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Admiral Arnold Morgan #8
Hunter Killer
Saudi Arabia, the world's leading oil nation, is on the brink of revolution. Inside the opulent palaces and lavish mansions, the royal family is ransacking the country's dwindling coffers while the desert kingdom seethes with unrest. Appalled at his family's extravagant lifestyle, Crown Prince Mohammed vows to end the careless and destructive rule and sets in motion a top-secret operation to destroy the Saudi oil industry and bankrupt the monarchy. To do so, he must enlist the help of an ally, a nation with a naval power, willing to help in return for a share of the oil wealth. Mohammed turns to France. Her lethal Hunter-Killer submarines can inflict devastating damage on the massive oil installations on the shores of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Objective: to shift the power structure of the world's oil giant.
Under the command of the mysterious Colonel Jacques Gamoudi, the ferocious battle for the desert kingdom begins. As the world's oil markets plunge into chaos, Admiral Arnold Morgan, former Security Advisor to the President, and Lt. Commander Jimmy Ramshawe are summoned to the White House, only to discover that Gamoudi has been joined by none other than Morgan's arch-enemy, HAMAS General Ravi Rashood, in the battle for the capital city of Riyadh. Gamoudi, nicknamed Le Chasseur or The Hunter, is now hunted himself by both French and American Special Forces - one trying to assassinate and silence him forever, the other desperate to take him alive and force a public confession of France's subversive actions.
389 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2005
122 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Robinson
103 books341 followersPatrick Robinson was a journalist for many years before becoming a full-time writer of books. His non-fiction books were bestsellers around the world and he was the co-author of Sandy Woodward's Falklands War memoir, One Hundred Days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 5, 2014
Another great military thriller from Patrick Robinson. Whilst the character of Ray Kerman is getting a little past his used by date thankfully he only plays a (somewhat) minor role within this novel passing by at critical points to assist in part of the operation in Saudi Arabia.
The crisis landing at the feet of the United States this time around is a coup in Saudi Arabia backed by France which sees world oil supplies reduced by the sum total of Saudi Arabia's output.
There's a considerable amount of detail (and destruction) in the book, for some it may pass into being too detailed however I find the detail in Patrick Robinson's novels to be beneficial and entertaining. For example some folk may have little interest in the procedures involved in placing mines on an oil refinery.
Overall, good entertaining read. You don't need to have read the prior books to enjoy it, but you'll be missing out on the character development if you do skip them.
The crisis landing at the feet of the United States this time around is a coup in Saudi Arabia backed by France which sees world oil supplies reduced by the sum total of Saudi Arabia's output.
There's a considerable amount of detail (and destruction) in the book, for some it may pass into being too detailed however I find the detail in Patrick Robinson's novels to be beneficial and entertaining. For example some folk may have little interest in the procedures involved in placing mines on an oil refinery.
Overall, good entertaining read. You don't need to have read the prior books to enjoy it, but you'll be missing out on the character development if you do skip them.
September 9, 2011
This book needs a good editor to cut out about 200 pages. It's too long, too repetitive and over detailed in places. The detail doesn't add to the story but drags it out and is distracting.
Even though I can totally put aside reality when reading, the plot to this was rather poorly structured. There was no logic to the premise and the outcome was so predictable.
Not as good as his earlier books.
Even though I can totally put aside reality when reading, the plot to this was rather poorly structured. There was no logic to the premise and the outcome was so predictable.
Not as good as his earlier books.
June 5, 2015
Hunter Killer By Patrick Robinson is a outstanding book that is full of action and suspense. This book is about Crown Prince Nasir of Saudi Arabia who is appalled by his family's way of life and seeks an ally to help end it. The ally he turns to is France. The French first take out the Saudi oil industry crashing the oil market and putting an end to cheap oil but when the US tries to find French Colonel Jacques Gamoudi in order to prove Frances guilt France tries to assassinate the Colonel. My favorite part of this book is when the French Special Forces destroys the King Khalid Air Base. I liked this part because I have a fascination with night raids and anything special forces. I would recommend this to anyone who likes books on the military.
June 13, 2016
Clean, exciting thriller by an author who knows what readers want. Like his other work and recommend this one! Enjoy‼️
August 14, 2014
stupid book.
March 12, 2015
There may be two more books in this series, but I may call it quits for now. This is very similar to the author's previous books, in some respects, in that it is a technothriller with a global focus, it features Muslims as key villains, and it is up to the United States to save the world. It does not quite focus so much on submarines as most of his previous novels, but submarines do still play an integral part in the story. It has a good, if not predictable, flow to the novel. There are action-packed parts, there are parts where I wondered if there would ever be any action.
France is the other key villain in this novel - they join with a Saudi Arabian heir to the throne who is fed up with the lavish lifestyles and lack of accountability of his fellow princes. He plots to replace the current king by violent revolution with extreme prejudice; he also plots to completely disrupt the world's oil supply for two years. France will benefit from this because he plans to award France with the necessary contracts to rebuild the pipeline AND give Franc exclusive rights to the oil once it starts flowing again. The attacks go off without a hitch [or so they think] and the Saudi king is killed. Ravi Rashood works with a Muslim French Special Forces genius leading a mixed bag of Muslim 'terrorists' [i.e. - 'freedom fighters/mercenaries] and the French version of the SEALs and SAS.
It was a good novel. I must admit, I did get a little tired of it half-way through the novel, wondering if and when it would be over. I think the best part of the novel was when Gamoudi was trying to escape the French assassination squads/teams and the Americans were trying to rescue him. Perhaps if everything would stop working 'perfectly' for whichever force in question and they started having some trouble fulfilling their mission[s] it might not seem so stereotypical. I don't know; much of it seemed to be the same-old, same-old, and I was glad when it was over. I enjoyed it, in the end, but not as much as his other novels. You could insert any submarine from any country in for whenever he describes the lethality of submarine warfare underwater - all submarines are impossible to detect, no matter their nationality. It might be true, but it got kind of old at the same time.
I get a kick out of how conservative his heroes are. It is great. I love his comments in regard to the left and to liberals. They are hilarious. I am not saying conservatives are 100% perfect, but when it comes to military matters they do seem to make fewer mistakes or errors in judgement than liberals.
I did find it interesting how important friendships and loyalty were in this book; I thought it made for an interesting thread that wove through the entire novel. Especially when one considers how the Crown Prince overthrew the 'legal government', showing his disloyalty to his leader[s] because he claimed a higher loyalty to the Koran and his religious beliefs which superseded loyalty to family, king, and country. Yet the newly-installed king still demanded levels of loyalty amongst his followers that he did not show to his former ruler and relative, the former King of Saudi Arabia. Also, France's actions [and lack of loyalty to Gamoudi] proved key to their downfall [well, that and their national hubris, which is well-known].
There was another portion of the book I enjoyed, but for the life of me I cannot remember what it was. [other than when it was over] I am grateful that the former Major Kerman did not play a huge part in the dialogue of the story - he was more peripheral than he has been in other novels. Hopefully he does die in the tenth book of the series [as I have been led to believe]. His character has become a little tiresome and staid. It makes me wonder if the author rued killing off his original Israeli-trained Muslim terrorist off as quick as he did and wanted to revive him, if in spirit if not literally, through Major Kerman.
One final blurb - it was funny but I felt as if I had read excerpts of this book from somewhere, but for the life of me I cannot remember where. Some of it seemed very familiar to me whereas other parts were brand new to me, so I am sure this was the first time I had read the entire novel.
France is the other key villain in this novel - they join with a Saudi Arabian heir to the throne who is fed up with the lavish lifestyles and lack of accountability of his fellow princes. He plots to replace the current king by violent revolution with extreme prejudice; he also plots to completely disrupt the world's oil supply for two years. France will benefit from this because he plans to award France with the necessary contracts to rebuild the pipeline AND give Franc exclusive rights to the oil once it starts flowing again. The attacks go off without a hitch [or so they think] and the Saudi king is killed. Ravi Rashood works with a Muslim French Special Forces genius leading a mixed bag of Muslim 'terrorists' [i.e. - 'freedom fighters/mercenaries] and the French version of the SEALs and SAS.
It was a good novel. I must admit, I did get a little tired of it half-way through the novel, wondering if and when it would be over. I think the best part of the novel was when Gamoudi was trying to escape the French assassination squads/teams and the Americans were trying to rescue him. Perhaps if everything would stop working 'perfectly' for whichever force in question and they started having some trouble fulfilling their mission[s] it might not seem so stereotypical. I don't know; much of it seemed to be the same-old, same-old, and I was glad when it was over. I enjoyed it, in the end, but not as much as his other novels. You could insert any submarine from any country in for whenever he describes the lethality of submarine warfare underwater - all submarines are impossible to detect, no matter their nationality. It might be true, but it got kind of old at the same time.
I get a kick out of how conservative his heroes are. It is great. I love his comments in regard to the left and to liberals. They are hilarious. I am not saying conservatives are 100% perfect, but when it comes to military matters they do seem to make fewer mistakes or errors in judgement than liberals.
I did find it interesting how important friendships and loyalty were in this book; I thought it made for an interesting thread that wove through the entire novel. Especially when one considers how the Crown Prince overthrew the 'legal government', showing his disloyalty to his leader[s] because he claimed a higher loyalty to the Koran and his religious beliefs which superseded loyalty to family, king, and country. Yet the newly-installed king still demanded levels of loyalty amongst his followers that he did not show to his former ruler and relative, the former King of Saudi Arabia. Also, France's actions [and lack of loyalty to Gamoudi] proved key to their downfall [well, that and their national hubris, which is well-known].
There was another portion of the book I enjoyed, but for the life of me I cannot remember what it was. [other than when it was over] I am grateful that the former Major Kerman did not play a huge part in the dialogue of the story - he was more peripheral than he has been in other novels. Hopefully he does die in the tenth book of the series [as I have been led to believe]. His character has become a little tiresome and staid. It makes me wonder if the author rued killing off his original Israeli-trained Muslim terrorist off as quick as he did and wanted to revive him, if in spirit if not literally, through Major Kerman.
One final blurb - it was funny but I felt as if I had read excerpts of this book from somewhere, but for the life of me I cannot remember where. Some of it seemed very familiar to me whereas other parts were brand new to me, so I am sure this was the first time I had read the entire novel.
December 8, 2023
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia thought that the current king was allowing the 30,000 royal family members squander the wealth of the country with lavish spending paid for by the crown. He thought that there should be be more control and that he was the one to take back that control. To do that, he would have to get rid of the current king. He proposed a lavish scheme to over throw the current king, but he had to have a partner. He was able to convince the leaders of France they would be in a strong position in the global market. If he joined forces. Of course, with the world economy damaged by there actions, the United States searched to find the why’s and how’s fit was done.
June 25, 2020
Having read all the previous books in the series , and thoroughly enjoyed them , I’m afraid I found this one well off the previous standard. Plot is key is the genre and I just found this one a bit too “unreal” throughout. The info re the oil industry and the Saudi royal family was interesting but I that apart I felt the book fell a little flat and became a little boring - I was glad to reach the end tbh to be done with it. Can’t expect a gem every time and this is the odd one out in the series so far - the rest have been very good.
February 6, 2023
without doubt one of the worst books I have ever read. Complete nonsense, with even a 9 year old would see. Clear Mr Robinson does not regard his reader as intelligent or care for anything other than a quick sale. Luckily I got this copy from a free source and having speed read the last half threw it in the bin where it belongs in MHO. I see that on the cover he claims to be the next Freddy Forsyte, I think the only thing Mr Robinsons book has in common with that arthot is that the print was black and white.
Avoid is my recommendation. I would have put no stars if that was an option.
Avoid is my recommendation. I would have put no stars if that was an option.
June 26, 2018
After one of his cousins causes a tragic accident, a Saudi Prince decides to take matters into his own hands and stage a coup. To this end, he asks for help from the French, who are only too glad to give aid, in exchange for oil.
The French recruit a former member of the foreign legion, and a most wanted terrorist to help in their scheme.
Admiral Morgan and crew have to get it together, to foil the scheme before the entire world supply of oil goes kaput.
Highly recommended.
The French recruit a former member of the foreign legion, and a most wanted terrorist to help in their scheme.
Admiral Morgan and crew have to get it together, to foil the scheme before the entire world supply of oil goes kaput.
Highly recommended.
December 11, 2022
Un-credible
Farcical story that could never happen. Even though the descriptions of lan and sea combat are realistic the basic premise is anything but. I did map most of the locations to refresh and expand my knowledge of the Mid-East so it was somewhat educational. But the ending seemed like the author got bored with the project and quit a chapter early. Exemplified by the poorly researched descriptions of climbing. It’s not an awful book but there are better.
Farcical story that could never happen. Even though the descriptions of lan and sea combat are realistic the basic premise is anything but. I did map most of the locations to refresh and expand my knowledge of the Mid-East so it was somewhat educational. But the ending seemed like the author got bored with the project and quit a chapter early. Exemplified by the poorly researched descriptions of climbing. It’s not an awful book but there are better.
December 22, 2022
Patrick Robinson hits a bullseye
That man's done it yet again. A masterpiece spun together with the strength of devastating hurricane. This is a compelling novel that glued me to the pages until the early hours of two consecutive days. The plot is brilliant and hopefully never to become true as I found the situations totally believable. In my mind I have imagined what the world's situation would be now with that despot Putin on the rampage.
That man's done it yet again. A masterpiece spun together with the strength of devastating hurricane. This is a compelling novel that glued me to the pages until the early hours of two consecutive days. The plot is brilliant and hopefully never to become true as I found the situations totally believable. In my mind I have imagined what the world's situation would be now with that despot Putin on the rampage.
January 5, 2021
Solid entry into the Admiral Morgan series by author Patrick Robinson. Admiral Morgan wasn’t as cantankerous as usual and the main antagonist was France.
My only pet peeve is that the author continually refers to a Marine AH-1 “Super Cobra attack helicopter” that has a crew of 4 with a cabin. No idea what kind of aircraft the author is actually envisioning...
My only pet peeve is that the author continually refers to a Marine AH-1 “Super Cobra attack helicopter” that has a crew of 4 with a cabin. No idea what kind of aircraft the author is actually envisioning...
March 20, 2021
Intensely complicated
By far one of the best reads I've had, ever. Superbly well written. The complexity of all the government involvements in this espionage, thriller, is hard, through pleasant to follow. The characters became alive as introduced and became like a close friend by the end of their journey. Thank you!
By far one of the best reads I've had, ever. Superbly well written. The complexity of all the government involvements in this espionage, thriller, is hard, through pleasant to follow. The characters became alive as introduced and became like a close friend by the end of their journey. Thank you!
August 1, 2022
Another superb techno, espionage, & military thriller. Great work of fiction that sucks you right in to feeling its real and happening. I simply love Patrick Robinson's style, technique and imagination. It's like a Tom Clancy but simplified so not to be as technical but still sufficient enough to satisfy the teach-heads too. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2025
prince in Saudi gets with France to overthrow current wasteful regime. France blows up the oil fields and pumping stations in Saudi and kills the existing King. Wild tale about how USA finds out about this and corrects what has happened. Decent story, not as much of a submarine book as I thought it might be. chapters were 45 minutes long.
August 9, 2023
Loved It.
I'm never disappointed with this author's books. Everything comes together as you would expect. Frankly I'm on my second reading of his military books...they are that good.
Enjoy
I'm never disappointed with this author's books. Everything comes together as you would expect. Frankly I'm on my second reading of his military books...they are that good.
Enjoy
March 7, 2025
Great story when I read it 20 years ago as a paperback. This was added to my Goodreads list when I downloaded it to my Kindle library.
On this re-read, the story seems a bit dated, but still enjoyable.
On this re-read, the story seems a bit dated, but still enjoyable.
February 6, 2017
I found all the long bits of dialogue, particularly at the beginning of the book, really boring. However the portrayal of France was hilarious.
March 10, 2018
Ggod read, but a bit slow at the start, then full bore into the action.
September 18, 2018
The series is picking back up. It was becoming a bit stale but books 7 & 8 breathed in new life. Fast moving story with an interesting plot.
March 7, 2019
Good book. A great look at the French! ;)
May 15, 2020
very good
August 9, 2020
A very entertaining summer military thriller
August 14, 2020
A slow starter. Second half was a fun read.
July 16, 2021
Badly written, not as good as his earlier novels.
November 24, 2021
Edge of your seat action!
Robinson has done it again with novel. The action, the camaraderie, the dialog and the characters where all the best.
Robinson has done it again with novel. The action, the camaraderie, the dialog and the characters where all the best.
March 21, 2022
Gripping tale with a difference.
Another gripping, totally absorbing, read from Patrick Robinson. Much different with the U.S. Seals only featuring in the latter stages.
Another gripping, totally absorbing, read from Patrick Robinson. Much different with the U.S. Seals only featuring in the latter stages.
November 3, 2022
This was an enjoyable book with a good plot. Certainly is highly fictional and shows the naivete of the average American mind. I would recommend it however
October 15, 2024
Čekal jsem víc, dlouho trvá, než se to rozjede a pak je to nemastný neslaný.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews