What do you think?
Rate this book
Jamie Carter #3
Traitor
To change the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, an SAS hero must find the best of best.
Then prepare for the worst . . .
From No.1 bestselling SAS hero Chris Ryan comes TRAITOR, the brand new 2024 action thriller ripped straight from the headlines.
______________________
A year after his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice, Sergeant Major Luke Carter, decorated hero of 22 SAS, is sent to Australia on a recruiting job. His select two candidates from the SASR for a highly sensitive mission on foreign soil.
But when a sudden crisis threatens to derail the plan, Carter and his new colleagues find themselves forced into action on a high-stakes operation. One that has the potential to change the course of the war in Ukraine.
So begins a deadly game of predator and prey, moving from the streets of Minsk to the cliffs above the Black Sea. And a final showdown with the biggest target of all . . .
PRAISE FOR NO.1 BESTSELLING SAS HERO CHRIS
'Ryan writes with the authority of a man familiar with every nuance of the regiment's tactics, training, weapons and equipment' - SUNDAY TIMES
'Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan' - EVENING STANDARD
'Intelligent and enthralling' - FINANCIAL TIMES
'The action comes bullet-fast' - T HE SUN
'Fearsome and fast-moving' - DAILY MAIL
Then prepare for the worst . . .
From No.1 bestselling SAS hero Chris Ryan comes TRAITOR, the brand new 2024 action thriller ripped straight from the headlines.
______________________
A year after his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice, Sergeant Major Luke Carter, decorated hero of 22 SAS, is sent to Australia on a recruiting job. His select two candidates from the SASR for a highly sensitive mission on foreign soil.
But when a sudden crisis threatens to derail the plan, Carter and his new colleagues find themselves forced into action on a high-stakes operation. One that has the potential to change the course of the war in Ukraine.
So begins a deadly game of predator and prey, moving from the streets of Minsk to the cliffs above the Black Sea. And a final showdown with the biggest target of all . . .
PRAISE FOR NO.1 BESTSELLING SAS HERO CHRIS
'Ryan writes with the authority of a man familiar with every nuance of the regiment's tactics, training, weapons and equipment' - SUNDAY TIMES
'Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan' - EVENING STANDARD
'Intelligent and enthralling' - FINANCIAL TIMES
'The action comes bullet-fast' - T HE SUN
'Fearsome and fast-moving' - DAILY MAIL
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
312 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,019 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 16, 2025
*A question of Trust*
This is my first experience with a book by Chris Ryan, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The beginning was a bit slow, but as I got into it, I started to understand it more.
I particularly liked the character of Sergeant Major Luke Carter. He seemed to be able to function in any situation, and he was never afraid to challenge or question the authorities.
On the back of his late brother, who was also in the services, we meet Luke, also known as “Geordie.” This nickname is given to people from Tyneside, especially those from Newcastle, in the UK. I love their accent.
“Geordie” is sent to Australia to recruit two candidates for a highly sensitive mission. He is tasked with selecting the best two men, and once they are chosen, they are given the details of the mission.
Throughout the mission, “Geordie” has a nagging suspicion that those who give the orders are keeping him in the dark. He can’t quite put his finger on what it could be. In order to complete the mission, each person has to rely on the others. After completing two missions, even though they were hard, the team is virtually doing a quick turnaround. They turned around without much time to settle down afterwards, and “Geordie” cannot understand their reasoning. This mission raises a red flag for him. But when they thought this job would be hard, the stakes are raised when the plan completely changes, and trust between them starts to waver.
The author, Chris Ryan, does a good job of writing what is happening, and the tension between the team is palpable. They focus on the task at hand, knowing that precision is key and every second counts.
This is my first experience with a book by Chris Ryan, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The beginning was a bit slow, but as I got into it, I started to understand it more.
I particularly liked the character of Sergeant Major Luke Carter. He seemed to be able to function in any situation, and he was never afraid to challenge or question the authorities.
On the back of his late brother, who was also in the services, we meet Luke, also known as “Geordie.” This nickname is given to people from Tyneside, especially those from Newcastle, in the UK. I love their accent.
“Geordie” is sent to Australia to recruit two candidates for a highly sensitive mission. He is tasked with selecting the best two men, and once they are chosen, they are given the details of the mission.
Throughout the mission, “Geordie” has a nagging suspicion that those who give the orders are keeping him in the dark. He can’t quite put his finger on what it could be. In order to complete the mission, each person has to rely on the others. After completing two missions, even though they were hard, the team is virtually doing a quick turnaround. They turned around without much time to settle down afterwards, and “Geordie” cannot understand their reasoning. This mission raises a red flag for him. But when they thought this job would be hard, the stakes are raised when the plan completely changes, and trust between them starts to waver.
The author, Chris Ryan, does a good job of writing what is happening, and the tension between the team is palpable. They focus on the task at hand, knowing that precision is key and every second counts.
May 28, 2024
Quite a long time since read a Chris Ryan book and I had forgotten what a fast,explosive story he writes,action packed and no wasted filler
‘Traitor’ deals with a mission between SAS and Australian counterparts who have no idea what they are signing up for other than it involves Russian targets and they will have the help of ‘others’…..but can the ‘others’ be trusted…?
We travel from the UK,to Australia then onwards to Belarus,Switzerland and Russia taking in Germany,France and Turkey along the way and included ‘Trains,Planes and Automobiles’
It is a heady mix of lies and counter lies,swift action,good plots and subterfuge that really doesn’t let up from the first to the last page
It was an exciting read,full of questionable characters and full to bursting with drama
A thrilling book that enjoyed,great writing and will look up the authors books I have missed.
‘Traitor’ deals with a mission between SAS and Australian counterparts who have no idea what they are signing up for other than it involves Russian targets and they will have the help of ‘others’…..but can the ‘others’ be trusted…?
We travel from the UK,to Australia then onwards to Belarus,Switzerland and Russia taking in Germany,France and Turkey along the way and included ‘Trains,Planes and Automobiles’
It is a heady mix of lies and counter lies,swift action,good plots and subterfuge that really doesn’t let up from the first to the last page
It was an exciting read,full of questionable characters and full to bursting with drama
A thrilling book that enjoyed,great writing and will look up the authors books I have missed.
April 27, 2025
To change the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, an SAS hero must find the best of best.
Then prepare for the worst . . .
A new Chris Ryan book released 2024 from our real SAS soldier.
Strong characters, good story, the end left you guessing.
A year after his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice, Sergeant Major Luke Carter, decorated hero of 22 SAS, is sent to Australia on a recruiting job. His orders: select two candidates from the SASR for a highly sensitive mission on foreign soil.
But when a sudden crisis threatens to derail the plan, Carter and his new colleagues find themselves forced into action on a high-stakes operation. One that has the potential to change the course of the war in Ukraine.
So begins a deadly game of predator and prey, moving from the streets of Minsk to the cliffs above the Black Sea. And a final showdown with the biggest target of all . . .
Four stars
Then prepare for the worst . . .
A new Chris Ryan book released 2024 from our real SAS soldier.
Strong characters, good story, the end left you guessing.
A year after his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice, Sergeant Major Luke Carter, decorated hero of 22 SAS, is sent to Australia on a recruiting job. His orders: select two candidates from the SASR for a highly sensitive mission on foreign soil.
But when a sudden crisis threatens to derail the plan, Carter and his new colleagues find themselves forced into action on a high-stakes operation. One that has the potential to change the course of the war in Ukraine.
So begins a deadly game of predator and prey, moving from the streets of Minsk to the cliffs above the Black Sea. And a final showdown with the biggest target of all . . .
Four stars
May 24, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading this one, I have seen many of the television shows made from Chris Ryan’s books so thought it would be good to read for a change. My only problem is it took so long for me to actually really get into the story. As there is obviously a lot building up to the missions etc. So none of the real action started until after 100 pages in, but once it did the story began to fly quicker.
The story is pretty up to date especially with Putin in Russia. As the story begins Sergeant Major Luke Carter finds himself having to go to Perth, he has been asked to recruit a couple of guys, he has no idea what the mission is but has to try and sell it to the Australians all he knows is it is highly sensitive and on foreign soil.
When back at base the team of four are initially told they are going to Ukraine to train others, but this mission soon changes to them going to Minsk the job is to assassinate a man who is very close to Putin. Was the initial job real? As things look a little too put together to have suddenly change. But as the action starts will things go exactly as planned. Just as they finish, and think they are done they are thrown straight into another job, where some things may not go quite as planned. The team have no idea who they can trust even more so after mission two when they are sent on a third mission. Can they trust the guys in charge? Or is there someone closer that is selling them out. Towards the end the stakes become higher and the team seem compromised, can they make it out? Was the job set to fail from the start? Who could be the traitor? You will find yourself travelling from the UK to Perth, on to Belarus, Switzerland, Russia, stopping at Germany France and Turkey. So quite a few places.
Once I got into the story the pace picked up, I whizzed through the second half of the book. At times holding my breath wondering if Carter, Beach, Lazarides, and Dempsey with the aid of Volkorova would escape from each mission, the one in Minsk was all going to plan until it wasn’t due to one small thing. Overall if you like a good action read, with a mixture of lies and subterfuge, then this will appeal to you. After all it is written by a man who has seen these types of situations so knows what he is talking about.
This is well plotted, with a good mixture of characters both good and bad. There are times you will find yourself gripped as the action plays out, wondering if things would go as planned, then the pace would slow a little, build up again until the final scenes which will have you gripped. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥💥💥💥💥 read.
The story is pretty up to date especially with Putin in Russia. As the story begins Sergeant Major Luke Carter finds himself having to go to Perth, he has been asked to recruit a couple of guys, he has no idea what the mission is but has to try and sell it to the Australians all he knows is it is highly sensitive and on foreign soil.
When back at base the team of four are initially told they are going to Ukraine to train others, but this mission soon changes to them going to Minsk the job is to assassinate a man who is very close to Putin. Was the initial job real? As things look a little too put together to have suddenly change. But as the action starts will things go exactly as planned. Just as they finish, and think they are done they are thrown straight into another job, where some things may not go quite as planned. The team have no idea who they can trust even more so after mission two when they are sent on a third mission. Can they trust the guys in charge? Or is there someone closer that is selling them out. Towards the end the stakes become higher and the team seem compromised, can they make it out? Was the job set to fail from the start? Who could be the traitor? You will find yourself travelling from the UK to Perth, on to Belarus, Switzerland, Russia, stopping at Germany France and Turkey. So quite a few places.
Once I got into the story the pace picked up, I whizzed through the second half of the book. At times holding my breath wondering if Carter, Beach, Lazarides, and Dempsey with the aid of Volkorova would escape from each mission, the one in Minsk was all going to plan until it wasn’t due to one small thing. Overall if you like a good action read, with a mixture of lies and subterfuge, then this will appeal to you. After all it is written by a man who has seen these types of situations so knows what he is talking about.
This is well plotted, with a good mixture of characters both good and bad. There are times you will find yourself gripped as the action plays out, wondering if things would go as planned, then the pace would slow a little, build up again until the final scenes which will have you gripped. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥💥💥💥💥 read.
November 3, 2024
A very readable and interesting story about 4 assassins (2 British and 2 Australian) who are sent by the British government to assassinate Russian politicians. Written by an author who has credible background in the topic, the story comes across as authentic and gritty.
June 3, 2024
I've been reading Chris Ryan novels since the 90's, with my first read of his being "The One That Got Away" in 1996 I think, and I've been a steady reader of his ever since, so I knew what to expect from Traitor, and it certainly did not disappoint.
As usual, what we have here from Chris is a fast paced read full of action, atmosphere and suspense. We follow our main character, Luke, who's sent to Australia on a recruitment job of his Aussie counterparts in order to undertake a dangerous and sensitive mission in Europe. But will the mission be derailed? Be sure to pick up your copy to find out.
I found the story to flow well, with an intelligent plot and fearsome action. The characters were well developed and there was a good mix of "good guys" and "bad guys".
Like all Chris Ryan novels, the level of detail here is impressive, with great descriptions of SAS tactics, weapons, training and equipment. Not many other writers on this type of subject put in so much effort, at least not in my reading experience.
Like all good thrillers, there are some brilliant cliff hangers, lots of drama and I read this in two sittings.
A big 5 stars from me.
As usual, what we have here from Chris is a fast paced read full of action, atmosphere and suspense. We follow our main character, Luke, who's sent to Australia on a recruitment job of his Aussie counterparts in order to undertake a dangerous and sensitive mission in Europe. But will the mission be derailed? Be sure to pick up your copy to find out.
I found the story to flow well, with an intelligent plot and fearsome action. The characters were well developed and there was a good mix of "good guys" and "bad guys".
Like all Chris Ryan novels, the level of detail here is impressive, with great descriptions of SAS tactics, weapons, training and equipment. Not many other writers on this type of subject put in so much effort, at least not in my reading experience.
Like all good thrillers, there are some brilliant cliff hangers, lots of drama and I read this in two sittings.
A big 5 stars from me.
May 30, 2024
When I seen Chris Ryan's name I knew I had to read this book, if it's anything like his other books this is going to be a great read.
Sergeant Major Luke Carter is sent on a recruiting job to Perth, Australia. Once they are back at base they are sent to Ukraine to train others, but later they get news to say they are going to Minsk to assassinate someone that is close to Putin. The group of men are then sent on more jobs, but no one knows who and why they are being sent on these jobs? This is so close to real life with what is going on in our world now, you can feel the tension build. I'm not given anything away, you will have to read the book yourself to find out what's instore for everyone.
Chris has done it again with a well thought out story as well as action and interesting characters you get to meet
Sergeant Major Luke Carter is sent on a recruiting job to Perth, Australia. Once they are back at base they are sent to Ukraine to train others, but later they get news to say they are going to Minsk to assassinate someone that is close to Putin. The group of men are then sent on more jobs, but no one knows who and why they are being sent on these jobs? This is so close to real life with what is going on in our world now, you can feel the tension build. I'm not given anything away, you will have to read the book yourself to find out what's instore for everyone.
Chris has done it again with a well thought out story as well as action and interesting characters you get to meet
June 8, 2024
I gave it 3. Probably would go 3.5 if i could
I got the audio book version. The narrator (Paul Thornley) is excellent and is the same narrator who does the Andy McNab Nick Stone books which are an obvious comparison to this book.
I felt the main character was just a bit bland and boring. It took a long time to get going (about an hour and a half into the audio book before anything of real note happens but it does pick up from there).
The final part was good and action packed. Would i read more from the author? Yes. Would i want another book including this protagonist - probably no.
I got the audio book version. The narrator (Paul Thornley) is excellent and is the same narrator who does the Andy McNab Nick Stone books which are an obvious comparison to this book.
I felt the main character was just a bit bland and boring. It took a long time to get going (about an hour and a half into the audio book before anything of real note happens but it does pick up from there).
The final part was good and action packed. Would i read more from the author? Yes. Would i want another book including this protagonist - probably no.
March 10, 2025
This is utterly dreadful, Ryan’s worst book by a long way. Slow, illogical and way too short.
A team made up of SAS and Australian SAS soldiers is tasked with assassinating key Kremlin figures to disrupt Putin’s control in Russia. The tasks get more and more ridiculous and the characters more unbelievable as the book goes on, especially the U.K. spooks working with the team. The author tries to throw in twists but doesn’t really follow through with them and likewise seems to run out of ideas towards the end of the book.
Not quite awful enough to get one star, but very close.
A team made up of SAS and Australian SAS soldiers is tasked with assassinating key Kremlin figures to disrupt Putin’s control in Russia. The tasks get more and more ridiculous and the characters more unbelievable as the book goes on, especially the U.K. spooks working with the team. The author tries to throw in twists but doesn’t really follow through with them and likewise seems to run out of ideas towards the end of the book.
Not quite awful enough to get one star, but very close.
June 1, 2024
This is a very exciting thriller of a read, full of atmosphere and suspense. I was trying to work out who the traitor was throughout. I liked Luke Carter, the main character and enjoyed following him and his team as they take on dangerous missions. The authors writing is good, the story flows well and the cliff hanger chapter endings just made me want to know what would happen next. I'd definitely recommend this if you like thrillers.
4 stars
4 stars
August 10, 2025
Excellent portrayal of the complex situation with the Russian war machine and a realistic possibility of what could happen if the SAS were to be deployed to engage with Russians either in Russia, Ukraine or somewhere else. As well as being very topical the book also highlights the complexity of how difficult it is to understand the Russians mentality. Very enjoyable!
September 27, 2025
A fast-paced read about a squad of four soldiers assembled from elite British and Australian forces to undertake targeted strikes against Putin's inner circle. As the title suggests, there appears to be a traitor in the group, but who and why?
The author's background as a soldier adds authenticity to the narrative and makes for a very believable read.
The author's background as a soldier adds authenticity to the narrative and makes for a very believable read.
June 10, 2024
I don't often 'do' military thrillers but this one really caught my eye and seeing from the blurb that this really takes on a current issue, I was intrigued to see just how this one came across.
Having said that I don't often read much of this genre, I do sometimes watch films and get sucked right into the plot, so expected this to be just as explosive and full of action.
We follow Sergeant Major Luke Carter as he heads to Australia to recruit for a foreign mission.
I can't really say that I connect with the main characters here as they are so far removed from my usual reads, but I did like Carter as a hero to root for.
I get the impression that this book forms part of a series and that there was some reference to previous books/missions - but this mission was self contained in the main and so this didn't really spoil my enjoyment of this storyline.
We head all around the world with this, moving from UK to Australia but then head back to Europe to focussing on the Russian/Ukraine war.
There's definitely no shortage of adventure and excitement as we chase down the lies and deceit and hunt down the traitor.
The writing style was brilliant. Full of detail - some of which totally passed me by - and I had no clue who to trust and where the next lie and twist would come from.
A fast-paced read which had me hooked from start to finish!
Still not my favourite genre - but I'm keen to add more to my wishlist for future reads.
Having said that I don't often read much of this genre, I do sometimes watch films and get sucked right into the plot, so expected this to be just as explosive and full of action.
We follow Sergeant Major Luke Carter as he heads to Australia to recruit for a foreign mission.
I can't really say that I connect with the main characters here as they are so far removed from my usual reads, but I did like Carter as a hero to root for.
I get the impression that this book forms part of a series and that there was some reference to previous books/missions - but this mission was self contained in the main and so this didn't really spoil my enjoyment of this storyline.
We head all around the world with this, moving from UK to Australia but then head back to Europe to focussing on the Russian/Ukraine war.
There's definitely no shortage of adventure and excitement as we chase down the lies and deceit and hunt down the traitor.
The writing style was brilliant. Full of detail - some of which totally passed me by - and I had no clue who to trust and where the next lie and twist would come from.
A fast-paced read which had me hooked from start to finish!
Still not my favourite genre - but I'm keen to add more to my wishlist for future reads.
May 30, 2024
I loved this book.... the title says it all. Hope this is the start of another series, this book had everything, a great storyline, good character relationships, and a good 'Shoot 'em Up' my favourite author by far
June 5, 2024
Meh. This is one of Chris Ryan's weaker books. The characters are all parodies of themselves, the plot is thin and the ending was apparent from about halfway through the book.
I did still enjoy it but it seems that Ryan is running out of steam.
I did still enjoy it but it seems that Ryan is running out of steam.
June 12, 2024
Another cracking read from Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan always keeps it fresh and up to date. Who knows if this stuff actually goes on or is just a vivid imagination, but from the likes of Chris Ryan who has served amongst the best, it’s believable! A cracking read!
Chris Ryan always keeps it fresh and up to date. Who knows if this stuff actually goes on or is just a vivid imagination, but from the likes of Chris Ryan who has served amongst the best, it’s believable! A cracking read!
June 22, 2024
It's been ages since I've read anything by Chris Ryan. I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Then it was the excitement of the mission they were getting sent to. The excitement of the will they won't the carry it off.
Definitely worth a read.
Definitely worth a read.
July 21, 2024
I give Traitor an excellent top marks of 5⭐ another Chris Ryan masterpiece, a non stop action packed thrill ride of a read. Even if you have never read a Chris before (there must be a few I think,) then definitely pick this one up you won’t be disappointed. Definitely a recommendation from me
October 8, 2024
Who better to know how to write an action packed story about the SAS than an ex SAS bloke ! I love Chris Ryan’s books. Having brought them all (and having them see me through lock down!) I’ve read most of them more than once! . And his latest one doesn’t disappoint!
Bravo Chris! 👏👏👏
Bravo Chris! 👏👏👏
January 13, 2025
Another great read. British and Australian SAS team carrying out political assassinations against Russian targets at the behest of MI6, kept in the dark and ultimately betrayed by compromised intelligence. Action packed, fast moving.
April 11, 2025
Another Excellent Story
Another amazing story by Chris Ryan centred around the Ukranian conflict. Great characters and an excellent storyline that moved along at a very fast pace and had loads of twists and turns.Looking forward to reading more.
Another amazing story by Chris Ryan centred around the Ukranian conflict. Great characters and an excellent storyline that moved along at a very fast pace and had loads of twists and turns.Looking forward to reading more.
June 8, 2025
A white knuckle ride with top SAS operative Sgt Maj Luke Carter as his gang of misfits attempt to destabilise the Russian regime by taking out Putin confidantes in Minsk, on France's ski slopes and then inside Russia itself.
June 13, 2024
Great book.
Can’t wait for the next Luke Carter instalment
Can’t wait for the next Luke Carter instalment
October 18, 2024
Great book, couldn’t stop reading it.
Can’t wait for the next book.
All I can say is there is traitor.
Can’t wait for the next book.
All I can say is there is traitor.
January 17, 2025
Enjoyed it
January 29, 2025
another excellent read by chris ryan lookin forward to the next book
March 21, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this book but thought the ending disappointed.
May 25, 2025
An excellent story, well written
June 19, 2025
Riveting!
Fast moving from the start. Enlightening insight into the shadow realm of intelligence and its masters. A must read! Excellent!
Fast moving from the start. Enlightening insight into the shadow realm of intelligence and its masters. A must read! Excellent!
July 10, 2025
Yet another fantastic read
Couldn’t put it down. Read it in about a day and a half. He keeps you on edge to the very end.
Couldn’t put it down. Read it in about a day and a half. He keeps you on edge to the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews