Have a theological question?

In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad. Mickey Bergman & Ellis Henican. Hachette Book Group. 2024. ISBN: 9781546004752.

In the Shadows is a non-fiction account by negotiator Mickey Bergman about the hidden world of efforts to free Americans detained or held hostage abroad. The book traces several major cases, including those of Brittney Griner, Danny Fenster, Otto Warmbier, Trevor Reed, and Paul Whelan, showing how unofficial back-channel negotiators work with authoritarian leaders, warlords, and hostile governments to secure prisoners' release when standard diplomacy stalls.

Mickey Bergman is a conflict-resolution specialist and hostage negotiator who has worked extensively on securing the release of Americans detained or held hostage overseas. He has been closely associated with the late former New Mexico governor and U.S. ambassador Bill Richardson.

Ellis Henican is an American journalist, author, and commentator. He frequently collaborates as a co-author or ghostwriter on nonfiction books, including political memoirs and works on public policy and national security.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.