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The Ghost Protocol: A Jack Rourke Conspiracy Thriller (The Ambush Files Saga Book 1): A Conspiracy Thriller
Jack Rourke was erased from existence. Now he's the only one who can expose the conspiracy that destroyed him.
When a covert operative survives what should have been a fatal mission, he becomes a ghost—no identity, no records, no life. But Jack Rourke refuses to disappear quietly.
Hunted by the government he once served, Jack uncovers a secret directive buried deep inside the intelligence Ghost Protocol—a program designed to eliminate operatives who know too much. Every agent who's gotten close to the truth has vanished. Now Jack's name is on the list.
With no allies, no resources, and nowhere to run, Jack must is survival enough, or is exposing the truth worth
becoming a ghost forever?
PERFECT FOR FANS OF BRAD THOR, VINCE FLYNN, JACK CARR, AND LEE CHILD.
WHAT READERS ARE
★★★★★ "A heart-pounding thriller that doesn't let up from page one."
★★★★★ "Jack Rourke is the operative we've been waiting for."
★★★★★ "If you loved Jason Bourne, you'll love Ghost Protocol."
THE AMBUSH FILES
Book 0: Ambush Files (Novella Prequel)
Book 1: Ghost Protocol
Book 2: Black Phoenix
Book 3: The Fractured Oath
Book 4: Dominion
Jack's story doesn't end here. But it might end him.
Scroll up and start reading now.
When a covert operative survives what should have been a fatal mission, he becomes a ghost—no identity, no records, no life. But Jack Rourke refuses to disappear quietly.
Hunted by the government he once served, Jack uncovers a secret directive buried deep inside the intelligence Ghost Protocol—a program designed to eliminate operatives who know too much. Every agent who's gotten close to the truth has vanished. Now Jack's name is on the list.
With no allies, no resources, and nowhere to run, Jack must is survival enough, or is exposing the truth worth
becoming a ghost forever?
PERFECT FOR FANS OF BRAD THOR, VINCE FLYNN, JACK CARR, AND LEE CHILD.
WHAT READERS ARE
★★★★★ "A heart-pounding thriller that doesn't let up from page one."
★★★★★ "Jack Rourke is the operative we've been waiting for."
★★★★★ "If you loved Jason Bourne, you'll love Ghost Protocol."
THE AMBUSH FILES
Book 0: Ambush Files (Novella Prequel)
Book 1: Ghost Protocol
Book 2: Black Phoenix
Book 3: The Fractured Oath
Book 4: Dominion
Jack's story doesn't end here. But it might end him.
Scroll up and start reading now.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
About the author
Christie Winter
17 books7 followersChristie Winter is an American author of conspiracy thrillers, mystery novels, and suspense-driven series that explore the dark intersections of power, secrecy, and deception. Known for crafting layered plots filled with hidden agendas, shocking twists, and dangerous truths, Christie creates stories that keep readers questioning everything until the very last page.
Drawing inspiration from real-world conspiracies, psychological tension, and the mysteries lurking beneath everyday life, Christie Winter’s novels immerse readers in high-stakes worlds where trust is fragile and every secret comes with a cost. When not writing, Christie enjoys researching unsolved mysteries, studying historical conspiracies, and developing unforgettable characters who thrive in the shadows.
Drawing inspiration from real-world conspiracies, psychological tension, and the mysteries lurking beneath everyday life, Christie Winter’s novels immerse readers in high-stakes worlds where trust is fragile and every secret comes with a cost. When not writing, Christie enjoys researching unsolved mysteries, studying historical conspiracies, and developing unforgettable characters who thrive in the shadows.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 21, 2025
Four agents have noticed that their US Spy agency is killing off its own - 3.5 stars
The head of a US based spy agency seems to be approving deletions of agents who question the way things are. A Protocol is set up under the director's authorization to delete the lives and the life histories of many agents. It seems that a computer or an artificial intelligence is hiding the lives and assignments of devoted and successful agents. Agents have been "erased" physically and digitally with no traces left behind.
Viewed from vantage point of each of four targeted agents, once a Ghost Protocol is signed, the agent has less than 72 hours before an accident or disappearance removes the agent from existence. Four skilled agents work together in spite of trust issues to try to figure out who, what, and how to predict and possibly prevent each death. The Ghost Protocol is insidious.
Working to stop the carnage is a sure way to get on the list. The story follows the four agents who map out the Ghost Protocol plans before they themselves are liquidated. Moving quickly from safehouse to safehouse, using abandoned equipment from the cold war era as well as current technology. They make sure that there is at least one exit path consumes their mostly sleepless, caffeine-filled frantic last hours.
If successful, the four will try to make public the agency's lies, cover-ups, and deceptions on their way out. The plot cycles and recycles subbasement rooms off the net as they prepare multiple copies of the proof they can use to shut the murderous plans Because the agency is large and has many skilled operatives still on the payroll, a large part of the story is closing up one safehouse and opening another, only to find that they are surrounded once again. They have to be ahead of the constantly changing threats.
Bullets fly, things explode and fire consumes records. Follow the action and bring a first aid kit to patch yourself up whenever there is a stray bullet.
The head of a US based spy agency seems to be approving deletions of agents who question the way things are. A Protocol is set up under the director's authorization to delete the lives and the life histories of many agents. It seems that a computer or an artificial intelligence is hiding the lives and assignments of devoted and successful agents. Agents have been "erased" physically and digitally with no traces left behind.
Viewed from vantage point of each of four targeted agents, once a Ghost Protocol is signed, the agent has less than 72 hours before an accident or disappearance removes the agent from existence. Four skilled agents work together in spite of trust issues to try to figure out who, what, and how to predict and possibly prevent each death. The Ghost Protocol is insidious.
Working to stop the carnage is a sure way to get on the list. The story follows the four agents who map out the Ghost Protocol plans before they themselves are liquidated. Moving quickly from safehouse to safehouse, using abandoned equipment from the cold war era as well as current technology. They make sure that there is at least one exit path consumes their mostly sleepless, caffeine-filled frantic last hours.
If successful, the four will try to make public the agency's lies, cover-ups, and deceptions on their way out. The plot cycles and recycles subbasement rooms off the net as they prepare multiple copies of the proof they can use to shut the murderous plans Because the agency is large and has many skilled operatives still on the payroll, a large part of the story is closing up one safehouse and opening another, only to find that they are surrounded once again. They have to be ahead of the constantly changing threats.
Bullets fly, things explode and fire consumes records. Follow the action and bring a first aid kit to patch yourself up whenever there is a stray bullet.
October 9, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story expands on "The Ambush Files" and goes into more details as to who wants this list eliminated, what the reason behind it is and what other implications of events were connected. Jack teams up with Lena, Ethan and Sarah as they strive to document what the Ghost Protocol is all about and who is the one running the show. As the team performs action, things get dangerous for them. Jack has learned that somehow whatever he had stash houses that he set up were invaded and in most all of the ones where he stored items he would need, they were gone.
After Jack learns of a lot of information from Lena, he decides that he wants to bring those groups down. In order to make this happen, it becomes necessary to infiltrate the Agency and manage to escape. Learn what help the team received from the team members as they attempted to obtain digital files that would when released document what was going on.
Followed along and discover what the Agency tried in order to eliminate them, what data they wound up being able to retrieve and what their next steps would be. The ending will lead you into the next episode.
This is definitely well worth the read, don't miss out!
This story expands on "The Ambush Files" and goes into more details as to who wants this list eliminated, what the reason behind it is and what other implications of events were connected. Jack teams up with Lena, Ethan and Sarah as they strive to document what the Ghost Protocol is all about and who is the one running the show. As the team performs action, things get dangerous for them. Jack has learned that somehow whatever he had stash houses that he set up were invaded and in most all of the ones where he stored items he would need, they were gone.
After Jack learns of a lot of information from Lena, he decides that he wants to bring those groups down. In order to make this happen, it becomes necessary to infiltrate the Agency and manage to escape. Learn what help the team received from the team members as they attempted to obtain digital files that would when released document what was going on.
Followed along and discover what the Agency tried in order to eliminate them, what data they wound up being able to retrieve and what their next steps would be. The ending will lead you into the next episode.
This is definitely well worth the read, don't miss out!
June 18, 2026
Another exceptional thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly questioning whether the characters would be apprehended. Christie is quickly establishing herself as one of my preferred authors.
This book is a masterclass in pacing. The suspense is immediate, and the action is unrelenting—a true page-turner. The explosive conclusion serves as a direct segue into the next installment. I highly recommend reading it; you won't be able to put it down. This book is undoubtedly worth your time—don’t miss out!
Christie crafts a captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, continually keeping readers guessing and eager to discover what unfolds next. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series!
I received a complimentary ARC copy, and I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
This book is a masterclass in pacing. The suspense is immediate, and the action is unrelenting—a true page-turner. The explosive conclusion serves as a direct segue into the next installment. I highly recommend reading it; you won't be able to put it down. This book is undoubtedly worth your time—don’t miss out!
Christie crafts a captivating narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, continually keeping readers guessing and eager to discover what unfolds next. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series!
I received a complimentary ARC copy, and I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
October 15, 2025
Jack Rourke was ready for war. He found a shadow war instead.
Branded a traitor, hunted by his government's "Ghost Protocol," paranoia is his new home.
The conspiracy tightens when Jack teams with Lena, Ethan, and Sarah. With their defenses burned, they execute a desperate, high-stakes infiltration of the Agency itself. The objective: files that expose a global syndicate.
This book is pure velocity. The suspense is immediate; the action, relentless. It's a true page-turner.
The explosive ending is a direct link to the next installment. Read it. You won't stop.
Branded a traitor, hunted by his government's "Ghost Protocol," paranoia is his new home.
The conspiracy tightens when Jack teams with Lena, Ethan, and Sarah. With their defenses burned, they execute a desperate, high-stakes infiltration of the Agency itself. The objective: files that expose a global syndicate.
This book is pure velocity. The suspense is immediate; the action, relentless. It's a true page-turner.
The explosive ending is a direct link to the next installment. Read it. You won't stop.
May 12, 2026
Jack Rourke is intriguing and action packed character. Being hunted by people he trained or worked with all because they want him erased. They say he knows to much.
Christie writes a wonderful story with twists and turns. You are kept guessing and want to turn the page to find out what is going to happen next! I look forward to the next book in this story!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Christie writes a wonderful story with twists and turns. You are kept guessing and want to turn the page to find out what is going to happen next! I look forward to the next book in this story!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2025
Intriguing Thriller
What happens when a team of people who work behind the scenes to protect our world from spies, our country’s enemies, and other nations are being destroyed by our own government? What happens when the conspiracy is after their own people? When the “good guys” are turned into the targets? Can they stop the backlash? Can they escape from the “protocol”?
What happens when a team of people who work behind the scenes to protect our world from spies, our country’s enemies, and other nations are being destroyed by our own government? What happens when the conspiracy is after their own people? When the “good guys” are turned into the targets? Can they stop the backlash? Can they escape from the “protocol”?
May 14, 2026
Another great thriller. Kept me on my toes yet again wondering if they would be caught.
This is the first in the series and Jack has a great group in place. As they work to discover ehat yhe Ghost Protocol is and how to stop it, they encounter quite a bit along the way.
I highly recommend it to thoughs who like high impact, fast paced thrillers.
This is the first in the series and Jack has a great group in place. As they work to discover ehat yhe Ghost Protocol is and how to stop it, they encounter quite a bit along the way.
I highly recommend it to thoughs who like high impact, fast paced thrillers.
December 14, 2025
Dark story tech heavy clandestine services and main characters trying to survive “evil plans”. Nice descriptions of survival, eacape, hunt and secrets in rural environments. The characters are well created. The story is well intertwined with events that moves it along nicely.
May 19, 2026
Hunted by his own government, Jack uncovers the Ghost Protocol—a covert directive to eliminate operatives who know too much. Now, he's the next target.
July 1, 2026
The lone survivor of a military unit wants revenge.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews