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Trapped

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Twenty thousand hostages. New York’s most famous building. And an FBI agent forced to face his darkest demons.

When Russian terrorists seize control of New York's iconic Empire State Building, FBI crisis negotiator Theo Requa is thrust back into action.

Still reeling from an incident that left his FBI partner dead just months ago, Theo faces a shocking the terrorists' spokesperson is none other than Christine Travers, his former FBI partner, who he’s sure he watched die in the line of duty.

The terrorists claim they want $119 million from a prominent senator, but their true target may be something far more valuable.

From James Patterson, the world's #1 bestselling author, comes an edge-of-your-seat audio thriller starring Justin Hartley (Tracker) and Stana Katic (Castle). Trapped takes listeners inside a hostage crisis like no other, where loyalty and betrayal intertwine, and one negotiator's personal demons could determine the fate of New York City's most famous landmark—and the tens of thousands of people inside.

Please This audio drama is for mature audiences only. It contains violence and adult language. Discretion is advised.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Audible Audio

Published February 19, 2026

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About the author

James Patterson

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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
102 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
This brand-new Audible Original was a must-listen for me. I’ve long been a fan of many of James Patterson’s thrillers, and the casting of Justin Hartley as Agent Requea immediately grabbed my attention. Hartley has been phenomenal in Tracker, and hearing him lead a high-stakes audio drama felt like the perfect match.

The story kicks off with a chilling premise: a group of terrorists seize control of the iconic Empire State Building, taking 20,000 citizens and tourists hostage. The scale alone is staggering. Into this chaos steps Agent Requea, a hostage negotiator currently on administrative leave while under investigation following his partner’s death in a previous incident. When he’s summoned to the scene, he doesn’t even understand why he’s been called in — until he learns the suspects specifically asked for him.

From there, the tension escalates. Requea is forced to confront the shocking reality that the group’s spokesperson is someone he knows personally. That emotional layer adds depth to what could have been just a straightforward action thriller. The negotiations are intense, layered with psychological maneuvering, political undertones, and personal stakes that feel just as dangerous as the ticking clock inside the building.

Without spoiling the ending, I’ll say this: the story keeps you questioning whether Requea can outthink the terrorists and secure the safe release of the hostages. The suspense builds steadily, and every exchange feels like it could tip the balance toward disaster or salvation.

This is a heart-pounding, pulsating political crime thriller with incredibly high stakes. Hartley and the supporting cast deliver such immersive performances that at times you feel like you’re inside the building, hearing the echoes in the halls and sensing the fear of those trapped within. The sound design enhances the experience, making it more than just a narrated book — it’s a full cinematic production for your ears.

Overall, Trapped is an amazing performance paired with a gripping story. For fans of intense hostage dramas, political thrillers, or James Patterson’s signature style, this Audible Original is absolutely worth the listen.
639 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2026
Lots of twists and turns. It was a little frustrating, in that Agent Requa was always right, and yet his superior, Agent Barnes, kept doing the opposite of what he recommended. But there was lots of action, and I enjoyed each new revelation. It looks like this could perhaps become a series. If you like Mission Impossible or Jack Reacher, you’ll like this. The narration was really well done.
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71 reviews
February 23, 2026
The story was actionpacked, but I didn’t really get why some of the side characters were so prominent. Overall, it was entertaining.
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28 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2026
Quick action paced thriller that I greatly enjoyed listening to! The voice acting from Tavers tickled my brain.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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