Book ~ "The Professionals" (2012) Owen Laukkanen

From Goodreads ~ Four friends, recent college graduates, caught in a terrible job market, joke about turning to kidnapping to survive. And then, suddenly, it's no joke. For two years, the strategy they devise-quick, efficient, low risk ... works like a charm. Until they kidnap the wrong man.


Now two groups they've very much wanted to avoid are after them ... the law, in the form of veteran state investigator Kirk Stevens and hotshot young FBI agent Carla Windermere, and an organized-crime outfit looking for payback.

As they all crisscross the country in deadly pursuit and a series of increasingly explosive confrontations, each of them is ultimately forced to recognize the truth: The true professionals, cop or criminal, are those who are willing to sacrifice ... everything.

I'd read about this book in the Toronto Star in May.  I was attracted to this book because it's a mystery written by a Canadian.

Marie, Pender, Sawyer and Mouse recently graduated from university but can't find a job.  They decide to spend a few years crisscrossing across the U.S. kidnapping people and charging a $60,000 ransom.  It's a small enough amount so the families can get it and it will be more of an annoyance to the family so won't be reported.  But things turn ugly when they kidnap a man with mob connections who is cocky and mouthy.  Then it's a crosscountry chase to catch them.

I liked the characters.  I can see Stevens and Windermere teaming up again for a series of books.  They like each other and work well together.  I liked the kidnappers and was cheering for them.

I'll be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.