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James Ryker #10

The Protector

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James Ryker and his protégé, Henrik Svenson, travel to the small alpine town of St Vincent, recently rocked by the triple murder of a prominent family. The sole survivor of the horrific crime, teenager Sophie Thibaud, has since been cared for by her aunt. Upon their arrival, however, Ryker and Svenson discover that Sophie is now missing too, and it’s not long before Ryker uncovers evidence of a wider conspiracy at play.

Their search for Sophie and the truth takes them to Lyon and beyond, crossing paths with ruthless mobsters and corrupt police on the way as Ryker looks to expose those involved in enriching themselves through any means possible. But in searching for answers against all odds, can Ryker remain protector to those who need him most?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

307 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Rob Sinclair

34 books683 followers
Rob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.

Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.

Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Keshav Nair.
298 reviews
August 12, 2023
Protector: The Ryker Returns" by Rob Sinclair is a heart-pounding rollercoaster of a thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This gripping novel is the latest installment in the action-packed Ryker Returns series, and it delivers on all fronts with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and relentless suspense.

The story picks up with the enigmatic protagonist, Carl Logan, aka Ryker, attempting to put his dark past behind him. As an ex-black ops agent, he's seeking redemption and a chance at a normal life. He is now accompanied by Henrik Svenson, a young boy whom he had rescued sometime back from a small town in Norway. Henrik reads online news of the murders of three members of a prominent family in the small town of St. Ricard, on the French-Italian border near the Alps.

Sophie, along with her parents and brother are kidnapped and about to be killed, when she makes a daring escape and returns to her aunt, Monique Thibaud who are well-known landowners in the village, but later disappears. Henrik is keen to track down Sophie, find out what happened to Sophie’s parents, and therefore suggests to Ryker a skiing holiday in the Alps. But he does not reveal the true reason. Upon reaching the town, Henrik gets embroiled in a fight with some locals in a pub over a table of pool games. He later reveals that he was attacked, as he began asking questions about Sophie Thibaud’s disappearance. Ryker is not keen to get into another trouble and therefore, advises him to stay away from this murder investigation. But when Henrik insists, they decide to go their separate paths. Ryker thinks that Henrik is gone back to Norway, but when he retracts Henrik’s path on a prognostication, he realizes that it is gone too far. Henrik has got himself entangled in the web of corrupt police officers and nefarious mobsters, who would go to any length to fill their pockets. But alas, Ryker has sworn to protect Henrik.

The novel's pacing is impeccable, never losing momentum or becoming bogged down in unnecessary details. Sinclair's writing style is crisp, descriptive, and laced with just the right amount of tension. The action scenes are vividly portrayed, and readers will find themselves immersed in heart-stopping chases, and gunfights that keep the pages turning.

The book can be read as a standalone novel, as the author provides enough background information to bring new readers up to speed without overwhelming them with previous events. However, for fans of the series, this book serves as a satisfying continuation of Ryker's journey. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to Rob Sinclair's work, this book is a must-read for any thriller enthusiast, a definite page-turner that won't disappoint.
Profile Image for CJ Carey.
31 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2022
My review of ‘Protector’ by Rob Sinclair.

Description
A teenager goes missing after surviving the massacre of her family, in this fast-paced novel of corruption and conspiracy from the author of Vigilante . . .

James Ryker and his protégé, Henrik Svenson, travel to the small alpine town of St Vincent, recently rocked by the triple murder of a prominent family. The sole survivor of the horrific crime, teenager Sophie Thibaud, has since been cared for by her aunt. Upon their arrival, however, Ryker and Svenson discover that Sophie is now missing too, and it’s not long before Ryker uncovers evidence of a wider conspiracy at play.

Their search for Sophie and the truth takes them to Lyon and beyond, crossing paths with ruthless mobsters and corrupt police on the way as Ryker looks to expose those involved in enriching themselves through any means possible. But in searching for answers against all odds, can Ryker remain protector to those who need him most?

Praise for the bestselling novels of Rob Sinclair:

“A must-read for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.” —Chelle’s Book Reviews

“This is a real page-turner, impossible to put down.” —Publishers Weekly

MY REVIEW 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

‘Thrills, spills and so action packed it’s literally bulging at the seams!’

This is the first in this series that I have read but I so grateful to have discovered this absolute gem. This is Ryker book 5. Can’t wait to start from the beginning. I love finding a great new series to get stuck into.

Not just another action thriller - it’s so much more than that. The writing is superb! Tyler is my new favourite hero - alongside The Nowhere Man, The Gray Man and Jack Reacher.

Thank you sooo much to Bloodhound Books and the force to be reckoned with - Rob Sinclair! 🙏🙏🙏
Profile Image for Scott Parsons.
361 reviews17 followers
September 29, 2022
This is the fifth novel in The Ryker Returns series. I have read some but not all of the others. Ryker, who used to be a professional assassin but has now quit the group for which he worked, is accompanied by Henrik Svenson, a young lad whom Ryker had rescued in a previous novel from an abusive situation in a small town on the coast of Norway. Henrik, who has read online the news of a wealthy family that has been murdered in a small town in the foothills of the Alps and one daughter Sophie who escaped but is missing, suggests to Ryker that they should go to that area for some skiing. He does not initially reveal why he wants to go there.

Upon arrival in the town, Henrik gets into a scrap with a local youth in a nightclub. He and Ryker decide to camp out part way up the mountain. They then get dragged into a hunt for the missing Sophie Thibaud.

After tangling with Sophie's relatives, Ryker is hired by them to investigate the murders and try to find Sophie. They end up in Lyon where they become embroiled with a mobster who had provided a couple of the individuals who had carried out the murders. After a brutal encounter with the mobster and his gang, Ryker and Henrik become separated. Ryker assumes that Henrik has headed back to the village and so he heads back there too.

There are many twists and turns in the plot. Nothing is quite as it seems on the surface. But Ryker unravels the mystery eventually.

This is a well-written, fast-paced, sizzling thriller well worth the read. I highly recommend this novel and indeed the earlier ones in this series. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
Profile Image for Elite Group.
3,114 reviews53 followers
September 30, 2022
An outstanding plot from the opening sentence to the nail-biting end.

Sophie, along with her parents and young brother, is kidnapped from their home in St Ricard, a small town near the French-Italian border. She is the only member to escape from the kidnappers and after managing to work her way back to the village, is taken in by her aunt, Monique Thibaud. The Thibaud’s are prominent landowners in the village.

James Ryker and Hendrik, the fifteen-year-old orphan boy who James had rescued in Norway. Not soon after arriving, Hendrik gets into a fight in a local pub while playing pool. The reason for him being attacked; he was asking questions about Sophie Thibaud’s disappearance from her aunt’s home. Hendrik had been following the police’s inquiries into her parents and brother’s brutal murders and insisted that they visit St Ricard’s so that he could investigate her subsequent disappearance. Unfortunately, he’d not told James Ryker about his fascination with the case and James finds himself dragged into Hendrik’s determination to find out what has happened to her.

Phew! What an outstanding read! Rob Sinclair produces unique plots for his novels that never fail to grab my interest from the very first page until the final word written. The only problem is that there’s always a cliff-hanger and Protector has one of the most startling endings. EVER!

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,211 reviews26 followers
September 27, 2022
I just love this author Rob Sinclair his books always grip me from the very beginning till the very end and his latest book Protector was no different. This book is the fifth book in the brilliant The Ryker Returns Thriller series and its fast paced with lots of action and great twists and turns throughout.

James Ryker and his protégé, Henrik Svenson, have travelled to the small alpine town of St Vincent, which was recently rocked by the triple murder of a prominent family. The only survivor of the horrific crime, was teenager Sophie Thibaud, she has since been cared for by her aunt. Upon their arrival, Ryker and Svenson discover that Sophie is now missing too, and it’s not long before Ryker uncovers evidence of a wider conspiracy at play. With their search for Sophie, the truth takes them to Lyon and beyond, crossing paths with ruthless mobsters and corrupt police on the way. Ryker looks to expose those involved in enriching themselves through any means possible.

This book can also be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you go back and read the other four books I loved them.
226 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2022
This is the latest in the James Ryker thriller series however it does read well as a standalone. The location this time round is mainly based in a small town in the French Alps. Travelling with his young accomplice, Hendrick, James Ryker finds himself in a town that has recently had a wealthy family murdered and the youngest daughter go missing. They then set out to try and find the missing daughter and why the rest of her family were murdered. In doing so the come across corrupt police and gangland figures. 

Typically in a Rob Sinclair book this one is full of action and is very fast paced.  There are also many twists in the storyline. 

It is an intriguing read which is very well written. From start to finish there is non stop action. 

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily. Along with the test of this series I've given it 5 stars which it fully deserves.
Profile Image for Anne.
759 reviews
September 11, 2022
As always Rob Sinclair delivers a very, very good and thrilling read in his latest book featuring James Ryker. I thought the book started really well, and that the author certainly knows how to write a great story and engage his readers and I was drawn into the story immediately. The writing and plot line is very good and full of tension, suspense, lots of action and thrills. Here Ryker is travelling with Henrik, a fairly new character and they find trouble in a town where a family has been murdered and the daughter missing. I loved the twists in the story, and thought the book flowed really well and was a pleasure to read. It is quite a fast paced read and full of action which just doesn't stop. If you like thrillers I'd recommend this book/series, although I'd suggest you read the two books prior to this to know more about Henrik, his background and how he meets Ryker.
1,483 reviews25 followers
September 16, 2022
This is yet another gripping stroy from the excellent Ryker series. Ryker and Henrik are now in a small town in France where somehow Henrik is interested in meeting Sophie Thibaud. Sophie is an heiress whose family were killed. It soon becomes clear that this small town has a lot of secrets and these strangers in town are not welcome.

There were a lot of twists in this book. I thought it would be more straightfoward but I was totally clueless the more I read. Lots of surprises in store and quite complicated as to what was really going on, and this had me more hooked. The ending was really the icing on the cake and now I'm wondering what happens next. A fully deserved 5 star rating from me.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra Cook.
193 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2022
This story came out September 26, 2022, the paperback is out September 12, 2022. This is a story that is actually action- packed the pace is wonderful. The characters are so interesting, an intense action- paced story, that flows so smoothly. The rollercoaster ride is thrilling on reading this book. James Ryker and his companion Henrik a teenager is look into a case, that was uncovered by James Ryker. A teenager young woman lost her whole family, her father mother and brother. And you have to read the book to understand and find out the reason and the surprise person that made this all happen and why? I enjoyed this novel and I hope you read this one and share your thoughts on this great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
885 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2022
No way was I giving this less than 5 stars. An utterly gripping read. Not as complex as previous in the series but an intricate plot, nail biting action with thrills and intrigue throughout. Loving the most recent character Henrik, he is like a mini version of Ryker, strong minded and determined to do this HIS way. There is a definite bond between the two. But they are both loners at heart and both with a dark past even though Henrik is just 15! A girl has gone missing, they both want to find her for various reasons and both want the truth. A compelling story that kept me reading through the night. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,017 reviews65 followers
September 26, 2022
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet by him. I enjoy how he can pull me into his stories by his creative writing style as well as his attention to details. This book is no different. The characters pull you into their suspense from the start. They are strong, connectable characters that bring the story to life. They have great growth throughout the story. The twists and turns bring the suspense to a new level. This is a well written story that is fast paced and engaging. A story where a teenage girl goes missing after she losses her whole family. This is a story you dont want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
1,056 reviews10 followers
September 25, 2022
Overall 4.5*

Yet another great action packed adventure about Ryker, this one set just over the border in France from Italy. It begins with a slower start than normal and builds and builds on the tension. As per Ryker norm, there are plenty of fights, escapes, killings and the usual mayhem that he seems to attract. It is a very enjoyable series if you like this type of genre and although may be read as a standalone, it is better to read the first two books for a better read.

Thanks to Bloodhound for the ARC to review.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
September 26, 2022
Protector by Rob sinclair.
The Ryker Returns Thrillers book 5.
James Ryker and his protégé, Henrik Svenson, travel to the small alpine town of St Vincent, recently rocked by the triple murder of a prominent family. The sole survivor of the horrific crime, teenager Sophie Thibaud, has since been cared for by her aunt. Upon their arrival, however, Ryker and Svenson discover that Sophie is now missing too, and it’s not long before Ryker uncovers evidence of a wider conspiracy at play.
Really good read. I do like this series. Looking forward to more. 5*.
Profile Image for Rebecca Charlesworth.
495 reviews
September 26, 2022
A catch up with Ryker, and what a catch up it was, fast paced and action packed all the way through. Well written and grabbed my interest from the first chapter and held it all the way to the last chapter. I have to say I thought I had figured most of it out towards the end but alas totally off the mark, which I love. I won’t write about the storyline as I feel it’s the job if the blurb to peak your interest, but I will say a great read if you like action, vigilante, good guy trying to stop bad guys.
Profile Image for Vivian.
693 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2022
This book is the fifth installment in the Ryker Returns series, and although it can be read as a standalone it is better to have some background information before starting reading it or you'll feel very confused as to why James Ryker decides to help an unknown to him girl.
This is a fast paced action thriller with lots of unexpected twists none more than the one at the end of the book, that one is want you don't see it coming.
Can't wait to read more books from this author and continue reading the next installment on this series.
Profile Image for Susan Hunter.
774 reviews
October 10, 2022
Ryker Returns book 5. On this escapade Ryker has 15 year old Henrik Svenson in tow with him . Trouble with a capital T always seems to find Ryker. The Chibaud family are murdered in their home, but their daughter escapes but has now disappeared. These events in St Ricard France have piqued Henrik's interest. What follows is a brilliant plot, full of action and intrigue. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I had no idea how it was going to end or whether Ryker and Henrik would survive . A fantastic unravelling of the story.
Profile Image for Tim Mullen.
190 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
James Ryker, still accompanied by Henrik, finds himself in a French Alps ski resort where three membersof the local business family have been murdered and their teenage daughter is missing. Ryker and Henrik agree to search for her and Ryker's usual trail of dead bodies and general mayhem isn't far behind. A final reveal that I didn't see coming leads to a climax that potentially changes Ryker's life forever. As ever Rob Sinclair doesn't disappoint further developing Ryker into a rounded character that stands as a freelance James Bond. I'd recommend reading the series in order.
Profile Image for Liz T.
280 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last. Although this is the fifth in the series I still enjoyed it as a stand alone novel. The story is so fast paced and exciting. I felt like I was in a James Bond film. I loved the relationship between James Ryker and Henrik Svenson and I can't wait to read their back story. There was lots of tension and action in this book and it had me on the edge of my seat.
294 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2022
Ryker is persuaded by his protégé Henrik to travel the Alpine village of St Vincent to track down the missing Heiress Sophie Thibaud. She was the only survivor when her family were robbed and killed but nobody has seen her since she was taken in by her Aunt. Their investigations take them on a perilous journey to Lyon and they get much more than they bargain for. Thoroughly enjoyed the ups and downs of this book.
Profile Image for Kristen.
750 reviews87 followers
September 26, 2022
Gritty, fast paced, entertaining, thriller with excellently written characters and plenty of suspense. This book is part of a series and in my opinion it would be better to start at the beginning because I feel like I lost out on some things by starting with this book and I will be starting at the beginning of the series before I even think about reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for William Viergever.
110 reviews
October 28, 2022
Ryker Rocks

Great follow-up to the prior two books (re. Henrik). Loved the plot(s), the pace, the characters—hell, loved all of it. I say this as a compliment, these Ryker Returns remind me of both John Milton and Jack Reacher in that you’ve got a kick-ass guy doing good deeds, with a lot of kick-assing . Can’t wait for the next book.
37 reviews
September 25, 2022
This is the second book I have read in this series but it works well as a standalone. A gripping thriller that is a real page turner.

I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Thank you to Bloodhound books for my Advance Reader Copy of this great book.
6 reviews
September 28, 2022
Yet again Rob Sinclair has achieved what he promised his wife: another 'unputdownable' thriller.

Follow James Ryker and Henrik through plot twists and turns in an alpine village, and beyond. The trail is well-laid for the next one!
1,181 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2022
Another great story

Another great story in the Ryder series who along with his self adopted son Henrik gets into more trouble. This time set in a ski resort in France. The story moved at a fast pace and kept you gripped from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more.
46 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2022
Another great book by Rob Sinclair

If you live fast moving thrillers that are "unputdownable" this series is for you! I found thus book to be one of the best yet as it kept me glued to it and trying to figure out what would happen next. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for William J Zaremba.
235 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2023
Protector

Pretty good James Ryker book not my top favorite but very good for sure. Lots of action from start to finish in what is a who dunnit story. James Tyler us definitely a bad ass dude.
356 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2023
Another great read. I have read all of the James Ryker books in order and have never been disappointed. All the books have lots of action and a solid story line. A big thank you to the author Rob Sinclair and I look foreword to the next book. A well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Profile Image for See.
633 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2023
An exciting who done it.

Ryker and Kenrik go to help a family in distress. Ryker doesn't know and Kenrik is pushing him there. From there the story gets convoluted and mixed up. This is not one of Sinclair's best.
Profile Image for Malcolm Dodd.
111 reviews
November 19, 2023
Back in the game

Rob Sinclair has his mojo back and created a fast action thriller that captivates you.

I’ve followed James Ryker throughout out and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed the ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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