Penguin Books Australia

August 2008, Bundaberg photojournalist Nigel Brennan travels to Somalia with Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout.  They are abducted by a criminal gang, brutalised, and kept in isolation and ignorance.  The ransom amount is US$3 million; if it's not paid, they will be killed.  And the Australian government does not pay ransoms.

After more than a year of stalled negotiations, the Brennans realise the government can do no more to help them, and they take matters into their own hands.  Nigel's sister, Nicky, becomes a crack hostage negotiator; his sister-in-law Kellie, an international money launderer.  Meanwhile, Nigel is facing the fight of his life.

Nigel's family puts everything on the line and enters uncharted territory.  They go against government advice, sacrificing their livelihoods, their houses and personal lives to bring the hostages home.  It's day 462 before the situation reaches its breathtaking conclusion.

This is the story of an ordinary Australian family discovering what they're capable of and how far they're prepared to go for what they believe in.  Life.  Freedom.  Whatever the price.