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The Watchman by Chris Ryan
The Watchman tells the story of the duel to the death between an SAS soldier and the man who trained him. Previous titles by Ryan include The One That Got Away, Stand By, Stand By, Zero Option, The Kremlin Device, Tenth Man Down, and the Hit List.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,020 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 10, 2019
Pro: I loved Joseph Meehan as a character. His tragic background really drove the plot and I really could understand him. It's very realistic (considering Ryan's context) and the writing was not bad.
Con: Alex Temple wasn't likeable nor interesting. I hated the way Alex viewed and treated Dawn as a sexual object, calling her a 'bitch' for not tolerating his unwanted advances. Icky. I thought Dawn was fine, but rather flat, and likewise for Angel Fenwick (who ironically had a more likeable voice in one chapter than Alex did in the whole book). The story dragged on in the beginning because it was bogged down by detailed exposition. I came here for the Watchman, not Alex's time in the army.
Con: Alex Temple wasn't likeable nor interesting. I hated the way Alex viewed and treated Dawn as a sexual object, calling her a 'bitch' for not tolerating his unwanted advances. Icky. I thought Dawn was fine, but rather flat, and likewise for Angel Fenwick (who ironically had a more likeable voice in one chapter than Alex did in the whole book). The story dragged on in the beginning because it was bogged down by detailed exposition. I came here for the Watchman, not Alex's time in the army.
January 27, 2025
This is a powerful , vivid picture of intrigue and double dealing during the troubles in Northern Ireland, the aftermath spilling over to England when one MI5 agent after another is murdered presumably by one of the Regiment’s own. SAS Captain Alex Temple, with the aid of Dawn Harding a MI5 officer, are assigned the task of tracking down and eliminating the killer.
Captain Alex Temple and after a mission in Africa, is rushed back to the UK for a special mission, tracking of a murderer who has received similar spec-ops training as he has.
Very chilling, frightening strong and violent and realistic, from a man who knows the truths as well as many secrets
Maybe a little overlong, but still filled with a lot of twists and shocks, and all at a gritty and fast pace.
Captain Alex Temple and after a mission in Africa, is rushed back to the UK for a special mission, tracking of a murderer who has received similar spec-ops training as he has.
Very chilling, frightening strong and violent and realistic, from a man who knows the truths as well as many secrets
Maybe a little overlong, but still filled with a lot of twists and shocks, and all at a gritty and fast pace.
December 20, 2008
My second Ryan story and definitely his best so far. Although the plot is similar to most of his tales: a series of murders are investigated by a tough SAS man – there are enough twists and differences to make it worthwhile. It’s grimly violent and as gruesome as ever, with extreme torture, nails through heads, eyes cut out etc., enough to make you glad you don’t operate in these kind of circles.
The plot involving the character of the Watchman is ridiculously well thought out and really enthralling regarding his background; it all seems so real you find it hard to remember you’re reading fiction, the material is so well researched. Once again, characterisation is thin, and Ryan’s attempts to make Alex and Dawn flirt with each other are really wince-inducing, the one naff aspect of the novel; plus the unnecessary sex scenes, of course. Cut these out and the book would be flawless.
As it is, it still remains very good indeed; especially the drawn-out action, which of course the book is thick with. From the opening battle in the sweaty jungles of Sierra Leone, through to the taught stake-out in a country stream, right down to a breakneck motorbike chase across the moors, this is top-level stuff, impossible to put down. Of course, there is the expected twist right at the end, but what a twist! Superbly conceived, it turns the whole story on its head, quite fantastic stuff and the best twist I’ve read in fiction, ever.
Definitely worthwhile for SAS thriller fans, this is a book I borrowed from the library but am determined to buy as soon as possible.
The plot involving the character of the Watchman is ridiculously well thought out and really enthralling regarding his background; it all seems so real you find it hard to remember you’re reading fiction, the material is so well researched. Once again, characterisation is thin, and Ryan’s attempts to make Alex and Dawn flirt with each other are really wince-inducing, the one naff aspect of the novel; plus the unnecessary sex scenes, of course. Cut these out and the book would be flawless.
As it is, it still remains very good indeed; especially the drawn-out action, which of course the book is thick with. From the opening battle in the sweaty jungles of Sierra Leone, through to the taught stake-out in a country stream, right down to a breakneck motorbike chase across the moors, this is top-level stuff, impossible to put down. Of course, there is the expected twist right at the end, but what a twist! Superbly conceived, it turns the whole story on its head, quite fantastic stuff and the best twist I’ve read in fiction, ever.
Definitely worthwhile for SAS thriller fans, this is a book I borrowed from the library but am determined to buy as soon as possible.
May 19, 2020
Fast moving, detailed, different world but a good read.
January 26, 2012
I'd never read a Chris Ryan before and picked this up in the airport when I had forgotten my book.
To break it down, this is the story of SAS Captain Alex Temple and various missions around the globe but focusing - primarily - on his tracking of a murderer who has received similar spec-ops training...
Chris Ryan writes, in my opinion, in a dour style that doesn't exactly fizz off the page and portrays the life of an S.A.S. operative with an eye for the mundane. I am sure that it is very 'true to life' but as far as I am aware this is not a historical account - it's a work of fiction! The characters seem to either be ham-fisted stereotypes or wildly inconsistent with dialogue that feels stunted and hackneyed and sometimes makes you want to bite your fist; it's that bad! Oh, and he should be nominated for a bad sex award. Cringeworthy.
However, sometimes he does get it right and portrays the grim reality of life after service for what it is: grim. Ryan does grim very well. The action sequences - the few of them - are relayed with aplomb; with vivid detail and gritty descriptions. The prose seems to come alive when he is describing firefights or helicopters buzzing over a war zone. He obviously knows his stuff and the military detail and insider knowledge he provides is authentic and comprehensive.
But it's like reading an episode of Eastenders when everyone carries guns and any authenticity he brings to the genre is lost in poor dialogue, iffy characters and dull writing. Shall be the only Chris Ryan I read.
To break it down, this is the story of SAS Captain Alex Temple and various missions around the globe but focusing - primarily - on his tracking of a murderer who has received similar spec-ops training...
Chris Ryan writes, in my opinion, in a dour style that doesn't exactly fizz off the page and portrays the life of an S.A.S. operative with an eye for the mundane. I am sure that it is very 'true to life' but as far as I am aware this is not a historical account - it's a work of fiction! The characters seem to either be ham-fisted stereotypes or wildly inconsistent with dialogue that feels stunted and hackneyed and sometimes makes you want to bite your fist; it's that bad! Oh, and he should be nominated for a bad sex award. Cringeworthy.
However, sometimes he does get it right and portrays the grim reality of life after service for what it is: grim. Ryan does grim very well. The action sequences - the few of them - are relayed with aplomb; with vivid detail and gritty descriptions. The prose seems to come alive when he is describing firefights or helicopters buzzing over a war zone. He obviously knows his stuff and the military detail and insider knowledge he provides is authentic and comprehensive.
But it's like reading an episode of Eastenders when everyone carries guns and any authenticity he brings to the genre is lost in poor dialogue, iffy characters and dull writing. Shall be the only Chris Ryan I read.
November 13, 2017
Alex is a crack agent who is sent after a rogue agent (Meehan) who is killing MI5 top agents by putting a nail in their heads and cutting off ears/eyes/tongue. It turns out that Meehan was a plant in the IRA and Alex is told that he fully turned. But is that the case?
No because it turns out that Meehan reported the information accurately but someone in MI5 didn't act on that information. Later Meehan is outed as a spy and he is seeking revenge.
This is fairly fast paced. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. Everything seemed to fall into place a bit too easy for me but it is a good read, particularly if this is a genre you enjoy.
No because it turns out that Meehan reported the information accurately but someone in MI5 didn't act on that information. Later Meehan is outed as a spy and he is seeking revenge.
This is fairly fast paced. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. Everything seemed to fall into place a bit too easy for me but it is a good read, particularly if this is a genre you enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
Just from the first few pages, you get a dose of actions, then a journalist or documentary style background report complete with acronyms and then another dose of very detailed actions. For a book clearly written for leisure reading, why burden the reader with having to remember all the acronyms? It's fiction. That kind of "realism" is hardly necessary.
Providing the background to a story may be essential and it can be difficult to do well. I find it rather jarring here and it fails to sustain interest. I ended up skimming and skipping pages before finally giving up.
Providing the background to a story may be essential and it can be difficult to do well. I find it rather jarring here and it fails to sustain interest. I ended up skimming and skipping pages before finally giving up.
January 2, 2025
Overall was a decent read - liked it but didn’t love it. The action and plot were well done and there were some twists near the end I didn’t expect. However the prologue ending felt anticlimactic to me and I wasn’t satisfied with how it ended - kinda felt like a cop out lol. Also (very mild spoiler) what was the need to get back w Sophie at the end that was just not necessary and didn’t make any sense to me.
January 3, 2023
The usual quality from Chris Ryan - if you like his other books and those of Andy McNab, then you'll like this one too. Not so much action in this one as in other books of a similar nature, hence only a rating of 3 (7/10) from me. Does get exciting though as the true purpose of the Watchman is revealed!
October 24, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. It’s the second Chris Ryan book I’ve read and still keeps me on my toes. I was absolutely engrossed the whole way through. The one thing I like about his books is that you can never predict the ending. That’s probably the best bit!
October 20, 2019
I always enjoy Chris Ryan’s books an d characters. This story is interesting on so many levels, both it’s reference to Northern Ireland and its politics, the security services and the intelligence services. It is also full surprises and curves to keep you hung on every word.
December 23, 2021
The Watchman by Chris Ryan is one of his masterpieces. Though the story is slow paced until halfway, it swiftly picks up its pace and becomes an immediate page turner and nail biter book. The author has dug deep into details in the beginning of the story which slightly bores the reader
June 30, 2022
Watchman
The Watchman is a fantastic book with plenty of action and a great story line that kept me engrossed from cover to cover I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and suspense
The Watchman is a fantastic book with plenty of action and a great story line that kept me engrossed from cover to cover I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and suspense
January 2, 2024
Absolutely riveting and unpredictable
Just when you thought you had grasped the storyline, it almost through your fingers like a slippery eel, but only just far enough so you can catch up.... before it does it again.
Just when you thought you had grasped the storyline, it almost through your fingers like a slippery eel, but only just far enough so you can catch up.... before it does it again.
August 30, 2024
Brilliantly written book, great detail to the story with all the military Fat thrown in too.
The background to the story wasn’t neglected either and was well written with all its point necessary to the story
The background to the story wasn’t neglected either and was well written with all its point necessary to the story
July 4, 2017
Goed actieverhaal. Ik ben begonnen met de Danny Black reeks van deze auteur; veel actie maar weinig verhaal. Zijn eerder werk, waaronder dit boek, heeft toch wat meer inhoud.
January 14, 2018
Good story with a twist at the end that was unexpected.
February 23, 2018
This book supplied enough action to keep me interested from front to back. Character development was OK but was sufficient enough to carry the plot through to the end.
May 6, 2018
Lurid, bitter, violent and pretty terribly written but it rips along (aside from a serious lull in the middle) and ticks all the boxes of predictable airport thriller
December 28, 2018
Excellent read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 16, 2019
His best book in my opinion.
It absolutely rips along with suspense, violence and genuine surprise.
Ignore the lower ratings this is an excellent read and my personal favourite in the genre.
It absolutely rips along with suspense, violence and genuine surprise.
Ignore the lower ratings this is an excellent read and my personal favourite in the genre.
December 24, 2019
A bit ho-hum ...... but good escapist holiday reading
May 3, 2020
411 pages
July 28, 2020
Cool twist at end; the bad guy is taking out revenge on the inaction of his superiors; he was planted to be the fall guy for MI5's top mole in the IRA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
One of the best.
Huge fan of this book. And after a few reads its still entertaining.
One of my top 5 action reads.
Huge fan of this book. And after a few reads its still entertaining.
One of my top 5 action reads.
May 5, 2021
RDCB 2001 ~ Evenly paced thriller that delivers its promise.
August 28, 2022
Another cracking story by Chris Ryan!
September 17, 2022
Brilliant !!
A great story of twists and turns exciting action all to take you through to the end of a great well told story
A great story of twists and turns exciting action all to take you through to the end of a great well told story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews