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NYPD Negotiators #1
Exit Strategy
In this taut new suspense series featuring NYPD detective Gemma Capello and her close-knit law enforcement family, a madman brings a halt to the heart of the city that never sleeps . . .
After her mother’s death during a bank robbery when she was a child, Gemma Capello grew up to become one of the NYPD’s elite hostage negotiators. In a family of cops, there’s rarely a day when a Capello isn’t facing down some form of threat. Still, despite their unpredictable schedules, they always find time for their annual family summer picnic. But this year, a sudden phone call changes everything.
A heavily armed gunman has taken hostages at City Hall. Gemma races downtown to join the rest of the Hostage Negotiation Team as they scramble to identify the captives—fearing the mayor may be among them. But as they scramble for answers and struggle to gain control of the circumstances, it becomes clear that the mayor is at the center of it all, just not in the way they initially believed.
With several lives on the line and a criminal who always seems to be one step ahead, Gemma is the only one able to connect with the suspect. Soon, she finds herself engaging in a battle of wits while enduring a battle of egos in the command center. With time running out and a mastermind who has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants, Gemma risks it all—her career and her life—in a last-ditch effort to save the hostages. Now, she needs to figure out how to save herself . . .
After her mother’s death during a bank robbery when she was a child, Gemma Capello grew up to become one of the NYPD’s elite hostage negotiators. In a family of cops, there’s rarely a day when a Capello isn’t facing down some form of threat. Still, despite their unpredictable schedules, they always find time for their annual family summer picnic. But this year, a sudden phone call changes everything.
A heavily armed gunman has taken hostages at City Hall. Gemma races downtown to join the rest of the Hostage Negotiation Team as they scramble to identify the captives—fearing the mayor may be among them. But as they scramble for answers and struggle to gain control of the circumstances, it becomes clear that the mayor is at the center of it all, just not in the way they initially believed.
With several lives on the line and a criminal who always seems to be one step ahead, Gemma is the only one able to connect with the suspect. Soon, she finds herself engaging in a battle of wits while enduring a battle of egos in the command center. With time running out and a mastermind who has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants, Gemma risks it all—her career and her life—in a last-ditch effort to save the hostages. Now, she needs to figure out how to save herself . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
298 people are currently reading
2401 people want to read
About the author
Jen J. Danna
16 books353 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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August 20, 2020Hello, readers! I can't wait to introduce you to Gemma Capello and her Sicilian, first responder family. The only daughter of five children, Gemma's life was traumatically shaped by the loss of her mother as a child. Since then, her life has revolved around her father, NYPD's Chief of Special Operations, and her brothers, three of whom entered the NYPD, while the fourth joined the FDNY. In many ways, it was inevitable that her own journey would lead her to the NYPD, where she rises through the ranks to detective and then joins the Hostage Negotiation Team.
When a family gathering is interrupted by a hostage situation at City Hall, Gemma, her father, and her brothers jump into action, with Gemma joining the hand-picked hostage negotiation team. They make contact with the hostage taker, but he is not a man to be easily swayed. He is determined to see his goal completed no matter what and no matter who stands in his way. In the end, it's up to Gemma to put her own life on the line in an attempt to save the hostages. But then, the question is, how will she herself survive?
When a family gathering is interrupted by a hostage situation at City Hall, Gemma, her father, and her brothers jump into action, with Gemma joining the hand-picked hostage negotiation team. They make contact with the hostage taker, but he is not a man to be easily swayed. He is determined to see his goal completed no matter what and no matter who stands in his way. In the end, it's up to Gemma to put her own life on the line in an attempt to save the hostages. But then, the question is, how will she herself survive?
June 5, 2023
I've read another [FBI K-9] series by this author (writing under a different name) and enjoyed that one, so I decided to try this. I wasn't disappointed.
EXIT STRATEGY is intense action that takes place in one day. I don't know NYC -- never been -- but I felt I was able to imagine it as the hostage crises unfolded.
Another reviewer mentioned a "villain who was easy to hate", but I thought the author did a good job of letting the reader know and possibly sympathize with his motivation, even if we didn't agree with his actions. I look forward to the next book in the series.
EXIT STRATEGY is intense action that takes place in one day. I don't know NYC -- never been -- but I felt I was able to imagine it as the hostage crises unfolded.
Another reviewer mentioned a "villain who was easy to hate", but I thought the author did a good job of letting the reader know and possibly sympathize with his motivation, even if we didn't agree with his actions. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 1, 2023
4 Stars. I really like Driscoll’s K9 books. I’m really glad I found this. Great series starter. This, I think, was her first, before the K9 books and I’ll definitely come back to this interesting Italian cop family.
August 10, 2021
This book reminded me of the TV show Blue Bloods. I will definitely read the next one!
July 27, 2020
Coming in hot. This phrase in its military meaning of “all guns blazing” describes the first book in a new series by Jen J. Danna to a tee. The book opens with the main character, Gemma Capello, saving a life and then quickly moves to the next day, which will be the timeline for the book’s narrative. It’s a challenge for an author to take a single day in the life of a character and make that day action-packed throughout. Danna meets that challenge flawlessly. Readers will be riveted to the spot as the clock counts down on a day rife with danger and suspense. One NYPD hostage negotiator will have to keep a cool head in the face of disaster, but as the opening scene so aptly demonstrates, Gemma Capello has nerves of steel under pressure.
Gemma Capello is the only female in a family of NYPD police members and one fireman (FDNY). Her path to the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team, or HNT, started with the death of her mother when Gemma was only ten. Watching her mother shot point-blank by a gunman in a hostage situation laid the groundwork for Gemma’s choice of career, one in which she excels, and it drives her to personalize the team’s goal of no dead hostages. But, personal tragedy only serves to strengthen her skills as a cool-headed, intuitive negotiator, not distract her. At thirty-five, Gemma is a valued and experienced team member, whose focus in life is the job.
There is one day of the year all the Capello family members of NYPD and FDNY reserve for a day-off with the entire brood. The Feast of San Gennaro is a tradition for the Capellos to come together and eat food prepared with family recipes and enjoy just being with one another. So, the day begins with Gemma and her family enjoying their Italian feast, but her father, Tony Capello, who is Chief of Special Operations for the NYPD, answers his beeping phone, and one by one, New York’s finest in the Capello gathering are called to a hostage situation of city-wide importance. Someone is in the mayor’s office at City Hall with multiple hostages, possibly including the mayor himself. All departments are on high alert, and Gemma is chosen as one of four negotiators to work at the negotiating command center. Being chosen for this high-profile case underscores Gemma’s value in the HNT. Her boss, Lt. Garcia, has handpicked the finest for this critical operation.
It’s soon determined that the mayor was out of the building when his office was seized by a lone gunman, but the deputy mayor, a close personal friend of the mayor's, is a hostage and is being singled out as a prime target. The initial contact with the hostage taker has Garcia as the voice of the team, talking to the man and trying to convince him to end the situation by releasing the hostages and surrendering. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Garcia is not a good match for handling this man, as there seems to be little rapport between the two. Gemma then takes over talking to the gunman, establishing a link of trust between them. The pressure is on, trying to save the hostages and hold off the NYPD A-team, who wants to go in with a physical show of force and gun power to end the stand-off. As Gemma uses all her negotiating skills to bring the situation to a bloodless solution, they learn who the hostage taker is and what motivates him. It’s a shocking revelation, as Gemma and her team realize they’re dealing with a man who has little to lose.
The action moves beyond City Hall and takes Gemma into some areas of NYC that will fascinate readers. From the inoperative City Hall Subway Station, with its decorative glass skylights and its colorful tiling, to the foods and landmarks of Little Italy to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and catacombs, the story is enhanced by its surroundings as it propels the suspense towards an uncertain end. These places never take over the story but blend into it in an organic use of setting and story supporting one another. This author could give a writing class on achieving a successful marriage of these elements.
The police procedural aspect of this story was educational for me, as well as an absorbing part of Gemma’s life. The efforts and coordination of the NYPD negotiating team and the other departments to bring about the desired result in a hostage situation was a gripping look at how narrow is the window between success and failure in an operation. However, the story always reigns supreme in this book, and it is the family aspect which will touch readers’ hearts, how the Capello sister, brothers, and father are all dedicated to their jobs, but their family bond is the one that gives them strength. Jen J. Danna has done a superb job of introducing the Capellos and the NYPD Negotiators series to readers. No cliffhanger, but lots of avenues to explore for future books. I’m excited about this series and what Gemma and her negotiating team will face next.
Gemma Capello is the only female in a family of NYPD police members and one fireman (FDNY). Her path to the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team, or HNT, started with the death of her mother when Gemma was only ten. Watching her mother shot point-blank by a gunman in a hostage situation laid the groundwork for Gemma’s choice of career, one in which she excels, and it drives her to personalize the team’s goal of no dead hostages. But, personal tragedy only serves to strengthen her skills as a cool-headed, intuitive negotiator, not distract her. At thirty-five, Gemma is a valued and experienced team member, whose focus in life is the job.
There is one day of the year all the Capello family members of NYPD and FDNY reserve for a day-off with the entire brood. The Feast of San Gennaro is a tradition for the Capellos to come together and eat food prepared with family recipes and enjoy just being with one another. So, the day begins with Gemma and her family enjoying their Italian feast, but her father, Tony Capello, who is Chief of Special Operations for the NYPD, answers his beeping phone, and one by one, New York’s finest in the Capello gathering are called to a hostage situation of city-wide importance. Someone is in the mayor’s office at City Hall with multiple hostages, possibly including the mayor himself. All departments are on high alert, and Gemma is chosen as one of four negotiators to work at the negotiating command center. Being chosen for this high-profile case underscores Gemma’s value in the HNT. Her boss, Lt. Garcia, has handpicked the finest for this critical operation.
It’s soon determined that the mayor was out of the building when his office was seized by a lone gunman, but the deputy mayor, a close personal friend of the mayor's, is a hostage and is being singled out as a prime target. The initial contact with the hostage taker has Garcia as the voice of the team, talking to the man and trying to convince him to end the situation by releasing the hostages and surrendering. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Garcia is not a good match for handling this man, as there seems to be little rapport between the two. Gemma then takes over talking to the gunman, establishing a link of trust between them. The pressure is on, trying to save the hostages and hold off the NYPD A-team, who wants to go in with a physical show of force and gun power to end the stand-off. As Gemma uses all her negotiating skills to bring the situation to a bloodless solution, they learn who the hostage taker is and what motivates him. It’s a shocking revelation, as Gemma and her team realize they’re dealing with a man who has little to lose.
The action moves beyond City Hall and takes Gemma into some areas of NYC that will fascinate readers. From the inoperative City Hall Subway Station, with its decorative glass skylights and its colorful tiling, to the foods and landmarks of Little Italy to the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and catacombs, the story is enhanced by its surroundings as it propels the suspense towards an uncertain end. These places never take over the story but blend into it in an organic use of setting and story supporting one another. This author could give a writing class on achieving a successful marriage of these elements.
The police procedural aspect of this story was educational for me, as well as an absorbing part of Gemma’s life. The efforts and coordination of the NYPD negotiating team and the other departments to bring about the desired result in a hostage situation was a gripping look at how narrow is the window between success and failure in an operation. However, the story always reigns supreme in this book, and it is the family aspect which will touch readers’ hearts, how the Capello sister, brothers, and father are all dedicated to their jobs, but their family bond is the one that gives them strength. Jen J. Danna has done a superb job of introducing the Capellos and the NYPD Negotiators series to readers. No cliffhanger, but lots of avenues to explore for future books. I’m excited about this series and what Gemma and her negotiating team will face next.
July 29, 2020
Exit Strategy by Jen J. Danna
NYPD Negotiators #1
Thrilling story from beginning to end. I could not put this book down! Knowing that your job is to save as many as you can while remaining calm and unflappable while dealing with hostage takers cannot be easy but Gemma and the people she works with do their jobs well. The fact that there are the action types that would rather use force can be a problem and tact is needed not only with the hostage taker but with colleagues, too.
What I liked:
* Gemma: Strong, capable , intelligent, smooth – a person to be reckoned with and a woman I want to get to know better.
* Gemma’s brothers and father: all working as policemen except one who is a firefighter. Wonder if they might show up in future books in the series
* Gemma’s team: there for one another and worked smoothly together
* Logan: interesting man that could, maybe be a love interest in the future for Gemma
* Frankie: Gemma’s best friend
* The plot, story and writing
* The action scenes
* The dialogue between Gemma and the hostage taker
* It was believable
* I felt I was there
* Information about New York
* The additional last little bit that was added to the end of the story…loved hearing from Logan then
* Reading a new-to-me-author that I will look for again in the future
* All of it really except…
What I did not like:
* The hostage taker: a twisted hateful man that I couldn’t like even when I understood his motivation
* Having to say goodbye to all of the characters and wondering what will happen in book two of the series
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
NYPD Negotiators #1
Thrilling story from beginning to end. I could not put this book down! Knowing that your job is to save as many as you can while remaining calm and unflappable while dealing with hostage takers cannot be easy but Gemma and the people she works with do their jobs well. The fact that there are the action types that would rather use force can be a problem and tact is needed not only with the hostage taker but with colleagues, too.
What I liked:
* Gemma: Strong, capable , intelligent, smooth – a person to be reckoned with and a woman I want to get to know better.
* Gemma’s brothers and father: all working as policemen except one who is a firefighter. Wonder if they might show up in future books in the series
* Gemma’s team: there for one another and worked smoothly together
* Logan: interesting man that could, maybe be a love interest in the future for Gemma
* Frankie: Gemma’s best friend
* The plot, story and writing
* The action scenes
* The dialogue between Gemma and the hostage taker
* It was believable
* I felt I was there
* Information about New York
* The additional last little bit that was added to the end of the story…loved hearing from Logan then
* Reading a new-to-me-author that I will look for again in the future
* All of it really except…
What I did not like:
* The hostage taker: a twisted hateful man that I couldn’t like even when I understood his motivation
* Having to say goodbye to all of the characters and wondering what will happen in book two of the series
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 14, 2020
This is a fast paced page turner that drew me in from the very beginning. Gemma Capello is an NYPD hostage negotiator, from a close Italian family, most of them fellow NYPD officers. Even when she is off duty, she jumps into action to save lives. The call that interrupts a family picnic will lead Gemma on a dangerous mission that will threaten her life and her career. Filled with descriptive history of New York City, and meticulously researched police proceedures, it also leaves you wanting to know more about Gemma and her family. Her dad Tony, an NYPD Chief of special operations, and her brothers: Alex, an internal affairs "rat", Joe, in the gangs division, Mark, a patrol sergeant, And Matteo, the lone sibling who joined the FDNY. I'm sure subsequent books will feature more of the family! But back to this first book: Gemma has to use all of her skills to stop the hostage taker from his crazed mission.. She will need the help of her best friend Frankie, Her brother Alex, and her knowledge of the little Italy neighborhood.to stop the madman. There's also a little teaser of a former romantic interest who factors into the ending. This is one of those books that keeps you up late at night, reading as fast as you can because you don't want to put it down, but you also don't want to miss anything. An excellent start to what promisses to be a fantastic series! .I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review
June 8, 2020
"Exit Strategy" is a suspense novel. Gemma is a part of a NYPD hostage negotiator team and is called in when someone takes hostages in the mayor's office. The whole book was a negotiation between Gemma and this man as she tried to save every life. The first challenge was to identify who took the hostages, then they used this knowledge to better negotiate. The first half of the negotiation was about freeing as many hostages as possible. The second half was about capturing the man with as few casualties as possible.
The suspense was high throughout as Gemma negotiated with a man who primarily wanted revenge and so many lives were in danger. The characters were interesting, acted in realistic ways, and I cared about what happened to them. Gemma is an awesome character. She's very competent at her job and used the fact that men underestimate her against them. She values life very highly. When making the final takedown, she called in family to pull in the backup she needed, so don't expect a romantic suspense. There were no sex scenes. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The suspense was high throughout as Gemma negotiated with a man who primarily wanted revenge and so many lives were in danger. The characters were interesting, acted in realistic ways, and I cared about what happened to them. Gemma is an awesome character. She's very competent at her job and used the fact that men underestimate her against them. She values life very highly. When making the final takedown, she called in family to pull in the backup she needed, so don't expect a romantic suspense. There were no sex scenes. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 17, 2020
I'm waffling with my rating. I don't want to say this book was bad, because it wasn't, but there is just something in this book that I didn't connect with and I can't put my finger on it, so if I do I'll come back and update my rating.
I want to give this author a fair shot because the story was believable and made sense and maybe because it take place over mostly one day, it may have felt a little drawn out to me. I really can't totally put my finger on what it was for me.
I enjoyed the fact that Gemma was set and determined to do her job to the best of her ability but she felt that others were trying to stand in her way and not let her do her job, even at the end. The result that she wanted to happen and the ending that she got was not what she wanted. As a Hostage Negotiator her job was to bring as many people out alive as possible and Gemma put herself in harms way in order to do that.
3.5-4 stars
I want to give this author a fair shot because the story was believable and made sense and maybe because it take place over mostly one day, it may have felt a little drawn out to me. I really can't totally put my finger on what it was for me.
I enjoyed the fact that Gemma was set and determined to do her job to the best of her ability but she felt that others were trying to stand in her way and not let her do her job, even at the end. The result that she wanted to happen and the ending that she got was not what she wanted. As a Hostage Negotiator her job was to bring as many people out alive as possible and Gemma put herself in harms way in order to do that.
3.5-4 stars
July 18, 2020
Gemma Capello lived through a bank robbery as a child, and is now an NYPD hostage negotiator. Her father and most of her brothers are with NYPD (one is FDNY) so it's the family business. During a family picnic, most of them are called in to their respective units because a gunman has taken hostages at City Hall. As part of the Hostage Negotiation Team, Gemma is in the thick of things, but it quickly becomes clear the mayor is smack in the middle of things though they don't yet know why or how.
Gemma is a great character - strong, but dealing with some serious issues. I really enjoyed scenes with her family and look forward to seeing more of them in future books. Recommended for fans of police procedurals. It really reminded me of the TV show Blue Bloods.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Gemma is a great character - strong, but dealing with some serious issues. I really enjoyed scenes with her family and look forward to seeing more of them in future books. Recommended for fans of police procedurals. It really reminded me of the TV show Blue Bloods.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
August 14, 2020
This one was just ok for me. Not sure why it didn't work better, it is full of all the things that I like. Part of it might be Gemma, she came off as I can do no wrong, I will save everyone. From her thinking back on her past and saving the college kid, to saving the new mother as the book opened, to basically telling her boss off when she turned in her badge. The last I think was the right move to make, yet it irritated me, where I know in other books I was cheering on the same move.
I really felt bad for the "bad guy". He was mourning his son and took things too far. Gemma did a good job of keeping the damage minimal and I know she hated how things came out, but honestly it was probably better for all those involved.
I really felt bad for the "bad guy". He was mourning his son and took things too far. Gemma did a good job of keeping the damage minimal and I know she hated how things came out, but honestly it was probably better for all those involved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Ho scelto di leggere questo libro perché l'altra serie di questa autrice (k-9 FBI) è una delle mie preferite. Ho trovato questa un pochino inferiore, ma alla fine il libro mi è piaciuto. La protagonista è una negoziatrice per la polizia e tutta la sua famiglia lavora come lei in polizia eccetto un fratello che è un pompiere; a loro va aggiunto un membro della squadra speciale della polizia che sembra avere un futuro come compagno della protagonista. Insomma, sembra avere un futuro un possibile gruppo di personaggi che affiancheranno la protagonista, come nell'altra serie. Infine, la protagonista è italo-americana, quindi nel testo ci sono varie espressioni in italiano: evviva! Credo che questa serie potrebbe risultare vincente coi suoi libri successivi.
Ho scelto di leggere questo libro perché l'altra serie di questa autrice (k-9 FBI) è una delle mie preferite. Ho trovato questa un pochino inferiore, ma alla fine il libro mi è piaciuto. La protagonista è una negoziatrice per la polizia e tutta la sua famiglia lavora come lei in polizia eccetto un fratello che è un pompiere; a loro va aggiunto un membro della squadra speciale della polizia che sembra avere un futuro come compagno della protagonista. Insomma, sembra avere un futuro un possibile gruppo di personaggi che affiancheranno la protagonista, come nell'altra serie. Infine, la protagonista è italo-americana, quindi nel testo ci sono varie espressioni in italiano: evviva! Credo che questa serie potrebbe risultare vincente coi suoi libri successivi.
June 22, 2020
This is a new author for me and I very much enjoyed this edge of my seat ride as I read this novel. It felt like I was in constant motion and even right there in thay vault with Gemma and you don't always get that intensity when reading a novel. To me that's the sign of a writer who will be around for a while.
The characters were phenomenal on both good and bad sides and I'm extremely glad I read this book and I'm sure at some point I'll read it again which is the highest complement I can pay an author and the highest praise I give a book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were phenomenal on both good and bad sides and I'm extremely glad I read this book and I'm sure at some point I'll read it again which is the highest complement I can pay an author and the highest praise I give a book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2020
I have read this author before and enjoyed her writing with another author. This book started off with a bang and the fireworks never stopped. Hopefully this is the start of a new series as I was as impressed with this book as one can be. The type of book, if I can presume, reminds me of Catherine Coulter. I felt like I was a part of the story, it drew me in tight and didn't let me go until the end. I can't recommend this book highly enough. For police procedural thrillers this is one of the best! I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley!
June 28, 2020
I was won this kindle book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I enjoy mystery/thriller/procedural dramas.
The main character in this book is Gemma, she is a NYPD hostage negotiator. She comes from a family of first responders and I enjoyed that aspect of it. The book follows a hostage situation coming from the mayor's office and goes from there.
While the story is believable and well researched as a negotiator type book, something was just ho-hum, for me. There is drama and plenty of action but I wasn't sucked in as I have been with others in this genre.
I enjoy mystery/thriller/procedural dramas.
The main character in this book is Gemma, she is a NYPD hostage negotiator. She comes from a family of first responders and I enjoyed that aspect of it. The book follows a hostage situation coming from the mayor's office and goes from there.
While the story is believable and well researched as a negotiator type book, something was just ho-hum, for me. There is drama and plenty of action but I wasn't sucked in as I have been with others in this genre.
June 3, 2021
Great start to a new series that I'm looking forward to!
February 13, 2024
unstoppable and intense!
March 6, 2025
Exit strategy was an excellent police procedural with Gemma Capello, a NYPD hostage negotiator, and is part of a law enforcement family. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
July 20, 2020
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The story was interesting enough, and the author spends much time going into great detail with descriptions of New York City landmarks and streets. I couldn't help but draw parallels to the TV show - BLUE BLOODS - except that instead of the family being of Irish background, this one was Sicilian Italian. During the fight scene, I skimmed over much of the description - too much detail. The one issue I had most with the story is why the main character felt they alone, and only them, could solve the problem. This is a recurring theme in many thrillers, and I guess it works for readers, but didn't care for it.
August 17, 2020
This book involves hostage taking at the mayor's office in New York City. The author's heroine Gemma Capella becomes the point person in the negotiations risking life and limb for their safety. The book is not swiftly paced and the author seems overzealous in describing the subway system and the catacombs under St. Patrick's Cathedral. Also, lost to me is why (once they are separated) the hostage taker tries to get her back when he could move much faster without her. Nothing spectacular here.
January 9, 2024
Another Great Series by Sara. Action packed with great info on Police procedure. Exciting, Action packed. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another Must read series.
July 27, 2020
Spoiler Alert!
First and foremost, a big shout-out and thank you to Jen J. Danna (“Danna”) for advancing me a copy of her new novel, “Exit Strategy” in exchange for my honest review.
“Exit Strategy” turned out to be a terrific first book in Danna’s new series, “NYPD Negotiators” and considering how much I love Danna’s other series, “Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries” (my absolute favourite) and “FBI K-9” (two series I believe are a must read for those who love a good mystery), I’m sure this series will be a winner as well.
Just a few chapters in is all it took for me to get sucked in (don’t you love it when that happens). Exit Strategy is a well-written and engaging novel full of suspense and action. Taking center stage is Gemma, a hostage negotiator who’s actually quite exceptional. She’s intelligent, always thinking ahead, courageous and knows the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with the job - a job that she loves. She’s well-liked and respected among her peers. The most important thing in her life is her family, a family that has a lot of love and support for each other and her mother who passed away when she was young so very much who she still missed very much.
The story is mostly written from Gemma’s point of view. There are a couple of chapters from Alex’s (Gemma’s brother) point of view. I like reading different point of views as you get to see what’s going through their minds, what they’re feeling and a different perspective as to what’s going on around him/her, etc. I was hoping that would happen here. Perhaps more from Alex as she’s closest to him as they’re only two years apart in age, but also her father and even the gunman.
Reading this book, you can see how much time and effort Danna has put in to ensure that all the details make sense, flows smoothly and most of all, that her readers can actually visualize what’s taking place and where they are as if they were right there with the gunman and Gemma as they’re moving through the city with Boyle leading the way trying to get as far as possible from the police.
I have to agree with another reviewer that if you enjoy watching cop shows, you’ll enjoy this new series. So, if you’re looking for a good mystery to read that has a very likeable and strong heroine and a book that will suck you in making you lose all track of time, I highly recommend you give “Exit Strategy” a read. I’m already looking forward to book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
Jenna Danna’s Exit Strategy is not only her first solo venture into writing, not only her first book in her NYPD Negotiators series, but also the first book I have read by the author, so I went into this book curious but not expecting too much.
In many ways it was a book which reworked familiar ground, The NYPD is hardly unchartered territory, and because of this I commenced this book with a preconceived notion of what it would entail, but this book took a decided detour, which made it far more interesting than I had anticipated.
Being positioned with the negotiators was a clever idea, for it allowed us to not only see the tension and responsibility in this role, but it also allowed us to experience the boredom inherent in a role which I, for one, didn’t place a lot of importance upon. Jenna Danna, used her characters effectively, allowing us to see the internal conflict between departments and philosophies in a hostage situation, while also managing to keep the momentum at maximum, therefore ensuring that the book didn’t become tedious.
While I enjoyed this point of view, I will admit that I feel a far bit of creative license took place for the purpose of plot advancement, which I can appreciated, but I must admit that at the midway point I felt that the plot fell victim to milking - things not only got complicated but slightly unrealistic, and this did detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but I felt that the ending was rather contrived, and this I attribute to the fact that the author was trying really hard to encourage us to read the next book in the series. I honestly believe it would have been better if it had finished earlier and been a standalone novel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like insight into the work of the negotiators and enjoys a well written twist.
In many ways it was a book which reworked familiar ground, The NYPD is hardly unchartered territory, and because of this I commenced this book with a preconceived notion of what it would entail, but this book took a decided detour, which made it far more interesting than I had anticipated.
Being positioned with the negotiators was a clever idea, for it allowed us to not only see the tension and responsibility in this role, but it also allowed us to experience the boredom inherent in a role which I, for one, didn’t place a lot of importance upon. Jenna Danna, used her characters effectively, allowing us to see the internal conflict between departments and philosophies in a hostage situation, while also managing to keep the momentum at maximum, therefore ensuring that the book didn’t become tedious.
While I enjoyed this point of view, I will admit that I feel a far bit of creative license took place for the purpose of plot advancement, which I can appreciated, but I must admit that at the midway point I felt that the plot fell victim to milking - things not only got complicated but slightly unrealistic, and this did detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel, but I felt that the ending was rather contrived, and this I attribute to the fact that the author was trying really hard to encourage us to read the next book in the series. I honestly believe it would have been better if it had finished earlier and been a standalone novel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like insight into the work of the negotiators and enjoys a well written twist.
July 5, 2020
Gemma Capello grew up in an NYPD cop family. She is predisposed to being a negotiator after her mother dies trying to de-escalate a bad situation.
The issue is that the negotiator has to follow guidelines set up by the department and hers is not the final word. The backup for the negotiators is the A-team. Their mission is to neutralize the situation and to save as many lives as possible with deadly force.
The negotiator is responsible to a “controller” whose purpose is to balance expediency with results. Usually, the negotiator is much more empathetic than the controller.
Ms. Danna has done a tremendous job of fleshing out her novel. I felt drawn to the situation and the location in New York due to her excellent description of the settings. She adds in some history of the area and of the subway system.
Growing up in Little Italy, Gemma knows the area and some of the people who live there. Her childhood dovetails well into the overall outcome of the tale. She wants to save hostages and ultimately the perpetrator. The perpetrator is a sympathetic character in this story and you understand his motivation but cannot embrace the methodology. I found myself hoping that Gemma could de-escalate the situation and that the perpetrator would survive.
Gemma was swept along on a terrific well-plotted storyline. My hat is off to this author and her attention to detail and the weaving of a great read. CE Williams
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
The issue is that the negotiator has to follow guidelines set up by the department and hers is not the final word. The backup for the negotiators is the A-team. Their mission is to neutralize the situation and to save as many lives as possible with deadly force.
The negotiator is responsible to a “controller” whose purpose is to balance expediency with results. Usually, the negotiator is much more empathetic than the controller.
Ms. Danna has done a tremendous job of fleshing out her novel. I felt drawn to the situation and the location in New York due to her excellent description of the settings. She adds in some history of the area and of the subway system.
Growing up in Little Italy, Gemma knows the area and some of the people who live there. Her childhood dovetails well into the overall outcome of the tale. She wants to save hostages and ultimately the perpetrator. The perpetrator is a sympathetic character in this story and you understand his motivation but cannot embrace the methodology. I found myself hoping that Gemma could de-escalate the situation and that the perpetrator would survive.
Gemma was swept along on a terrific well-plotted storyline. My hat is off to this author and her attention to detail and the weaving of a great read. CE Williams
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
July 25, 2020
All in a day’s work. At least that’s what seems to be the norm for the Capello family of the NYPD. What starts as a large rowdy Italian family day together quickly evolves into a day no one wants. ‘Exit Strategy” by Jen J. Danna is a tense, emotionally taut book that takes you on a tour of old New York as Gemma Capello, NYPD Hostage Negotiator tries to save the lives of not only the hostages but of New Yorkers at large, herself and even the man who has decided this is the day he has hit his breaking point. In order to ensure everyone’s safety she must go against everything she was taught growing up in a cop family and even puts her much loved career on the line because she knows it’s the right thing to do.
Danna’s attention to detail brings the reader along for Gemma’s fast paced journey through the subways, streets and old buildings of New York City. Can she figure out the hostage taker’s motives before it’s too late and can she bring everything to a peaceful conclusion despite the push back from other members of the force to end it quickly. All the while she knows that her family must be in agony knowing that she’s putting her life at risk.
This is the first book in the NYPD Hostage Negotiator series and I know it won’t be the last. Another great series by Jen J. Danna.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Danna’s attention to detail brings the reader along for Gemma’s fast paced journey through the subways, streets and old buildings of New York City. Can she figure out the hostage taker’s motives before it’s too late and can she bring everything to a peaceful conclusion despite the push back from other members of the force to end it quickly. All the while she knows that her family must be in agony knowing that she’s putting her life at risk.
This is the first book in the NYPD Hostage Negotiator series and I know it won’t be the last. Another great series by Jen J. Danna.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the start of a new series, yay!
Gemma Capello is the only girl in family of cops (and one firefighter) and she has chosen to be a hostage negotiator. The fact that I have never read a book which featured someone in this occupation was enough to make me want to read this book and I am glad that I did. Gemma tries to negotiate with a man who is holding hostages, with only limited success.
At various times, I was wondering how the HECK Gemma was going to get herself out of the situation she found herself in. I loved the references to various New York places of interest (I really would like to go on that subway tour now) and the deep love between all the Capello's and the references to her cultural background. As a first generation person myself, I could really relate to that.
All in all, this was a terrific read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series :)
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
Gemma Capello is the only girl in family of cops (and one firefighter) and she has chosen to be a hostage negotiator. The fact that I have never read a book which featured someone in this occupation was enough to make me want to read this book and I am glad that I did. Gemma tries to negotiate with a man who is holding hostages, with only limited success.
At various times, I was wondering how the HECK Gemma was going to get herself out of the situation she found herself in. I loved the references to various New York places of interest (I really would like to go on that subway tour now) and the deep love between all the Capello's and the references to her cultural background. As a first generation person myself, I could really relate to that.
All in all, this was a terrific read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series :)
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.
July 26, 2020
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! This one was amazing! Detective Gemma Capello, hostage negotiator, is from a family of cops. During a family gathering, they are all called to a hostage situation at the mayor’s office. Is the mayor one of the hostages? As Gemma tries to negotiate with the man who is holding the hostages, she listens for clues as to who he is and why this has happened. A tense situation from beginning to end as Gemma tries to get everyone out safely. When the situation turns deadly, what can she do to get him to turn the other hostages lose? This was a thrill ride from beginning to end. Gemma’s family dynamics played a major part of the story as her father and brothers are drawn in to assist her and try to save her life. WOW! I have read the other books by this author and enjoyed them as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
July 31, 2020
Can I just saw WOW! This book is the first in the new NYPD Negotiators Series by Jen J. Danna. From the first chapter this book does not let up one iota.
Gemma is a cop that's life has been planned by one tragic event in her life. One the anniversary of this event, she is thrown into a hostage negotiation that stirs up all her memories from this event.
Danna's writing is superb in this book. She makes you feel like you are right there along side Gemma. Danna makes NYC come alive as you move through the book. The characters are written to seem as if they are real.
I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out. If you like police procedurals, thrillers, suspense, action and adventure books, this one hits all those genres. Go get this book. It came out July 28, 2020. You don't want to miss it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Danna for a Kindle version of this book for my honest opinion and review.
Gemma is a cop that's life has been planned by one tragic event in her life. One the anniversary of this event, she is thrown into a hostage negotiation that stirs up all her memories from this event.
Danna's writing is superb in this book. She makes you feel like you are right there along side Gemma. Danna makes NYC come alive as you move through the book. The characters are written to seem as if they are real.
I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out. If you like police procedurals, thrillers, suspense, action and adventure books, this one hits all those genres. Go get this book. It came out July 28, 2020. You don't want to miss it.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Books, and Danna for a Kindle version of this book for my honest opinion and review.
October 12, 2024
Unputdownable story
Having read book 3 about Gemma Capetto yesterday, I was so hooked that I wanted to go back to the beginning of the series. This was definitely a book that got my heart racing and kept it pounding!
The day started out so well with a family picnic celebration at her father's house. Her family is one rooted in service. Her father is a chief of NYPD, two brothers are cops and one a fireman. Gemma is also a cop and a well-respected member of the Hostage Negotiating team. When all their phones start going off at once, they know their celebration is done. There is a hostage situation at City Hall, and before the day is done, some will die, and some will not.
The authors explained their research for this novel at the end of the book. It was a fascinating look at how the story came together and how realistic it was. I'm very impressed with this series and look forward to reading book #2.
Having read book 3 about Gemma Capetto yesterday, I was so hooked that I wanted to go back to the beginning of the series. This was definitely a book that got my heart racing and kept it pounding!
The day started out so well with a family picnic celebration at her father's house. Her family is one rooted in service. Her father is a chief of NYPD, two brothers are cops and one a fireman. Gemma is also a cop and a well-respected member of the Hostage Negotiating team. When all their phones start going off at once, they know their celebration is done. There is a hostage situation at City Hall, and before the day is done, some will die, and some will not.
The authors explained their research for this novel at the end of the book. It was a fascinating look at how the story came together and how realistic it was. I'm very impressed with this series and look forward to reading book #2.
May 24, 2020
If you love police procedurals, you need to read this book.
You will meet Gemma Capello. She is smart, determined and a force to be reconded with. Her family has a long history with the NYPD and they almost all follow suit. They are all in one of New York Cities first responders departments of some kind.
A family gathering gets interrupted by multiple phones going off and members of the family having to leave. One they disburs, they find that someone is in City Hall and has taken hostages....maybe even the Mayor!
Gemma and her team of hostage negotiators try to handle the situation as calmly and quickly as they can because others have ideas of their own that might jeopardize lives. The plan is talk to the the hostage taker and get the hostages out alive. As the talks go on Gemma pieces together bits of information and figures out who the shooter is.
Gemma wants all the hostages let go and unharmed, but that may mean she has to place herself in danger. She know what this would do to her family but she has no choice.
Gemma uses her knowledge and bravery to try to help law enforcement get to her and the shooter. Her plan is to get everyone out of the situation alive but the shooter is always changing her plans.
How do you negotiate with someone when they may have plans set in motion that you may not be able to figure out?
I love this author and all her books. I cannot wait to read book 2 in the series. She has co written other books that you will want to read.
Great new series, Jen!
You will meet Gemma Capello. She is smart, determined and a force to be reconded with. Her family has a long history with the NYPD and they almost all follow suit. They are all in one of New York Cities first responders departments of some kind.
A family gathering gets interrupted by multiple phones going off and members of the family having to leave. One they disburs, they find that someone is in City Hall and has taken hostages....maybe even the Mayor!
Gemma and her team of hostage negotiators try to handle the situation as calmly and quickly as they can because others have ideas of their own that might jeopardize lives. The plan is talk to the the hostage taker and get the hostages out alive. As the talks go on Gemma pieces together bits of information and figures out who the shooter is.
Gemma wants all the hostages let go and unharmed, but that may mean she has to place herself in danger. She know what this would do to her family but she has no choice.
Gemma uses her knowledge and bravery to try to help law enforcement get to her and the shooter. Her plan is to get everyone out of the situation alive but the shooter is always changing her plans.
How do you negotiate with someone when they may have plans set in motion that you may not be able to figure out?
I love this author and all her books. I cannot wait to read book 2 in the series. She has co written other books that you will want to read.
Great new series, Jen!
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