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Marc Portman #1
The Watchman
Strap in for the first explosive entry in a high-octane thriller series where every decision is life or death, and the only rule is to survive.
Some men follow the rules. Lone mercenary Marc Portman makes his own.
MI6 send British officer Angela Pryce on a dangerous mission to negotiate the release of hostages held by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.
But her boss senses something’s off. Fearing for Angela’s safety, he decides to hire extra protection. And there’s only one man for the job: Marc Portman, aka The Watchman..
As he enters the lawless borderlands, Portman discovers very quickly that MI6 has been double-crossed. With no support, he and Angela are outgunned, surrounded by enemies and hunted by terrorists.
Betrayed from within, Portman has no option but to rely on his instincts and cold efficiency.
Eliminate or be eliminated.
b>MEET THE MERCENARY
A mercenary by trade, he’s the kind of professional who operates in the shadows doing what others can’t (or won’t). He provides protection in hostile situations, working in the background and making sure to stay off the record. Often the people he's guarding have no idea he's there. He’s got his rituals: checking his weapon before every job, always travelling with a backup plan, and a backup plan for that backup plan.
Always ten steps ahead, no one knows his real name. His friends — not that he has many — call him Portman.
Some men follow the rules. Lone mercenary Marc Portman makes his own.
MI6 send British officer Angela Pryce on a dangerous mission to negotiate the release of hostages held by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.
But her boss senses something’s off. Fearing for Angela’s safety, he decides to hire extra protection. And there’s only one man for the job: Marc Portman, aka The Watchman..
As he enters the lawless borderlands, Portman discovers very quickly that MI6 has been double-crossed. With no support, he and Angela are outgunned, surrounded by enemies and hunted by terrorists.
Betrayed from within, Portman has no option but to rely on his instincts and cold efficiency.
Eliminate or be eliminated.
b>MEET THE MERCENARY
A mercenary by trade, he’s the kind of professional who operates in the shadows doing what others can’t (or won’t). He provides protection in hostile situations, working in the background and making sure to stay off the record. Often the people he's guarding have no idea he's there. He’s got his rituals: checking his weapon before every job, always travelling with a backup plan, and a backup plan for that backup plan.
Always ten steps ahead, no one knows his real name. His friends — not that he has many — call him Portman.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2014
593 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Magson
47 books95 followersAdrian Magson is a British crime-writer, his books often involve conspiracies, and have two repeating main characters - Riley Gavin, a young female investigative reporter, and Frank Palmer, a former RMP (British Royal Military Policeman) now a private investigator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 11, 2016
4.5* - Thriller fans will be hooked within the first paragraph! Riveting and thrilling action throughout the book, as deep cover specialist Marc Portman receives an assignment to watch over two British agents. Unaware that a highly trained individual has their back, the agents are sent into dangerous territory to negotiate the release of hostages captured by Somalian pirates. Exceptionally well written with intense scenes guaranteed to deliver an immediate adrenalin rush! A fantastic read and highly recommended.
May 5, 2025
I really like this author. In The Watchman, Adrian Magson has created a new hero that will appeal to thriller lovers on both sides of the Atlantic.
That character is an American, Marc Portman; a gun for hire and some. His basic role is to be an invisible presence to watch your back and as in this story ultimately save the day.
The British secret services are trying to counter Somali pirates and are prepared to engage with them to get the release of some important hostages but their captors realise their political standing and true value.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as honourable as they may seem and political and personal aspirations may cloud judgements.
The relationships with our American allies perhaps can't also be relied upon as in the past.
This is a well written story of the capability of the various components in this region; the Kenyan Army trying to redress the balance and incursions across their boarders. The pirates and the links with wider terrorist organisations and the internal wranglings of the UK's intelligence services.
Its boys own stuff though as one might expect; the west seemingly has the might and the technical advantage, but Portman's kill ratio, however reluctantly he takes the life of his enemies, is disproportionately high.
This is the delight of these books, our all conquering action hero. However, for me the luck that works so well for these highly trained solders is too much at times and their invincibility although making a good story leaves the action at times implausible.
It may forever in this type of fiction be so, but for the series to really grab my attention and want to read more it must become more believable. By definition this series cannot last that long since Portman's line of work means his life expectancy is such that no insurance company would touch him.
As stated what does draw me to the books is the author and his writing will carry the reader safely to the end and help them forgive the unfortunate high death toll of 'our' enemies.
That character is an American, Marc Portman; a gun for hire and some. His basic role is to be an invisible presence to watch your back and as in this story ultimately save the day.
The British secret services are trying to counter Somali pirates and are prepared to engage with them to get the release of some important hostages but their captors realise their political standing and true value.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as honourable as they may seem and political and personal aspirations may cloud judgements.
The relationships with our American allies perhaps can't also be relied upon as in the past.
This is a well written story of the capability of the various components in this region; the Kenyan Army trying to redress the balance and incursions across their boarders. The pirates and the links with wider terrorist organisations and the internal wranglings of the UK's intelligence services.
Its boys own stuff though as one might expect; the west seemingly has the might and the technical advantage, but Portman's kill ratio, however reluctantly he takes the life of his enemies, is disproportionately high.
This is the delight of these books, our all conquering action hero. However, for me the luck that works so well for these highly trained solders is too much at times and their invincibility although making a good story leaves the action at times implausible.
It may forever in this type of fiction be so, but for the series to really grab my attention and want to read more it must become more believable. By definition this series cannot last that long since Portman's line of work means his life expectancy is such that no insurance company would touch him.
As stated what does draw me to the books is the author and his writing will carry the reader safely to the end and help them forgive the unfortunate high death toll of 'our' enemies.
September 16, 2015
I won't provide a overview of the story in this review, it's been done enough times already. What I will say, to Adrian Magson, is well done. Adrian has created a character with integrity who is placed in interesting and dangerous situations where his skills can best be utilized. The action is riveting, the story plausible and the outcome satisfying. This is a very good, fast paced read that is highly entertaining. Recommended.
September 10, 2025
A new author for me, another character , another strong hero, another series to follow.
But how many series can you keep up with ?
At a time ? I must stop finding new authors !
Strap in for the first explosive entry in a high-octane thriller series where every decision is life or death, and the only rule is to survive.
Some men follow the rules. Lone mercenary Marc Portman makes his own.
British Intelligence send Angela Pryce on a dangerous mission to negotiate the release of hostages held by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.
But her boss senses something’s off. Fearing for Angela’s safety, he decides to hire extra protection. And there’s only one man for the job: Marc Portman aka The Watchman.
As he enters the lawless borderlands, Portman discovers very quickly that MI6 has been double-crossed. With no support, he and Angela are outgunned, surrounded by enemies and hunted by terrorists.
Betrayed from within, Portman has no option but to rely on his instincts and cold efficiency.
A mercenary by trade, he’s the kind of professional who operates in the shadows doing what others can’t (or won’t). He provides protection in hostile situations, working in the background and making sure to stay off the record. Often the people he's guarding have no idea he's there. He’s got his rituals: checking his weapon before every job, always travelling with a backup plan, and a backup plan for that backup plan.
Always ten steps ahead, no one knows his real name. His friends — not that he has many — call him Portman.
Well I can mention many action authors, if you like them you will like this.
Lee Childs, Mark Dawson, Tom Wood, David Baldacci, Daniel Silva, Kerry J Donovan, Mark Greaney, Mason Cross, Ben Coes, Steve Konkoly, Greg Hurwitz, Tim Tigner, Simon Kernick, Chris Ryan , Chris Holm, Jack Carr, J.B Turner, RRobert Crais, to name a few.
But how many series can you keep up with ?
At a time ? I must stop finding new authors !
Strap in for the first explosive entry in a high-octane thriller series where every decision is life or death, and the only rule is to survive.
Some men follow the rules. Lone mercenary Marc Portman makes his own.
British Intelligence send Angela Pryce on a dangerous mission to negotiate the release of hostages held by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.
But her boss senses something’s off. Fearing for Angela’s safety, he decides to hire extra protection. And there’s only one man for the job: Marc Portman aka The Watchman.
As he enters the lawless borderlands, Portman discovers very quickly that MI6 has been double-crossed. With no support, he and Angela are outgunned, surrounded by enemies and hunted by terrorists.
Betrayed from within, Portman has no option but to rely on his instincts and cold efficiency.
A mercenary by trade, he’s the kind of professional who operates in the shadows doing what others can’t (or won’t). He provides protection in hostile situations, working in the background and making sure to stay off the record. Often the people he's guarding have no idea he's there. He’s got his rituals: checking his weapon before every job, always travelling with a backup plan, and a backup plan for that backup plan.
Always ten steps ahead, no one knows his real name. His friends — not that he has many — call him Portman.
Well I can mention many action authors, if you like them you will like this.
Lee Childs, Mark Dawson, Tom Wood, David Baldacci, Daniel Silva, Kerry J Donovan, Mark Greaney, Mason Cross, Ben Coes, Steve Konkoly, Greg Hurwitz, Tim Tigner, Simon Kernick, Chris Ryan , Chris Holm, Jack Carr, J.B Turner, RRobert Crais, to name a few.
December 28, 2015
The “Watchman” is a guy paid to stay in the shadows and ensure that events in the intelligence world do not go wrong, or to fix them when they do. This is the first in the author’s new series (I’d read the follow up out of order) and introduces us to the main character and gives us some idea of his capabilities. He is hired to watch over some British intelligence agents putting themselves into danger when holding negotiations with some Somali pirates/terrorists. Of course things go wrong and what can one man do from the shadows and without support? Quite a lot as it happens.
I really like Adrian Magson’s books, they tend to be a little short (circa 250 pages) but they pack a lot of action, pace and characterisation. Great author, great thrillers.
I really like Adrian Magson’s books, they tend to be a little short (circa 250 pages) but they pack a lot of action, pace and characterisation. Great author, great thrillers.
January 23, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Adrian Magson. I found it fast paced and exciting. He knows how to tell and interesting story. I'm going to have to look for more of his books to read. If you like Lee Child, you may well like Adrian Magson.
October 29, 2017
This book was a little difficult to get into, but it improved dramatically. This will not be my last Adrian Magson book.
November 6, 2025
Different, but really good!
This was an excellent read. The story was done very well, and was quite suspenseful. The main character, Marc Portman, was different than I expected going in to the book. I thought he would be a lone vigilante, similar to Tom Rollins, for example. He is not at all similar to Rollins, in my opinion. Rollins is like Jack Reacher, in that he uses overt and violent action to defeat his enemies. Portman, by contrast, operates from the shadows, needing to remain unseen and undetected by his enemies, unless the situation forces him to reveal himself. I did not mind this at all, and really liked the main character and the way the author portrayed him.
The parts involving Portman were told in first person, and the parts without him were in third person. This is a different writing style, and it did throw me off at times.
Overall, the book really held my interest, and kept me reading to see what would happen next. It was a fast-paced and very enjoyable read.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am definitely planning to read more of his books.
This was an excellent read. The story was done very well, and was quite suspenseful. The main character, Marc Portman, was different than I expected going in to the book. I thought he would be a lone vigilante, similar to Tom Rollins, for example. He is not at all similar to Rollins, in my opinion. Rollins is like Jack Reacher, in that he uses overt and violent action to defeat his enemies. Portman, by contrast, operates from the shadows, needing to remain unseen and undetected by his enemies, unless the situation forces him to reveal himself. I did not mind this at all, and really liked the main character and the way the author portrayed him.
The parts involving Portman were told in first person, and the parts without him were in third person. This is a different writing style, and it did throw me off at times.
Overall, the book really held my interest, and kept me reading to see what would happen next. It was a fast-paced and very enjoyable read.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am definitely planning to read more of his books.
October 27, 2023
This is what I call a swash-buckler of a read.
It's an easy read, one that I could put down and take up in bits and pieces and didn't take a lot of concentration - the type of book I want every so often.
Our protagonist is a kind of mercenary-for-hire who accepts assignments from shadowy government "good guys". He gets involved in tight situations and single-handedly fights to extract himself and others. As I read it, I thought that this theme would make a good action movie until I realized that there have been lots of movies in this vein.
Still makes for an enjoyable escape read.
It's an easy read, one that I could put down and take up in bits and pieces and didn't take a lot of concentration - the type of book I want every so often.
Our protagonist is a kind of mercenary-for-hire who accepts assignments from shadowy government "good guys". He gets involved in tight situations and single-handedly fights to extract himself and others. As I read it, I thought that this theme would make a good action movie until I realized that there have been lots of movies in this vein.
Still makes for an enjoyable escape read.
April 11, 2024
Saw this spy thriller on hoopla and since I love the genre, thought I might like it. Not so much.
The supposed main character Marc Portman is a contract operator for the CIA but is left out to dry when assassins are after him. The book does not fully develop Marc as a character but rather goes back and forth with CIA characters and his drama in the middle east.
There are traitors and an investigation by Marc's handler at the CIA but not before there are many attempts on Marc's life.
Disappointing.
The supposed main character Marc Portman is a contract operator for the CIA but is left out to dry when assassins are after him. The book does not fully develop Marc as a character but rather goes back and forth with CIA characters and his drama in the middle east.
There are traitors and an investigation by Marc's handler at the CIA but not before there are many attempts on Marc's life.
Disappointing.
August 14, 2025
British Intelligence send Angela Pryce on a dangerous mission to negotiate the release of hostages held by al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. But her boss senses something’s off. Fearing for Angela’s safety, he decides to hire extra protection - Marc Portman aka The Watchman. As he enters the lawless borderlands, Portman discovers very quickly that MI6 has been double-crossed; the militants never had any intention to negotiate.
While this is a good read, it's also strangely bland. For example, there were no plot twists and there was no sense of satisfaction with the ending.
While this is a good read, it's also strangely bland. For example, there were no plot twists and there was no sense of satisfaction with the ending.
November 5, 2025
Fast moving tense thriller.
Fast moving thriller that has Portman brought in to shadow British secret service agents while on a supposed mission to negotiate the freedom of UN citizens held by terrorists. Eventually it was revealed to the agents that there was no handover of UN personnel and it was they who were going to be beheaded as a propaganda outlet for the terrorist regime. Portmans intervention affects their rescue unleashing a period of action dealing fatal blows to many terrorists and their ambitions.
Fast moving thriller that has Portman brought in to shadow British secret service agents while on a supposed mission to negotiate the freedom of UN citizens held by terrorists. Eventually it was revealed to the agents that there was no handover of UN personnel and it was they who were going to be beheaded as a propaganda outlet for the terrorist regime. Portmans intervention affects their rescue unleashing a period of action dealing fatal blows to many terrorists and their ambitions.
December 21, 2025
Close Protection.’ I didn’t say anything and let him jump to his own conclusions. There are two kinds of Close Protection: one is, as it says, up close, a visible barrier to a would-be attacker, designed to dissuade as much as shelter. The other is an outer shield — a shadow — deliberately out of sight, but with a wider view of the area around the protectee or principal. The shadow bit is what I do, unseen and often unknown by high-value assets whose people want protection without the high visibility of a gorilla in a suit.
July 9, 2017
Wow! Superb action thriller
There are very few well written action thrillers. Usually this type of fiction has poorly developed characters, skimpy plots, and an over abundance of action and violence. Much of it is rather mindless. But this author delivers superbly on character, plot, and action. It's a great package. I'm impressed! I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
There are very few well written action thrillers. Usually this type of fiction has poorly developed characters, skimpy plots, and an over abundance of action and violence. Much of it is rather mindless. But this author delivers superbly on character, plot, and action. It's a great package. I'm impressed! I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
June 15, 2020
I stayed awake until 3:30AM last night to finish this book...I just couldn't put it down! I have now read several books by Adrian Magson and I loved them all - this guy knows how to tell a story! This one is all action with a sympathetic protagonist and several decent people as his allies. Lots of suspense, thrills, chases, gunfights, and close calls. I will be eager to read the next books in each of Magson's series - lots of good reading ahead!
August 11, 2025
Non stop action
This book grabbed me from page one! Portman is a freelance protector who is contracted to oversee a hostage negotiation in Somalia. From the get go, Portman knows the British negotiators will not live to gain the release of the hostages. Portman takes matters into his own hands and plans to rescue the negotiators. I literally read through the night to find out what happens. I am happy I discovered a new author to follow.
This book grabbed me from page one! Portman is a freelance protector who is contracted to oversee a hostage negotiation in Somalia. From the get go, Portman knows the British negotiators will not live to gain the release of the hostages. Portman takes matters into his own hands and plans to rescue the negotiators. I literally read through the night to find out what happens. I am happy I discovered a new author to follow.
November 8, 2025
This is my first outing with Mr Magson. The Watchman, the first in the Marc Portman series, is fast-paced and easy to read. The book kept me up late as I needed to know what was going to happen next. The storyline was believable with some varied and interesting characters. I would have liked more character development for the Portman character; hopefully that will come in future books. An exciting read for sure; I'm hooked and have purchased the remaining books in the series.
March 9, 2025
Portman is a security specialist who does close protection for his living. This is the first of the series, and the first one that I have read. It is a thriller with lots of action and some tongue in cheek humor.
August 6, 2025
Riveting read.
Depth, grit and a cliff hanger.The story keeps you wanting more on every page.
No James Bond stuff, just the true reality of what really happens when you get a determined man, doing a difficult job.
Depth, grit and a cliff hanger.The story keeps you wanting more on every page.
No James Bond stuff, just the true reality of what really happens when you get a determined man, doing a difficult job.
September 8, 2025
very interesting book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
December 7, 2025
Great read
Brilliant, roller coaster of a ride. Happy to meet a new great agent defending the world. Looking forward to the next book ,highly recommended, well written, very descriptive and fast paced. Intrigue abounds.
Brilliant, roller coaster of a ride. Happy to meet a new great agent defending the world. Looking forward to the next book ,highly recommended, well written, very descriptive and fast paced. Intrigue abounds.
September 27, 2017
Great book
Great book, I’m looking forward to reading more of this character. Although I would like to read more action from Portman.
Great book, I’m looking forward to reading more of this character. Although I would like to read more action from Portman.
May 16, 2021
Found a new series
Expected good and got really good. Interesting locale, action, story and of course characters. I ready to take on book 2. Very recommended.
Expected good and got really good. Interesting locale, action, story and of course characters. I ready to take on book 2. Very recommended.
May 23, 2021
Excellent
First book I've read by this author. Great job. Intense and makes you read faster and faster, eager to get to the end.
First book I've read by this author. Great job. Intense and makes you read faster and faster, eager to get to the end.
October 25, 2022
very good
This was my first Portman adventure but definitely won’t be my last. Lots of action and intrigue and characters that you care about. Highly recommended
This was my first Portman adventure but definitely won’t be my last. Lots of action and intrigue and characters that you care about. Highly recommended
September 18, 2023
Enjoyable read, fast paced
July 23, 2024
An excellent start to another series by this author.
July 18, 2025
great first book
Portman is a man on a mission. He works n the shadows unless there are dire circumstances. He takes charge, works well under pressure and gets the job done.
Portman is a man on a mission. He works n the shadows unless there are dire circumstances. He takes charge, works well under pressure and gets the job done.
July 25, 2025
Action !!
From start to finish there's no let up. Good character descriptions, punchy story. Recommended. Ready for the next one now
From start to finish there's no let up. Good character descriptions, punchy story. Recommended. Ready for the next one now
July 26, 2025
The Watchman
Setting the stage for a back and forth ride was well done. Loved the suspense leading to the final result. A must read!
Setting the stage for a back and forth ride was well done. Loved the suspense leading to the final result. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews