dealing with unresolved issues with Detective Sean Logan. Big thumbs up to Jen on writing this book. I absolutely love books like this that keep me thoroughly entertained.
August 30, 2021
Gemma Capello comes from a long line of cops and she has one of the most challenging roles around - hostage negotiator.
This time, she is trying to negotiate for the release of hostages in a prison and there are factions within the prison to be aware of. Complex layers of personality, affiliations and assumptions on all sides leads to a tense stand-off. People are going to get hurt - or worse.
I really like the character of Gemma. She isn't perfect but she is courageous, smart, level-headed and she loves her family and her Italian background. I really want to read the next book in this series! This was a really solid book covering an area of work that I am not familiar with at all.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington.
This time, she is trying to negotiate for the release of hostages in a prison and there are factions within the prison to be aware of. Complex layers of personality, affiliations and assumptions on all sides leads to a tense stand-off. People are going to get hurt - or worse.
I really like the character of Gemma. She isn't perfect but she is courageous, smart, level-headed and she loves her family and her Italian background. I really want to read the next book in this series! This was a really solid book covering an area of work that I am not familiar with at all.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington.
July 11, 2024
Suspenseful, emotional, tightly written
Enjoyable follow-up to Exit Strategy with some of the fall out from that book playing a role here. This book presents a very different dynamic than the first book which allows the author to flex her writing muscles and not be trapped in a similar dynamic as book one. A smart play I think.
I enjoy the way the team work and conflict between different parties to a crisis is shown here, particularly with those who are supposed to be on the same side. The high emotional stakes, as well as the physical ones are well represented. The character development is nicely done and the story arc moves well. Looking forward to book three.
Enjoyable follow-up to Exit Strategy with some of the fall out from that book playing a role here. This book presents a very different dynamic than the first book which allows the author to flex her writing muscles and not be trapped in a similar dynamic as book one. A smart play I think.
I enjoy the way the team work and conflict between different parties to a crisis is shown here, particularly with those who are supposed to be on the same side. The high emotional stakes, as well as the physical ones are well represented. The character development is nicely done and the story arc moves well. Looking forward to book three.
September 3, 2021
This book was incredible. It drew the reader right in. I found myself holding my breath for what was coming next. Gemma and her family relationship and ethics are so real and believable. It feels like you know the other characters and can almost judge their reactions to a situation. I have read all her books and she still amazes me. Exit Strategy introduced the reader to a totally different aspect of police work. The research into Rikers must have been extensive. Her books are worth waiting for.
December 13, 2024
Negotiate as long as possible
Gemma is back and so is a slew of hostage negotiators for a prison riot. The stakes are high and the hostages a plenty. Gemma has some family interaction, but less intense, with two of her brothers and dad. Logan is also present and the chemistry between the too develops more as they clear the air about the events in book one. The angst and anger from the prisoners was tangible and the emotions and planning colorful for all the police. I couldn’t put this book down and I want to read more about these characters!
Gemma is back and so is a slew of hostage negotiators for a prison riot. The stakes are high and the hostages a plenty. Gemma has some family interaction, but less intense, with two of her brothers and dad. Logan is also present and the chemistry between the too develops more as they clear the air about the events in book one. The angst and anger from the prisoners was tangible and the emotions and planning colorful for all the police. I couldn’t put this book down and I want to read more about these characters!
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