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Kickback
When Dafne, director of operations for her family company and sidelining as a hostage negotiator, receives a desperate call from an old friend, her life takes a dangerous turn. Alba Falconi’s daughter has been kidnapped, and Dafne is the only one who can help. As she navigates the treacherous streets of Mexico, Dafne uncovers a web of deceit, and corruption, that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
With her team of investigators, Dafne must outsmart the kidnappers and a killer, confront high-level politicos, face her own past betrayals, the disapproval of her family.
From high-speed car chases to intense shootouts, Kickback delivers non-stop action and suspense. But this isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deeply emotional journey of a woman torn between duty and desire, love and loyalty.
Will Dafne save the innocent child and bring the perpetrators to justice, or will she become the next victim in this deadly game? Find out in “Kickback,” where every page sizzles with tension, peril, and the vibrant culture of Mexico. Perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
With her team of investigators, Dafne must outsmart the kidnappers and a killer, confront high-level politicos, face her own past betrayals, the disapproval of her family.
From high-speed car chases to intense shootouts, Kickback delivers non-stop action and suspense. But this isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deeply emotional journey of a woman torn between duty and desire, love and loyalty.
Will Dafne save the innocent child and bring the perpetrators to justice, or will she become the next victim in this deadly game? Find out in “Kickback,” where every page sizzles with tension, peril, and the vibrant culture of Mexico. Perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2024
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Ana Manwaring
17 books19 followersAna Manwaring writes raw, unflinching crime thrillers that dwell at the crossroads of corruption, survival and vengeance. With a bold, gritty voice and a sharp eye for institutional injustice, her latest novel Mortal Revenge, co-authored with Fernando León Torrens, plunges readers into the sun drenched streets of Veracruz, where power and family secrets collide under the weight of violence and betrayal. Mortal Revenge isn’t just a thriller — based on a true story, it’s a fight for truth, told with unrelenting honesty.
Drawing on a deep-rooted fascination with Mexico, political and social intrigue and the human psyche under pressure, Ana builds morally complex anti-heroes whose fights for justice blur into quests for survival. Her work brings Latin American infused crime fiction to the forefront — combining intense action, layered character drama, and social realism. Her novels include the JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventures and the the Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mysteries. She has also written a memoir of her years living in Mexico, Saints and Skeletons.
When she’s not weaving dark plots or crafting shocking twists, Ana connects with her readers on social media, sharing behind the-scenes insights, cultural inspirations, and the emotional heart of her stories.
Ana also teaches creative writing, produces North Bay Poetics, and is the Vice President of of Sisters in Crime Northern California. https://anamanwaring.com https://linktr.ee/anamanwaring
Drawing on a deep-rooted fascination with Mexico, political and social intrigue and the human psyche under pressure, Ana builds morally complex anti-heroes whose fights for justice blur into quests for survival. Her work brings Latin American infused crime fiction to the forefront — combining intense action, layered character drama, and social realism. Her novels include the JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventures and the the Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mysteries. She has also written a memoir of her years living in Mexico, Saints and Skeletons.
When she’s not weaving dark plots or crafting shocking twists, Ana connects with her readers on social media, sharing behind the-scenes insights, cultural inspirations, and the emotional heart of her stories.
Ana also teaches creative writing, produces North Bay Poetics, and is the Vice President of of Sisters in Crime Northern California. https://anamanwaring.com https://linktr.ee/anamanwaring
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 22, 2024
Ana Manwaring’s Kickback, the first installment in the Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mystery series, delivers a gripping crime thriller set against the backdrop of Mexico’s complex criminal underworld. The novel’s fast-paced narrative introduces Dafne Olabarrieta, a determined and multifaceted protagonist, whose journey unfolds with both intensity and emotional depth. The story begins with an intimate domestic moment: Dafne and her husband are having breakfast, debating the prospect of starting a family. While her husband pushes for this next step, Dafne remains focused on her career. The tranquility is shattered when a call from an estranged friend catapults Dafne into a dangerous world. From leading her firm to utilizing her hostage negotiation training, Dafne is drawn into a high-stakes race to rescue a child, navigating a labyrinth of corruption, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.
Manwaring’s intelligent prose is enriched by seamless cultural integration, with Spanish phrases and expressions adding authenticity and texture to the dialogue. Even common idioms, such as "ay," resonate naturally in the narrative. The book’s structure also deserves praise, with its numbered and titled chapters, a thoughtful touch that enhances the reading experience in a genre where such details are often overlooked.
Dafne’s character is skillfully portrayed as both relatable and compelling. Torn between family obligations, her class-conscious mother’s expectations, a husband eager for stability, and the betrayal of her former friend Alba, Dafne’s internal struggles parallel the external chaos of the mission. The stakes are high, and personal tragedy intensifies the emotional gravity of her journey. Yet, Dafne’s resilience and moral grounding guide her through the violence and grief, reflecting a powerful arc of growth and healing.
While Kickback is undeniably a taut thriller, it transcends genre conventions by exploring themes of forgiveness, loss, and the human capacity to endure. Dafne is not without flaws, but these imperfections make her all the more believable amid the novel’s relentless pace and intricate plot. Manwaring’s nuanced exploration of the human condition elevates the story, ensuring readers are both captivated by the suspense and moved by its emotional resonance.
Kickback is a crime thriller that is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the strength required to confront life’s darkest moments. With its engaging narrative and deep emotional undertones, this is a book that will leave readers eager for th
Manwaring’s intelligent prose is enriched by seamless cultural integration, with Spanish phrases and expressions adding authenticity and texture to the dialogue. Even common idioms, such as "ay," resonate naturally in the narrative. The book’s structure also deserves praise, with its numbered and titled chapters, a thoughtful touch that enhances the reading experience in a genre where such details are often overlooked.
Dafne’s character is skillfully portrayed as both relatable and compelling. Torn between family obligations, her class-conscious mother’s expectations, a husband eager for stability, and the betrayal of her former friend Alba, Dafne’s internal struggles parallel the external chaos of the mission. The stakes are high, and personal tragedy intensifies the emotional gravity of her journey. Yet, Dafne’s resilience and moral grounding guide her through the violence and grief, reflecting a powerful arc of growth and healing.
While Kickback is undeniably a taut thriller, it transcends genre conventions by exploring themes of forgiveness, loss, and the human capacity to endure. Dafne is not without flaws, but these imperfections make her all the more believable amid the novel’s relentless pace and intricate plot. Manwaring’s nuanced exploration of the human condition elevates the story, ensuring readers are both captivated by the suspense and moved by its emotional resonance.
Kickback is a crime thriller that is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the strength required to confront life’s darkest moments. With its engaging narrative and deep emotional undertones, this is a book that will leave readers eager for th
September 29, 2025
Different Skill Sets Can Be Handy
The story takes place in Mexico. The author brings authenticity to the setting by inserting a number of traditional Spanish phrases.
The story includes the elements of an interesting thriller, a cortupt government, a whistle blower reporter, extortion, kidnapping, murder, the search for the kidnapped child, rogue police, bad guys and a woman vowing to rescue the victim and avenge a friend's death who is the mother of the kidnapped child.
What stretches belief is the protagonist being the successful CFO of a huge real estate firm, Daphne, that is somehow an accomplished hostage negotiator now a determined amateur sleuth. The story contains many under developed characters, a private investigating and rescue organization that provides Daphne the muscle to go up against the kidnappers, corrupt police and government. It makes for a laborious and confusing read.
There is plenty of action and a satisfying resolution. In this political climate, this novel is certainly relevant.
The story takes place in Mexico. The author brings authenticity to the setting by inserting a number of traditional Spanish phrases.
The story includes the elements of an interesting thriller, a cortupt government, a whistle blower reporter, extortion, kidnapping, murder, the search for the kidnapped child, rogue police, bad guys and a woman vowing to rescue the victim and avenge a friend's death who is the mother of the kidnapped child.
What stretches belief is the protagonist being the successful CFO of a huge real estate firm, Daphne, that is somehow an accomplished hostage negotiator now a determined amateur sleuth. The story contains many under developed characters, a private investigating and rescue organization that provides Daphne the muscle to go up against the kidnappers, corrupt police and government. It makes for a laborious and confusing read.
There is plenty of action and a satisfying resolution. In this political climate, this novel is certainly relevant.
December 10, 2024
Ana Manwaring’s back at it with this new series featuring PI Daphne Olabarrieta. She really hit it off with this first book set in Mexico. It will have you hooked from the first chapter with fast paced, twisty mystery to follow. Mayham is always one step behind this adventure! Ana absolutely never disappoints, everytime I open her books I know there is an amazing story about to unfold, this one was no different can’t wait for the next in the series!
December 14, 2025
It's probably not fair that I review my own book, but I really loved writing this one!
Kickback follows a woman who receives a call from an old friend telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped, leading her to rescue the child, solve a murder and expose government corruption.
The plot came about after flying to Minneapolis for a memorial, where I came down with COVID and was stuck in my Air B & B for a week. With nothing to do, I spent a lot of time surfing the net and happened on an article about the State of Mexico issuing phoney contracts for goods and services. My blood surged; I got goosebumps. This was the perfect backdrop to a political thriller I wanted to write. When Aisling is kidnapped, Dafne's BFF from Cambridge, a journalist, calls her pulling her into the sphere of the corruption. No spoilers!
Kickback follows a woman who receives a call from an old friend telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped, leading her to rescue the child, solve a murder and expose government corruption.
The plot came about after flying to Minneapolis for a memorial, where I came down with COVID and was stuck in my Air B & B for a week. With nothing to do, I spent a lot of time surfing the net and happened on an article about the State of Mexico issuing phoney contracts for goods and services. My blood surged; I got goosebumps. This was the perfect backdrop to a political thriller I wanted to write. When Aisling is kidnapped, Dafne's BFF from Cambridge, a journalist, calls her pulling her into the sphere of the corruption. No spoilers!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews