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Justin Hall #15

The Russian Defector

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Is he a Russian defector or a double agent?

A bloodied Russian SRV operative crawls through the front doors of the Canadian embassy in Helsinki...

A Russian dissident is tapped for elimination...

An intercontinental ballistic missile disappears in Russia and surfaces in Ukraine...

What ties these events together? Can CIS spymaster Justin Hall trust the Russian defector and keep Europe from descending into an all-out war?

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2020

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About the author

Ethan Jones

104 books664 followers
Ethan Jones is an international bestselling author of over 50 assassin thriller and suspense novels. His books have sold over two hundred thousand copies in over seventy countries. Ethan has lived in four continents. He has worked for the American Embassy and does mission work around the globe. He’s a lawyer by trade.

His goal is to provide clean, clever and white-knuckled entertainment for his valued readers. Free of sex, language, or excessive violence, but full of fast-paced, action-packed suspense with unsuspecting twists and turns.

When he’s not writing or researching, you can find Ethan helping, hiking, hanging out with family/friends, or traveling the world.

Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack.

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5 stars
54 (81%)
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10 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,037 reviews89 followers
January 7, 2020
What a story! The author managed to weave a tale of action, depth of personality and realism around a geopolitical event that grabs you by the throat and does not let go to the very last page. Another thrilling and edge of seat premise of Justin Hall. The viewpoints related to present day conflicts makes the read more exciting and realistic. Incredible characters and scenarios. The weaponry and tech used is very well explained, the action scenes highly descriptive, pulling us into conflictive situations and events, feeling and experiencing with trepidation and nervous anticipation. The concepts are staggering and intensely interesting. There’s never a moment of respite for the protagonists, nor for the readers. As always, Jones takes us onto a rollercoaster ride!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
Profile Image for PJ.
292 reviews14 followers
January 7, 2020
A great series. There's lots of action, and I feel like I'm seeing the world following Justin and Carrie around.
666 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2019
If you know of Ethan Jones’ books and have read one or two you’ll know he is simply one of the best action thriller writers out there. This particular book has action, defectors, action, missing missiles, action and even more action! If you’re new to the authors work then this is a great book to start with. It does form part of the larger series but works as a standalone novel too. The pace of this book only really lets up during the epilogue by which point you’ll be wondering how has so much happened and how did I read it so quickly! At least, that’s what I thought when I’d finished it. This is great action writing at its best with a twisting international story. The stakes are invariably always high for Justin Hall and this time he’s tasked with discovering if a Russian defector is hiding something, or even a double agent. There’s double dealing and shady agendas from many characters making this harder for our hero but then there’s the problem of a missing intercontinental missile. I won't spoil the story for potential readers but just say grab a copy, get a coffee, switch off the phone and hold on tight! Great work from a great writer that everyone should read for action packed fun, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,982 reviews73 followers
December 21, 2019
The Russian Defector - a review by Rosemary Kenny

This book does everything it says on the cover, - and much, much more!

The defector in question says he's willing to reveal further Soviet secrets, thus sealing his fate, both from his former spy masters and the US agencies who have no further use for him.

When he makes a seemingly desperate flight into the embassy, Justin Hall is called in to verify the first information revealed, before advising on Sokolov's suitability for protection.

Things soon get dangerously intensified, when an intercontinental missile is stolen, whose target may be the US. Justin has to make a frantic search for the truth... including who the traitor in the mix is.

The breakneck action and extreme thrills leaping from every page, engaging characters and international locations, make The Russian Defector by Ethan Jones one of, if not the best spy-thriller you'll read this year, guaranteed!
Profile Image for Kevin.
893 reviews41 followers
February 13, 2023
Espionage at its best

What a strong, full of suspense plot and subplots which are brilliantly placed foil for the main plot. The characters in the story are believable and relatable in this context. Great
1,839 reviews13 followers
December 11, 2019
I just completed the newest book in the Justin Hall series and it has as much action as his earlier stories.

The story begins with the attempted defection of a Russian to the Canadian Embassy. When he arrives there he asked to see Justin Hall. Justin, at this time, is on the scne of the attempted apprehension of a terrorist agent an unable to meet him then. Justin when he gets back to the Embassy begins to interview him to find out if he is on the level. He provides several pieces of information, one of which is the possible elimination of a dissident. This causes Justin to attempt a rescue.

In addition, the defector also provides information on a missile and Justin is dispatched to the Ukraine where he meets up with Carrie, her team and also with a team of individuals from Russia. Their mission is to locate the missile and either destroy it or steal it. There are quite a few areas that they need to overcome before they can get this done.

You will need to read this book to find out about the defector and whether Justin and his group is able to take care of the missile issue. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
371 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2020
Ethan Jones is a master story teller, writing better with each book in this series!  His story line is well-planned and he deeply develops his characters as they follow the twists and turns of the plot.  Justin and Carrie are constantly in danger: who and what can they believe?  This is another page-turner – if you like spy-thrillers, you won’t be disappointed!  I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series.   I received an advance copy and wound up buying a copy to support this great author.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews65 followers
January 26, 2020
I was hooked from the moment the story opened. There were several intriguing plot threads that immediately captured my attention and I couldn’t wait to see how they all played out. The story culminates in one heck of an ending; my jaw was a little unhinged when it was over. I love that this is blending two series together. I'm excited to see all the possibilities that brings. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
6 reviews
July 1, 2020
Reviewed by Lawrence Ridgeway

Justin brings the action to an edge of your seat reading level. You will find it hard to put the book down, as you are curious what is going to happen next. I tell all people this you really need to read this book.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 34 books163 followers
January 8, 2020
The Russian Defector
Justin Hall #15
By Ethan Jones

To sum this book up in one sentence - Great reading spy suspense that will keep you turning the page from the first page!

Justin Hall finds himself dealing with the after-effects of his latest injury while having to deal with a possible Russian Defector. There is just one problem Justin isn't sure their defector is all that he seems. But proving which way the man leans is a little more difficult than one would think.

Acting on intelligence that they are provided with, Justin along with his longtime partner Carrie and an unknown team are dispatched into Chechnya to neutralize a lost nuclear weapon. But there is a traitor who is determined to interfere and taking out Justin, Carrie, and their team.

If you like clean reading suspense you will LOVE this newest addition from Ethan Hall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
134 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2020
The book starts with covert SVR operative Oleg Sokolov being chased by likely fellow SVR members as he makes his way to the Canadian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, where he wants to defect. He manages to escape the operatives after him. Once he makes to the embassy, he says he will talk only to Justin Hall.

The question is...does he really want to defect - or is he a spy who's mission is to pick up any intelligence he can before returning back to the SVR. He offers two Russian spies on the US as proof of his intent.

However, Justin must prove to himself and to his Canadian Intelligence Agency that Sokolov is a true defector.

Hang on as you read the exciting story. It's an excellent one.

One more thing is one of the best lines I've ever read in spy thriller: Carrie, Justin's partner, is on her own mission during which she says, "We have too much ammo, said no one ever in a combat situation." That's a great line!
235 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
The Russian Defector is the 15th book in the Justin Hall series and another awesome read. It is a fast paced, action packed spy thriller with a very well developed storyline and keeps pushing and testing Justin’s limits at every turn.

From Justin’s current post in Finland things start getting a little more complex

The constant plot twists and turns kept me intrigued and surprised and I refused to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book and can read The Russian Defector without reading the previous ones, I highly recommend you read them in order to get a complete picture of the path Justin and Carrie have been on.
While I haven't read all of Mr Jones books, I sure have enjoyed the ones I've read and The Russian Defector is no exception and well worth the read.

Thank you Mr Jones for another intriguing and exciting read and looking forward to the next book in the Justin Hall, Carrie O'Connor or Javin Pierce book.
154 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2020
A Russian Defector is trying to get to the Canadian embassy in Helsinki. On his way there he is shot. He get in and will only talk to Justin Hall. The defector only give a bit of information to Justin, but Justin wants more information before he agrees to keep him safe. This story has lots of action with twist and turns all the way through. Really keep you on the edge of your seat and keeps you interested. Can Justin really trust the Russian defector or is he tying to be a double agent? Looking forward to the next book.
1,477 reviews25 followers
January 13, 2020
The Russian Defector Ethan Jones

Simply put, non stop action , typical Ethan Jones! A Russian defector, who is actually a plant for miss direction. A stolen Russian missile, or is it another ruse? A Russian team former spenaz operators. Can they be trusted ?The Russian leader, a female saves Justin's life. Upon completion of this action filled mission, Justin and his boss try to determine exactly who she is. They are told to immediately back off and discontinue any furrther investigation. Again, an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!!
59 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2024
Action packed!

Once again, it almost hits too close to home!
The way that Carrie and Justin work so well together, its a real shame they aren't together. They were briefly in the past so maybe they have both learned things since. I still have one book left to hope.
The actions in this segment had my heart racing! Too many close calls! And then Justin going through it all with a faulty leg!
I tried to tell them who the bad agents were but I guess they didn't hear me. Ha!
Excellent reading and so full of action and adventure!
75 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2019
The latest and perhaps the greatest novel yet in the Justin and Carrie series, and a top notch story it is. From Finland to Ukraine, a SVR defector, embassies, terrorists, and assassins, the storyline moves fast. And with Jones' attention to detail and perspective, he places his readers right into the action, the locations and the characters. It was an exhausting journey for me, and very well worth the read. Highly recommended for those who love intrigue and espionage!
600 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2020
I am sure this will be another hit for Ethan Jones. This latest adventure with Justin and Carrie kept me spellbound from begining to end. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions of each scene are a highlight of each story. It places the reader slap bang in the middle of all the action. There really is so much action and it is nail bitingly good. Its a good job I have a strong heart to cope with all the speed. The authors books just get better and better.
Profile Image for Joanie Hinton.
765 reviews28 followers
December 6, 2024
Is the Russian who seeks refuge at the Canadian embassy really a defector or is he a double agent with an agenda? One of the bits of intel Justin is given is about a missing Russian nuclear weapon. Justin, Carrie and their team must work with a team of Russians to find and recover the weapon, but during the mission traitors are found among them. Will the Canadians and their team complete the mission, destroy the weapon and stay alive while also finding out what the Russians are really up to...
Profile Image for Judy.
45 reviews
December 19, 2019
Ethan Jones has a new book coming out soon. Russian Defector is a Justin Hall thriller and I do mean thriller. My attention started at the beginning and the suspense until the end. Every book Ethan writes I say is his best book yet and this one didn’t disappoint. A great read for those who like spy thrillers.
3 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
Justin Hall bets the odds again.

This book starts out with action and ends the same way, with no stops in between. I have been a fan of Ethan Jones and Justin Hall for a couple of years now and this one does not disappoint, we even get a surprise visit from one of the Max Thorne series characters. A must for thriller fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,313 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2020

A Russian wants to defect and makes it to the Canadian Embassy, where he has to prove he’s got information worth the trouble of giving him asylum. And why did he request to speak to Agent Hall? Acting on the intel to see if it is valid will definitely put the agents in danger, There is lots of action and tense moments in this book.
160 reviews
January 21, 2020
Another winner from Ethan

I’ve loved this series from the beginning. First rate thriller with non stop action on every page. This introduces a new player from Russia and I’m sure she will be back. Ava is too good not to come back. It’s a non stop read and you’re in for a fast ride.
229 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2020
Russian

Another great book and having Justin and Carrie back in the thick of things again proving that a good team is truly hard to break up.

Justin is showing his feelings for his girlfriend not sure where that will lead but a bunch of strong characters are worth the reading
Profile Image for Karen Rist.
65 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2023
Russian defector

I thoroughly enjoy reading this adventure of Justin and Carrie. They seem to be able to handle everything that the operations throw at them

They always get their man. A boer mask ‘n plan as the Afrikaans farmer says.
37 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
Loved this book it was exciting and I cannot wait to read more
678 reviews11 followers
January 2, 2020
Another exciting book by one of the best authors Ethan Jones. The Russian Defector is exciting and has a few twist that you do not expect. A great spy novel. You will not be sorry you bought this book.
712 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this well written book, I found it exciting and informative on the machinations of foreign powers.
Profile Image for Barbara.
141 reviews
January 7, 2020
Another great book in the Justin Hall series! If you enjoy spy thrillers and espionage, you will love this book. Lots of action, suspense, and intrigue.
Profile Image for Connie Hamby.
1,047 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2020
A great read

I really enjoyed reading this book with Justin Hall and Carrie i like the way they work together and are just friends
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews