Bryan Bennett of Redmond, Washington designs hostage negotiation programs. Bryan believes every life has a defining moment and that his occurred when he was five years old. Bryan remembers being kidnapped in Istanbul and held for two months in an underground cell. Now as an adult, Bryan suffers from severe panic attacks, claustrophobia, and the fear of being kidnapped in the future. Bryan is able to conduct research and prepare lectures and training materials related to hostage situations, but is not able to work with kidnappers or their victims, or even take part in a direct discussion of the subject.

In spite of his overwhelming fears, Bryan accepts an assignment to meet with a client in Iceland. He wants to treat his wife Lori to this trip to make up for prior travel opportunities they’ve declined because of Bryan’s phobias. Bryan plans to take medications to get through the flights and tempts fate by telling himself the trip will be great, because after all “what was the worst that could happen?”

The Worst Thing is an exciting, suspenseful novel. The main character, Bryan Bennett, is sympathetic and likeable. Brian really wants to get better, but doesn’t think it’s possible. I was rooting for him throughout the book to be able to conquer his fears and lead a happy life with his wife Lori. Lori plays a major role in the story, but the book’s focus is on Bryan. The author gives us many insights into what Bryan is thinking, but not Lori. I liked Lori, but wasn’t able to connect with her character the same way I was with Bryan.

Bryan’s friend, the psychologist Zeta Parkington, is a wonderful supporting character. Zeta is not the usual therapist found in fiction. She is in her seventies and smokes cigars. She’s intelligent, independent, and outspoken. Although she’s straight-talking and doesn’t mince words, she is caring and is truly concerned about Bryan’s well-being. I think the author could create entire series centered on this distinctive character!

The book is very well-researched. In addition to information about psychology and hostage negotiation, there are also many details about the unique Icelandic setting. The author describes places of interest, traditions, and customs of Iceland which help the reader to experience the country right along with Bryan and Lori.

From the title alone, as well as the first few chapters, there is a sense of foreboding that something terrible is going to happen. However, the twists and turns the story takes are unpredictable and thrilling and keep you guessing until the very end. The conclusion is great, but the final few paragraphs seem to wrap up reactions to a shocking revelation a little too quickly. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book in spite of the slightly rushed ending.

This stand-alone novel by Aaron Elkins is much different in style from the author’s scholarly Gideon Oliver mystery series. The Worst Thing is more comparable to a suspense novel by Linwood Barclay or a psychological thriller by Jonathan Kellerman. If you’re looking for a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, this fast-paced thriller is just the thing.

~ Christine K.