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Louisiana Hydra
William Stinson is considered the stuff of legend in the international hacking community, and his employment with the CIA is a closely guarded secret. He lives a secluded life, but on this day, he is enjoying a coffee on a quiet patio at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.
Stephanie Borden is a high-priced international consultant who had been called to a meeting with Senator Michael Glenway to discuss the recent disappearance of the whistleblower who was preparing to break his silence. He had documented an active threat against the US that employed a strategy that most could barely comprehend. Borden and Glenway met on a patio at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, right next to a man sitting alone, quietly reading a book.
Neither Stinson nor Borden realized what had happened as the first bullet struck the senator. However, there was no doubt when the second bullet ended the senator’s life. And in that moment, Stinson and Borden were thrown together in a race to not only save their own lives but to unravel a conspiracy that would start in a tavern in Oxford, England, make its way through the streets of Paris, France, and then finally cut a path down the muddy waters of the Mississippi to Louisiana.
Stinson is accustomed to the insidious nature of those who plan and execute these types of crimes. However, for Borden, the evil she must face as they unravel this mystery threatens to drag her into a darkness she may be incapable of returning from. And time is running out.
Stephanie Borden is a high-priced international consultant who had been called to a meeting with Senator Michael Glenway to discuss the recent disappearance of the whistleblower who was preparing to break his silence. He had documented an active threat against the US that employed a strategy that most could barely comprehend. Borden and Glenway met on a patio at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, right next to a man sitting alone, quietly reading a book.
Neither Stinson nor Borden realized what had happened as the first bullet struck the senator. However, there was no doubt when the second bullet ended the senator’s life. And in that moment, Stinson and Borden were thrown together in a race to not only save their own lives but to unravel a conspiracy that would start in a tavern in Oxford, England, make its way through the streets of Paris, France, and then finally cut a path down the muddy waters of the Mississippi to Louisiana.
Stinson is accustomed to the insidious nature of those who plan and execute these types of crimes. However, for Borden, the evil she must face as they unravel this mystery threatens to drag her into a darkness she may be incapable of returning from. And time is running out.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2024
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ryman
2 books60 followersGregory Ryman is a Canadian author and retired technology executive whose passion for intelligence history and global politics fuels his tightly plotted spy thrillers. His novels are known for weaving together authentic detail, moral complexity, and high-stakes intrigue rooted in the modern intelligence landscape.
His debut, Louisiana Hydra, introduces Stephanie Borden, a brilliant international consultant who is inadvertently pulled into a dangerous conspiracy. Thrown together with William Stinson—a reserved but gifted CIA technology specialist—Borden is drawn deep into the agency’s orbit. By the novel’s end, she emerges not just as a survivor but as an unofficial CIA asset, her previous life left behind.
In the follow-up, Artificial Hydra, Stephanie finds herself pressed into a more formal operative role. With Stinson now acting as both handler and partner, she’s tasked with navigating a geopolitical minefield where artificial intelligence and global surveillance collide.
Ryman brings his background in technology to bear in stories that probe institutional power, surveillance ethics, and the fragile line between loyalty and self-preservation. His writing is driven by character, realism, and a deep curiosity about how intelligence is gathered, wielded, and often misused.
He continues to develop the Borden–Stinson thriller series, exploring the evolving nature of espionage in an increasingly digitized world.
His debut, Louisiana Hydra, introduces Stephanie Borden, a brilliant international consultant who is inadvertently pulled into a dangerous conspiracy. Thrown together with William Stinson—a reserved but gifted CIA technology specialist—Borden is drawn deep into the agency’s orbit. By the novel’s end, she emerges not just as a survivor but as an unofficial CIA asset, her previous life left behind.
In the follow-up, Artificial Hydra, Stephanie finds herself pressed into a more formal operative role. With Stinson now acting as both handler and partner, she’s tasked with navigating a geopolitical minefield where artificial intelligence and global surveillance collide.
Ryman brings his background in technology to bear in stories that probe institutional power, surveillance ethics, and the fragile line between loyalty and self-preservation. His writing is driven by character, realism, and a deep curiosity about how intelligence is gathered, wielded, and often misused.
He continues to develop the Borden–Stinson thriller series, exploring the evolving nature of espionage in an increasingly digitized world.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2024
The international-conspiracy-political-spy-techno-espionage genre can be a delicate one. And unless your name is “Le Carré” or “Fleming,” there are rules to follow and borders to remain within. In other words, and to quote the great Crash Davis, you have to learn your clichés. With Louisiana Hydra, author Gregory Ryman has memorized the map, learned the dialect, and invaded that promised land.
As complete as Ryman’s passport might be, this is still his first outing and Ryman’s debut is full of those wonderful genre clichés.
Louisiana Hydra brings together a CIA cybersecurity whiz with the handle of William Stinson and international consultant Stephanie Borden in the most random of happenstances: an assassination in broad daylight. And the victim was a US senator. Seeking answers to questions and, perhaps, aching for a touch of revenge, Stinson and Borden team up. Safety in numbers and all that. Plus there is a great buy one-get one offer at the neighborhood cafe.
Once caffeinated, they spy on other government contractors, dive into the magical mystery waters of AI, and uncover a complex conspiracy involving the Chinese who are seeking to purchase American DNA from a disgruntled Vietnam vet. Whew.
Ryman has an obvious love for the genre and easily works within that setting. The heroes are champions for good, the villains deliciously evil, and those in the gray seamlessly work in between it all. His story has both an international flavor to it, an essential ingredient for any good spy tale, but also perfectly grounds the domestic account between Washington DC and the bayous of central Louisiana.
Ryman also creates a different dynamic between Stinson and Borden. Unlike in The Bourne Identity, where Jason must first rescue Marie before coupling, Borden is no damsel in distress to Stinson’s street fighting man. Instead, they end up partners. Perhaps a little more like Salinger and Whitman from Tom Tykwer’s The International then, say, Marion Ravenwood and a certain Professor Jones, but partners nonetheless.
However, maybe Louisiana Hydra could have done with a Cairo chase scene full of laundry baskets. Or two.
Whereas the partnership might be interesting, their solo personalities all come from a genre take-out menu. Stinson’s hacking skills bounce between Mission: Impossible chic to eye-rollingly convenient. Cloned phones, hacked WiFi, video re-routing, it’s all blatantly there; Stinson even has his own Batcave. He drinks Scotch, smokes cigars, and a heart rate that never tops 45. His team of operators are so smooth Sade calls them for advice. Borden’s got three passports, a couple of visas, and is tough like Lois Lane. She brands a stylish tattoo, and can comfortably run in both Converse All-Stars and Jimmy Choos.
Together, it all works. And that is paramount. Whereas Ryman might need to shave down on some of the meticulous dialogue, yet another common first-outing foible, his heart is in the right place and the pulse is beating strong.
For a debut novel, Ryman’s Louisiana Hydra is an avid entry to the genre. Ryman has talent and, more importantly, he’s got passion. Looking forward to seeing what he’s got coming next.
Book reviews. Movie reviews. And a helluva lot meticulous dialogue is waiting for you over at Read @ Joe's
As complete as Ryman’s passport might be, this is still his first outing and Ryman’s debut is full of those wonderful genre clichés.
Louisiana Hydra brings together a CIA cybersecurity whiz with the handle of William Stinson and international consultant Stephanie Borden in the most random of happenstances: an assassination in broad daylight. And the victim was a US senator. Seeking answers to questions and, perhaps, aching for a touch of revenge, Stinson and Borden team up. Safety in numbers and all that. Plus there is a great buy one-get one offer at the neighborhood cafe.
Once caffeinated, they spy on other government contractors, dive into the magical mystery waters of AI, and uncover a complex conspiracy involving the Chinese who are seeking to purchase American DNA from a disgruntled Vietnam vet. Whew.
Ryman has an obvious love for the genre and easily works within that setting. The heroes are champions for good, the villains deliciously evil, and those in the gray seamlessly work in between it all. His story has both an international flavor to it, an essential ingredient for any good spy tale, but also perfectly grounds the domestic account between Washington DC and the bayous of central Louisiana.
Ryman also creates a different dynamic between Stinson and Borden. Unlike in The Bourne Identity, where Jason must first rescue Marie before coupling, Borden is no damsel in distress to Stinson’s street fighting man. Instead, they end up partners. Perhaps a little more like Salinger and Whitman from Tom Tykwer’s The International then, say, Marion Ravenwood and a certain Professor Jones, but partners nonetheless.
However, maybe Louisiana Hydra could have done with a Cairo chase scene full of laundry baskets. Or two.
Whereas the partnership might be interesting, their solo personalities all come from a genre take-out menu. Stinson’s hacking skills bounce between Mission: Impossible chic to eye-rollingly convenient. Cloned phones, hacked WiFi, video re-routing, it’s all blatantly there; Stinson even has his own Batcave. He drinks Scotch, smokes cigars, and a heart rate that never tops 45. His team of operators are so smooth Sade calls them for advice. Borden’s got three passports, a couple of visas, and is tough like Lois Lane. She brands a stylish tattoo, and can comfortably run in both Converse All-Stars and Jimmy Choos.
Together, it all works. And that is paramount. Whereas Ryman might need to shave down on some of the meticulous dialogue, yet another common first-outing foible, his heart is in the right place and the pulse is beating strong.
For a debut novel, Ryman’s Louisiana Hydra is an avid entry to the genre. Ryman has talent and, more importantly, he’s got passion. Looking forward to seeing what he’s got coming next.
Book reviews. Movie reviews. And a helluva lot meticulous dialogue is waiting for you over at Read @ Joe's
May 4, 2024
What started off as a decent thriller took a major twist at the end of Chapter 42, and i really liked it. Good protagonists I want to see more of. A great techno-thriller where I, as an IT guy, enjoy a lead that's less Jack Reacher and more of what I would expect of an operative in 2024
May 8, 2024
Gregory Ryman wrote a captivating, page-turner!
He gave us interesting characters and an in-depth, well thought out plot.
It’s hard to believe this is his first book!
He gave us interesting characters and an in-depth, well thought out plot.
It’s hard to believe this is his first book!
September 2, 2025
The first book in the Stinton/Borden thriller series, Louisiana Hydra went way beyond my expectations. It was a thrill a minute read, packed with mystery, conspiracy, drama, action intention. There was also plenty of political intrigue centred around technology. The characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew them. Dynamic, quirky and unique, they really brought the story to life. This book is perfect for any fan of techno thrillers.
March 13, 2024
Spy thrillers are a sub genre that I absolutely love, and this indie book was such a fun and wild ride! The writing was sharp and witty, moving us into the story quickly, keeping the reader on their toes as we charted through international waters to uncover the mystery surrounding Senator Glenway’s murder.
Borden and Stinson make a great duo; their pasts combined with being a bit of a Lone Ranger persona gave them an ease with each other that was brilliantly written. I was on my toes the entire time, flying through this one, and I can’t wait to read more of our fearless duo in the future!
Borden and Stinson make a great duo; their pasts combined with being a bit of a Lone Ranger persona gave them an ease with each other that was brilliantly written. I was on my toes the entire time, flying through this one, and I can’t wait to read more of our fearless duo in the future!
March 18, 2025
Louisiana Hydra
A Stinson/Borden Novel
Gregory Ryman
Wow. Just wow! Gregory Ryman has written an international techno spy thriller seamlessly blending what we, as readers, need – espionage, flawed and relatable protagonists that we want to cheer on all in the fast-paced, high-tech world that we live in today. The pages are filled with unique twists that set this book (and soon to be series apart) and shows just how the author knows the landscape in which he writes.
The technology incorporated into William Stinson’s character, who works for the CIA, not as a field agent, but as a behind the scenes technology wizard is more than impressive. The technology is believable, thrilling and allows the reader to lean in for the ride. This story is current and relevant, making the stakes even higher.
Stephanie Bordan, an international consultant, has more layers to her than meets the eye. She is feisty, has secrets and plays her cards close to her chest. These two unlikely adversaries team up to uncover a plot that was much bigger than a chance meeting and a shooting outside of a coffee shop.
The banter and friendship between these two and what they can uncover made for a great read. The premise behind this book is unique. The characters use technology not just as a tool, but as an extension of themselves. They are able navigate through both physical and digital worlds shows how resourceful and smart they are, making them even more engaging. This is the kind of story line that leaves the reader captivated and wanting more. I laughed out loud, I went down rabbit holes looking up topics that were written about and stayed up all night finishing this. Gregory Rhyman – you knocked this out of the park! I am ready for Book 2!
A Stinson/Borden Novel
Gregory Ryman
Wow. Just wow! Gregory Ryman has written an international techno spy thriller seamlessly blending what we, as readers, need – espionage, flawed and relatable protagonists that we want to cheer on all in the fast-paced, high-tech world that we live in today. The pages are filled with unique twists that set this book (and soon to be series apart) and shows just how the author knows the landscape in which he writes.
The technology incorporated into William Stinson’s character, who works for the CIA, not as a field agent, but as a behind the scenes technology wizard is more than impressive. The technology is believable, thrilling and allows the reader to lean in for the ride. This story is current and relevant, making the stakes even higher.
Stephanie Bordan, an international consultant, has more layers to her than meets the eye. She is feisty, has secrets and plays her cards close to her chest. These two unlikely adversaries team up to uncover a plot that was much bigger than a chance meeting and a shooting outside of a coffee shop.
The banter and friendship between these two and what they can uncover made for a great read. The premise behind this book is unique. The characters use technology not just as a tool, but as an extension of themselves. They are able navigate through both physical and digital worlds shows how resourceful and smart they are, making them even more engaging. This is the kind of story line that leaves the reader captivated and wanting more. I laughed out loud, I went down rabbit holes looking up topics that were written about and stayed up all night finishing this. Gregory Rhyman – you knocked this out of the park! I am ready for Book 2!
June 2, 2024
As soon as we meet Stephanie Borden, having a meeting with a Senator at a restaurants outdoor patio, we know something terrible is going to happen. No sooner have they sat down, blood drips onto the hands of William Stinson who was quietly minding his own business reading a book.
He looks up, realising that a man has been shot. Not just any man, but esteemed Senator Michael Glenway. William jumps up and grabs Stephanie, pulling her away as another bullet hits the chair she was just removed from.
This is just the beginning of this enjoyable technical spy thriller. William, works for the CIA, not as a field agent but as a behind the scenes technical wizard. The man is a legend, known as the mythical "sauron", as he is like an all seeing eye, watching over everything.
I really enjoyed the technical aspects of this novel, the computer programs, daemonware placed on phones allowing William to connect a 'guest list' of who knows who. This really helped drive the narrative and introduce compelling new characters.
The plot was well thought out and worryingly seemed really plausible. The characters and their conversations were believable.
The book did seem to come to an end quiet abruptly, after building the story the anticipated crescendo didnt happen. There is the occasional action scene but I do wish there had been more, especially with William or Carl.
I would like to find out more in this world and I hope the tagline 'The Stinson/Borden Thriller Series' becomes just that.
Thank you to Gregory Ryman for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
He looks up, realising that a man has been shot. Not just any man, but esteemed Senator Michael Glenway. William jumps up and grabs Stephanie, pulling her away as another bullet hits the chair she was just removed from.
This is just the beginning of this enjoyable technical spy thriller. William, works for the CIA, not as a field agent but as a behind the scenes technical wizard. The man is a legend, known as the mythical "sauron", as he is like an all seeing eye, watching over everything.
I really enjoyed the technical aspects of this novel, the computer programs, daemonware placed on phones allowing William to connect a 'guest list' of who knows who. This really helped drive the narrative and introduce compelling new characters.
The plot was well thought out and worryingly seemed really plausible. The characters and their conversations were believable.
The book did seem to come to an end quiet abruptly, after building the story the anticipated crescendo didnt happen. There is the occasional action scene but I do wish there had been more, especially with William or Carl.
I would like to find out more in this world and I hope the tagline 'The Stinson/Borden Thriller Series' becomes just that.
Thank you to Gregory Ryman for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
A crime mystery thriller, Louisiana Hydra (2024) by Gregory Ryman is a spy techno tale. A man sitting in a street café opposite the National Cathedral, Washington is reading his book when the couple near him are shot at. William Stinson is a CIA employee in the technology division and acts to save Stephanie Borden, an international consultant meeting with the assassinated senator. Whilst assisting the police with their investigation, William decides to use his own tech expertise to discover the truth and partner with Stephanie. An intriguing tale of data control and ownership develops with action, intrigue, and a surprising final resolution. Overall, a first-rate debut thriller with its appropriate title and a four and a half stars read rating. With thanks to the author Gregory Ryman for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
August 7, 2024
4 Stars
Louisiana Hydra is the suspenseful debut novel by Gregory Ryman and is the first book in The Stinton/Borden Thriller series. I love a great thriller, so when I saw this I was immediately intrigued by the promise held in the synopsis and happily snapped up a copy, setting off on an action-packed adventure.
This proved to be a tense techno spy thriller with plenty of mystery, crime & investigation, dramatic developments, complexity, conspiracy & agendas, intrigue, action, politics, and much more.
Mr. Ryman crafted a well-developed cast- the characters are interesting and dynamic individuals, with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws- adding extra elements of interest to the story and easily bringing the whole story to ‘life’.
I really enjoyed Mr. Ryman’s first book, and can see this making a great movie, or TV series.
I will definitely be following his writing career and can’t wait to see what he does next!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Gregory Ryman!
Louisiana Hydra is the suspenseful debut novel by Gregory Ryman and is the first book in The Stinton/Borden Thriller series. I love a great thriller, so when I saw this I was immediately intrigued by the promise held in the synopsis and happily snapped up a copy, setting off on an action-packed adventure.
This proved to be a tense techno spy thriller with plenty of mystery, crime & investigation, dramatic developments, complexity, conspiracy & agendas, intrigue, action, politics, and much more.
Mr. Ryman crafted a well-developed cast- the characters are interesting and dynamic individuals, with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws- adding extra elements of interest to the story and easily bringing the whole story to ‘life’.
I really enjoyed Mr. Ryman’s first book, and can see this making a great movie, or TV series.
I will definitely be following his writing career and can’t wait to see what he does next!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Gregory Ryman!
July 14, 2025
Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology intertwines with classic spycraft, where a seemingly random assassination in broad daylight unravels a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power. Gregory Ryman's Louisiana Hydra plunges you headfirst into this thrilling reality, seamlessly blending the grit of old-school espionage with the sleek, digital landscape of modern threats
Here is my book review: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ste...
Here is my book review: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ste...
May 11, 2025
Although some of the content of the hacking community was above my pay grade, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters William and Stephanie and the development of their relationship and ability to work together as team to solve the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews