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Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Kickback is the first novel in the Dafne Olabarrieta Mexico Mystery series by Ana Manwaring. The story follows Dafne, director of operations for her family's company, and a skilled hostage negotiator. When an old friend, Alba Falconi, makes a desperate plea to help rescue her kidnapped daughter, Dafne dives headfirst into the dangerous Mexican underworld. As she pieces together clues in a dangerous game of deceit and power, Dafne not only battles ruthless criminals and political corruption but also fights with personal demons and strained family ties. Supported by her team of seasoned investigators, Dafne faces the ultimate test: saving an innocent child and getting justice, or becoming the next victim in this deadly game.
Ana Manwaring's action-packed, fast-paced, adrenaline-inducing story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The moment I read the blurb, I knew I was going to like this story. Dafne is a compelling protagonist. She is resourceful, emotionally complex, and morally grounded. I loved that she is a go-getter and not simply a thinker. She knew what she had to do to save the little girl, protect her loved ones, and keep herself safe, too. Manwaring skillfully blends intense action with emotional stakes, ensuring readers are as invested in Dafne’s internal struggles as they are in the plot. I loved the high-stakes story, the intensity of the action, and the character development that accompanied the plot. There was never a dull moment. I finished this book in one sitting and enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it!
