A read through of this book and it would be no surprise if you never set foot outside the house again. It is written by a former bodyguard who is now the operations director of an international risk management company - I think that means he stops people being kidnapped.

Right from the first page of Chapter 1, entitled A Journey into Danger, this book grips the reader - with fear.

If you thought the world a dangerous place then you were right, and Mr Consterdine lists all the bad things happening in it - the killings, muggings, kidnappings, car thefts, robberies and health scares.

But don't worry, the cavalry is at hand as the author tells you how to avoid the baddies.

For instance, in a chapter on safety on the road the following advice is given when approaching your car: look for tamper marks on the vehicle; as you reach the car you must include a visual scan of the interior, in particular the rear footwell, as someone could be lying flat out of sight in the dark; as you get into the vehicle make sure you get in backside first. One leg first orientates the body into a forward facing profile, so breaking visual contact with what may be coming towards you from the side. Backside first keeps you facing the direction of any possible threat and keeps you with both feet on the ground longer. You can also use both feet to kick out if necessary.

Of course , a lot of what he says is common sense but a lot of it, one imagines, would only apply to multinational corporation presidents or politicians protected by men in black with bulging suits.

It is usual to say of a book such as this: "Don't leave home without it", but you may decide that the risks involved mean you decide you won't leave home at all.

If you do, remember to cancel the Guardian and the milk and put the cat in the cattery.