Blood Ransom: Stories from the Front Line in the War against Somali Piracy

For the first time in history, every superpower on the planet has united against a common enemy - a couple of thousand rag tag underfed men and boys. Crammed together in tiny open boats and armed with ancient AK47s and rocket propelled grenades, they scour the western Indian Ocean. Many die at sea. But occasionally these modern-day pirates hit the jackpot, seizing vessels and crews that will be ransomed for millions of dollars.

Using interviews with pirates, hostages, skippers, security guards and politicians, John Boyle paints a vivid picture of a seemingly unwinnable war.