This is a super book - Kate Adie writes in an engaging manner and has chosen a range of interesting subjects connected by the theme of dangerous work. Her approach is to lay out the reasons that motivated each person she talks to - these are presented in a non-judgemental manner that makes the book all the more thought provoking. Considering that among her chapters there are disucssions on prostitution, terrorism and armed robbery, this is quite an achievement, as it would have been very easy to have written a villification of these roles. Instead Adie presents an open and engaging account of people's motivations and invites the reader to reach their own conclusions. She strikes an excellent balance between some wry humour, particularly when recounting some of her own experiences, and an awareness of the dangers of the situations and occupations she discusses. Heartily recommended.