Terminal Impasse

NYPD Negotiators #4

by Sara Driscoll

NYPD hostage negotiator Gemma Capello is taken captive by a paramilitary group threatening to destroy Grand Central Terminal in the latest thrilling NYPD Negotiators Novel.

NYPD detectives Gemma Capello and Sean Logan are cutting through Grand Central Terminal on their way to a nearby pub when all hell breaks loose. Masked men gun down police officers and round up a group of commuters—including Gemma and Logan—taking their cell phones and binding them hand and foot in zip ties. They are members of the paramilitary group known as Sinister 13, seeking the release of their imprisoned soldiers. Their leader wears a vest covered with C-4 plastic explosives, threatening to detonate it if their demands are not met.

To save the hostages, Gemma persuades their captors to allow her to negotiate with law enforcement on their behalf without revealing her identity. As she earns their trust, Logan plots to free himself to take on the gunmen. But time is running out. The abductors are growing more impatient and violent with every passing moment. With their NYPD colleagues on the outside, Gemma and Logan must use all their negotiation experience and tactical skills to prevent the situation from escalating into a bloodbath . . .

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Procedural, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Action

225 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2025

About the author

Sara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. 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, including the FBI K-9s, at www.saradriscollauthor.com.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars, rounded up)
Sara Driscoll knows how to write a page-turner! Terminal Impasse puts NYPD negotiator Gemma Capello right in the heart of the action. She is out on a date with her maybe-boyfriend, fellow officer Sean Logan, and they are passing through Grand Central Terminal on their way to dinner nearby when shots ring out. Instead of being outside the action, negotiating with a hostage-taker, Gemma finds herself as a hostage herself, along with Sean. Her challenge is to convince the perpetrators that she’s an experienced business negotiator (the two of them don’t dare let the perpetrators know that they are cops) and can help them get what they want, while providing coded hints to the actual negotiating team. I was fascinated by how she did this.

This series is always an exciting story, told from the unique perspective of a police negotiator, and this book is no exception. I didn’t want to put it down and finished it over two days - and it only took that long because I had other things I needed to do! I love Grand Central Terminal and am familiar with it, but not to the extent that Driscoll writes. Her attention to detail is superb. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in this magnificent space, you will feel like you are there.

I’ve read two of the three earlier books in this series and I feel you could read this as a standalone. Driscoll harks back to earlier events here and there, but they don’t impact the current plot directly. Of course, you wouldn’t have all the backstory but she provides enough information for a newcomer to the series. Gemma is a member of a large Italian family with a lot of other police officers (her dad and three of her four brothers - the fourth brother is a firefighter!). Gemma and Sean come off as real people, not cardboard stereotypes.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Gemma and Sean!

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

NYPD hostage negotiator Gemma Capello and NYPD A-Team Detective Sean Logan are on a date. As they are making their way through Grand Central Terminal on a Friday night, shots ring out. Masked men are gunning down police officers and commuters. While as many as possible flee the scene, Gemma and Logan stay behind to gather the remaining few to temporary safety. But they aren't safe because the gunmen take them all hostage, zip tying their hands and feet and taking cell phone and electronics.

The situation is dire as two gunmen watch over them but it's the hostage taker with the vest strapped with explosives that makes the situation most dangerous. Gemma and Logan need to keep their identities secret while still using their skills to get everyone out alive. This means Gemma offering herself up as a go between the hostage takers and the NYPD. Little do they know who they're really dealing with.

The situation is intense and the setting is perfect for the plot. There are a lot of details describing Grand Central Terminal. It's clear a lot of research went into this story. The same applies to the process the negotiators go through. This is the fourth book in the series and the first I've read. There might be slight spoilers for earlier books. It was easy for me to jump in. And jump in you will and then stay right there with Gemma, Logan, and the hostages in one of the most terrifying circumstances you could imagine.

There are a lot of details. Nothing is skipped over so the story is satisfying in that way. You'll want to keep reading as you are kept on the edge of your seat just as the hostages are. Near the end things ramp up and there is more action.

I would have liked a little more perspective or insight into the hostage takers. Also as much ever present danger there was I wanted more. I know that sounds crazy but it's hard to explain without spoilers. I will be reading more from this series as it's very different from other thrillers. I appreciate the point of view for the storyline as it feels authentic and is really all about the two main characters.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a master thriller writer, and Book 4 in her NYPD Negotiators series had me lost in the well-spun tale for hours. Isn't that what the best books do? In this case, I cared deeply about hostage negotiator Gemma Capello and detective Sean Logan, caught in an armed takeover of Grand Central Terminal while heading to a nearby restaurant. I read this gripping story in one sitting, and thank the author for giving me a welcome respite during a tough time in life. Brava, Sara Driscoll!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic series! I was a bit behind in the series, so I went back and caught up before jumping into Terminal Impasse. Each book focuses on a different hostage situation and certainly can be read as a standalone, but each book is so much better if you’ve started the series from the beginning. This is one of those books that keeps you riveted to the very end! In this installment Gemma Capello and Sean Logan, an NYPD hostage negotiator and an elite NYPD assault team officer, become hostages in a terrorist attack at Grand Central Terminal. In order to save themselves and the other hostages they’ll need to figure out how they can use their individual skills to diffuse the situation. The attention to detail in setting, negotiation processes and how negotiators and assault teams work together to end hostage situations, makes this series an intense, suspenseful, riveting reading experience!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminal Impasses takes us into the negotiations between the NYPD and terrorists. Two potentially deadly twists - expert negotiator Gemma Capello and SWAT sniper Sean Logan are among the hostages, and the terrorists’ demands are time sensitive and impossible to meet. The book is intense and fast-paced as we watch the unfolding of this massive game of chess between terrorists and police, with Gemma posing as a business negotiator to assist. I was spellbound and fascinated - it was a hard book to put down!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terminal Impasse by Sara Driscoll is a gripping and suspenseful police thriller. The story follows two seasoned NYPD detectives who, along with a group of hostages, find themselves trapped in a dire situation. As tension mounts, the detectives must rely on their extensive training and expertise to navigate the high-stakes standoff and prevent the situation from spiraling into catastrophe. Driscoll skillfully weaves together heart-pounding action, clever problem-solving, and intense character development, making this novel a must-read for fans of taut, psychological thrillers.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

TERMINAL IMPASSE (NYPD NEGOTIATORS, #4)
BY: SARA DRISCOLL

About 3.5 Stars!

This is my first book that I've entered into in the fourth installment called, "TERMINAL IMPASSE," which I would say is completely plot driven. It's fast paced, but since I felt the missing rich character development that is my personal preference in reading, I rated it at 3.5 Stars. This takes place in Grand Central Terminal, in New York City where the opulent marble interior is depicted in its description about this iconic place is mixed throughout this action packed novel, and that's one of my reasons for deciding to try this series. I could visualize the beautiful interior as I read this (NYPD NEGOTIATORS #4), which like I said does contain a minimum amount of characterization in the MFC, Gemma Capello, who works for the NYPD, as a hostage negotiator except it's more of a tell me than show me in how she is depicted which made me think that I'm positive that this kind of falls flat for my taste that craves more literary fiction style of writing than just a fast paced, plot driven novel. I saw so many five star reviews for this that my curiosity was piqued, is the other reason for me trying this series. I guess that this makes me an outlier opinion, which I liked that the chapters were short which made this easily able to be read during one sitting.

I was also interested in the premise of it's main female character Gemma Capello working for the NYPD, as a hostage negotiator which this can be read as a standalone, since I'm assuming that each installment of this series focuses on a different hostage situation. I took a small risk with entering this in the fourth novel in the series. Small referring to the risk factor, which I'll clarify my meaning is summarized that it wouldn't be too much time invested since these are fairly short page counts. So I wouldn't get too far behind by squeezing this in between the others I have committed to, which I also satisfied my curiosity by trying this. I thought this was just okay, but I'm still happy that I tried this series, and I know that I need to gravitate towards my reading containing more depth to the characters in the future. I wasted a lot more time deciding whether to try this out since some reviewers mentioned that the series is more enjoyable when read from the beginning in order, with a few that say that they can be read as a standalone, which based on my reading experience with this one, I don't think my not starting with the first novel in this series would have improved my overall opinion, since it definitely has a target audience that most reviews were five stars. I still think that there's a thin amount of depth in the writing style when it comes to character development, and this just taught me to know that I lean more towards the layers of character development, but like a well developed plot ideally, but if only plot driven then it leaves me feeling that I know it's not for me.

Gemma Capello and Sean Logan are two highly skilled in different strengths within the NYPD, and they had a short hook up while they were both Cadets. It's been fifteen years since then approaching Christmas time and they are out on a date where they cut through Grand Central Terminal on their way out to dinner where Sean has recommended because the food is wonderful. They're trying to figure out if they are able to take their professional relationship to include adding a romantic relationship, as well. They walked right into a hostage crises while a paramilitary trio with black masks covering their faces are shooting commuters with one older woman that they help get out of the line of fire watched her husband get murdered by these men. There is pandemonium and chaos as these three armed men are spraying bullets from sub-machine guns. As they are trying to save lives which even though they're both off duty, that is part of their oath they find themselves as hostages within this act of terrorism.

Gemma and Sean quickly slide their NYPD shields out of sight since they see that a couple of MTA officers have been killed. If these three murderers get any inclination that Sean and Gemma are police they would be killed instantly. What's more disturbing is one of these masked shooters has C-4 explosives with more of this plastic explosive in duffel bags besides in his hand he has C-4 explosives that if detonated will kill everyone inside the terminal as well as blow up a two block radios surrounding, Grand Central Terminal disrupting the hub of subways to cripple the city. This situation reminds Gemma of twenty-five years ago, when she was only ten years old, she witnessed her mother get shot and killed while trying to calmly try to reason with some shooters in their bank. Gemma knows that she will work with Sean and pretend to these gunmen that she is a business negotiator who can communicate as the mediator to get her colleagues to give these armed men what they're demanding by her talking with the hostage negotiators who have set up a command post nearby. They are there to do what she normally does, and hope that she can use her training, on the job experience, and skills to inform them that she, and Sean are among the hostages inside which she accomplished by using a strategy. It's all a risk, and Sean who is a trained sniper or sharp shooter for the NYPD, and her know that they have to act as if they aren't working together in front of these killers. If there is a way to alert their colleagues to the shooters names, that they have C-4 explosives is their only reason Sean's colleagues haven't shot all three of these masked men who seem to be able to kill, and prepared to die.

Gemma has communicated that the C-4 bombs are why this is such a tricky situation with relaying to her colleagues in coded language who one of the suspects is. They expect in three hours for the President to pardon four men who belong to their organization to be released from prison, who are responsible for blowing up a building that killed at least one hundred people. The usual demands that no law enforcement official can grant. Gemma has labeled "Suspect one," as the one in charge who has C-4 to automatically explode in his hand, and it seems like he's getting tired of holding it. "Suspect two," as the one she thinks is less lethal, who has been identified already. "Suspect three," as the one that's the most dangerous one who is filled with rage. Gemma really is the calm one, and is an expert at knowing how to make them believe they're in charge. I did learn that she comes from a big Italian family, with several brothers, and her father who all work for the NYPD, except for one brother who doesn't. Will Gemma, Sean, and the other hostages survive this crisis and walk away unharmed by outsmarting these well organized paramilitary criminals? I decided that since the plot was so richly imagined that I'm rounding my 3.5 star rating up to 4 solid stars. Did I enjoy this? Sort of. Did it teach me anything new? No. I might give this author's suspense driven plotted novel another chance by trying the next one in this series. That being said. Did this book feel like it is one I'd recommend? Only to those who think this sounds like something that might deliver them an action packed lighter reading experience.

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Sara Driscoll, and Kensington Books for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#TerminalImpasse #SaraDriscoll #KensingtonBooks #NetGalley

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic -- edge-of-your-seat suspense. Extremely difficult to put down. Clear some time for yourself before you star this one.

[Diane Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

When shooters enter Grand Central Station and randomly shoot at innocent commuters Detectives Capello and Logan are among the hostages. They will face certain death if the shooters discover they are police. They need to use all their knowledge as NYPD officers to keep themselves and the hostages alive. The action in this book starts from the first and doesn’t let up. You won’t want to put this one down. The book,is part of a series but could easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

TERMINAL IMPASSE by Sara Driscoll is the fast paced, adrenaline pumping story of NYPD Detectives Gemma Capello and Sean Logan. While trying to give their relationship from years ago a second chance, they find themselves trying to prevent a major catastrophe and save a group of hostages – that includes the two of them.

Gemma is the daughter of the Tony Capello, Chief of Special Operations. Three of her four brothers are on the same Hostage Negotiation Team (NHT) while the fourth brother is with the FDNY. When Gemma was 10 years old, she witnessed her mother killed in a hostage situation. While it greatly affected her, it seems to have also has helped her do her very hard job very well. Logan is on the A team (Apprehension Tactical Team) specializing in marksmanship that is often called upon when nothing else seems to work. Even among their ranks, it most common to refer to each other by their last name only.

Years back while in the academy, Capello and Logan hit it off. It led to an intense six-months that cumulated into a single unforgettable night. Afterwards, they mutually agreed that they each had goals they wished to achieve and in order to do that it would be best to go their separate professional ways. A difference of opinion in a case, had put a wedge into their friendship. Now, after time to reflect and with still feeling that draw them to one another, they have decided to try again – to see where things may lead. Although goals were achieved, they both have regrets for having ended it all those years ago.

Out on their “first” date, they are headed to an eatery the other side of the Grand Central Terminal. Due to the cold weather, they take the shortcut through the terminal instead of walking all the way around it. That’s when their world, along with many others, changed in an instant. Rapid gunfire have them running for cover. Then their professionalism had them helping others unable to help themselves – like an elderly woman whose husband had just been murdered before he eyes and two teenage girls that seemed frozen in place. By saving others, their own route for escape no longer existed. It ends up with themselves and 12 others being held hostage by three masked men. The man that appears to be the leader is wearing a suicide vest full of C-4 with his thumb on the trigger to detonate it as well as two duffle bags full of the lethal material close by. They came prepared to die, taking a large section of New York and the hostages with them if their demands weren’t fulfilled within a 3-hour time limit.

After talking her way into being the negotiatory between the masked men and the police, can Gemma load enough clues into her conversations to be of any help? Can Gemma and Logan keep the three members of the Sinister 13 unaware that they themselves are actually part of the NYPD? What are their demands and how could they be so important that they would be willing to die for them? Will they be able to figure out the dynamics of the three men and use the facts they learn against them? Will flashbacks to a similar situation, cause Gemma to falter or make her more determined than ever to prevail? Will the attraction between Gemma and Logan help them to work together in this extremely difficult situation? Is it possible that an obnoxious reporter can actually be of some help? Can they divide and conquer or will their actions put them in the crosshairs of a P90 submachine gun? Will Logan’s past words (“Smart guys know that only stupid guys aren’t scared when their lives are on the line. It’s what you do with that fear that matters.”) come into play? Can being at the wrong place at the wrong time end up being the right people at the right place?

TERMINAL IMPASSE is an exceptional, expertly laid out story that will keep you on the edge of your seat grabbing your attention from the very beginning and will keep up turning pages to the very end. Sara Driscoll gives us a story of danger, suspense, intrigue, team work, selflessness, dedication to duty, family – whether by blood or bond, romance and second chances. TERMINAL IMPASSE is without a doubt FIVE STAR reading! I highly recommend it.

As small disclaimer, there are a couple words that might offend some. However, please know these single words were only used a couple of time and then only to show depth of emotions in an extremely difficult and emotional time.

I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TerminalImpasse #SaraDriscoll #NYPDNegotiatorsNovel #KensingtonBooks #thriller #suspense #courage

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this thrill ride! I was captivated from the first page, riding high on exhilarating moments and crashing down in the terrifying ones. This fourth heart-pounding novel in its series gives sufficient character backstory and case history for new and returning readers.

I was fully invested in Gemma and Sean, both NYPD detectives. They were going on a date that was fifteen years in the making. They had met in the police academy and had the best ever date before going separate ways at graduation. Gemma single mindedly pursued her career at NYPD with her father, the chief of Special Operations, and three of her four brothers. When Gemma was ten, she had been a hostage with her mother in a bank robbery. Her mother was killed trying to talk the robbers down.

Gemma is now part of NYPD’s hostage negotiation team, and Sean is member of the A-Team, specially trained to capture those holding hostages or otherwise endangering lives. Their teams have been on several operations together in which they were at odds. Hostage negotiators tried to peacefully resolve situations. The A-Team would, when deemed possible, kill the bad guy rather than risk hostages. They did, however, still share an attraction and wanted to take the chance.

They were going out to dinner. They were passing through Grand Central Terminal on the way when three men with covered faces began shooting commuters with submachine guns. Sean and Gemma immediately separated to help people out of the madmen’s way. Gemma, Sean, and twelve others who had not escaped took cover.

With gestures, Gemma and Sean “named” the leader One. One wore a suicide vest of C-4 explosives. He also had two duffels filled with C-4 that would blow if the vest was detonated, enough to take out at least a city block of concrete and skyscrapers. Two seemed the more malleable of the captors. Three appeared to have the least patience.

One also had the explosives controller, held in an open position, which could detonate when he could no longer hold it. If the police delayed or refused their demands, or if police shot him, they all would die. Their demand was that four members of their paramilitary group be released from prison despite their taking out a federal building and killing all inside. They also demanded untraceable transportation.

Gemma confidently claimed to be an expert business negotiator in high demand around the country. She convinced the captors to allow her to negotiate for them, as she knew the nature of negotiations. She had to determine how best to let her team know that she was one of the hostages, while Sean considered the most plausible way to get out of the situation alive.

A logical, cool-headed negotiator, Gemma had to stay focused on this situation despite flashbacks of her mother’s murder. Especially knowing what every negotiator knew – the United States does not negotiate with terrorists.

The window of time was closing for One to hold the C-4 detonator. What happened next was beyond what any of them planned, and the pages flew as I “watched” each scene play out. It was worth every minute of lost sleep to see the stunning events leading to the conclusion! The resolution was powerful and very satisfying. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates against-the-odds thrillers, high tension police situations, or New York City settings.

From a thankful heart: I received a pre-publication copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

They're the right people to have in a bad situation

When NYPD detectives Gemma Capello and Sean Logan were competitive and ambitious cadets at the Police Academy they were strongly attracted to one another and had a brief but memorable fling before pulling away to focus on their respective careers. Years later, Gemma is one of the top hostage negotiators for the NYPD while Logan is among the best within the Apprehension Tactical Team (aka the A team). They have worked side by side during different operations, including one that ended badly months earlier, and have only recently decided to explore the attraction between them. They are headed out on their first real date one December night and are cutting through Grand Central Terminal to avoid the cold when armed men start shooting. They find themselves part of a small group of hostages being held until four imprisoned members of their group are pardoned and released. The terrorists are not only armed with powerful weapons...one of the three is wired to enough C-4 explosive material to not only level the iconic building but the blocks around it, and is holding on to a dead man's switch. If his finger releases its hold on the button the explosives will automatically ignite, which renders the A-Team snipers and other law enforcement members impotent. It seems like these terrorists have planned well and thought of everything to ensure their success...but they don't know that among their hostages are an experienced negotiator and a tactical expert. Will Gemma and Logan be able to keep their true identities hidden from their captors and use their considerable skills to bring the ordeal to a positive conclusion?
Terminal Impasse is the fourth installment in author Sara Driscoll's NYPD Negotiators series. Gemma is a strong and competent woman from a family with a long history of service in the NYPD. She also lives with the memory of her mother being shot and killed while 10 year old Gemma was with her, both taken hostage by a group robbing the bank where they were doing business. Its part of the reason why Gemma chose the field she did, and the parallels to what happened all those years ago and the situation in which she and Logan find themselves are bringing up memories of the worst day of her life. Logan is an intense alpha type who realizes that he and Gemma have different skill sets which complement one another, and is smart enough to realize that her skills are the more useful in their current predicament (at least at the start). The portrayal of the role of negotiators is an interesting component to the story, as are the tactics used by the A-Team during the stand-off. The setting chosen for the tale is a storied and beautiful one which Ms Driscoll describes in great detail (maybe a little bit too much detail, which occasionally slowed down the pace of the story). Overall this is an intriguing thriller where the biggest question is whether or not the good guys can find a weakness in the terrorists' plan and save not only the lives of the hostages but also Grand Central Terminal and its surroundings. Fans of other books in this series and/or Ms Driscoll's other series as well as readers of Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen and J. T. Ellison should enjoy this latest offering. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to Terminal Impasse in exchange for my honest review.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is the fourth entry in Driscoll's NYPD Negotiators series, which is a Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that features a NYPD hostage negotiator and her tactical officer colleague who must hide their identities while working to save themselves and their fellow hostages after a paramilitary group threatens to blow up Grand Central Terminal. Working fast and smart, the negotiator persuades the deadly trio's leader, who's wearing a bomb vest and is threatening to detonate it and other explosives if their imprisoned fellow soldiers aren't released, to allow her to negotiate with law enforcement. As she earns their trust, her male colleague plots to free himself to take on the gunmen. But time is running out; the abductors are growing more impatient and violent with every passing moment. With their NYPD colleagues on the outside, the duo must use all their negotiation experience and tactical skills to prevent the situation from escalating into a bloodbath. With plenty of twists and turns, Driscoll writes a gripping fast-paced investigative tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. I really like how Driscoll's plot unfolds and the deft way everything weaves together so effortlessly. Told in multiple POVs, Driscoll's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Gemma even under this intense situation. And I love seeing her working with (Sean) Logan and seeing them coming to terms with past events. Additionally, I love Gemma's family and it's great to see them and her NYPD team and colleagues working together to end the deadly situation. With tact and sensitivity, Driscoll tackles some sensitive topics, so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Exit Strategy. Driscoll's a favorite author and I can't recommend this series enough!

I received this eARC thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Terminal Impasse by Sara Driscoll
Series: NYPD Negotiators #4

A pulse-pounding hostage thriller set in the heart of New York City, Terminal Impasse is Sara Driscoll at her most intense and emotionally layered. With Grand Central Terminal as both battleground and pressure cooker, this fourth installment in the NYPD Negotiators series delivers adrenaline, intimacy, and moral complexity in equal measure.

- Negotiation Under Duress: Unlike previous entries, Gemma Capello isn’t negotiating from the outside—she’s one of the hostages. This inversion adds psychological depth and urgency, as she must conceal her identity while trying to defuse a volatile situation from within.

- Trauma and Resilience: The novel draws on Gemma’s childhood trauma—witnessing her mother’s death during a robbery—to deepen her emotional arc. Her ability to remain composed under pressure is both a survival skill and a testament to her growth.

While cutting through Grand Central Terminal en route to a date, NYPD negotiator Gemma Capello and tactical officer Sean Logan are swept into a paramilitary hostage crisis. The perpetrators—members of the extremist group Sinister 13—demand the release of imprisoned comrades and threaten mass destruction. With their phones confiscated and their hands bound, Gemma must convince the captors to let her negotiate with law enforcement—without revealing who she really is. Meanwhile, Sean plots a daring escape. As tensions rise and violence escalates, the duo must rely on their training, instincts, and trust in each other to prevent a massacre.

Gemma is a standout heroine—strategic, empathetic, and emotionally grounded. Her internal conflict between duty and survival is palpable. Sean Logan complements her with tactical precision and quiet intensity. The Capello family, a recurring strength of the series, adds depth and continuity, reinforcing themes of loyalty and legacy.

Terminal Impasse is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that pushes its protagonist to the edge—both professionally and personally. It’s a standout entry in a series that continues to evolve, offering readers not just suspense, but heart. Perfect for fans of J.T. Ellison, Tami Hoag, and procedurals with a psychological twist.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nail-biting, edge of the seat thriller!

Terminal Impasse combines the personal emotional impact of a hostage situation where a loved one is at risk with the overwhelming terror of a potential 9/11 terrorist situation where thousands may die. To make the plot even more complicated and interesting, 2 of the hostages are a hostage negotiator and an NYPD Detective with a long, emotional history. The story takes place in NYC's Grand Central Terminal Main Concourse, where the potential devastation could include the destruction of the hub of the subway system and the skyscrapers above.
The story is well-crafted with rich detail of both the environment in the terminal (now I want to go see it) and the psychological and emotional states of the key characters. As someone familiar with the previous books in the series I was excited to see how the relationship between Gemma (the hostage negotiator) and Sean (the detective) would progress. However even if you are new to the series, the author provides action and dialogue at the start that has the reader invested in the characters quickly.
The terror begins when gunmen enter the terminal at the same time as Gemma and Sean, gun down police officers and civilians, take a group of hostages, and threaten to blow up everything if their demands to release their imprisoned comrades are not met. As police officers, Gemma and Sean must hide their identity and relationship, but use their skills to help find a solution to the standoff that doesn't result in thousands of deaths, including their own. I was so immersed in the story that I could see no way out, as clearly the gunmen were prepared to die if their demands were not met. That tension kept me completely engrossed until the conclusion of the story.
I highly recommend this book as a stand alone novel, but would also encourage those new to the series to go back and enjoy the previous books in the series. All are excellent and each story is complete on it's own, but if you enjoy seeing character development over time, this series provides that as well. Sara Driscoll's books have become an automatic pre-order for this reader.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminal Impasse by Sara Driscoll
NYPD Negotiators #4

~ Intense, nerve-wracking, thrill ride from beginning to end ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

When a great date suddenly devolves into a hostage situation is it Karma, good/bad luck, or Fate that might find a NYPD hostage negotiator and a tactical team member both amid the hostages taken?

What I liked:
* Gemma: NYPD hostage negotiator, seasoned NYPD police officer, from a family of first responders, skillful, driven, competent, family oriented, and a survivor of a hostage situation experienced as a child
* Logan: tactical team member, went through police academy with Gemma, strong, determined, focused, lethal, bright, aware, team player, strategic thinker
* The strong bond of the Capello family and how they were there for one another ~ Tony: widow, father & NYPD Chief, Teo: brother in the FDNY, Joe: NYPD lieutenant in gang squad, Mark: NYPD patrol sergeant in the 5th precinct, Alex: NYPD internal affairs bureau ~ Gemmas father & brothrs
* The excitement I felt knowing that Gemma and Logan were finally out on a date and that the chemistry was as strong as it had been fifteen years before
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Thinking about how difficult the situation was and seeing how the team(s) worked together for a positive outcome
* That I cared about the characters and the outcome of the situation
* It was believable, and I felt I was there
* That the story finished with everything solved – no loose ends
* Looking forward to the next book in the series and finding out what will happen to the various characters

What I didn’t like:
* The hostage takers and thinking about what led them to do what they did and do it without compunction ~ What twisted their minds to allow them to plot, plan, and implement what they did?
* Knowing that there are people like the hostage takers out there in the world

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Connie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right out of the bag, a Sara Driscoll book pulls you in and dumps you right into the center of action. An ordinary date, a lovely evening, a time to reconnect and build new bridges after tearing them down earlier in their lives. It seemed so simple. Until it wasn’t. Gemma Capelli has finally come to her senses and realizes that she loves Logan. This date is centering on clearing the air, and yes, building new bridges so that they could finally embrace each other’s care, concern, and love for each other. But nothing happens easily in the lives of these two NYPD cops and both find themselves front and center in Grand Central Station as two of fourteen hostages taken during a horrendous takeover of the building by three terrorists.
With only the skills they have, and must hide so as not to be found out as cops, Gemma and Logan work to deescalate the situation as best they can. But with nothing to lose, the gunmen resist as they work to get their demands met. They need time, but time is precious, and Gemma and Logan must work together – and with their team - to bring this standstill to a close.
As with other Driscoll books, place is front and center. This time, it’s the Central room at Grand Central Station, richly described and visualized for the reader. Again, I found myself stopping reading to confer with online images to actually see where they were. Being able to look down the Onassis Foyer, or the ticket booths at the Harlem Line…places I’ve never seen before but are artfully described in this story. The tension as a hostage must go down the corridor to the bathroom can now be placed in the reader’s head as a truly visualized place.
This is the epitome of a page-turner. Grab a corner of time, get comfortable and read (and learn) how negotiations rely on quick-thinking, calmness, and teamwork. One needn’t read the whole series, but it will add a depth to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A night out for Gemma and Logan for a wonderful dinner quickly becomes the stuff of nightmares when armed men take over Grand Central Terminal. The beginning pages are gruesome and terrifying as these armed men slaughter men and women alike. Chaos is all around, but Gemma and Logan keep their heads and use their training to help save several people. Gemma is a top notch negotiator with the NYPD and Logan is a part of a elite crew of officers that are called when lives are in danger. These are two of the best the NYPD has to offer. She is the brain and he is the muscle. Together they are the perfect ones for the job.

After the bullets stop flying, Gemma and Logan realize they need to hide their identity as officers of the law, but they can still use their personal skill sets to hopefully bring this horrifying event to an end without any further loss of life.

The tension was at the red level and the suspense of wondering how they were going to get out of this horrible situation was enough to cause me to tense up while reading it, so much so that I had a sore neck afterward. It was well worth the sore neck and sleepless night to see these two in action.

This author's attention to details about the scenery, the characters, police procedures, etc. make this book come alive. I could almost smell the toxic odor from the gunfire and feel the fear of the hostages. The possible realism of this book makes it even more frightening. Danger, action and high level police procedures make this book an entertaining book to dive into. Let's just say these guys picked the wrong day to take over this terminal because two of their hostages are fearless, highly intelligent and highly skilled in human behavior. This is book #4 in this series, and every one is just as good as the one before. This is a series, and you do not have to read the other books.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing, the author and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Terminal Impasse, Sara Driscoll gives us another fast-paced, hold-your-breath and hold-on-to-your-heart thrill ride. The 4th book in the NYPD Negotiators series gives us everything we could want in the series that landed with a win and hasn't slowed down. The dynamic duo is finally on a real date, and I know everyone is cheering for them just like I was. Of course, I figured that things wouldn't be smooth, but hadn't figure how tough that could get. As the couple strolls through Grand Central Terminal, gun blasts, screams, and falling bodies surround them. Jumping into action immediately, the two experienced cops pull and guide as many people as possible to the only protection available in the open area. Thousands flee but the ones nearest them are too far from any exist. When the pandemonium stops, two gunmen stand forward, but even with only two to face the unarmed police officers and the civilians with them are in no to position to fight back and will soon be exposed. From there, things only get worse.
After a terrifying revelation, and without revealing her real job, Gemma convinces the hostage takers that they need her negotiation skills to keep them all alive. The big question for Gemma and Sean is whether combined their skills will be enough for them to survive and keep all the hostages alive. They know that the police will not negotiate with terrorists, so it is up to them to make the difference for NYPD.
Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and author Sara Driscoll for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing ARC early. I can't wait to tell all my friends and followers how great it is.
#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #SaraDriscoll #JenDanna #TerminalImpasse #NYPDNegotiators

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me that I devoured Sara Driscoll's latest book, Terminal Impasse, as soon as I was able to sit down with it. (Hey, the flu was good for something after all!) And devour it, I did. First, I'm a HUGE shipper with every series I read, every show I watch, so of course I've been shipping Gemma Capello & Sean Logan since they first stepped onto the page together. They've had a rocky relationship that started before we met them, and it got even rockier by the end of the first book, Exit Strategy. They've worked together on two books since, Now, on book four, they've finally both come to terms with the past and have decided to try with basically a fresh start, but on their way to dinner, they're caught in a hostage situation in Grand Central Terminal. Their only saving grace? They're both in regular street clothes, so the three shooters don't have a clue that they're cops.

And those shooters don't waste any time, killing the two Grand Central cops and multiple civilians before taking over a dozen people, including Gemma and Sean, hostage with some very powerful guns and an explosive vest on the leader. It isn't long before Gemma is able to insert herself into the situation, doing it brilliantly in a way that lets her use her talents and skill as a hostage negotiator but keeping quiet the fact that she's a cop. Together, she and Sean work to get their teams the information they need to be able to resolve the situation...although that doesn't mean it goes smoothly or without more violence.

It's a heart-pounding, bite-your-lip, and edge-of-your-seat ride that kept me glued to the book from start to finish.

And my shipper heart is super happy now too! Thanks, Sara!

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Driscoll has broken her own record for intensity with her newest novel, Terminal Impasse., the NYPD Negotiators series. I was blown away with the last novel, but the adrenalin rush with this one is amazing. I felt like I was there, experiencing everything Gemma was going through.

Gemma Capello, hostage negotiator, and Sean Logan, NYPD SWAT sniper, decide to take a short cut to a nearby pub--but they get much more than they bargained for. Automatic weapon fire causes them to race into the action and protect civilians. The story takes off at a dead run and sucks the reader into the center of the action. Domestic terrorists from the Sinister13 group take over Grand Central Station in a bid to further their own twisted agenda. Gemma needs all of her negotiation skills to talk to the leader in an effort to keep the hostages and herself alive. Sean uses his training to inform fellow team members and to physically protect Gemma and the hostages.

I particularly love the explanations for the technical play by play between the characters. I feel like I learn something with each book. It is painful not to be able to read these books in one sitting, I can't stop thinking about it until I can resume reading. I recommend this book to others who love action and intense situations, characters with heart and integrity, and a bit of "on the job" humor to lighten the serious subject.

Thank you to #NetGally #KensingtonPublishing #SaraDriscoll for sending an advanced reader ecopy at my request. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I review books I love for followers and friends.

#TerminalImpasse #NYPDNegotiators

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma Capello and Sean Logan are finally on their way to having their first proper date when all hell breaks out at Grand Central Station. A brutal paramilitary group storms the station opening fire on anyone resembling the police in an effort to take over. Anyone that wasn’t able to escape the terminal in the chaos is rounded up as hostages. Is it a good thing or not that Jemma and Sean are not identified as police – will they make things better or worse and can they get the message to the cops outside that they are inside.

Jemma takes it upon herself to be a ‘negotiator’ on behalf of the group in an effort to steer the situation to the best outcome. It will take all of her skill to get these men to trust her.

Tensions are high between the 3 hostage takers and they don’t all seem to be on the same page
regarding how far they are willing to go to further their cause. All Jemma and Sean can hope is that their teams and her family on the outside, who they knows are going to be involved, can read between the lines and understand she is their eyes and ears on the inside.

Sara Driscoll has you on the edge of your seat from the first page. We go along on a ride from the
perspective of the hostages as well as the people on the outside who are trying to understand the
situation and use all the clues that Jemma is feeding them to end this with minimal bloodshed. The big question – will Jemma and Sean make it out unscathed and will they ever get to go on that damned date!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, edge of your seat thriller…

I have loved this writer from the first book I read, which I picked up on a whim. Thrillers are not my first choice but after it promised a hint of romance, I gave it a try. Saying I’m hooked on her words now is a huge understatement…

Gemma is an NYPD hostage negotiator and when she and Sean (fellow NYPD in their highly trained A-Team) were testing the waters on a relationship do-over, the world exploded. They were hostages, shaken from witnessing the first wave of violence and realizing how much worse it could get. Using every shred of knowledge and experience they had, they worked to save themselves, their fellow captives and a good chunk of New York City.

Set in the very grand, Grand Central Terminal, this story unfolded one nail-biting moment at a time. Every new moment meant there was still hope but it also meant another step closer to the end – and there were no guarantees…

The takeover and its intent were central to the plot yet the characters and their relationships meant I cared about them and how it all played out. There were guns and secrets, and enough tactical detail to keep me glued to the story without making me want to skip over the ‘boring bits’. No boring bits here. Instead, I hung on every word, making sure I didn’t miss a thing.

A top read of the year – highly recommend!

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be a short cut through Grand Central Terminal to a pub on the other side. Instead, NYPD investigators Gemma and Sean find themselves among the hostages of three bitter, angry survivalists, who are threatening to blow up the station. Gemma and Sean know they'll need to be on their toes, think fast and be ready for anything if they are going to save the hostages, themselves and Grand Central Terminal.

This thriller will have your pulse pounding and your heart racing from the time Gemma and Sean enter Grand Central Terminal until the last page is turned. There is no time to take a breath as suspense builds. Tension is high, too, among the police negotiators and investigators outside the terminal as two of their own are at risk.

Ms. Driscoll paid attention to little details that brought a strong sense of authenticity to the story. Sean and Gemma never pretended they weren't anxious, maybe a bit afraid. But they were always in cinque, keeping their professional wits in the forefront. They couldn't keep control of everything, though. Just when I thought it was time to take a breath, Ms. Driscoll threw in quick gotcha moment.

This book pulled me in from the start and refused to let go. It's be terrifying in its realism and possibilities, but I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in this outstanding series and if you are looking for strong family characters, suspense and danger as well as just a hint of romance, then this is the series for you. Years ago, NYPD hostage negotiator Gemma Capello witnessed her mother’s death at the hand of back robbers. She never will forget the images of that day or the devastation to her family, including her father Tony, Chief of Operations for the NYPD and her NYPD brothers Alex, Joe and Mark as well as her firefighter brother Teo who joined the FDNY. What happens when the hostage negotiator becomes a hostage? Detectives Gemma and her friend, Det. Sean Logan are heading to dinner in the Grand Central Terminal Main Concourse when shots are fired and they are taken hostage. Before the shots end, several have been killed by the three men who have taken the group hostage. Gemma and Sean both know if the men learn that they are with NYPD, they will be killed. After getting word to her team that she is one of the hostages, she will use her skill as a negotiator to inform her team as to what information is able to glean about the three men. Hopefully, they will learn who the men are and a way to resolve the situation, before the man with the dead man switch decides to kill everyone. Great characters and a story that will keep you turning the pages until the absolutely thrilling end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Diana Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an ARC of Terminal impasse by Sara Driscoll. This is the 4th book in the NYPD Negotiators and after recently reading the first 3 books of the series, I eagerly sat down to read this one. I didn't think anything could top the previous book Lockdown, but I was totally wrong. After talking through their problems in the previous book, Gemma Capello and Sean Logan are out for a dinner date when all hell breaks loose. As they head through Grand Central Station gunmen kill two police officers, and then spray passing commuters with gunfire. As they are taking hostage, Gemma and Sean have to use all their training to try and keep the hostages safe, and get as much information to their teams outside. Gemma uses her expertise to gain the trust of the terrorists to negotiate for them with her own team. The story is fast paced and intense right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. Not only am I fan of the riveting pace of the story, I also love the love and commitment of the Capello family. I believe you could read this as a standalone, but I definitely recommend reading the series. I am looking forward to the next book!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book!

On their way to a "real" date (years after they broke up), Gemma Capello and Sean Logan are crossing Grand Central Station when a group of 3 terrorists start shooting and take over the station. Since both are sworn police officers, their instinct is to take down the terrorists but they have to stay alive to do so!

Gemma is brave. She's been through this situation once already in her life, when she was 10, she and her mother were caught up in an attack. Unfortunately that didn't turn out very well, and Gemma feels the pain every day, but not more than today while re-living it. Despite her PTSD, she has to think quick and find a way to get a message out. Her whole family is in law enforcement, she knows they are there to support her.

Both Gemma and Logan were hoping for an exciting evening together, but this wasn't exactly the kind of excitement they were looking forward to! This was a fast-moving, well-written, sit on the edge of your seat kind of novel. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #4 in the NYPD Negotiators series. Sara Driscoll is a prolific author with several successful series to her credit. I've read all of her FBI K-9 series and loved them. Driscoll applies the same attention to detail and well-developed character base in all her books, making them realistic as her plot lines set the stage from page one. In TERMINAL IMPASSE, NYPD negotiator Gemma Capello is out on a date with her maybe-boyfriend, fellow officer Sean Logan. They are passing through Grand Central Terminal on the way to dinner when a group of armed men take several hostages, including Gemma and Sean. This starts a countdown as the hostage takers make demands and detail consequences. Gemma utilizes her skills as a negotiator to facilitate communication between the group's leader and the police.
Driscoll's cast of characters and the supporting community build a 3D picture of the hostages' fear and the law enforcement's efforts to save them. The fast-paced thriller kept me turning pages long after the "one more chapter" turned into staying up to finish the book. An easy 5 star read.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair warning, this is a book you will binge read. It is fast paced from the beginning and the roller coaster of events does not stop until the very end. Gemma and Sean find themselves hostages while walking thru Grand Central Terminal. The writing's descriptions make you feel that you are there with them. Gemma is a hostage negotiator so quickly has to think of a plan to make herself useful so she can get clues to her colleagues. Meanwhile, Sean is a member of the A-Team with NYPD and is trying to use his knowledge of how things are planned during hostage negotiations to find a way to get any information he can to his team, and figure out how to keep everyone safe knowing there is enough explosives to take out several city blocks. Gemma and Sean use their training to hide their badges and help how they can. You want them to succeed in this high stressed situation and you will find yourself reading quickly to figure out how they and their team cleverly manage to do this. A great suspense story that I highly recommend.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and Logan are finally going on that date they have been promising each other for ages - to see if there is something worth pursuing and if they might have a future together.

As they enter Central Station, however, their world is forever changed. Mercenaries have taken over the station, killed people in horrific ways and now they are part of a hostage group.

How the heck are they going to get out of this situation? One of the hostage takers has C4 strapped to his body and a dead man's switch in his hand, and there are two other guys, heavily armed, who don't seem to be playing games either. If these guys find out Gemma and Logan are law enforcement, they are dead. Then there are the other hostages to take into account and to keep safe. Tricky situation all round!

This entire book was an incredibly fast-paced, thrilling roller-coaster ride and I loved every page of it! I even took my Kindle with me to the theatre so that I could continue reading over intermission, it was that good.

Can't wait for the next book in this series.

5 stars from me.