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Marcus Ryker #3

The Jerusalem Assassin

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"A taut, brilliant thriller ripped right from today's headlines. Joel Rosenberg is masterful! The Jerusalem Assassin is an absolute home run." --Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Backlash

From the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author!

The enemy is invisible and moving fast. The body count is rising. And time is running out.

Marcus Ryker has spent his entire career studying killers. One thing he knows for sure: a peace summit is the ultimate stage for an assassination.

President Andrew Clarke is determined to announce his historic peace plan from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But when senior American officials who support the plan begin violently dying, Clarke orders Ryker and his team of CIA operatives to hunt down those responsible and bring the killing spree to an end.

When the Palestinians denounce the American plan, the Saudis signal they may be ready to forge a historic treaty with Israel. Could the Saudi king's support be the missing ingredient that will lead to peace at long last?

Ryker soon uncovers a chilling plot to kill the American president. A well-resourced international alliance is dead set against the peace plan. They will stop at nothing to strike a blow against the Americans and seize leadership of the Muslim world.

With all eyes on Jerusalem and the president in the crosshairs, it's up to Ryker to eliminate the terrible evil that's been set in motion. The fate of the region depends on his success. He has 48 hours.

464 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2020

1457 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read

About the author

Joel C. Rosenberg

56 books3,000 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.

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5 stars
3,080 (59%)
4 stars
1,647 (31%)
3 stars
405 (7%)
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21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
Profile Image for Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus].
692 reviews371 followers
February 10, 2024
4.0 Stars – “I really liked it”
“The Jerusalem Assassin - Markus Ryker #3 - by Joel C Rosenberg”
Audiobook - 11:04 Hours - Narrator: George Guidall
I cannot remember what motivated me to buy this book, but it may well have been this:
“… 4.50 Stars · Rating details · 1,727 ratings · 220 reviews”,
I think a book from a genre I enjoy, with a rating of 4.5 after 1,700+ ratings, is worth looking at, and if any author’s endorsements can be thought credible, it might as well be one from Brad Thor. The only comment in the “My Activity” notes is: “A new author for me, but the theme of the book is familiar and sounds interesting so far”. Normally I would not listen to a book “plucked” from the middle of a previously unknown series, but for whatever reason that is exactly what I did.

Generally I found the story to be interesting and exciting, particularly the final quarter of the book, which was quite riveting. I thought that the professed Christian faith of the main protagonist, Markus Ryker, stood in stark contrast to his un-Christian behaviour, no matter what the circumstances were. In my opinion, Rosenberg would have been better to have avoided mentioning Ryker's faith altogether. This is not a complaint, simply an observation. Another observation was that the number of Arabic (sounding) names was confusing to me, almost to the end. By this time, however, I had memorised the sounds of several of the main participants’ names and this was enough to enjoy the finale.

George Guidall’s narration was, as usual, excellent. George is in his early 8Os now and one must wonder who will replace him in the many series he has narrated, and still narrates, when he finally gives the game away. At the moment, I think Scott Brick is probably my stand-out narrator, although some of my GR friends do not agree, do you, Tim?😄!

In 2020, more people are listening to audiobooks than ever before according to Michael Kozlowski, (the Editor in Chief of Good e-Reader), so this must increase demand for professional and competent narrators, which is a good thing for old blokes like me, as all my “reading of books” is actually “listening to audiobooks”.😎
Profile Image for Tim.
2,497 reviews331 followers
October 9, 2020
Solid 8 of 10 stars!
Profile Image for Darryl Greer.
Author 10 books363 followers
September 5, 2021
Joel C. Rosenberg’s thriller, "The Jerusalem Assassin" is likely to hold the interest of anyone interested in stories set in the Middle East, with all the intrigue that goes with such a setting. Lead character, Marcus Ryker, first introduced in one of Rosenberg’s earlier novels, has spent his career getting into the psyche of killers and his experience is about to be tested when the American president, Andrew Clarke decides to attend a peace summit in Israel together with the Saudi King and the Israeli prime minister. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, according to Ryker. The plan is for the three to step out on Temple Mount, one of the Muslim world’s holiest sites, which happens to sit atop the remnants of the Second Temple, the holiest site in Judaism. Ryker learns of a plot to assassinate the American president, which would entail killing the other two attendees at the summit, causing a spark that could well set fire to the Middle East. With the clock ticking and the death toll mounting, it is a race against time for Ryker but he is determined to thwart the plan at all costs, especially as his job, as well as his reputation, is at stake.

Rosenberg’s knowledge and experience of the complexities of the Middle East is obvious from his earlier novels. This time around, the story gets off to a rather slow start, despite the bullets and bodies in the opening sequence. There is also a plethora of characters to get to grips with before the story settles and it becomes obvious who’s who. But the tale is well written, engaging and the subject matter could have been ripped right off the world’s headlines. As it gathers pace, it earns its appellation as a thriller and fits neatly into the hard to put down category. The characters are all believable and the dialogue is what could be expected of those placed high in international political circles. "The Jerusalem Assassin" is a fascinating insight into the geopolitical setting in which these intriguing characters have been cast.
Profile Image for Matt.
4,822 reviews13.1k followers
August 8, 2020
In the stunning continuation of his latest Middle East politics series, Joel C. Rosenberg takes readers deeper into the battle to find peace in the region, as well as the new and intensifying groups that will stop at nothing to derail anything that benefits Israel. Marcus Ryker continues to keep an ear to the ground when it comes to rumblings in the Middle East. He is still forced to watch his back after taking significant action against the Russian leadership not long ago and has been covertly hired by the CIA to help them better understand the new threats against America in the region. When Ryker’s own church is the target of a terrorist attack, he’s shaken and reveals as much to the President of the United States. While compassionate words are exchanged, POTUS is still planning to unveil a major peace initiative for the Middle East on a trip to Jerusalem, in hopes that the Israelis and Palestinians will join him in finally making some headway. Subsequent blasts in DC and the American Embassy in London proves devastating, but POTUS remains focussed on his plan. Meanwhile, hidden away from the eyes of many, an all-out fatwa on both the US president and the Israeli prime minister is offered, with Islamic notoriety sure to follow. A new organisation rises from the ashes where many have failed, sure to take its opponents by storm. Kairos seeks to wrestle control of the Muslim world from those nations who are weak in their opposition to anything anti-Israeli and their latest idea could rock the region and change the balance of power. When the Palestinians scoff at the American peace plan, a new and shocking Islamic replacement in the form of Saudi Arabia emerges as a potential mouthpiece. With the secret summit inching closer, Ryker must ensure that Kairos is not able to strike with their newest weapon, as it will mean disaster for everyone. With intel trickling in, Ryder and his group think that they have the target in their sights, only to learn that nothing is quite as it seems. Is peace in the Middle East a possibility, or will bloody attacks that see a high casualty rate be all the media reports on in the coming days? Rosenberg proves that he is a stellar writer and has a handle on this sub-genre of political thrillers. Recommended to those who love Middle East politics, as well as the reader who desires a high caliber piece with significant research to support fictional claims.

I discovered Joel C. Rosenberg’s writing a number of years ago, finding his depiction of the Middle East situation quite poignant. I suspect I am not the only one, as many have commented on Rosenberg’s uncanny ability to forecast and forebode some of the goings-on in the region, particularly in his first series. Marcus Ryker is the protagonist of this fourth series with similar undertones, though the action has not abated whatsoever. His commitment to his country is fuelled by the fact that he lost a wife and child years ago. His dedication to his personal faith is also something that drives him to seek success, though he seems less likely to inculcate fellow characters than others in past series. Determined not to miss any clue that could work to help America forge a lasting peace, Ryker works tirelessly to make a difference, no matter the cost. The handful of other characters within the book offer wonderful flavouring to the overall plot and narrative, providing different regional perspectives that are essential to better understanding the tensions and the hidden agendas that fuel the animosity on both sides. Rosenberg pulls no punches and is able to educate the reader as they delve deeper into this masterful series. The story was yet again top-notch and offered some unique approaches to the Middle East peace process, while still pushing the thread of Israel being recognised as a regional partner. Rosenberg’s past work in the region shines through in his writing and his use of short chapters pulls the reader in and makes them want to know more as the plot thickens. Another wonderful book in a series that has me on the edge of my seat, I can only wonder where Rosenberg will take things from here. That being said, it’s surely somewhere worth going, though I will have to be patient to see what twists emerge.

Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg, for another wonderful novel. You captivate and speak so frankly while writing in such a way that the entertainment value is never lost on the curious reader.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Profile Image for Kay.
2,212 reviews1,200 followers
April 23, 2020
Excellent third book in Marcus Ryker series. This is a political thriller with exciting action towards the end of the book where everything came to a final showdown.

I found the buildup to be too long with so many characters. Unfamiliar with the middle eastern names, I had trouble keeping track of them. I rely on cast of characters at the front of the book, but on a kindle was not as easy as on a physical book. On top of that some characters have another alias, some with two! I wasn't aware that a long time has passed from book two. I was confused.
Profile Image for Skip.
3,845 reviews582 followers
June 14, 2020
Top notch political thriller: 4.5 stars, #3 in the Marcus Ryker series. Ryker is now working personal protection for the diplomatic service. His church is attacked by terrorists, who kill the Deputy Secretary of State for Middle East affairs and a close personal friend, before Marcus is able to intervene. Her successor is recalled from overseas, and assassinated in Washington DC by a mysterious new terrorist group based in Greece. Then a senior General is blown up outside 10 Downing Street by a body cavity bomb. The U.S. President wants his legacy to be peace in the Middle East, and develops a plan, which is pre-advised to key Arab and Israeli leaders. The de facto head of the Palestinians issues a scathing rebuke, but the King of Saudi Arabia welcomes the effort, and they agree to meet at the Temple Mount with the Prime Minister of Israel. A perfect opportunity for jihadists to attack, as the dying wish of the Iranian leader. Very realistic plot, helped immensely by Rosenberg's own depth of knowledge in the region.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,295 reviews664 followers
March 28, 2020
This was not a light read. There are lots of characters from a variety of countries and it can be quite a bit to keep up with. The action went high speed toward the end. While I didn't enjoy this novel as much as the first two in the series, it was a good novel based on possible political/current events. I recommend this series for those that enjoy political intrigue.
Profile Image for Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library).
4,895 reviews88 followers
July 18, 2021
For the most part, this was another great thriller by Joel C. Rosenberg.

However, one unnecessary scene involving checking someone's private anatomy was rather disturbing.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 66 books1,896 followers
April 27, 2020
Another page-turner of an international thriller. The tension builds to a fevered pitch as the book wokrs through four parts. A new terror organization is committing tight operations against the USA's top international negotiators. The hunt to stop them from the ultimate targets is tight and down to the wire. Excellent read for those who love Tom Clancy and Daniel Silva with a faith thread.
Profile Image for Linda.
112 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2020
Awesome as usual. Thrilling right down to the very end. Every scenario is realistic and believable. Can't wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Belinda Vlasbaard.
3,363 reviews101 followers
June 3, 2022
5 stars- English Ebook- Dutch paperback

I have read mostof Mr. Rosenbergs fast paged books and not one has disappointed me. Excellent story, excellent read.
It is believable fiction,hard to put down after reading the first chapter and it continues this way to a gripping end. It ment not mutch sleep while reading this book.
Profile Image for E.A..
Author 12 books191 followers
August 17, 2025
Enjoyed this next installment to the series. Liked how all things came together in the end for this one.

As an audiobook listener I was bummed with the narrator switch. It also felt a lot more challenging to follow this pretty complicated plot line.

My rating: 3.8*
Profile Image for Barbara.
821 reviews
April 24, 2023
3.5 stars as not an easy read for me. So many acronyms and so many names!!!! Very thankful for the "Cast of Characters", but having to refer to it repeatedly during the first half of the book detracted from the pleasure. I missed the detailed background stories that were more prevalent in the previous books. They helped set the characters in your mind. Still, the 2nd half of the book was more readable. and the short chapters created an exciting pace. I appreciate the author's research and his ability to tell a clean thriller! There were some connections left open-ended leaving room for a book 4?
PS: Just listened to this book on CDs, in preparation for book 4 that is on order at our library. George Guidall is usually an excellent reader, but it seemed like the files were compressed and the speed of his reading was very fast. Still, it all made more sense the 2nd time around and I didn't worry about the names.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,269 reviews23 followers
October 27, 2020
Oh boy this book was GREAT! The thing that got me that the other books of this genre haven't done is after a terrible killing the cast took time to pray. Isn't that what most of us do in situations like that? I know I do when something terrible like that happens in the world or my life.
Profile Image for Victoria Bylin.
Author 48 books495 followers
June 26, 2020
A little slow to start and a tad bit confusing with so many characters, but wow! It comes together in the end. Couldn't put it down and even got choked up during the final chapters.
Profile Image for Abibliofob.
1,586 reviews102 followers
February 13, 2020
First of all I have to thank Joel C. Rosenberg for writing this great suspense book. I also have to thank Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Edelweiss for letting me read it. Because of the description and my need to read books in order I had to start with the two previous titles about Marcus Ryker and that turned out to be a good thing. This is a series you need to read in order and I've read them all back to back. Took me less than a week and that is how good they are. This one will be released on March 17th. I strongly recommend that you get it.
Profile Image for yaz.
86 reviews
January 23, 2025
If I could rate it lower, I would.

Not everyone can write and that’s okay!
Profile Image for Carol Ghattas.
Author 12 books20 followers
March 9, 2020
I was thrilled to get an advanced copy at a recent Public Library Association convention and quickly dove into the book. As usual, Rosenberg keeps you engaged in his latest complex thriller. Though fiction, it's a plausible plot, though some aspects are less than believable. A great read.
541 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2021
Not totally sold. Author very knowledgeable.

Maybe too close about mid-east situation.
Profile Image for Kristine Morgan.
668 reviews54 followers
July 22, 2020
Another awesome read from Joel Rosenberg. The Jerusalem Assassin is a fascinating book that is full of action. It reads as fresh as today's newspaper. Although none of the characters are real, one could easily see the events taking place. I love Joel's books, his government contacts, and his duel citizenship brings realism to his story. I can't wait for his next novel. So grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a great read!

The next novel: The Beirut Protocol releasing March 9, 2021
Profile Image for Mark Easter.
678 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2020
After loving every Rosenberg prior to the Ryker series, but now being somewhat disappointed by all three Ryker books, I am left wondering if the Ryker series is destined to never make it to my "Favorites" shelf. I still feel quite detached from Ryker as a character. Ryker remains a fuzzy, partially formed character I only feel an acquaintanceship with rather than the "hero I have come to know and cheer for" that I am rooting for him to be, ala David Shirazi. The rapid-fire chapters, all short and nearly the same length from beginning to end, seem to me to inhibit any chance of the storyline attaining any depth. The mechanism works well for the climactic portions of the story causing the plot to bloom, rapid-fire, at the right times and pulling the reader in, keeping one from scarcely catching a breath, but the trunk of the book where the plotlines are set up and characters should be developed are left lean and starving and fragmented. Technically, I found TJA much more credible than the earlier two books that too often stretched credulity to the breaking point. The only time I caught myself gasping, "They did WHAT?", in TJA, was when a breaching charge was used to enter the first floor of a building possibly harboring a highly dangerous, heavily armed, possibly suicidal suspect that needed to be taken unawares or at least alive -- what could possibly go wrong with that? And then, there was the lack of roof coverage of the building following the breach. I also believe there were some twists I thought were coming and I am sure Rosenberg considered but pulled his punches on due to the nature of the settings, players, and personal friendships and contacts involved. Fair enough. All that said, I did find the climax and resolution engaging. I still have hope for Ryker. The elements are there for a great story told by a great storyteller.
Profile Image for Clark.
828 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2020
Another 5-Star effort by Joel C Rosenberg, who has become one of my favorite authors. His knowledge of the Middle East is obvious when reading this book and it is refreshing when the author can teach the reader about the region while reading for entertainment.

This book was particularly personal for me as, early in the story, Mr. Rosenberg mentioned that the King of Jordan, Abdullah I, had been assassinated in Jerusalem at the Al-Aqsa mosque on July 20, 1951. It brought back memories because I was actually visiting Jerusalem at that exact time. We were confined to our hotel for 2-3 days, but otherwise unaffected.

Profile Image for Nancy.
2,576 reviews65 followers
May 25, 2020
Request 4 Buy: 9.14.19 @ GVL PL
Finished the book which is due in a week
on 6.1.20.
I like all the Marcus Ryker series.
For some reason this one slowed down for me in the 60% range. But part of that is it caused me to research some Middle East history online.
This is my book club’s June 2020 book.
I look forward to the discussion.
Because of such a large cast of characters from many countries I heartily recommend
NOT listening to this one but have the book in hand.
78 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2020
I really enjoy These books. They are clean political thrillers. This one took a while to get I to because of all the different names and groups of people. Had a hard time keeping them straight. The second half was much better and I enjoyed it a lot 😊
Profile Image for Leslie.
236 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2020
3.5 Good story, moved quickly, some unbelievable parts about the access that Marcus Ryker had to heads of govt, sometimes got too detailed for me
Profile Image for Matt Persson.
91 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2020
Wow!!! These are just special books and an extraordinary author. Stop what you are doing and pick up this series. It is fantastic and I await the next book!!
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
May 7, 2020
Buckle up and settle yourselves in for an awesome ride with Markus and his team!
My first Roseburg book and I was very impressed with this author's style of writing. He knows how to write an exciting story that's for sure! I will be looking into his next book!
I loved this book for the many twists and turns that it had in it and I also enjoyed the characters.
The thing I loved most was I got to travel to all of these different places without leaving the comfort of my own home.
He describes the scenes so well that I felt like I was in the story with the characters!
Just like wow! A fabulous read indeed! He will be added to my favorite list of authors.
I think what is interesting is the cover. There's just something that draws me to it. I'm not sure exactly but I feel this book deserves more than 5 stars!
Grief has no time limit. You never get over losing loved ones. You'll always miss them. However; I think that God has a much better plan than we can ever forsee. His plan is most always better than ours. Sometimes a door has to close before another can open.
Most often than not we come out on top better than before.
I enjoyed it so much that I lost track of time and before I knew it the book was finished. I was sad to see it end. I hope there's more?
This is one of the few books that I just couldn't walk away from until I was done. In other words I lost plenty of sleep because I didn't want to put it down!
I highly recommend this book. I think you'll love it as much as I did!
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.


I
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 4 books50 followers
May 28, 2020
Agent Marcus Ryker, an American hero for his exploits in saving the world from a nuclear disaster in Book 2, is now called on to rescue the American President who is announcing his much awaited peace plan for the Middle East. The location: the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the hottest and most contested spot in all of the globe.

The action and intrigue is fast and furious as Rosenberg switches us between all the various players on both sides of good and evil. Initially, it's a little hard at times to know who is actually on who's side but it comes together soon enough. Like all Rosenberg books one's never quite sure what is fact and what is fiction and there are a number of fascinating and unlikely matchups in this episode.

We're taken on a rollercoaster of suspense throughout the story as the bad guys do their positioning only to have to shift it a number of times which keeps Ryker on his toes attempting to keep in step with not just his President but the plans of the evil ones. The pull and respect this guy has is riveting and his ability to read the play is tremendous. And we get to see some of what's going on his heart, the struggle he has with evil and the job he is called to do: thwarting and often having to take down bad guys.

I hope this isn't the last time we see Ryker. I think there's another story in him. Well, I hope there is.

Rosenberg continues to marvel with his perspectives on Israel, the US and the Middle Eastern conundrum.

A great read!
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
April 2, 2020
Book 3 in the Marcus Ryker series is an intricately woven political, conspiracy and military action novel. It seemed entirely too realistic, which made for great reading! Marcus is an engaging character and the storyline was intriguing. I loved the action, adventure, and travel wrapped up in this suspenseful mystery. The historical and current events relating to the Middle East felt like a history lesson, but so much more fun then school. While the series would probably be better read in order, I didn’t feel lost and totally enjoyed my first book by Rosenberg. Anyone who loves political and conspiracy thrillers will love this series. I know I did.

Another great thing about The Jerusalem Assassin was the feel of Jerusalem and the descriptions made me feel as if I was right there. It was very well written. In fact, so well written it seemed almost ripped from today’s headlines. The finale and the hope portrayed in the book were amazing. Somehow, even in the midst of conspiracy, terrorism and a rising body count, he kept that hope for a future peace and trust in God at the center. There were a few heavier themes like terrorism and torture, but I thought the author dealt with the subjects very realistically. The characters are so well written that I found myself empathizing with each side, even the terrorists. I think understanding each other‘s point of view is so important in coming to a common ground. Especially when it comes to peace talks and issues in the Middle East. I was very impressed and look forward to more from this author. If you love Rosenberg, I’d recommend Ronie Kendig’s Book of the Wars series.

I was provided copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews

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