Anja Shortland on Kidnap

In 'Kidnap: Inside the Ransom Business', Anja Shortland delves into the complex world of kidnapping for ransom, revealing how this lucrative yet risky business operates. She highlights the role of insurance companies like Lloyd's of London in stabilizing the market and ensuring the safe return of hostages. The book also examines how private governance systems interact with criminal economies, providing insights into the economics of kidnapping and its management.

Dreamland by Sam Quinones tells the story of two powerful drug industries—that of prescription opiates and black tar heroin—driven by capitalism and greed. The book examines how the medical community's shift towards pain relief, fueled by pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, and the influx of black tar heroin from Mexico, contributed to the opiate epidemic. Quinones uses personal anecdotes, historical context, and a cast of characters including pharmaceutical pioneers, Mexican entrepreneurs, and narcotics investigators to illustrate the catastrophic impact on American communities. The book also highlights the role of community in recovery and the need for addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contributed to the epidemic.