Trapped

by James Patterson, Max DiLallo, Justin Hartley

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 revelation: 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.

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Fiction, Novella

Audiobook

Published February 19, 2026

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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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.

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Spin on the High-Rise Hostage Story



The following ratings are out of 5:
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😋🙂😁😎😉
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Full Cast Audio Drama

Audiobook Review: Trapped

Author: James Patterson
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Narrator(s): Justin Hartley and Stana Katic. The cast also features Elizabeth Rodriguez and Rhenzy Feliz.

👥 Characters and Plot

The story opens inside the Empire State Building where a tour guide is ushering a group of visitors toward the elevator for the observation deck. Gunfire erupts throughout the building and panic spreads instantly. A paramilitary group seizes control of the entire structure and takes everyone inside as hostages. With as many as twenty thousand people potentially trapped, the criminals contact authorities and present their demands.

FBI negotiator Theo Requa is at home on administrative leave when he receives an unexpected call that he is being reinstated. He learns about the takeover at the Empire State Building and listens to the first communication from the paramilitary group. They insist that they will speak only to Theodore Requa. Theo advises the team to accept the offer in order to establish trust.

His incident commander, Agent Barnes, is hesitant to use him because his last negotiation ended in tragedy. Although the failure was not technically his fault, Theo had been the primary negotiator and his secondary, Christine, was killed after following a strategy she had proposed. Theo had approved her plan, which led to his suspension. The situation was even more painful because he and Christine had been romantically involved.

The tension escalates when the criminals call again and Theo realizes he is negotiating with someone he never imagined he would face.

🎉 Highlights

• The perspective of the tour guide and his trapped group adds a grounded and very human layer to the crisis. Their fear and confusion inside the elevator create a vivid sense of claustrophobia.
• Theo’s internal struggle is compelling. He must confront his grief over Christine while negotiating with someone who understands negotiation tactics, criminal psychology, and FBI procedure as well as he does.
• The pacing is relentless. Every reveal feels surprising and the story never settles into predictability.
• The setup evokes the spirit of Die Hard in the best possible way. The familiar high-rise siege scenario is present, but the plot is more intricate and emotionally layered. The Empire State Building becomes a character in its own right.

⚓️ Limitations

• Agent Barnes is frustrating. She repeatedly ignores Theo’s warnings and then shifts blame onto him for the consequences of her own decisions. The character is voiced by Elizabeth Rodriguez, who delivers a strong performance, but the writing for Barnes makes her difficult to appreciate.
• The armed firefights are hard to follow. Since this is an audio drama with no narration, the action can feel confusing until the characters explain what happened afterward.

🎙 Narration

This production is a full cast audio drama with sound effects, ambient noise, and dialogue-driven storytelling. There is no internal monologue or descriptive narration, so the experience feels like listening to a cinematic thriller. Justin Hartley voices Theo Requa with a steady and emotionally grounded performance, and Stana Katic brings intensity and nuance to her role. Elizabeth Rodriguez and Rhenzy Feliz add depth to the ensemble. As with other James Patterson audio dramas, the production quality is excellent and the cast delivers a polished, immersive experience.

⭐ Final Opinion

This audio drama delivers a gripping, high tension hostage scenario with emotional depth and a twist that reshapes the entire negotiation. The nonstop action, layered character dynamics, and strong performances make it a standout entry in the audio thriller genre. It is especially enjoyable for listeners who love high stakes stories that unfold in real time and who appreciate a full cast production that feels cinematic from start to finish.

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[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
gonna be honest with you, i only listened to this because of stana katic but i was quite hooked on the storyline as well. the characters were SO well spoken and the story was very entertaining. i could actually imagine the story in front of my eyes quite well. :)

[Amy ~ Insomniac Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I would love anything Justin Hartley narrates! The story was great, but the narration and sound quality really made this one shine!

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this one and the audiobook is great...Justin Hartley and Stana Katic where great. I cant wait for for the next book. Fun action packed plot and interesting characters. Really quick and enjoyable.

[Molly Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I enjoyed the story - it was short and sweet.

🩷❤️ Justin Hartley 🩷❤️

[Star Forbis · Rating 3 out of 5]

"After today, I don't think anything could surprise me."

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Suspenseful story with a fantastic full-cast narration. Justin Hartley does an excellent job as the main character. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope there is a sequel.

[Janice Meek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trapped is the literary equivalent of a shot of espresso. It's fast, jolting and gone before you've even finished your bagel. Nice easy read.

[Shiree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actors👍
Language 👎
sense of justice 👎

The actors did a great job! I would give a higher rating for them but not with all the other stuff.
There was no need for all the language, books should have ratings like movies so people know what they are getting into.
oh, and agent banks and the head swat guy should be put on trial for the murders of THEIR team and the other cops that were killed. They kept harping on the main guy about his feelings and letting them get in the way when that is exactly what they were doing. If they had listened to him, none of them would have been killed. It was super frustrating, and it left you with no true justice. I am sure they did it that way, so you would want to listen or read the next one, but I have no faith that it would resolve.
This was not worth my time.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped

I Picked Up This Book Because: Whim/Narrator

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible Plus
Dates Read: 3/23/26
Rating: 5 Stars
Narrator(s): Full cast

The Story:

It’s been a while since a book has robbed me of sleep but I just couldn’t put this down. I could see the whole “movie” play out in my imagination and though I generally don’t care for a full cast this story definitely benefited from one.

[Larry Bassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fairly exciting spy and hostage thriller created as a audible original recording. It has the defect of being a little bit of a look in the rearview mirror with Russian bad guys and provoking fear of Russian sleeper spies infiltrating the US government. Very good 1950s thriller with the good guys winning.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well produced audio drama from audible. Good voice actors, sound effects, etc. Story was engaging. I've never actually read a James Patterson book before, so I don't know if these are regular characters from other series or not. Nor am I sure just how much he wrote this, considering his name is attached to everything under the sun but by other authors. But it was an enjoyable listen.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good little listen, I do enjoy these James Patterson short stories, the audios, with the multi-cast, music and sound effects always come together really well and bring the stories to life. Shame about the ending for this one, it just fell a bit flat for me

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am not an audiobook person at all but this one included the name stana katic so of course i had to press play and it was such an incredible experience, i was hooked from the very beginning and the storyline was amazing. 4.5 stars but here it’s five because of stana 🙂‍↕️

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75! A quick and fun story! Definitely more of an audio production than an audiobook, but I’ll log it here anyway lol!

[Emily Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this audio ! And the sound effects and drama were just perfect. Wish it was longer

[The Diva Den Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kept you guessing and on your toes. I
Expect nothing less from James Patterson 😉

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dolby Atmos was pretty fun, like listening to a movie.

but the ending was a bit meh. wanted a bit more of a twist.

[Danielle Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like watching a TV show and was easy to get into. The narration added a lot and made the story more engaging. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I’m definitely interested in what happens next.

[Indah Jamtani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap… my new fav audiobook from James Patterson

Action filled

[Myrna Teramura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The production was excellent, featuring a full cast of actors that gave it a cinematic feel. The performances were, for the most part, solid and kept the story engaging throughout. It’s not a particularly deep story, but it’s a fun and entertaining listen—perfect for when you’re cleaning, walking, or just want something easy to follow.

[Jkane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally don't like these "radio plays" which are somewhere between a novel and a movie, and more akin to a radio broadcast from the early 20th century. Thus, I am already a bit biased towards this genre/media. Some of the dialogue seemed forced, and simply bad. The story may not have been awful, but the way it was presented certainly didn't work. As a novel, it likely would've been far better.

[Hilcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Enjoyed this audio short story.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick listen. The cast and extra sounds made it feel like I was watching a television show with my eyes closed.

[John Walthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Takara M Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished the audiobook for Trapped by James Patterson, and from beginning to end it felt less like listening to a book and more like experiencing a fast-paced action thriller unfolding on screen.

The pacing is one of the biggest strengths of this story. The narrative moves quickly, keeping the tension high without ever feeling rushed. Each chapter adds just enough intrigue to keep you invested, and before you realize it, you’re already deep into the next twist or turn. Patterson has always been known for his sharp, concise storytelling, and that style works exceptionally well in audiobook format.

The audio narration adds another layer to the experience. The performance makes the suspense feel immediate and immersive, almost like you’re right there in the middle of the action. It genuinely felt like listening to the audio version of a high-energy TV series or blockbuster thriller.

What stood out most to me was how cinematic the story felt. The scenes are vivid and intense, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you constantly wondering what will happen next. It’s the kind of book that makes it hard to stop listening because every chapter leaves you wanting just a little more.

If you enjoy suspense, action, and thrillers that move at lightning speed while still keeping you fully engaged, Trapped is definitely worth checking out—especially in audiobook form.

Overall, this was an incredibly entertaining listen that kept me hooked from start to finish. For that reason, it earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars from me.

— Takara M. Carter

[Mariah Laurich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and adrenaline flooding listen. It is just under five hours.

I wouldn't say that this book was life changing but I was invested and listened nearly straight through. Some of the writing/narrating was pretty cheesy.

Nevertheless, I am a fan of Justin Hartley so I couldn't pass this audiobook up.

One thing I didn't care for were the character names. Requa, Zeus, Persephone, Ares, etc. They did not fit the personalities or the scene in my opinion. Some could have been code names but eh, it was distracting.

The full audio cast and sound effects made this audiobook. It was a fully immersive experience! I wish more audiobooks did this.

Overall, I would recommend this audiobook. It is a bite size commitment. Thrilling hostage situation.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This BookShot starts off with a bang and doesn’t slow down – fast pacing and lots of action. Russian terrorists with a not-so-obvious agenda take control of the Empire State Building and capture thousands of hostages in the process.

Patterson has turned out several of these short stories lately, further adding to his prolific legacy. Just trying to find the book on his Goodreads page takes time haha

This was high adrenaline, had some twists, and included enough of a storyline in a short amount of time to give the protagonist some depth. A full cast narration with good sound effects and free on Audible.

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and mystery. You wouldn’t believe that a short story packed with all these elements is only 3 hours and 45 minutes long, but this one did it. “Trapped,” written by James Patterson and Max DiLallo, captivated me from the very beginning and kept me hooked throughout.

The storyline was incredibly exciting, and I was thoroughly impressed by the narrators’ exemplary performance. Justin Hartley, Stana Katic, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Rhenzy Feliz, along with the full cast, truly brought the story to life. This is a must-listen, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good suspenseful story.

#imronigirl