The Exchange (2023) — Grisham’s 49th book — is supposed to be a sequel to The Firm (1991) — his 2nd book — but can certainly be read as a stand alone novel.

I liked the book, as always, but it’s — perhaps — not as good as most of the rest.

The big issue ➙ whether or not to pay kidnappers.

Mitch and Abby are living in Manhattan, where Mitch is a partner at the largest law firm in the world.

When a mentor in Rome asks him for a favor that will take him far from home, Mitch finds himself at the center of a sinister plot that has worldwide implications—and once again endangers his colleagues, friends, and family.

Mitch has become a master at staying one step ahead of his adversaries, but this time there’s nowhere to hide.

The drama is not legal, but financial, after Giovanna Sandroni, an Italian / British associate, has been kidnapped in Libya and is being held for a $100 million ransom by some murderous villains. This is in the era of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Gaddafi was dictator of Libya from 1969 until his killing in 2011.

My friend Mike taught at the American School in Tripoli during the Gaddafi. I heard some … stories.