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James Ryker #2
The Black Hornet
The Black Hornet: an action packed and utterly gripping thriller from the best-selling James Ryker series
What do you do when the love of your life vanishes without a trace? If you’re ex-intelligence agent James Ryker you search for the answers whatever the cost, however much blood and sacrifice it takes...
Six months ago Lisa was taken from Ryker, and he’ll stop at nothing to find out who is responsible and why. Following a trail to Mexico, the ex-Joint Intelligence Agency asset soon finds himself in the firing line of enemies he long thought he’d left behind. Set-up for the murder of a former informant, Ryker is thrown into a crumbling jail run by The Black Hornet, the notorious leader of a Mexican drug cartel. But what connects the cartel to the informant’s murder, and to Lisa’s disappearance? And just who is the mystery American claiming he can help Ryker in his hour of need?
The Black Hornet is the second book in the bestselling James Ryker series. Part Bourne, part Reacher, it’s an explosive and action-packed thriller to rival any other.
Also available in The James Ryker Series:The Red Cobra
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2017
1788 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sinclair
34 books680 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 26, 2017
Suspenseful.
This book is continuation of the book one. Wife, Lisa is gone, Ryker has been looking for her for six months. This takes him to Mexico and lends him in the jail. Merciless beatings. Arms being smuggled from Florida base to Mexican cartels, senator is suspected being behind all this. Person got him out of the jail wants Ryker to end this and find out who all is behind this operation.
This book is continuation of the book one. Wife, Lisa is gone, Ryker has been looking for her for six months. This takes him to Mexico and lends him in the jail. Merciless beatings. Arms being smuggled from Florida base to Mexican cartels, senator is suspected being behind all this. Person got him out of the jail wants Ryker to end this and find out who all is behind this operation.
July 26, 2017
After having finished The Red Cobra, the first book of James Ryker series, I HAD to dive into The Black Hornet because ... well, I couldn't NOT to! The plot is semi-ongoing (technically you CAN read each book as standalone but it would probably make more sense if you read them in order).
Once again, Sinclair delivers one hell of a ride with enough mystery that keeps you guessing till pretty much the last chapter. I love the way this author does dialogue. And his writing in general is so engaging that you find yourself eating up pages like there is no tomorrow. This book was a lot more bloody and a lot more violent but what a thrilling ride and Ryker's story is absolutely riveting! This author weaves one hell of a mystery web and if you enjoy thrillers full of action, this series is not to be missed!
Till next time ...
October 18, 2025
I found this an interesting book and there were some good points in there that kept me concentrating and wondering who, what, when, where and how!! Nothing earth shattering but worth the listen.
June 29, 2020
3,5 / 5
Başından sonuna aksiyon, macera olduģu için keyifle ve heyecanla okudum yine. Ancak yazar ilk kitapta yaptığını yine yapmış. Sevmiyorum böyle eksik verilen bilgiyle final okumayı 😕 Cevaplanmayan bir sürü soru da vardı. Belki 3.kitapta cevaplarını bulurum. Bir de kitabın ismini Siyah Eşekarısı koymuşlar ama öyle kitaba ismini verecek kadar kurguda yer almıyordu bence bu konu 🤔
Başından sonuna aksiyon, macera olduģu için keyifle ve heyecanla okudum yine. Ancak yazar ilk kitapta yaptığını yine yapmış. Sevmiyorum böyle eksik verilen bilgiyle final okumayı 😕 Cevaplanmayan bir sürü soru da vardı. Belki 3.kitapta cevaplarını bulurum. Bir de kitabın ismini Siyah Eşekarısı koymuşlar ama öyle kitaba ismini verecek kadar kurguda yer almıyordu bence bu konu 🤔
June 21, 2020
Ah Ryker. Benim üzümlü kekim. Sana neler oldu böyle?
James Ryker serisinin ikinci kitabı ile karşınızdayım. Ben bu seriyi aksiyon serisi olarak tanımlıyorum. Hani şöyle hayal edin. Görevimiz Tehlike’nin kitabını okuyormuşsunuz gibi. Sürekli bir olaylar var. Tansiyon hiç düşmüyor. Kovalamaca hep devam ediyor.
Bu kitapta Lisa’yı bulmak için dünyayı dolaşan Ryker kendisini Meksika’da buluyor. Ona tuzak kuruluyor. Hapse düşüyor. Hapiste kötü şeyler yaşıyor. Sonra çıkıyor ama çıkmasının bir amacı var. Dediğim gibi aksiyon aksiyon aksiyon. Aksiyon sevenlere önerimdir. İlk kitaba göre daha durgun ama kötü değil. Okunmaz mı? Okunur.
James Ryker serisinin ikinci kitabı ile karşınızdayım. Ben bu seriyi aksiyon serisi olarak tanımlıyorum. Hani şöyle hayal edin. Görevimiz Tehlike’nin kitabını okuyormuşsunuz gibi. Sürekli bir olaylar var. Tansiyon hiç düşmüyor. Kovalamaca hep devam ediyor.
Bu kitapta Lisa’yı bulmak için dünyayı dolaşan Ryker kendisini Meksika’da buluyor. Ona tuzak kuruluyor. Hapse düşüyor. Hapiste kötü şeyler yaşıyor. Sonra çıkıyor ama çıkmasının bir amacı var. Dediğim gibi aksiyon aksiyon aksiyon. Aksiyon sevenlere önerimdir. İlk kitaba göre daha durgun ama kötü değil. Okunmaz mı? Okunur.
July 9, 2017
The scenes cut to your gut as Ryker continues his search for Lisa...
Time to take a deep breath...Ok, this second story of the series continues where the first book ended, the suspense, situations Ryker is put in, and the realistic writing keep your fingers turning pages while you try to still your emotions..The action escalates with every decision Ryker makes, a cartel is dealing with someone in America, at a military camp, and the weapons being sold are bringing an increase in killings across the border in Mexico. There are many different characters we meet, some 'good' people and some 'bad'., the problem is figuring out who is who! An excellent thriller that does not disappoint, the author had me glued to the page through to the end.
Time to take a deep breath...Ok, this second story of the series continues where the first book ended, the suspense, situations Ryker is put in, and the realistic writing keep your fingers turning pages while you try to still your emotions..The action escalates with every decision Ryker makes, a cartel is dealing with someone in America, at a military camp, and the weapons being sold are bringing an increase in killings across the border in Mexico. There are many different characters we meet, some 'good' people and some 'bad'., the problem is figuring out who is who! An excellent thriller that does not disappoint, the author had me glued to the page through to the end.
June 14, 2017
The Black Hornet is book 2 in the James Ryker series and I have been desperate to get my hands on it since I finished the brilliant The Red Cobra.
So at the end of The Red Cobra, Lisa has gone missing and now Ryker is on a determined search to find her. Obviously this time it’s much more personal and so he is prepared to go further than he’s ever done before to bring her back. When his search leads him to Mexico he ends up getting into trouble very quickly indeed.
I’ve never really been a huge fan of high octane thrillers but I love the Bourne movies and it was that comparison that attracted me to these books in the first place! Once you start one you will find it very difficult to stop as you get caught up in the adrenaline rush of the storyline straight away. Rob Sinclair consistently writes fast paced, action packed thrillers with a gripping narrative that immediately grabs you and then drags you along at 100mph towards the shocking final twist.
I enjoyed The Black Hornet just as much as The Red Cobra, if not a little bit more. The scenes in the Mexican prison especially brought a current and relevant story to life with their sickening violence and corruption. It’s a series that has plenty more to give as each book works well as a stand alone and you don’t need too much background information to follow what has happened previously. Ryker is a complex and intriguing character and I’m never quite sure how he will react in the situations thrown at him which means there are always plenty of surprises in store to keep the reader on their toes.
And I’m happy to announce that once again The Grumpy Scotsman was also very enamoured with The Black Hornet and has announced that this is now his new favourite series! His verdict? “Bloody brilliant. 5 stars! How soon can you get me the next one?” Which says it all I think!
So at the end of The Red Cobra, Lisa has gone missing and now Ryker is on a determined search to find her. Obviously this time it’s much more personal and so he is prepared to go further than he’s ever done before to bring her back. When his search leads him to Mexico he ends up getting into trouble very quickly indeed.
I’ve never really been a huge fan of high octane thrillers but I love the Bourne movies and it was that comparison that attracted me to these books in the first place! Once you start one you will find it very difficult to stop as you get caught up in the adrenaline rush of the storyline straight away. Rob Sinclair consistently writes fast paced, action packed thrillers with a gripping narrative that immediately grabs you and then drags you along at 100mph towards the shocking final twist.
I enjoyed The Black Hornet just as much as The Red Cobra, if not a little bit more. The scenes in the Mexican prison especially brought a current and relevant story to life with their sickening violence and corruption. It’s a series that has plenty more to give as each book works well as a stand alone and you don’t need too much background information to follow what has happened previously. Ryker is a complex and intriguing character and I’m never quite sure how he will react in the situations thrown at him which means there are always plenty of surprises in store to keep the reader on their toes.
And I’m happy to announce that once again The Grumpy Scotsman was also very enamoured with The Black Hornet and has announced that this is now his new favourite series! His verdict? “Bloody brilliant. 5 stars! How soon can you get me the next one?” Which says it all I think!
June 12, 2017
The Red Cobra which is the first book in the James Ryker series totally blew me away. As there is a bit more back ground to Ryker and that The Black Hornet starts where that ends, I would recommend reading it prior to starting this one.
Having loved The Red Cobra so much I couldn’t wait to catch back up with Ryker and see what the author had in store for him as well as us readers.
Ryker finds himself in Mexico in his search for his lover, Lisa. Unfortunately for Ryker he ends up in prison and things really don’t look good for him at all. I have to admit the parts in the prison were not at times easy to read. The extent of what Ryker has to go through in his time there was horrific and shocking to say the least. Saying that though it is exactly what I would expect from this sort of book and in that respect the author truly nails it.
The Black Hornet has everything going for it for me. Again the author has created well rounded and strong characters that grab the readers attention and has you gripped through out. As with The Red Cobra, this is a fast paced read that will send your heart racing. With yet more twists and turns this is another action packed read that is a commendable follow up to what was an amazing start to a series.
Having loved The Red Cobra so much I couldn’t wait to catch back up with Ryker and see what the author had in store for him as well as us readers.
Ryker finds himself in Mexico in his search for his lover, Lisa. Unfortunately for Ryker he ends up in prison and things really don’t look good for him at all. I have to admit the parts in the prison were not at times easy to read. The extent of what Ryker has to go through in his time there was horrific and shocking to say the least. Saying that though it is exactly what I would expect from this sort of book and in that respect the author truly nails it.
The Black Hornet has everything going for it for me. Again the author has created well rounded and strong characters that grab the readers attention and has you gripped through out. As with The Red Cobra, this is a fast paced read that will send your heart racing. With yet more twists and turns this is another action packed read that is a commendable follow up to what was an amazing start to a series.
June 12, 2017
Ryker is back! I highly suggest you read The Red Cobra before reading The Black Hornet as this one follows on neatly from where The Red Cobra finished....
The Black Hornet, love the cover by the way! Is the second in the series and full of twists and Ryker's determination to unearth the truth is at the heart of the story.
We follow his journey trying to find out what happened to Lisa and why she was taken from him.
He has an extremely bumpy ride to find this out. I particularly loved the intensity of the prison scenes and had more than a few heart in the mouth moments thorough out reading The Black Hornet. Ryker is a force to be reckoned with and Rob yet again delivers a superb story.
A must read for fans of intense spy thrilling reads, with Ryker being full of grit and is like a bull dog with a bone, he won't let go of until he finds out what he wants. But will it be the answer he is looking for?
This adds an extra layer of tension and strong mindedness to this brilliant character that Sinclair has given us.
The Black Hornet, love the cover by the way! Is the second in the series and full of twists and Ryker's determination to unearth the truth is at the heart of the story.
We follow his journey trying to find out what happened to Lisa and why she was taken from him.
He has an extremely bumpy ride to find this out. I particularly loved the intensity of the prison scenes and had more than a few heart in the mouth moments thorough out reading The Black Hornet. Ryker is a force to be reckoned with and Rob yet again delivers a superb story.
A must read for fans of intense spy thrilling reads, with Ryker being full of grit and is like a bull dog with a bone, he won't let go of until he finds out what he wants. But will it be the answer he is looking for?
This adds an extra layer of tension and strong mindedness to this brilliant character that Sinclair has given us.
June 5, 2017
This is book two in this new series and, as always, to get the best from it, you really do need to read book one first. In fact, to get the most from this new series, it is also better to have read the Enemy series (three books) first as we learn more of who our hero was before he became James Ryker.
I make no secret of the fact that I really love this author's books. I will even admit to being a little bit in love with Carl Logan and was devastated when what happened happened so, I was so happy (ecstatic!) when I found this new series and devoured book one in a day. Pretty much did the same with this, book two.
We pick up Ryker's story six months after he discovers his wife, Lisa, to be missing. Having followed some leads, he has set himself up a meeting with a contact in Mexico. Things go South and he finds himself in a Mexican jail alongside various cartel members. After a number of fights and visits from two people allegedly tasked to help him, Ryker reluctantly chooses and accepts help. But this is only the start of his problems as, not really knowing who to trust, can he make the right decisions, save himself, and eventually go on to rescue Lisa?
Blooming heck, this was one thrilling ride full to the brim with frenetic action, some rather gruesome, fights and chases, and all the other things I have learnt to expect from a Logan/Ryker book (yes I still can't let Carl Logan go, sorry). I lost track of the number of times I gasped whilst reading this, not really the done thing being as I was in company for the majority of the time and kept getting strange looks when I winced! I felt very sorry for Ryker (there now, I've accepted his new name) at times, as all he wants is to leave the mess and danger and get on with his new life alongside his wife but he just keeps getting dragged back into things. Seems you can never really leave the JIA. Here, he is dragged into some dodgy arms dealing between the US army and the Mexican cartels and tasked with the elimination of certain players. Ryker does what he's good at; looking at the bigger picture. But, will his old strength be his weakness here?
Apart from Logan/Ryker (sorry, I regressed) the other thing I love about this author is his tight plotting. As with previous books, I had to have my wits about me reading this one so I didn't miss the little subtleties along the way. Yes, I failed (again) as there were several things I was kicking myself about towards the end. Well done Mr Sinclair, you got me again. I also swung my opinions of several characters, alongside our hero, trusting them one minute, notsomuch the next. It was hard enough trying to do this from the safety of my own sofa, goodness knows how Carl/James managed it when his life was on the line.
All in all, another brilliant addition to this guy's already high standard back catalogue. I do hope the next one comes soon. I'll be pining for Logan in the mean time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and TBC for the chance to read this book.
I make no secret of the fact that I really love this author's books. I will even admit to being a little bit in love with Carl Logan and was devastated when what happened happened so, I was so happy (ecstatic!) when I found this new series and devoured book one in a day. Pretty much did the same with this, book two.
We pick up Ryker's story six months after he discovers his wife, Lisa, to be missing. Having followed some leads, he has set himself up a meeting with a contact in Mexico. Things go South and he finds himself in a Mexican jail alongside various cartel members. After a number of fights and visits from two people allegedly tasked to help him, Ryker reluctantly chooses and accepts help. But this is only the start of his problems as, not really knowing who to trust, can he make the right decisions, save himself, and eventually go on to rescue Lisa?
Blooming heck, this was one thrilling ride full to the brim with frenetic action, some rather gruesome, fights and chases, and all the other things I have learnt to expect from a Logan/Ryker book (yes I still can't let Carl Logan go, sorry). I lost track of the number of times I gasped whilst reading this, not really the done thing being as I was in company for the majority of the time and kept getting strange looks when I winced! I felt very sorry for Ryker (there now, I've accepted his new name) at times, as all he wants is to leave the mess and danger and get on with his new life alongside his wife but he just keeps getting dragged back into things. Seems you can never really leave the JIA. Here, he is dragged into some dodgy arms dealing between the US army and the Mexican cartels and tasked with the elimination of certain players. Ryker does what he's good at; looking at the bigger picture. But, will his old strength be his weakness here?
Apart from Logan/Ryker (sorry, I regressed) the other thing I love about this author is his tight plotting. As with previous books, I had to have my wits about me reading this one so I didn't miss the little subtleties along the way. Yes, I failed (again) as there were several things I was kicking myself about towards the end. Well done Mr Sinclair, you got me again. I also swung my opinions of several characters, alongside our hero, trusting them one minute, notsomuch the next. It was hard enough trying to do this from the safety of my own sofa, goodness knows how Carl/James managed it when his life was on the line.
All in all, another brilliant addition to this guy's already high standard back catalogue. I do hope the next one comes soon. I'll be pining for Logan in the mean time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and TBC for the chance to read this book.
June 15, 2017
The Black Hornet is the second book in the James Ryker series. Ryker has a past.. a past he’s trying to escape from but six months ago his life was turned upside down again..Lisa.. the woman Ryker loves was taken.
Ryker is hell-bent on finding Lisa and those behind her kidnapping..he heads to Mexico as his search continues and finds himself in deep trouble when he’s thrown in prison.
We get introduced to a couple of new characters both play their cards close to their chest so it’s hard for Ryker to figure out who to trust.
A mysterious man claims he can get Ryker out in exchanged for is assistance. He knows all about his particular skill set and he needs his talents. At first Ryker refuses but when things start to get brutal and violent he’s left with no choice. To make things even harder for Ryker this man says he has information on Lisa!
Ryker follows his gut and ends up working on a job for the JIA again. Ryker is happy to do this for two reasons. One he know the mysterious man who helped him get out of prison will show he face again.. he’s got his own agenda that collides with Ryker’s mission and two..he knows deep down he misses it. He may be getting older and he hasn’t used his talents for a while but he’s not over the hill yet.
Ryker has some great development during book, you can see he’s torn. He wants the quiet life but at the same time he knows he couldn’t escape his that life for long. He loves Lisa but he’s struggling with guilt..If he had just been home he could have stopped it all happening.
This book is a little more brutal than the last but it’s exactly what the story needed, prison isn’t going to be a nice place is it?
I loved The Red Cobra, book 1 in the series.. I LOVE this one more if that’s possible. In this book Ryker is much more the focus of the tale and I couldn’t fault it one bit.
Douglas Ashford had to be my favourite character in this tale, some lovely twists thrown in from the author to give you the “Oh my!” moments.
I’m certainly hooked in for more from the author!
Ryker is hell-bent on finding Lisa and those behind her kidnapping..he heads to Mexico as his search continues and finds himself in deep trouble when he’s thrown in prison.
We get introduced to a couple of new characters both play their cards close to their chest so it’s hard for Ryker to figure out who to trust.
A mysterious man claims he can get Ryker out in exchanged for is assistance. He knows all about his particular skill set and he needs his talents. At first Ryker refuses but when things start to get brutal and violent he’s left with no choice. To make things even harder for Ryker this man says he has information on Lisa!
Ryker follows his gut and ends up working on a job for the JIA again. Ryker is happy to do this for two reasons. One he know the mysterious man who helped him get out of prison will show he face again.. he’s got his own agenda that collides with Ryker’s mission and two..he knows deep down he misses it. He may be getting older and he hasn’t used his talents for a while but he’s not over the hill yet.
Ryker has some great development during book, you can see he’s torn. He wants the quiet life but at the same time he knows he couldn’t escape his that life for long. He loves Lisa but he’s struggling with guilt..If he had just been home he could have stopped it all happening.
This book is a little more brutal than the last but it’s exactly what the story needed, prison isn’t going to be a nice place is it?
I loved The Red Cobra, book 1 in the series.. I LOVE this one more if that’s possible. In this book Ryker is much more the focus of the tale and I couldn’t fault it one bit.
Douglas Ashford had to be my favourite character in this tale, some lovely twists thrown in from the author to give you the “Oh my!” moments.
I’m certainly hooked in for more from the author!
June 19, 2017
Move over Jason Bourne…. Jack Ryker is back in another action packed story The Black Hornet….OMG I do love this series. This book more or less starts off where The Red Cora finished, so it is worth reading the first one first. In fact it is worth reading the enemy series where we first meet the character Carl Logan. Yes I do have a character crush on this man he is just a legend.
In this story we are transported to Mexico where Ryker is in search for Lisa. He lands himself a jail run by The Black Hornet the notorious leader of a Mexican drug cartel, after being set up for a murder of former informant. The question is what is the connection to Cartel and Lisa’s disappearance?
OMG what a book and that cover wowsers I couldn't wait to get stuck in and I sure as hell wasn't disappointed Rob Sinclair has smashed it once again. I was gripped from the very first page and couldn't read it fast enough.
I love the fact that Rob Sinclair always tries something new in each book keeping the reader entertained and on the edge of your seat. With a new setting and plot I loved the whole Jail story-line. And in the story we also get to know more about Ryker’s past.
This really is a series not to be missed. My only question is when is someone going to snap Rob’s hand off and buy the film rights?! This would make wicked film or should I say films.
I honestly cannot recommend this enough if you are looking for an action packed, fast paced page turner this is the book for you. It's 5 massive gold stars from me…..roll on book three!
Thank you to Sarah Hardy at Bloodhound for a copy and inviting me to take part on blog tour.
In this story we are transported to Mexico where Ryker is in search for Lisa. He lands himself a jail run by The Black Hornet the notorious leader of a Mexican drug cartel, after being set up for a murder of former informant. The question is what is the connection to Cartel and Lisa’s disappearance?
OMG what a book and that cover wowsers I couldn't wait to get stuck in and I sure as hell wasn't disappointed Rob Sinclair has smashed it once again. I was gripped from the very first page and couldn't read it fast enough.
I love the fact that Rob Sinclair always tries something new in each book keeping the reader entertained and on the edge of your seat. With a new setting and plot I loved the whole Jail story-line. And in the story we also get to know more about Ryker’s past.
This really is a series not to be missed. My only question is when is someone going to snap Rob’s hand off and buy the film rights?! This would make wicked film or should I say films.
I honestly cannot recommend this enough if you are looking for an action packed, fast paced page turner this is the book for you. It's 5 massive gold stars from me…..roll on book three!
Thank you to Sarah Hardy at Bloodhound for a copy and inviting me to take part on blog tour.
June 14, 2017
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
James Ryker is an ex JIT agent and he and his wife, Lisa, have ‘reinvented’ themselves in the hope of being able to live a relatively normal life away from the violence and danger of their past.
This is the 2nd book in the James Ryker series and picks up the story where The Red Cobra ended. James arrives home to find his wife has gone missing all her belongings are still there but she isn’t. Because of his past he has no friends or family and therefore sets off on his lone crusade to find out what happened to her.
His first stop is Mexico and he hasn’t finished his first coffee in this country before he is thrown in the middle of a battle with the Mexican police in which the person he was hoping could have information about Lisa is killed. He finds himself thrown in prison, accused of murder, and into another battle with drug cartels and the violence that accompanies them.
Jack is a complex character used to living in danger he expects to find it around every corner and often that is what he finds. He is trying to live a normal life but it seems life has other ideas. He is the main character in the story.
This is a very gripping, fast paced story about life in a secret agency. It is packed with action, violence and corruption and twists and turns. It really begs the question: Can you ever truly escape that life? Is it not the case that being part of a secret organisation means that you can never be allowed to live a life outside taking with you all the secrets and knowledge that the organisation leaders are prepared to kill to keep?
Another excellent book by Rob Sinclair. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
James Ryker is an ex JIT agent and he and his wife, Lisa, have ‘reinvented’ themselves in the hope of being able to live a relatively normal life away from the violence and danger of their past.
This is the 2nd book in the James Ryker series and picks up the story where The Red Cobra ended. James arrives home to find his wife has gone missing all her belongings are still there but she isn’t. Because of his past he has no friends or family and therefore sets off on his lone crusade to find out what happened to her.
His first stop is Mexico and he hasn’t finished his first coffee in this country before he is thrown in the middle of a battle with the Mexican police in which the person he was hoping could have information about Lisa is killed. He finds himself thrown in prison, accused of murder, and into another battle with drug cartels and the violence that accompanies them.
Jack is a complex character used to living in danger he expects to find it around every corner and often that is what he finds. He is trying to live a normal life but it seems life has other ideas. He is the main character in the story.
This is a very gripping, fast paced story about life in a secret agency. It is packed with action, violence and corruption and twists and turns. It really begs the question: Can you ever truly escape that life? Is it not the case that being part of a secret organisation means that you can never be allowed to live a life outside taking with you all the secrets and knowledge that the organisation leaders are prepared to kill to keep?
Another excellent book by Rob Sinclair. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy.
June 18, 2017
James Ryker is back and he’s a man on a mission and is not letting anything stand in his way…that is until he is set up for a crime he didn’t commit – unfortunately he didn’t promptly escape from the maximum security stockade…he was sent to a dirty horrible cartel run prison in deepest darkest Mexico. He’s got himself into a right pickle this time!!
I didn’t find this outing of Logan..I mean Ryker as fast paced as The Red Cobra. I think because Ryker spent what felt like a considerable time in the Mexican hell hole, it didn’t feel as action packed as Mr Sinclair’s previous novels. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the story but there wasn’t enough of Ryker doing what he is best at – anyone who has read my reviews of The Enemy Series and The Red Cobra might get the impression I have a wee crush on Mr Ryker and they’d be right. I love Ryker playing his role as an ex-super secret James Bond, fighting the bad guys, chasing them around the exotic sedate (well sometimes) locations.
The Black Hornet has more of a focus on other characters like Ashford and Vasquez which is needed to build the story and I was kept guessing throughout – how was Ryker going to escape? Is Willoughby who she says she is? Who is El Americano?!?! I really was bamboozled!!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of The Black Hornet. Now come on Mr Sinclair, I need part 3!!!!
I didn’t find this outing of Logan..I mean Ryker as fast paced as The Red Cobra. I think because Ryker spent what felt like a considerable time in the Mexican hell hole, it didn’t feel as action packed as Mr Sinclair’s previous novels. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the story but there wasn’t enough of Ryker doing what he is best at – anyone who has read my reviews of The Enemy Series and The Red Cobra might get the impression I have a wee crush on Mr Ryker and they’d be right. I love Ryker playing his role as an ex-super secret James Bond, fighting the bad guys, chasing them around the exotic sedate (well sometimes) locations.
The Black Hornet has more of a focus on other characters like Ashford and Vasquez which is needed to build the story and I was kept guessing throughout – how was Ryker going to escape? Is Willoughby who she says she is? Who is El Americano?!?! I really was bamboozled!!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of The Black Hornet. Now come on Mr Sinclair, I need part 3!!!!
November 25, 2017
Plodding. The 1st of the series--The Red Cobra--started out so well, before it just sort of faded out into an uninvolved conclusion. But there was hope. The reason for escaping the life of a government fixer and assassin wasn't home when he got back. This second in the series never really takes off. The plot--and the hero--are both plodders. The plot has all manner of possibilities, but the author never selects a path and stays with it. The book needs a really good editor, and the author, I fear, needs a few semesters of creative writing classes.
Maybe the third will be better. I'm a member of Kindle Unlimited, so I read these books for free. That is the only reason I've signed on for the next in the series, "The Silver Wolf". I'll let you know.
Maybe the third will be better. I'm a member of Kindle Unlimited, so I read these books for free. That is the only reason I've signed on for the next in the series, "The Silver Wolf". I'll let you know.
June 5, 2017
The Black Hornet is another brilliant 5* action packed thriller.
James Ryker/Carl Logan, ex Joint Intelligence Agent (JIA) is now on the hunt for his wife Lisa, who vanished from their home on a remote Island.
Following a trail to Mexico, James is framed for the murder of a former informant and is thrown into a prison run by a drug cartel.
The first half of this book is extremely violent, so if that is not your thing, then beware. In the second half of the book, James is in America, again following a lead that involves a dodgy congressman.
As with the Enemy series, which I do highly recommend reading first, although this series can be read as a standalone series, it is so full of action and thrills a minute, fast paced and a clever twist.
I love Jame’s character but my heart aches for him and wonder when this guy is going to get a break.
Looking forward to the next book in this fantastic series.
James Ryker/Carl Logan, ex Joint Intelligence Agent (JIA) is now on the hunt for his wife Lisa, who vanished from their home on a remote Island.
Following a trail to Mexico, James is framed for the murder of a former informant and is thrown into a prison run by a drug cartel.
The first half of this book is extremely violent, so if that is not your thing, then beware. In the second half of the book, James is in America, again following a lead that involves a dodgy congressman.
As with the Enemy series, which I do highly recommend reading first, although this series can be read as a standalone series, it is so full of action and thrills a minute, fast paced and a clever twist.
I love Jame’s character but my heart aches for him and wonder when this guy is going to get a break.
Looking forward to the next book in this fantastic series.
June 19, 2017
The black hornet by rob Sinclair.
James ryker wife is missing. He is trying all he can to find her. He will not give up.
Omg this was a fantastic read. I could not put it down. I loved james. He was my favorite character. Highly recommended. Defenetly worth more than 5*. Bloodhound books.
James ryker wife is missing. He is trying all he can to find her. He will not give up.
Omg this was a fantastic read. I could not put it down. I loved james. He was my favorite character. Highly recommended. Defenetly worth more than 5*. Bloodhound books.
June 3, 2017
I am not usually an espionage fan… at all. This book however has that certain extra quality.As well as the mexican standoff-guns blazing-drug cartel scenario, this has that personal factor- a man on a mission to find his wife. His wife and he used to be part of the Joint intelligence agency. A life they thought they had put behind them. Ryker arrives home one day to find Lisa missing and he does all in his power and contacts to find her. This is a well written book that drags you in from the outset. There is action a plenty and grisly characters galore from the rough prisons of Mexico to dodgy congressmen and people who are not who or what they first appear. A clever twist that I didn’t see coming. A fast moving book for fans of spies and subterfuge.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
November 2, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series ‘The Red Cobra’, which is a fantastic story. ‘The Hornet’ was easily just as good. Rob Sinclair has become one of my favourite Authors for Action Thrillers. He certainly knows how to grab your attention with his suspenseful, action packed and entertaining novels. James Ryker aka Carl Logan is such a great character, and I like the way he is just relentless in whoever he is hunting down. I also enjoyed how this story moved around Mexico and the US, and the other great characters involved.
James Ryker was devastated that he wasn’t home when Lisa had been abducted. He was certainly going to move heaven and earth to find her. However, it wasn’t going to be easy, as he had no Government Departments currently backing him. James would have to do it all on his own. It had been a while now since he was known as Carl Logan and worked for JIA, and the CIA. His search took him to Mexico, where he knew he would need to be on his guard, as it wasn’t the safest place to be for a non-Mexican to be asking questions on the street. Rob Sinclair’s writing has really brought this story alive, and it’s certainly a book that I would strongly recommend. Well worth a read.
James Ryker was devastated that he wasn’t home when Lisa had been abducted. He was certainly going to move heaven and earth to find her. However, it wasn’t going to be easy, as he had no Government Departments currently backing him. James would have to do it all on his own. It had been a while now since he was known as Carl Logan and worked for JIA, and the CIA. His search took him to Mexico, where he knew he would need to be on his guard, as it wasn’t the safest place to be for a non-Mexican to be asking questions on the street. Rob Sinclair’s writing has really brought this story alive, and it’s certainly a book that I would strongly recommend. Well worth a read.
June 16, 2017
This is the second Jack Ryker book in the series.
He finds that his partner, Lisa, is missing. They have both re-invented themselves in order to leave their past behind. There are no clues as to Lisa's whereabouts as none of her possessions are missing.
He follows the trail to Mexico where he meets enemies from the past who he thought he had left behind years ago.
Once thrown into a jail in Mexico Jack begins to realise how dangerous his situation is. He is set up for a fall for the death of a former informant. The jail is run by the Black Hornet who is the leader of a drugs cartel.
I find the main character Jack Ryker (Carl Logan) interesting and he cuts a vivid figure in his world of danger.
The second part of this book sees Ryker in America and still looking for Lisa.
A great story and a must for all Jack Ryker fans. An exciting read which keeps you guessing.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
July 2, 2017
I would like to thank TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
After reading "The Red Cobra" I wrote at the end of my review that I was desperate to read book 2. I have now done so and it certainly didn't disappoint me. In fact I think I enjoyed it more as I knew some of the characters. I felt as if I was meeting up with old friends.
This is another fast/paced thriller from the pen of Rob Sinclair. It finds Ryker in Mexico searching for his girl friend Lisa. There are plenty of twists and turns and quite a few OMG! moments.
I think this is a series which would make a brilliant series of films.
Once again, I can't wait for the next book.
After reading "The Red Cobra" I wrote at the end of my review that I was desperate to read book 2. I have now done so and it certainly didn't disappoint me. In fact I think I enjoyed it more as I knew some of the characters. I felt as if I was meeting up with old friends.
This is another fast/paced thriller from the pen of Rob Sinclair. It finds Ryker in Mexico searching for his girl friend Lisa. There are plenty of twists and turns and quite a few OMG! moments.
I think this is a series which would make a brilliant series of films.
Once again, I can't wait for the next book.
June 19, 2017
Hard luck former US government assassin James Ryker, following the leads from his wife Lisa's kidnapping, travels to Mexico where he's promptly imprisoned for a murder he did not commit. Prison life for Ryker is all about sheer survival from it's Cartel enforcers and sadistic guards. He's approached by two different parties with deals in exchange for his release. The first involves an assassination that goes sideways sending Ryker scrambling to out think and outgun his US Army and Cartel opponents trying to illegally ship mixed ordinance from a small US Army base in Louisiana into Cartel hands in Mexico. And..... still no sign of Lisa's whereabouts.
June 30, 2017
Loved this book! Carries on straight from The Red Cobra and is just as good, if not better. Real thriller book with loads of action and keeps you guessing throughout.
Can't recommend it enough.
Can't recommend it enough.
July 1, 2017
Great Read
Fast paced adventure, mystery and intrigue at every turn. Great plot!. Makes me want to read the next book in the series!
Fast paced adventure, mystery and intrigue at every turn. Great plot!. Makes me want to read the next book in the series!
March 10, 2018
4+ stars for another exciting read
August 12, 2017
Another captivating read in the series,
July 10, 2017
Absolutely brilliant, another great book from Rob, they are just getting better and better with each release.
Can't wait for the trilogy closer.
Can't wait for the trilogy closer.
June 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, the second one of Rob Sinclair's that I have read. Fast paced and the story keeps you hooked as the fast pace continues from the beginning until the twist at the end.
November 19, 2017
This second one book in the James Ryker series is every bit as good as the first. Once again Ryker is drawn into a situation through no fault of his own. In Mexico , in prison, facing drug cartels. How will he fare. A nonstop action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait for the next instalment.
October 15, 2018
It was most definitely about time I read The Black Hornet, which is the second book in the James Ryker series, as it has been a while since I read book one, The Red Cobra. I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Ryker again. I only wish I could have properly immersed myself in his world. It's been a busy week or so and I've found myself feeling quite frustrated regarding the lack of time I've had to read, but it's just how it goes sometimes. However, Rob Sinclair's writing never fails to draw me in. His memorable characters and plot are just as compelling whether dipping in and out or reading large amounts at a time, although I do prefer the latter.
Ryker is one of my favourite character's in a book series. He's very charismatic, in his own way. Very intriguing! He hasn't had the easiest of lives and bares many scars, both physically and mentally, and his nightmare continues in The Black Hornet. He finds himself back in Mexico, searching for the love of his life, Lisa, who he found to be missing on returning home. He gets somewhat sidetracked (to say the least!), but Lisa is never far from his mind. He needs answers and he needs them fast. The journey he takes to find the answers he's looking for is a dangerous one and would absolutely terrify me as it would most people, I would imagine. Ryker is confident in his own abilities though, with plenty of experience dealing with the sort of people he's having to deal with, and he is determined to discover the truth.
This is another fast-paced, cram packed full of action crime thriller which is brilliantly written, as always. I have to say, I love the fight scenes! I've probably said it before, but these books would make an awesome television series, in my opinion.
I will be reading book 3 as soon as possible!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
Ryker is one of my favourite character's in a book series. He's very charismatic, in his own way. Very intriguing! He hasn't had the easiest of lives and bares many scars, both physically and mentally, and his nightmare continues in The Black Hornet. He finds himself back in Mexico, searching for the love of his life, Lisa, who he found to be missing on returning home. He gets somewhat sidetracked (to say the least!), but Lisa is never far from his mind. He needs answers and he needs them fast. The journey he takes to find the answers he's looking for is a dangerous one and would absolutely terrify me as it would most people, I would imagine. Ryker is confident in his own abilities though, with plenty of experience dealing with the sort of people he's having to deal with, and he is determined to discover the truth.
This is another fast-paced, cram packed full of action crime thriller which is brilliantly written, as always. I have to say, I love the fight scenes! I've probably said it before, but these books would make an awesome television series, in my opinion.
I will be reading book 3 as soon as possible!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
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