Now THIS is one excellent read, and it does not matter whether you are 8, or 80, because the story captures a universal concern, the terror of random kidnapping, and even more important, the delight of young people outwitting and defeating kidnappers! There is a youngster on vacation with his family, who suddenly just disappears into a busy shopping area, and it suddenly becomes a wild, and riveting, suspense-filled journey for one and all from that point on. The author has cleverly written this in a nearly "universal" setting, so while the sites and street life sounds and experiences are instantly recognizable, it is absolutely impossible to identify exactly where the entire sequence of events takes place! Do not be misled with the gifted author's suggestion that this is a book writen targeted for "young people", because just like with the memorable Harry Potter series, adults will love it even more!