The book you are referring to is "Step On a Crack" by James Patterson.
High gas prices and oil shortages.
Iranian radicals holding U.S. hostages
Iranian radicals holding U.S. hostages
The name "Iran Hostage Crisis" implies that there were hostages held by the Iranian government and this holding of hostages fomented a crisis.
Hostage negotiater
Iranian radicals holding U.S. hostages
Iranian radicals holding U.S. hostages
You can plan a funeral any day but the holding of a funeral is different. Funerals are held Mondays to Saturdays and are not held on a Sunday.
Bible
Tonga
If this is a hostage situation, this means the one holding all the hostages captive will free a hostage in return for something he needs.
Blackbeards crimes were major piracy, theft, muder, holding hostages, selling stolen goods etc.