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Deadly Protocol
Dr Ronnie Ackerman wakes up in bed alone. Her boss, Nobel Prize-winner Professor Hasely Stone, and the man she got drunk with the night before, is downstairs in the sauna, brutally murdered.
Who did this, and why?
Stone had been working with total dedication on the ultimate cure for all cancers. Was he killed because he failed, or because he succeeded?
Ronnie panics, clears the house of all traces of her overnight stay, and then sets out on a mission to find out.
Who did this, and why?
Stone had been working with total dedication on the ultimate cure for all cancers. Was he killed because he failed, or because he succeeded?
Ronnie panics, clears the house of all traces of her overnight stay, and then sets out on a mission to find out.
364 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 12, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DEADLY PROTOCOL by Roger Corke is a fast-paced, twisted, roller coaster ride mash-up medical/political thriller featuring an American research doctor working in England and a British television reporter. I could not put this debut book down and I am so excited there is a proposed second “Deadly” book that I cannot wait to read.
Dr. Veronica “Ronnie” Ackerman is having second thoughts about her move to London six months ago, even though she is working for one of the most brilliant cancer research doctors in the world. Professor Hasely Stone talks Ronnie into coming to his home on the pretense of a business dinner, but after too much alcohol, they end up together in bed. When Ronnie wakes up, Hasely is not in bed. As she looks for him before leaving, she discovers him brutally murdered in his home sauna. Terrified, she tries to eliminate any evidence of her presence and goes on to work.
Journalist Daniel Plowright is one of the Professor’s success stories with his new protocol. When he meets Ronnie, they find a professional and personal connection that has them working to uncover why there are an increasing number of dead bodies connected to the protocol. They find themselves and some friends they make along the way are up against not only violent killers, but a secret plot within the highest echelons of the English government.
This is a page turner that starts off with a terrible murder and keeps up the pace from start to finish. Ronnie is an interesting protagonist, who I did not like at first, but once you get to know her; she is very human, making human mistakes, but she wants to make everything right in the end. Her pairing with Daniel works well as they both work to unravel this twisted plot of murder, intrigue, and corruption. Even though the intricate main plot ends with typical reasons for a crime, the paper Hasely rights about the economic consequences of curing all cancers is chilling. It is hard to believe this is a debut novel because it has everything I want when I pick up a book that calls itself a thriller.
I highly recommend this debut medical/political thriller!
DEADLY PROTOCOL by Roger Corke is a fast-paced, twisted, roller coaster ride mash-up medical/political thriller featuring an American research doctor working in England and a British television reporter. I could not put this debut book down and I am so excited there is a proposed second “Deadly” book that I cannot wait to read.
Dr. Veronica “Ronnie” Ackerman is having second thoughts about her move to London six months ago, even though she is working for one of the most brilliant cancer research doctors in the world. Professor Hasely Stone talks Ronnie into coming to his home on the pretense of a business dinner, but after too much alcohol, they end up together in bed. When Ronnie wakes up, Hasely is not in bed. As she looks for him before leaving, she discovers him brutally murdered in his home sauna. Terrified, she tries to eliminate any evidence of her presence and goes on to work.
Journalist Daniel Plowright is one of the Professor’s success stories with his new protocol. When he meets Ronnie, they find a professional and personal connection that has them working to uncover why there are an increasing number of dead bodies connected to the protocol. They find themselves and some friends they make along the way are up against not only violent killers, but a secret plot within the highest echelons of the English government.
This is a page turner that starts off with a terrible murder and keeps up the pace from start to finish. Ronnie is an interesting protagonist, who I did not like at first, but once you get to know her; she is very human, making human mistakes, but she wants to make everything right in the end. Her pairing with Daniel works well as they both work to unravel this twisted plot of murder, intrigue, and corruption. Even though the intricate main plot ends with typical reasons for a crime, the paper Hasely rights about the economic consequences of curing all cancers is chilling. It is hard to believe this is a debut novel because it has everything I want when I pick up a book that calls itself a thriller.
I highly recommend this debut medical/political thriller!
September 10, 2024
Well, this opens with a bang and sets a frenetic pace to really throw you into the story.
When Roger spoke to me about this at a festival, I have to say I was immediately intrigued and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
After reading the opening, I was hooked, and that was me for the day.
There are some wonderful characters in this. Although Ronnie made some curious decisions early on, which made her frustrating. You couldn't help but feel for her as the outsider. Obviously used and taken advantage of, but to find out she alone was trusted. No wonder she was confused.
Then there's Alice, won't say too much, but she was ace. Lots of kick ass women, which is always nice.
I have to say this feels incredibly accomplished for a debut. It has a style and authenticity that shows the author has done his homework. This, along with a natural gift for storytelling,
I absolutely cannot wait for book 2.
When Roger spoke to me about this at a festival, I have to say I was immediately intrigued and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
After reading the opening, I was hooked, and that was me for the day.
There are some wonderful characters in this. Although Ronnie made some curious decisions early on, which made her frustrating. You couldn't help but feel for her as the outsider. Obviously used and taken advantage of, but to find out she alone was trusted. No wonder she was confused.
Then there's Alice, won't say too much, but she was ace. Lots of kick ass women, which is always nice.
I have to say this feels incredibly accomplished for a debut. It has a style and authenticity that shows the author has done his homework. This, along with a natural gift for storytelling,
I absolutely cannot wait for book 2.
September 11, 2024
This book moves at such a cracking pace that I read it in two sittings. Not a word, sentence or paragraph is wasted. No extra padding, no stretching it out, it just rockets to a satisfying finish.
I often say that a lot of novels are too long and could easily be cut to shed the ‘dead wood’ or too much description. They sometimes refer to it as ‘murdering your darlings’. With Deadly Protocol there is no dead wood, though plenty of murdering, literally! What we do have is politics, intrigue, medicine and the elusive cure for cancer. It’s fast, intelligent and exciting. What more could you want from a thriller?
Dr Veronica Ackerman known as ‘Ronnie’ (I was also known as Ronnie at school), is our fabulous main character. She’s smart, sassy and extremely clever. OK, so waking up in her boss’s bed after a drunken night of ‘passion’ wasn’t very smart, but apart from that one mistake her behaviour is exemplary. Fleeing the scene of a murder and trying to cover her tracks isn’t very smart either, but she panicked. Who wouldn’t have? Me for one I believe, but then I’ve never found myself in either situation. I’ve certainly never found anyone being barbecued over a sauna.
But that’s only the beginning. Professor Hasely Stone is just the first in a series of grisly murders, but why would anyone want to kill the very person who has found the cure for our deadliest illness? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Ronnie teams up with journalist Daniel Plowright, Professor Stone’s brother Leon, his PA Laura and Sister Augustine in a race across the world to discover the secrets behind the killings. It’s a clever game of cat and mouse with some very cruel and violent adversaries, which rattles along at breakneck speed that will leave you breathless and wanting more. And you will get it, as this is the first of a new series featuring Dr Ackerman.
Many thanks to Overview Media for inviting me to be part of the #DeadlyProtocol blog tour.
I often say that a lot of novels are too long and could easily be cut to shed the ‘dead wood’ or too much description. They sometimes refer to it as ‘murdering your darlings’. With Deadly Protocol there is no dead wood, though plenty of murdering, literally! What we do have is politics, intrigue, medicine and the elusive cure for cancer. It’s fast, intelligent and exciting. What more could you want from a thriller?
Dr Veronica Ackerman known as ‘Ronnie’ (I was also known as Ronnie at school), is our fabulous main character. She’s smart, sassy and extremely clever. OK, so waking up in her boss’s bed after a drunken night of ‘passion’ wasn’t very smart, but apart from that one mistake her behaviour is exemplary. Fleeing the scene of a murder and trying to cover her tracks isn’t very smart either, but she panicked. Who wouldn’t have? Me for one I believe, but then I’ve never found myself in either situation. I’ve certainly never found anyone being barbecued over a sauna.
But that’s only the beginning. Professor Hasely Stone is just the first in a series of grisly murders, but why would anyone want to kill the very person who has found the cure for our deadliest illness? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Ronnie teams up with journalist Daniel Plowright, Professor Stone’s brother Leon, his PA Laura and Sister Augustine in a race across the world to discover the secrets behind the killings. It’s a clever game of cat and mouse with some very cruel and violent adversaries, which rattles along at breakneck speed that will leave you breathless and wanting more. And you will get it, as this is the first of a new series featuring Dr Ackerman.
Many thanks to Overview Media for inviting me to be part of the #DeadlyProtocol blog tour.
September 7, 2024
Innovative and very contemporary subject matter which captured my interest in the blurb. A cure for cancer has been found but is not without controversy especially when the scientists on the development team start being murdered. Of all candidates for murder surely someone who has gifted the world with a cure for cancer should be right at the bottom of that list? There are some interesting ethics and politics involved and this is very much food for thought. The story is well enough paced with some decent baddies to dislike and intrigue and suspense. Overall it was a good read due to all the factors above but slightly short of a four star from me, mainly because I drifted off slightly a couple of times, although it did then get me back on track. Definitely worth a read.
October 5, 2024
When Dr Veronica Ackerman was offered a post-doctoral contract at the Lipman Institute in London, it was the chance of a lifetime to leave Boston and escape the mess her life had become since Michael had left her.
Whilst her welcome from the other post-docs at the institute was distinctly cold, she was still elated to be working with Professor Hasley Stone. The world’s greatest living lung cancer expert. But after 4 weeks of constant resentment from her so-called colleagues she hated the place. Then Hasley Stone returned from Trinidad and invited her to have dinner with him, and one thing led to another, and now here she was in his house, and he was dead, lying roasted in his sauna with his skull caved in. In a panic she tries to remember what she has touched and starts frantically wiping everything, also clearing away the dishes she had used. All she can think of is, if she is found there, she will be suspect number one for his murder and her career will be over. Of course, later when she has left the house, she calms down and realises that leaving might not have been the smartest move.
London is currently experiencing rioting from the British Union of Patriots, a far-right organisation. Caught up in one of these riots is journalist Daniel Plowright who is stabbed, but luckily was unharmed as he was wearing a stab vest under his shirt.
At the two o’clock Press conference that Hasley Stone’ was to be speaking at Laura Sellars, Hasley’s PA
introduces Ronnie to Daniel, where she learns something that surprises her.
Investigation by DCI Alice Mahoney into the murder of Hasley Stone turns up evidence that leads Alice to
suspect that the murder of Hasley Stone and the attempted killing of Daniel Plowright could be linked. But why?
It’s a gem of a book. You are into the story on the first page. The more I read the more I asked myself, who would want to destroy Stone’s cure for cancer?
Brilliantly plotted with many twists and turns make this a compelling read. Also, incredibly and frightening thought provoking. Not to be missed. Most highly recommended.
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Reviewer Lizzie Sirett
Whilst her welcome from the other post-docs at the institute was distinctly cold, she was still elated to be working with Professor Hasley Stone. The world’s greatest living lung cancer expert. But after 4 weeks of constant resentment from her so-called colleagues she hated the place. Then Hasley Stone returned from Trinidad and invited her to have dinner with him, and one thing led to another, and now here she was in his house, and he was dead, lying roasted in his sauna with his skull caved in. In a panic she tries to remember what she has touched and starts frantically wiping everything, also clearing away the dishes she had used. All she can think of is, if she is found there, she will be suspect number one for his murder and her career will be over. Of course, later when she has left the house, she calms down and realises that leaving might not have been the smartest move.
London is currently experiencing rioting from the British Union of Patriots, a far-right organisation. Caught up in one of these riots is journalist Daniel Plowright who is stabbed, but luckily was unharmed as he was wearing a stab vest under his shirt.
At the two o’clock Press conference that Hasley Stone’ was to be speaking at Laura Sellars, Hasley’s PA
introduces Ronnie to Daniel, where she learns something that surprises her.
Investigation by DCI Alice Mahoney into the murder of Hasley Stone turns up evidence that leads Alice to
suspect that the murder of Hasley Stone and the attempted killing of Daniel Plowright could be linked. But why?
It’s a gem of a book. You are into the story on the first page. The more I read the more I asked myself, who would want to destroy Stone’s cure for cancer?
Brilliantly plotted with many twists and turns make this a compelling read. Also, incredibly and frightening thought provoking. Not to be missed. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer Lizzie Sirett
September 12, 2024
Set in London, lots of characters are introduced very early on. First there is American post-doc Dr Veronica (Ronnie) Ackerman who has slept the night with her married boss at his house after getting drunk. He is the much-celebrated cancer expert Professor Hasely Stone who is due to accept his knighthood in the morning. Only he will never get to accept it, since Ronnie discovers him dead and roasting in his own sauna. She panics, cleans the scene up of traces of herself and runs, leaving police to break in at the insistence of his PA when he doesn’t show up at St. Agatha’s University Hospital later that day and find the body. Then there’s Star News reporter (and Stone’s former patient) Daniel Plowright who was due to have an exclusive interview with the professor that day. Daniel has already been the subject of an attempted stabbing at a British Union of Patriots fascist rally that morning. We meet Daniel’s ex-girlfriend DCI Alice Mahoney who is seconded onto the murder enquiry due to her role in the Racist Crime Command, and we hear about ex-army Gemma Chapman who is responsible for both attacks but just who is she working for? Who is trying to frame the BUP for both crimes? No one can understand why such a good man who helped so many people would be murdered. In a story full of medics, friends in high places, politics and, of course, murder, whilst Alice works her case, Ronnie and Daniel, with excellent help from Stone’s half-brother Leon, PA Laura, and Sister Augustine, team up and cross the globe, determined to find out the truth as the body count rises and they are all placed in danger. Will they manage it? And just what will the truth bring?
A stunningly fast pace with lots of intrigue is maintained throughout as Stone becomes just one in a series of horrible murders. This excellently written story is full of twists and shocks and some smashing characters as the pair embark on a dangerous mission. A brilliant debut which I loved and I can’t wait for book 2, Deadly Messages!
A stunningly fast pace with lots of intrigue is maintained throughout as Stone becomes just one in a series of horrible murders. This excellently written story is full of twists and shocks and some smashing characters as the pair embark on a dangerous mission. A brilliant debut which I loved and I can’t wait for book 2, Deadly Messages!
September 15, 2024
For a debut novel this is a terrific read, a pacey thriller which I fair raced through. A more than accomplished read, it had me spellbound
As you read you can see that the author has used his experiences and put them down on the page in an enthralling, entertaining and compelling thriller
Plot free so as not to spoil anything for the reader
It started out quite interesting because I had no idea where the story was going to take me, so off the bat my intrigue was piqued by an opening which posed many questions from that moment on I was hooked.
What followed was a punchy slick paced novel with the action constantly moving, there are plenty of twists and turns and unexpected moments, its almost a game of cat and mouse and the chase is definetly on
The plotting was inventive with a rich intelligence, a premise that I found plausible and quite scary in terms of how far people are prepared go to protect what they believe in. The execution of the story on the page is sublime in keeping the reader engaged, one of those reads where you have to keep turning the pages .
There is certainly a veritable cast of protagonists within the book, one thing they have in common though is the air of believability that they carry, I could picture them in my mind. Ronnie Ackerman is a strong thoughtful character, quick thinking, logical, loved the way she could quickly and calmly analyse a situation
I loved the sense of deception that the author built into the characters and the way that were able to create situations in which to bluff the opposition, an opposition that always seem to have the upper hand, there is a lot of cunning required
It has the hallmarks of a thriller where power and the desire to manipulate go hand in hand with little or no thought for those that get in their way. A read which poses a lot of moral questions and leaves you questioning the what ifs, it has a frightening reality built into it
As you may have surmised it is a read which moves at quite a pace all leading up to an explosive finale where the tension is ratcheted up and your questioning how the book will end, clever and thought provoking
This is the kind of read which has already left me eager to read more by the author. One to definetly recommend
As you read you can see that the author has used his experiences and put them down on the page in an enthralling, entertaining and compelling thriller
Plot free so as not to spoil anything for the reader
It started out quite interesting because I had no idea where the story was going to take me, so off the bat my intrigue was piqued by an opening which posed many questions from that moment on I was hooked.
What followed was a punchy slick paced novel with the action constantly moving, there are plenty of twists and turns and unexpected moments, its almost a game of cat and mouse and the chase is definetly on
The plotting was inventive with a rich intelligence, a premise that I found plausible and quite scary in terms of how far people are prepared go to protect what they believe in. The execution of the story on the page is sublime in keeping the reader engaged, one of those reads where you have to keep turning the pages .
There is certainly a veritable cast of protagonists within the book, one thing they have in common though is the air of believability that they carry, I could picture them in my mind. Ronnie Ackerman is a strong thoughtful character, quick thinking, logical, loved the way she could quickly and calmly analyse a situation
I loved the sense of deception that the author built into the characters and the way that were able to create situations in which to bluff the opposition, an opposition that always seem to have the upper hand, there is a lot of cunning required
It has the hallmarks of a thriller where power and the desire to manipulate go hand in hand with little or no thought for those that get in their way. A read which poses a lot of moral questions and leaves you questioning the what ifs, it has a frightening reality built into it
As you may have surmised it is a read which moves at quite a pace all leading up to an explosive finale where the tension is ratcheted up and your questioning how the book will end, clever and thought provoking
This is the kind of read which has already left me eager to read more by the author. One to definetly recommend
September 18, 2024
A crime thriller debut is always an exciting book for me. I never have any expectations and just hope I can write positive things after I have finished it. Deadly Protocol by Roger Corke was exactly that. I met Roger at Harrogate, and he gifted me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
We are introduced to Dr Ronnie Ackerman. A woman who accidentally finds herself in the middle of a murder scene. The victim is Nobel Peace prize-winning Professor Hasely Stone. He had been working on a cure for every cancer known to man. Ronnie makes the decision to vanquish every trace of herself from the murder scene and leave. She decides to find out if Hasely has been killed because of his finding or not!
There is no shortage of intrigue from the first page. I was hooked as soon as I started reading. Ronnie herself immediately finds herself in a quandary, and I don't know how I would have dealt with her situation, to be honest. I was so invested in her from the opening pages.
The amount of research the author must have done has to be extensive. Every word felt authentic. The fact that it's about a cure for cancer made this feel so relevant to me. His experience in his career as a journalist makes this a crisp, authentic, emotional, and thrilling read.
His characters are perfectly created. Whether good or bad, they are all humanised so well. Even Ronnie has her flaws, as we see pretty clearly throughout. This just made it even easier for me to feel like I knew her.
A debut that is exceptionally well written. It has every 'ingredient' needed to keep me turning the pages so fast that I almost inhaled this thriller! I would predict that Roger Corke is going to be a well-known name in the future, and I am so looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks to Roger Corke for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
We are introduced to Dr Ronnie Ackerman. A woman who accidentally finds herself in the middle of a murder scene. The victim is Nobel Peace prize-winning Professor Hasely Stone. He had been working on a cure for every cancer known to man. Ronnie makes the decision to vanquish every trace of herself from the murder scene and leave. She decides to find out if Hasely has been killed because of his finding or not!
There is no shortage of intrigue from the first page. I was hooked as soon as I started reading. Ronnie herself immediately finds herself in a quandary, and I don't know how I would have dealt with her situation, to be honest. I was so invested in her from the opening pages.
The amount of research the author must have done has to be extensive. Every word felt authentic. The fact that it's about a cure for cancer made this feel so relevant to me. His experience in his career as a journalist makes this a crisp, authentic, emotional, and thrilling read.
His characters are perfectly created. Whether good or bad, they are all humanised so well. Even Ronnie has her flaws, as we see pretty clearly throughout. This just made it even easier for me to feel like I knew her.
A debut that is exceptionally well written. It has every 'ingredient' needed to keep me turning the pages so fast that I almost inhaled this thriller! I would predict that Roger Corke is going to be a well-known name in the future, and I am so looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks to Roger Corke for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2025
This book grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go. The setup is instantly electrifying Dr. Ronnie Ackerman waking up after a hazy night, only to discover that her brilliant and controversial boss, Professor Hasely Stone, has been brutally murdered just a floor below. From that moment on, the tension never lets up.
What I loved most is how human and flawed Ronnie is. Her panic, her confusion, and her instinct to protect herself feel painfully real. Instead of the typical “perfect thriller heroine,” she’s messy, scared, and driven by equal parts guilt and determination. Watching her piece together the events and clean up the traces of her own involvement immediately pulls you into her mindset.
The plot itself is incredibly clever. The idea that Stone may have been killed because he was either on the cusp of curing cancer or had failed disastrously gives the story deep moral weight. Every new clue makes you question the motives of everyone around him colleagues, competitors, pharmaceutical giants, and even the people closest to Ronnie.
The pacing is perfect: sharp chapters, tight writing, and twists that land at just the right moment. And the science woven throughout feels believable without ever slowing the story down.
What really elevated the book for me is the way it explores fear, ambition, and the dark intersections between medical breakthroughs and corporate power. It’s a thriller with brains and with a heroine you can’t stop rooting for.
By the time the truth was revealed, I was stunned. Completely worth the ride.
If you love smart medical thrillers with high stakes, emotional depth, and twists you don’t see coming, this one is an absolute must read.
What I loved most is how human and flawed Ronnie is. Her panic, her confusion, and her instinct to protect herself feel painfully real. Instead of the typical “perfect thriller heroine,” she’s messy, scared, and driven by equal parts guilt and determination. Watching her piece together the events and clean up the traces of her own involvement immediately pulls you into her mindset.
The plot itself is incredibly clever. The idea that Stone may have been killed because he was either on the cusp of curing cancer or had failed disastrously gives the story deep moral weight. Every new clue makes you question the motives of everyone around him colleagues, competitors, pharmaceutical giants, and even the people closest to Ronnie.
The pacing is perfect: sharp chapters, tight writing, and twists that land at just the right moment. And the science woven throughout feels believable without ever slowing the story down.
What really elevated the book for me is the way it explores fear, ambition, and the dark intersections between medical breakthroughs and corporate power. It’s a thriller with brains and with a heroine you can’t stop rooting for.
By the time the truth was revealed, I was stunned. Completely worth the ride.
If you love smart medical thrillers with high stakes, emotional depth, and twists you don’t see coming, this one is an absolute must read.
December 12, 2025
Deadly Protocol is a sharp, engaging thriller that pulls you in from its opening line and refuses to ease its grip. Roger Corke crafts a fast moving, high stakes mystery centered on Dr. Ronnie Ackerman, who wakes to find her renowned mentor and the man she drunkenly spent the night with murdered in his own home. The setup is instantly gripping, not just because of the shocking death, but because Ronnie’s panicked, instinctive decision to erase all evidence of her presence adds a layer of moral complexity that makes her an especially compelling protagonist.
Corke skillfully blends scientific intrigue with psychological tension, weaving the mystery around a breakthrough cancer cure that may have been worth killing for. The questions at the heart of the story was Stone murdered because he failed or because he succeeded,drive an intensity that builds with every chapter. Ronnie’s fear, guilt, and determination feel authentic, and her increasingly risky search for the truth turns the book into a tightly wound chase narrative.
The pacing is brisk without sacrificing detail, and the scientific elements are handled with enough clarity to feel believable while still accessible to general readers. Corke keeps the suspense consistent and the stakes continually rising, offering twists that feel earned rather than forced.
Deadly Protocol is a polished, cleverly constructed thriller that blends medical mystery with human vulnerability in a way that keeps you reading late into the night. Fans of scientific suspense, morally flawed protagonists, and tightly plotted mysteries will find it deeply satisfying.
Corke skillfully blends scientific intrigue with psychological tension, weaving the mystery around a breakthrough cancer cure that may have been worth killing for. The questions at the heart of the story was Stone murdered because he failed or because he succeeded,drive an intensity that builds with every chapter. Ronnie’s fear, guilt, and determination feel authentic, and her increasingly risky search for the truth turns the book into a tightly wound chase narrative.
The pacing is brisk without sacrificing detail, and the scientific elements are handled with enough clarity to feel believable while still accessible to general readers. Corke keeps the suspense consistent and the stakes continually rising, offering twists that feel earned rather than forced.
Deadly Protocol is a polished, cleverly constructed thriller that blends medical mystery with human vulnerability in a way that keeps you reading late into the night. Fans of scientific suspense, morally flawed protagonists, and tightly plotted mysteries will find it deeply satisfying.
September 16, 2024
What a great premise for a book this is. A cure for all cancers must be the holy grail of medical research and it’s hard to envision why anyone would want to stop such a breakthrough being revealed to the world. But what if there were people who didn’t want such a cure to be found? What might their motivations be and what would they do to stop it?
This book is a fantastically gripping read, a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I’m not sure the blurb and the cover really do justice to how compelling and exciting a story this is, because I was really taken aback by how engrossed I became in this book, it looks so unprepossessing. Don’t let its spartan appearance fool you, this is one heck of a thriller that I didn’t really want to put down and, when I had to, one i kept thinking about and couldn’t wait to get back to. This doesn’t happen that often.
Everything about this book is well-crafted, from the diverse cast of characters to the exciting locations which take the reader from London to the Caribbean and across the United States. There was action, intrigued, plotting and double-crossing. It reminded me of a Mission:Impossible movie in book form, and I say this as someone who is a massive fan of these films. I love a story where the good guys construct a devious plan to take down the baddies, and this boom works brilliantly in this regard.
If you like intrigue, danger, excitement, complex and flawed characters and a globe-trotting adventure, this is the book for you. There are elements which require a little concentration to follow, which is also a good thing because it never hurts to exercise the old grey matter, and the whole story made me stop and think, because I found the main concept entirely plausible. all in all, this is a fantastic read and I am looking forward to the author’s next book.
This book is a fantastically gripping read, a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I’m not sure the blurb and the cover really do justice to how compelling and exciting a story this is, because I was really taken aback by how engrossed I became in this book, it looks so unprepossessing. Don’t let its spartan appearance fool you, this is one heck of a thriller that I didn’t really want to put down and, when I had to, one i kept thinking about and couldn’t wait to get back to. This doesn’t happen that often.
Everything about this book is well-crafted, from the diverse cast of characters to the exciting locations which take the reader from London to the Caribbean and across the United States. There was action, intrigued, plotting and double-crossing. It reminded me of a Mission:Impossible movie in book form, and I say this as someone who is a massive fan of these films. I love a story where the good guys construct a devious plan to take down the baddies, and this boom works brilliantly in this regard.
If you like intrigue, danger, excitement, complex and flawed characters and a globe-trotting adventure, this is the book for you. There are elements which require a little concentration to follow, which is also a good thing because it never hurts to exercise the old grey matter, and the whole story made me stop and think, because I found the main concept entirely plausible. all in all, this is a fantastic read and I am looking forward to the author’s next book.
September 24, 2024
Given that Deadly Protocol is the author’s debut novel, it really is an accomplished, well delivered read.
It's a crime thriller packed to the brim with grit, murder, blood and quite an impressive body count.
It's a compelling, intelligent, clever read of medical science and murder with a dash of the political to add some flavour.
We follow Dr Ronnie Ackerman, an investigative journalist, who wakes up after a night of passion with a professor ( who's been studying and attempting to create the ultimate cancer cure for cancer ), to find him murdered.
Who would want to murder such an important figure in cancer research and why? Be sure to pick up your copy to find out.
So all in all, I throughly enjoyed this read. The author’s experience as an investigative journalist really shines through in his story telling.
I liked the relatively short chapters and the complex tale full of twists and turns, with decent pace, although a little slow in parts( the pace generally keeps up and the story never becomes boring ).
The cast of characters have decent depth and feel real and the author’s skill in descriptive writing allows we, the reader, to become fully immersed in this tense, exciting novel.
It's definitely a read that'll have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's a crime thriller packed to the brim with grit, murder, blood and quite an impressive body count.
It's a compelling, intelligent, clever read of medical science and murder with a dash of the political to add some flavour.
We follow Dr Ronnie Ackerman, an investigative journalist, who wakes up after a night of passion with a professor ( who's been studying and attempting to create the ultimate cancer cure for cancer ), to find him murdered.
Who would want to murder such an important figure in cancer research and why? Be sure to pick up your copy to find out.
So all in all, I throughly enjoyed this read. The author’s experience as an investigative journalist really shines through in his story telling.
I liked the relatively short chapters and the complex tale full of twists and turns, with decent pace, although a little slow in parts( the pace generally keeps up and the story never becomes boring ).
The cast of characters have decent depth and feel real and the author’s skill in descriptive writing allows we, the reader, to become fully immersed in this tense, exciting novel.
It's definitely a read that'll have you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
December 8, 2024
I have had this book waiting to read for far too long! I had no idea what to expect, but I do know that I shouldn’t have waited so long, it was brilliant! The story starts straight in with some quite horrific action, vividly described, so much so that I found I was wrinkling my nose up at the smell!!
The pace continues from there on in. It felt like a game of cat and mouse, I was constantly on edge, willing Ronnie and Daniel to stay ahead of the deadly pursuants.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the book and the way politics and journalism were depicted. The variety of settings has the reader moving swiftly and convincingly around London, then onto Trinidad and Tobago, a brief sojourn in Colorado before returning to the action back in London.
Difficult to talk about the story without spoilers, I found it a great read, action packed and pacy, whilst also being cleverly plotted. The characters were convincing crafted and well portrayed. This would make a great tv series!
This book is a debut novel for Roger Corke, but in no way does it feel like a debut, being confidently accomplished throughout. I was delighted to read there will be a Book 2, which will be read as soon as it is released. A pleasure to read.
The pace continues from there on in. It felt like a game of cat and mouse, I was constantly on edge, willing Ronnie and Daniel to stay ahead of the deadly pursuants.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the book and the way politics and journalism were depicted. The variety of settings has the reader moving swiftly and convincingly around London, then onto Trinidad and Tobago, a brief sojourn in Colorado before returning to the action back in London.
Difficult to talk about the story without spoilers, I found it a great read, action packed and pacy, whilst also being cleverly plotted. The characters were convincing crafted and well portrayed. This would make a great tv series!
This book is a debut novel for Roger Corke, but in no way does it feel like a debut, being confidently accomplished throughout. I was delighted to read there will be a Book 2, which will be read as soon as it is released. A pleasure to read.
September 13, 2024
A fantastic debut novel. Roger Corke showcases his incredible journalistic brain and writing skills from the very first page. Prepare to be taken on a fast paced rollercoaster of emotions.
This book really got me thinking about just what could be going on behind closed doors. Do the powers that be always act in humanity's best interest and do we really know what our best interests are.
Follow Dr Ackerman , journalist Daniel Plowright and team as they duck and dodge their way to reveal the truth whilst trying to avoid meeting a similar gruesome ending to their friend at the beginning of the book.
I especially loved the mention of Belfast being a Belfast girl myself.
Full of danger, secrets and subterfuge this would make an amazing TV show. I was so pleased to see this won't be the last I can read of Dr Ackerman and eagerly await the next book.
This book really got me thinking about just what could be going on behind closed doors. Do the powers that be always act in humanity's best interest and do we really know what our best interests are.
Follow Dr Ackerman , journalist Daniel Plowright and team as they duck and dodge their way to reveal the truth whilst trying to avoid meeting a similar gruesome ending to their friend at the beginning of the book.
I especially loved the mention of Belfast being a Belfast girl myself.
Full of danger, secrets and subterfuge this would make an amazing TV show. I was so pleased to see this won't be the last I can read of Dr Ackerman and eagerly await the next book.
August 3, 2025
It’s taken me a long time to get to this debut thriller, & I now wish I’d read it sooner.
A brilliant opening with no wasted words &, bam, hold on tight for a frenetic ride to the end. Dr Ronnie Ackerman is an extremely sassy & intelligent woman, but unfortunately alcohol gets the better of her & she spends the night with her boss. This isn’t a wise move, especially as he is found dead in the sauna next morning. Ronnie runs, she knows she isn’t responsible but who is? Did her boss find the elusive cure to cancer or didn’t he? Why be killed for either reason? She is determined to find out with the help of a journalist amongst others. Buckle up readers!
I am thrilled that this is the first of a series as Ronnie is a fabulous character & the author has such a natural writing style that you don’t realise how much you are reading. If you want to read someone new, start with this book.
A brilliant opening with no wasted words &, bam, hold on tight for a frenetic ride to the end. Dr Ronnie Ackerman is an extremely sassy & intelligent woman, but unfortunately alcohol gets the better of her & she spends the night with her boss. This isn’t a wise move, especially as he is found dead in the sauna next morning. Ronnie runs, she knows she isn’t responsible but who is? Did her boss find the elusive cure to cancer or didn’t he? Why be killed for either reason? She is determined to find out with the help of a journalist amongst others. Buckle up readers!
I am thrilled that this is the first of a series as Ronnie is a fabulous character & the author has such a natural writing style that you don’t realise how much you are reading. If you want to read someone new, start with this book.
August 17, 2024
This did take me a little while to settle in to as there is a lot going to start with and it all seemed a bit chaotic. Once it settled down, I was then cynical it might come across as a but too far fetched, but as it progresses, I changed my mind. A great set of characters and challenges along the way. A couple of surprises too. I loved Alice as a side character, and there are some feisty women which I love to see.
This moves at a good pace and has plenty of events to keep the reader on their toes. Never a dull moment!
An interesting concept used and one I was intrigued to see if it could work. This is a very intricate web of entanglement of characters which was clever.
Entertaining and engaging read.
This moves at a good pace and has plenty of events to keep the reader on their toes. Never a dull moment!
An interesting concept used and one I was intrigued to see if it could work. This is a very intricate web of entanglement of characters which was clever.
Entertaining and engaging read.
September 7, 2024
When Dr. Alexandra (Ronnie) Ackerman is invited to a professor's home for dinner, she doesn't have a clue what she has walked into. Waking up in the morning, she stumbles upon a crime scene, the professor has been murdered. Instead of contacting the police she decides to pretend she has never been there. The professor has found a cure for cancer and was about to go public with his findings but someone doesn't want him to do that and will do everything possible to stop it coming out. Ronnie finds herself in deep but who can she trust? There are plenty of twists and turns in this book a brilliant debut . I read it in a couple of days just couldn't put it down looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 15, 2024
This was a great debut and introduction to the author. When Dr. Ronnie Ackerman wakes from a night of passion with a colleague, she discovers that he has been murdered downstairs, she has no idea what happened. Instead of calling the police, she pretends she was never there, thus beginning a very dangerous game. The author weaves a web of mystery, danger and intrigue with this exciting and enthralling story. The way he interweaves the characters through the story and plot is brill'tiant, adding suspense to an already fabulous story. It's a fast-paced, twisty read that will keep you eagerly turning pages and guessing. The chart tees are well developed and interesting. The story was incredibly well written and flowed nicely. I can't wait for more from this author.
October 22, 2024
Hard to believe this is Roger Corke's first book. The action starts from the first page and doesn't let up.
Ronnie Ackerman is a scientist, who is woken by a strange smell and heads downstairs to discover the brutally murdered body of her lover, an eminent cancer doctor.
Daniel Plowright is an investigative journalist. He survives an attempt on his life only due to the stab vest he is forced to wear as part of his job.
As the story develops, Ronnie and Daniel join forces to investigate the reasons for the doctor's murder.
An action-filled plot and well crafted characters make this a book you won't want to put down.
Ronnie Ackerman is a scientist, who is woken by a strange smell and heads downstairs to discover the brutally murdered body of her lover, an eminent cancer doctor.
Daniel Plowright is an investigative journalist. He survives an attempt on his life only due to the stab vest he is forced to wear as part of his job.
As the story develops, Ronnie and Daniel join forces to investigate the reasons for the doctor's murder.
An action-filled plot and well crafted characters make this a book you won't want to put down.
November 19, 2025
Deadly Protocol hooked me from the very first page. The setup is intense Ronnie waking up alone only to discover her boss brutally murdered and the tension never really lets up. I loved how quickly the story becomes a mix of mystery, moral dilemma, and high stakes science.
Ronnie is such a compelling character. Her panic, her fear, her determination…it all feels incredibly real. And the question at the heart of the story was Professor Stone killed for failing or succeeding? keeps your mind spinning with possibilities.
Fast-paced, smartly written, and full of twists, this is one of those thrillers you pick up and suddenly realize you’ve been reading for hours.
Ronnie is such a compelling character. Her panic, her fear, her determination…it all feels incredibly real. And the question at the heart of the story was Professor Stone killed for failing or succeeding? keeps your mind spinning with possibilities.
Fast-paced, smartly written, and full of twists, this is one of those thrillers you pick up and suddenly realize you’ve been reading for hours.
September 16, 2024
Thrilling premise for a book and wholly believable but sad, if the last four years is anything to go by. Strong characters and a race around the globe see us through a complex web of greed, ego and human nature at its best and worst. The main character grew on me, as her opening wasn’t her finest hour. Teaming her with Daniel was the making of her and this played out to the end. I’m also hoping to see more of him in the next book of the series.
I looked forward to picking this one up each time I got a moment to read. Would recommend.
I looked forward to picking this one up each time I got a moment to read. Would recommend.
September 24, 2024
What a start! I was instantly hooked and had to know what had happened to Stone.
This is such a fast paced thriller, with characters I wanted to instantly know more about, Ronnie was so interesting brave, persistent and clever (well ignoring the running away from the crime scene) I really felt for her, despite teaming up with others to solve the murders, it felt to me that she was one of life’s loners.
I’m so excited that this is the start of a series, the level of crime/violence was spot on for me, so I’m excited for what the author has planned next!
This is such a fast paced thriller, with characters I wanted to instantly know more about, Ronnie was so interesting brave, persistent and clever (well ignoring the running away from the crime scene) I really felt for her, despite teaming up with others to solve the murders, it felt to me that she was one of life’s loners.
I’m so excited that this is the start of a series, the level of crime/violence was spot on for me, so I’m excited for what the author has planned next!
September 13, 2024
I'd not heard of Roger Corke before but was offered a copy to review. I loved it, it read well, fast paced. I would definitely recommend this book. The book is quite current with its theme scientist dead is it because hes discovered a cure or not for cancer. Has he found a cure or has he been stopped finding a cure. It's a pretty juicy theme one that grabs your attention and holds your interest. Would definitely look out for more of his books in future.
September 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Plenty of action set against an intriguing (and not too technical) medical research background.
The characters caught and held my interest throughout what is clearly a well-researched medical thriller, spanning several locations.
I'm delighted to see that this is only the first in a series, so we are to be treated to more from this talented author.
Thanks to the author and Heather Fitt at Overview Media for the eARC of this book.
The characters caught and held my interest throughout what is clearly a well-researched medical thriller, spanning several locations.
I'm delighted to see that this is only the first in a series, so we are to be treated to more from this talented author.
Thanks to the author and Heather Fitt at Overview Media for the eARC of this book.
September 26, 2024
Terrific fast paced thriller with well rounded characters.
The story can’t help but grab you as it is such a hot topic in the world these days. Just imagine being able to cure one of the most common but potentially deadly diseases. What lengths would you go to? Would you share your findings to the world or would you destroy all evidence as the implications would be enormous. A brilliantly written book that had me up well into the night to finish it.
Highly recommended
The story can’t help but grab you as it is such a hot topic in the world these days. Just imagine being able to cure one of the most common but potentially deadly diseases. What lengths would you go to? Would you share your findings to the world or would you destroy all evidence as the implications would be enormous. A brilliantly written book that had me up well into the night to finish it.
Highly recommended
September 30, 2024
Absolutely a 5 star read. This was my first book by this author, and I could easily see this as a film.
Well developed characters with a strong plot, it was a real page turner.
Dr Ronnie Ackerman wakes up the morning after the night before, only to find her one night stand (and boss) has been murdered.
Does she stay and explain or run?
From chapter 1, you are straight into the thrill of the story as it unravels.
Highly recommended and will jump onto the authors next story with anticipation.
Well developed characters with a strong plot, it was a real page turner.
Dr Ronnie Ackerman wakes up the morning after the night before, only to find her one night stand (and boss) has been murdered.
Does she stay and explain or run?
From chapter 1, you are straight into the thrill of the story as it unravels.
Highly recommended and will jump onto the authors next story with anticipation.
October 24, 2025
This book pulled me in from the very first page. Dr. Ronnie Ackerman’s nightmare begins with a murder and spirals into a tense, fast-paced mystery filled with secrets, science, and moral dilemmas. The plot is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the questions it raises about ambition and ethics in medical research are thought provoking. Every chapter kept me guessing who to trust. If you enjoy intelligent thrillers with strong characters and real emotional stakes, this one’s a winner.
August 23, 2024
A highly enjoyable medical thriller. A medical breakthrough leads to mysterious deaths and some people will go to great lengths to get the word out and some people will work equally to stop it.
This is an extremely well written debut novel. The characters were wonderful and the plot was fast paced. I was hooked on this book right away and can’t wait to read more by this author!
This is an extremely well written debut novel. The characters were wonderful and the plot was fast paced. I was hooked on this book right away and can’t wait to read more by this author!
September 2, 2024
The first chapter was superb and had me desperate to read more.
This is an action-packed medical thriller that kept on giving.
The characters were believable and each played a vital part in the story. I liked Alice, she refused to be tied down by red tape and bureaucracy.
This is a debut from the author, and I cannot wait to read more about Ronnie and Co.
If you fancy something different, then I would highly recommend this book.
This is an action-packed medical thriller that kept on giving.
The characters were believable and each played a vital part in the story. I liked Alice, she refused to be tied down by red tape and bureaucracy.
This is a debut from the author, and I cannot wait to read more about Ronnie and Co.
If you fancy something different, then I would highly recommend this book.
September 5, 2024
When Dr Ronnie Ackerman wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings her hangover becomes the least of her worries when she makes an horrific discovery. This book moves at a fast rate building tension as events unfold, someone is prepared to do anything to prevent the truth surrounding cancer drug trials from being known. Twists and turns, action packed and totally gripping. An excellent read.
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