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Paul Richter #6
Manhunt
Nobody is ever above suspicion in the 'wilderness of mirrors' that is the world of intelligence, but when a senior officer goes bad it still hurts. When that senior officer can't be identified, it hurts even more. Conventional detective work to unmask him is going to be too slow, and probably unreliable, so an alternative strategy has to be formulated. With the security of Britain's most secret computer system at stake, and trust a commodity in short supply, a deception operation is set in train to flush out the traitor. Paul Richter, an unemployed ex-Naval aviator, is the unwitting and ultimately expendable bait in the trap. But as the net closes around the traitor in France, a female Russian intelligence officer flees Moscow and the evidence she brings points the finger of suspicion in a very different direction. With time running out, and nobody he can trust, Richter finds himself battling against both the British security establishment and trained teams of Russian assassins with orders to kill both him and the woman he's trying to protect.
325 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2011
390 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
James Barrington
45 books76 followersI also write as Max Adams, James Becker, Tom Kasey, Thomas Payne and Jack Steel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 14, 2024
Picking a book I read a long time ago, and attempting to do a review, without doing a re-read.
Today, it's Manhunt by James Barrington. The first spy thriller I read by this author was Foxbat. Most recently, I did read Pandemic back in 2020, as morbid curiosity got the best of me during the COVID time, and I had somehow ignored that book up until then.
Manhunt was published after other entries in the Paul Richter series, but it serves as a prequel, a kind of origin story. It ends up being very much like an action-packed James Bond film, but one of those special few that rock the hero's world while still having time for action and an engrossingly twisty plot. All the Paul Richter books scored very high with me, back when I was reading a lot more spy fiction; I recommend the lot. I can recall a very engaging prose style, great pace, some plot twists that perhaps are not always blazingly original when dropped in the heap of adrenalized spy fiction of before and after, and the author's total reliability in keeping a reader happy to return to the series. Nothing to really dislike, unless one's preference is for quieter spy fiction not predicated on a lot of suspense and action.
Today, it's Manhunt by James Barrington. The first spy thriller I read by this author was Foxbat. Most recently, I did read Pandemic back in 2020, as morbid curiosity got the best of me during the COVID time, and I had somehow ignored that book up until then.
Manhunt was published after other entries in the Paul Richter series, but it serves as a prequel, a kind of origin story. It ends up being very much like an action-packed James Bond film, but one of those special few that rock the hero's world while still having time for action and an engrossingly twisty plot. All the Paul Richter books scored very high with me, back when I was reading a lot more spy fiction; I recommend the lot. I can recall a very engaging prose style, great pace, some plot twists that perhaps are not always blazingly original when dropped in the heap of adrenalized spy fiction of before and after, and the author's total reliability in keeping a reader happy to return to the series. Nothing to really dislike, unless one's preference is for quieter spy fiction not predicated on a lot of suspense and action.
January 6, 2017
I thought this was the first in the series, only to see now it's number 6? Not that I felt overly confused during the read; Paul seems to have a new job and I quite enjoyed the way he handled it!
Of course, anything in this genre either treads its own path, or references the stalwarts along the way and this falls into the latter category. It seemed very forward in terms of language, and I'm not sure that's an altogether good thing, whilst taking technology back a step. Still, the action was neatly handled and I won't avoid future works if I come across them.
Of course, anything in this genre either treads its own path, or references the stalwarts along the way and this falls into the latter category. It seemed very forward in terms of language, and I'm not sure that's an altogether good thing, whilst taking technology back a step. Still, the action was neatly handled and I won't avoid future works if I come across them.
December 15, 2016
A well paced story, switching between different threads which come together in an exciting climax. The ending does not quite fit with the characters established earlier in the book - who had both been so aware of the risks. Some graphic descriptions of torture which I would have preferred not to have read, and technical details which could have been footnotes rather than part of the main text.
January 27, 2012
I like the series. Richter is an interesting hero with the right kind of attitude. It's too bad this was released after the others in the series. If you're just going to start reading this series, read this one first. It sets the stage for the rest of the books.
October 22, 2017
A throwback spy story with a modern twist.
Reading this story you'd think it was the height of the Cold War with spy games between the British and the Russians. I almost passed on this book when I looked at the cover. It reminded me of the paperbacks from growing up in the eighties. I had to go to the book page and look at the release date to realize it was a new release. The storyline follows the same duality. It's a modern spy story with a Russian enemy from the Cold War.
The two main characters are Paul Richter and Raya Kosov. There are a number of other characters with a couple appear to be main players for the future of the series, however, this book is all about Paul and Raya.
Paul Richter is ex-military who retired on less than positive terms with his commanders. Civilian life has not been kind to Paul and as desperation sets in a seemingly too good to be true job lands in his lap. It takes less than a few minutes until it's clear why Pauls' had so much trouble with his former commanders. He smells the fish in the wrapper but since necessity trumps instinct, he takes the job.
Enter his new boss, Richard Simpson. A devious, distrusting, and angry man, he soon joins the ranks of leaders who are happy to see the backside of Paul Richter. They get along like oil and water.
The job for Paul seems straightforward but Paul's gut is telling him something is wrong and he's right to feel that way. There's a defector on the loose and while the British are unaware, the Russians have mobilized every asset they have to track the traitor down.
Raya is network manager at the Russian SIS headquarters. She's become a vital employee to her boss who relies on her more and more as time goes by. It's this dependency that has virtually given her the keys to the kingdom. Raya's young and motivated. She working on a plan that has been a lifetime in planning but in the heart of the Russian intelligence machine one wrong move can cost you your life. She's determined to deliver vengeance.
The story is very well written but there are a few issues. There's some language that some readers could find offensive in today's climate. I also found a couple grammar issues but the biggest issue is the plot. It's almost like the plot was lifted from the eighties and then edited with modern elements.
Despite those issues, I really like the book. Paul Richter is a very interesting character. At the beginning of the book he seems like a man with a chip on his shoulder but by the end, he transforms into a character you want to read more about.
If I continue with the series it will be purely on my curiosity with Paul and how he grows into his new life in the British spy agency. If you're looking for a good read and enjoy a well-crafted spy story then this is definitely a book you'll want to read.
Reading this story you'd think it was the height of the Cold War with spy games between the British and the Russians. I almost passed on this book when I looked at the cover. It reminded me of the paperbacks from growing up in the eighties. I had to go to the book page and look at the release date to realize it was a new release. The storyline follows the same duality. It's a modern spy story with a Russian enemy from the Cold War.
The two main characters are Paul Richter and Raya Kosov. There are a number of other characters with a couple appear to be main players for the future of the series, however, this book is all about Paul and Raya.
Paul Richter is ex-military who retired on less than positive terms with his commanders. Civilian life has not been kind to Paul and as desperation sets in a seemingly too good to be true job lands in his lap. It takes less than a few minutes until it's clear why Pauls' had so much trouble with his former commanders. He smells the fish in the wrapper but since necessity trumps instinct, he takes the job.
Enter his new boss, Richard Simpson. A devious, distrusting, and angry man, he soon joins the ranks of leaders who are happy to see the backside of Paul Richter. They get along like oil and water.
The job for Paul seems straightforward but Paul's gut is telling him something is wrong and he's right to feel that way. There's a defector on the loose and while the British are unaware, the Russians have mobilized every asset they have to track the traitor down.
Raya is network manager at the Russian SIS headquarters. She's become a vital employee to her boss who relies on her more and more as time goes by. It's this dependency that has virtually given her the keys to the kingdom. Raya's young and motivated. She working on a plan that has been a lifetime in planning but in the heart of the Russian intelligence machine one wrong move can cost you your life. She's determined to deliver vengeance.
The story is very well written but there are a few issues. There's some language that some readers could find offensive in today's climate. I also found a couple grammar issues but the biggest issue is the plot. It's almost like the plot was lifted from the eighties and then edited with modern elements.
Despite those issues, I really like the book. Paul Richter is a very interesting character. At the beginning of the book he seems like a man with a chip on his shoulder but by the end, he transforms into a character you want to read more about.
If I continue with the series it will be purely on my curiosity with Paul and how he grows into his new life in the British spy agency. If you're looking for a good read and enjoy a well-crafted spy story then this is definitely a book you'll want to read.
February 14, 2018
James Barrington introduces readers to British Intelligence and his protagonist, Paul Richter, in Manhunt, a gripping novel about a Russian defector. The book begins rather slowly, but readers will be so motivated to discovers what happens to the defector and Paul Richter that they will speed-read to find out what happens. Paul Richter isn't a super-hero since he is an unemployed ex-military man who takes an assignment from an unappealing British Intelligence bureaucrat, but he has a wry sense of humor and is, indeed, a clever agent capable of completing his job to rescue the Russian defector and bring her to England.
November 25, 2021
An unemployed ex-naval officer, a Russian planning to defect, and a high-level British spy selling secrets to the Russians all intertwine to make this an exciting and interesting spy thriller. I couldn't help thinking that this novel would make an excellent movie. The story has lots of close calls and twists and turns in the plot which makes it a really exciting book to read. The author obviously has done a lot of research not only into technical details but geographically as the story spans across Europe from Russia to Italy and France. I enjoyed this book so much that I have started reading another by the same author.
May 22, 2022
A highly competent thriller featuring spies, double crosses and a Europe wide chase for a Russian defector. There's plenty of technical detail (espionage tradecraft, cyber security, geography, aircraft) and an undercurrent of revenge following on from a pretty brutal prologue. The plot's twisty, but not too complex, and it's a good introduction to Paul Richter, our straight-talking ex Fleet Air Arm pilot drawn into this "wilderness of mirrors".
Thanks to the author for offering a free copy of the ebook via Facebook.
Thanks to the author for offering a free copy of the ebook via Facebook.
February 13, 2025
This is a solid action, spy thriller novel. It retained my interest throughout, even though a lot of first part of the book was taken up with espionage and did not have much action. It's well-written and well-researched. My criticisms are that the book could have been shorter (perhaps down to 300 pages) as interest does flag after a while, and that the characters are not well developed. But if you're after a well-plotted spy novel, this is definitely worth a try.
July 17, 2017
Fantastic read , put James Barrington up there with Robert Ludlum , the best book I've read In a long time , can't wait to read the next Paul Richter book 😁👍👍👍
Fantastic read , put James Barrington up there with Robert Ludlum , the best book I've read In a long time , can't wait to read the next Paul Richter book 😁👍👍👍
Fantastic read , put James Barrington up there with Robert Ludlum , the best book I've read In a long time , can't wait to read the next Paul Richter book 😁👍👍👍
October 19, 2017
Manhunt
Different relationship for a member of a secret service group than one might expect and that made the tale the more enjoyable. Good thinking all the way through until the end. That ending was paramount to establish the series and I look forward to more.
Different relationship for a member of a secret service group than one might expect and that made the tale the more enjoyable. Good thinking all the way through until the end. That ending was paramount to establish the series and I look forward to more.
October 24, 2017
Almost brilliant
This came so close to five stars except for the ending. I won't say why, as that would be a spoiler, but let's just say op-sec would not allow Raya to go to a hotel.
This came so close to five stars except for the ending. I won't say why, as that would be a spoiler, but let's just say op-sec would not allow Raya to go to a hotel.
August 31, 2018
Not a bad book, just not my style, nor my cup of tea in story presentation. Sorry, the book just didn't hold my interest and I had to force myself to finish it (just so I could say to myself I read it).
November 22, 2018
What a great read
I love a great twisting turning spy thriller and Paul Richter is a great protagonist for a series that I thoroughly recommend. The story moves at a pace, detailed enough to give colour but doesn’t slow you down. Bond and Bourne have someone new to watch out for!
I love a great twisting turning spy thriller and Paul Richter is a great protagonist for a series that I thoroughly recommend. The story moves at a pace, detailed enough to give colour but doesn’t slow you down. Bond and Bourne have someone new to watch out for!
March 26, 2023
Absolutely brilliant
Praise to the author. You won't be able to put it down if you like this type of gendre. Gives you a riveting insight into a world that few us know even exists. Full of drama and lots of tension.
Praise to the author. You won't be able to put it down if you like this type of gendre. Gives you a riveting insight into a world that few us know even exists. Full of drama and lots of tension.
June 29, 2017
This was a great introduction to the Paul Richter series, and is a book I would highly recommend.
November 3, 2017
Not the best!
This was the first book in the series and took a few chapters to get going in the book. Will try another book in the series.
This was the first book in the series and took a few chapters to get going in the book. Will try another book in the series.
November 4, 2017
Hard to put this book down.
It was very easy to read.
Enjoyable.
Now to start the next in the series.
It was very easy to read.
Enjoyable.
Now to start the next in the series.
November 9, 2017
Very good plot & written well
Interesting to read and looking forward to books by this author. Well worth the money & time to read. Bill
Interesting to read and looking forward to books by this author. Well worth the money & time to read. Bill
December 12, 2017
Page Turner For Sure!
I love this novel. I wish the ending was different but it was still a page turner, I couldn’t put it down!
I love this novel. I wish the ending was different but it was still a page turner, I couldn’t put it down!
December 18, 2017
Manhunt
Very well plotted, written, developed, and executed. A well thought out and presented story, with good pace and descriptions. An enjoyable read!
Very well plotted, written, developed, and executed. A well thought out and presented story, with good pace and descriptions. An enjoyable read!
January 1, 2018
Excellent read
My first book by this author and I was very pleased with the contents. Now it's on to the second book in this series
My first book by this author and I was very pleased with the contents. Now it's on to the second book in this series
January 3, 2018
Wow
No smart phones, yeah! A slow start but things really pick up the last third of the book. The ending makes book 2 a must read.
No smart phones, yeah! A slow start but things really pick up the last third of the book. The ending makes book 2 a must read.
January 3, 2018
Good action spy book
Held me on the edge of my seat
Held my interest from the beginning
Left me wanting to read the next book
Held me on the edge of my seat
Held my interest from the beginning
Left me wanting to read the next book
January 31, 2018
Fast moving, informative
Well done book. Characters fleshed out quite well. Great beach read and I've already purchased book no. 2. Hope you enjoy.
Well done book. Characters fleshed out quite well. Great beach read and I've already purchased book no. 2. Hope you enjoy.
February 27, 2018
Manhunt (Agent Paul Richter Book 1)
It was hard to get into, but I kept reading and then it was very enjoyable. I would recommend it anyone.
It was hard to get into, but I kept reading and then it was very enjoyable. I would recommend it anyone.
March 10, 2018
James Barrington
Book one was so well written that I am compelled to order Book Two post haste. I have reserved five stars for the Bible.
Book one was so well written that I am compelled to order Book Two post haste. I have reserved five stars for the Bible.
April 2, 2018
I usually don’t read British novels and story lines, but I enjoyed this one. The plot and story line were good, and the back and forth between characters kept my interest
July 29, 2018
Says it is book six in the series but is actually book one.
August 4, 2018
A no-fake-news hero!
A wry, wickedly funny and ultimately genuine- and British - hero just in time for the renewed Cold War. Terrific.
A wry, wickedly funny and ultimately genuine- and British - hero just in time for the renewed Cold War. Terrific.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews