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Bishop #2
Bishop's Law
In his debut novel, Bishop’s War, author Rafael Amadeus Hines delivered a knock-out punch! The international bestselling action-thriller introduced us to former US Special Forces Sgt. John Bishop, his Spec Ops team, and John’s crime boss uncle, Gonzalo Valdez, as they united to take on terrorists, contract killers, a psychotic billionaire, and Afghan warlords. In the eagerly anticipated sequel, Bishop’s Law, the nonstop action continues with Bishop and his team battling against ISIS terror cells, a family of Pakistani assassins, and the Russian mob. Hang on for an action-packed and suspense-filled thrill ride! Once again—not for the faint-hearted.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2020
297 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Rafael Amadeus Hines
2 books76 followers Rafael Amadeus Hines is a native New Yorker with Panamanian, Jamaican, and Irish roots, who was born and raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Dipping into his early Alphabet City memories, he loosely based many of the characters in his first novel, Bishop’s War, on the people he grew up with, and adapted many of his own experiences into the book as well.
Rafael is a former Jazz club owner and restaurateur, and has worked in the financial and energy markets for over twenty years. On 9/11 he watched his office along with all the others in the Twin Towers come crashing down and, like many New Yorkers on that day, he anticipated follow up attacks to take place throughout the city. Years later he envisioned a lone citizen soldier preventing these attacks and the hero Sgt. John Bishop appeared on paper.
Rafael is the father of three and still lives in the New York neighborhood where he grew up. A voracious reader of suspense thrillers, his writing career was inspired by legendary artist-authors Elmore Leonard, John Sandford, Stephen Hunter, James Lee Burke, and Tom Clancy. He is currently working on the second novel in the Bishop series, Bishop’s Law
Rafael is a former Jazz club owner and restaurateur, and has worked in the financial and energy markets for over twenty years. On 9/11 he watched his office along with all the others in the Twin Towers come crashing down and, like many New Yorkers on that day, he anticipated follow up attacks to take place throughout the city. Years later he envisioned a lone citizen soldier preventing these attacks and the hero Sgt. John Bishop appeared on paper.
Rafael is the father of three and still lives in the New York neighborhood where he grew up. A voracious reader of suspense thrillers, his writing career was inspired by legendary artist-authors Elmore Leonard, John Sandford, Stephen Hunter, James Lee Burke, and Tom Clancy. He is currently working on the second novel in the Bishop series, Bishop’s Law
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 15, 2020
The War continues with 'Bishop's Law'
United States Army Special Forces (Green Beret) Sergeant John Bishop has been to hell and back more times than he remembers. He's fought terrorists in the Middle East and at home. In 'Bishop's Law' we see the rules have changed, and more than ever, Sgt Bishop and his special ops team want to make things right against America's enemies.
When a contract killer returns to complete an unfinished job, a person close to John Bishop is harmed in the most unimaginable way possible. With his personal life now in crisis mode, John is given permission from the highest level to 'take-out' America's enemies with any and all means available. And the stakes could not be higher when it is learned a Middle East terrorist with a grudge against Bishop is making way to America with a group of foreign and domestic jihadists with the intention of killing scores of American civilians.
Add to this threat a billionaire looking to settle scores with powerful politicians along with Bishop, whom he blames for his father's ignominious death, and a New York Russian mob family at war with the Valdez family (run by Bishop's enigmatic uncle), and you have more than war at home and abroad.... It's all hell breaking loose.
But John Bishop has many cards up his sleeves, and professional talents which not only have kept him alive for so long, but earned a grudging respect from his enemies. When he puts together his team of special ops soldiers, they get ready for the fight of their life. It's no-holds-barred! Any rules of war have been rewritten by Bishop's Law.... and it comes at great cost.
Will John Bishop live to see his enemies put down once and for all?
It's not easy writing a sequel. The first book of a series is usually the author's best. In 'Bishop's Law,' Rafael Amadeus Hines proves otherwise. His characters from John Bishop to the enemies he and his friends and team members seek are all interesting enough, but it's the author's ability to capture the reader's attention with page-turning dialogue and realistic action. I admire Rafael's ability to write such a suspenseful thriller, and the research he put into 'Bishop's Law' is no less than that he provided in 'Bishop's War.' I understand he's working on a third novel in the Bishop series, and I can hardly wait.
Great job, Rafael! And keep on writing!
United States Army Special Forces (Green Beret) Sergeant John Bishop has been to hell and back more times than he remembers. He's fought terrorists in the Middle East and at home. In 'Bishop's Law' we see the rules have changed, and more than ever, Sgt Bishop and his special ops team want to make things right against America's enemies.
When a contract killer returns to complete an unfinished job, a person close to John Bishop is harmed in the most unimaginable way possible. With his personal life now in crisis mode, John is given permission from the highest level to 'take-out' America's enemies with any and all means available. And the stakes could not be higher when it is learned a Middle East terrorist with a grudge against Bishop is making way to America with a group of foreign and domestic jihadists with the intention of killing scores of American civilians.
Add to this threat a billionaire looking to settle scores with powerful politicians along with Bishop, whom he blames for his father's ignominious death, and a New York Russian mob family at war with the Valdez family (run by Bishop's enigmatic uncle), and you have more than war at home and abroad.... It's all hell breaking loose.
But John Bishop has many cards up his sleeves, and professional talents which not only have kept him alive for so long, but earned a grudging respect from his enemies. When he puts together his team of special ops soldiers, they get ready for the fight of their life. It's no-holds-barred! Any rules of war have been rewritten by Bishop's Law.... and it comes at great cost.
Will John Bishop live to see his enemies put down once and for all?
It's not easy writing a sequel. The first book of a series is usually the author's best. In 'Bishop's Law,' Rafael Amadeus Hines proves otherwise. His characters from John Bishop to the enemies he and his friends and team members seek are all interesting enough, but it's the author's ability to capture the reader's attention with page-turning dialogue and realistic action. I admire Rafael's ability to write such a suspenseful thriller, and the research he put into 'Bishop's Law' is no less than that he provided in 'Bishop's War.' I understand he's working on a third novel in the Bishop series, and I can hardly wait.
Great job, Rafael! And keep on writing!
May 24, 2023
OUTSTANDING!!
The author, Rafael Hines has put out another outstanding book in The Bishop Series. John Bishop ex’s special forces comes from a family of drug dealers. John and his family are hunted by Islamic terrorist, a 6’8” hit man, two Palestinian assassins, the Russian Mob and a highly suspect U.S. President and even some family members having ill intent. This was a great story, I’ve read both in the series and it would be my recommendation that you read them in proper sequence, much easier to understand. Now I can’t wait for #3 in the series. PLEASE MR HINES, Do not take so long for the next book! WELL DONE SIR, WELL DONE!!
The author, Rafael Hines has put out another outstanding book in The Bishop Series. John Bishop ex’s special forces comes from a family of drug dealers. John and his family are hunted by Islamic terrorist, a 6’8” hit man, two Palestinian assassins, the Russian Mob and a highly suspect U.S. President and even some family members having ill intent. This was a great story, I’ve read both in the series and it would be my recommendation that you read them in proper sequence, much easier to understand. Now I can’t wait for #3 in the series. PLEASE MR HINES, Do not take so long for the next book! WELL DONE SIR, WELL DONE!!
July 31, 2020
The wait for this second book in the Bishop series seemed a long one, but it was well worth it. I immediately reconnected with all the characters and the story clipped along at a steady pace, making sure I wasn't left behind.
There were twists that were unexpected, a whole lot of problems to deal with, and the almost super human warriors with their all too human flaws were right in the middle doing what they do best. I also appreciated the author explaining acronyms when in the more military moments of the book so that the reader could be welcomed as part of the team.
The only downside was that the adventure ended sooner than I wanted. There is a lot more story poised to be told, and I wasn't ready to bid farewell to these characters for another few years. But that goes to show how great the characters and story are for me to be able to say that.
It's great. Read it.
There were twists that were unexpected, a whole lot of problems to deal with, and the almost super human warriors with their all too human flaws were right in the middle doing what they do best. I also appreciated the author explaining acronyms when in the more military moments of the book so that the reader could be welcomed as part of the team.
The only downside was that the adventure ended sooner than I wanted. There is a lot more story poised to be told, and I wasn't ready to bid farewell to these characters for another few years. But that goes to show how great the characters and story are for me to be able to say that.
It's great. Read it.
February 27, 2021
Loved this book
A lot of moving parts to this story and I had to pay attention to what was happening to who. Constant fighting shooting and getting shot. I'm glad that Omar has changed her life. It makes things really interesting in future books, I hope.
A lot of moving parts to this story and I had to pay attention to what was happening to who. Constant fighting shooting and getting shot. I'm glad that Omar has changed her life. It makes things really interesting in future books, I hope.
July 20, 2020
In Rafael Amadeus Hines' debut Novel, Bishop's War, readers were first introduced to former Special Forces Sgt John Bishop. Not only was Bishop's War one of the best, if not the best military action thrillers I'd ever read, but it was also one of the best debut novels I'd read. A book as excellent as that it is a very hard act to follow and as any writer will know, a second novel isn't the easiest to write. Not only has Mr Hines achieved a novel as good as his first, but in my opinion he has surpassed it.
I won't spoil the plot for other readers, but will say that the action starts on page one and continues right through the book to the final page. Along the way John Bishop comes up against not only ISIS terrorists intent on doing unimaginable harm to the USA, but murderous Pakistani Tringa assassins, intent on taking John's life and anyone else's who stands in their way. Plus of course there are family problems to sort out, both business and personal.
If you like the novels of Andy McNab, Vince Flynn, Chris Ryan, Lee Child & Tom Clancy, then I don't think you'll be disappointed. This isn't a book for the fainthearted, but one that I can highly recommend to anyone that likes an action packed thriller. Very well done Mr Hines and I'm really looking forward to reading more of john Bishop's adventures in book three of the series.
I won't spoil the plot for other readers, but will say that the action starts on page one and continues right through the book to the final page. Along the way John Bishop comes up against not only ISIS terrorists intent on doing unimaginable harm to the USA, but murderous Pakistani Tringa assassins, intent on taking John's life and anyone else's who stands in their way. Plus of course there are family problems to sort out, both business and personal.
If you like the novels of Andy McNab, Vince Flynn, Chris Ryan, Lee Child & Tom Clancy, then I don't think you'll be disappointed. This isn't a book for the fainthearted, but one that I can highly recommend to anyone that likes an action packed thriller. Very well done Mr Hines and I'm really looking forward to reading more of john Bishop's adventures in book three of the series.
July 25, 2020
The Hunt Goes On
Mr. Hines has written an excellent continuation of the life and times of John Bishop and his team of expertly trained and dedicated warriors.
Although his use of parentheses to spell out military acronyms gets a little weary, it also helps the reader to understand what he's reading.
The Valdez family makes the decision to legally assist the US government in hunting down and eliminating her enemies, foreign and domestic.
Although they too are being hunted by numerous assassins, John and his team do a remarkable job of keeping them off balance. Though they suffer casualties, the Valdez family emerges victorious.
An excellent read that's hard to put down, I look forward, eagerly, to the next chapter of the Bishop series.
Mr. Hines has written an excellent continuation of the life and times of John Bishop and his team of expertly trained and dedicated warriors.
Although his use of parentheses to spell out military acronyms gets a little weary, it also helps the reader to understand what he's reading.
The Valdez family makes the decision to legally assist the US government in hunting down and eliminating her enemies, foreign and domestic.
Although they too are being hunted by numerous assassins, John and his team do a remarkable job of keeping them off balance. Though they suffer casualties, the Valdez family emerges victorious.
An excellent read that's hard to put down, I look forward, eagerly, to the next chapter of the Bishop series.
September 26, 2020
If you like the books by brad thor and brad taylor then you will really enjoy reading about the experience of john bishop in the second book this is a really great read as good or even better than the first book Rafael amadeus hines is one to look out for look forward to read book 3 in this series of books
July 25, 2020
Loved the first book. This one was just a little shy of the first for me. But definitely a good read& story line. I definitely recommend the series & will be looking forward the the 3rd book
February 1, 2021
Great follow up. I cant wait for the third book!
I couldn't put it down, finished it in less than two days. .............. ... . . . . . .
I couldn't put it down, finished it in less than two days. .............. ... . . . . . .
November 19, 2020
A Good Time Was Had!!💥
I am all in with Bishop and the rest of the family. I love this group of soldiers who' ve turned themselves into more than just a group of people with a common goal. This is a family and it shows in the writing. The writer gives us such a real look at war and just not on the battlefield. The action is just nail bitting and it is just so rewarding when the bad guy gets it in the end. I am in love with the three cats,but I'm so so.in.love with Uncle Bona all..These characters are very well fleshed out ,so much you get a sense of that you know them. I love all the information and talk its just great. The writer lets you feel and experience, exactly how well this story is written. Now for the personal, I love that Felix gets Nikita and its love at first sight. It's a riot when only of the guys says she scares them or she can teach them something. Now I think we should find Christmas someone or Nev and I want a tough talking,but kicking sista from the Les who knows her way around. Wait let's not forget Bunny,he needs love too. Now I.hope this was not the end to the story and it's not a long wait for the next episode. Until then watch your six!
I am all in with Bishop and the rest of the family. I love this group of soldiers who' ve turned themselves into more than just a group of people with a common goal. This is a family and it shows in the writing. The writer gives us such a real look at war and just not on the battlefield. The action is just nail bitting and it is just so rewarding when the bad guy gets it in the end. I am in love with the three cats,but I'm so so.in.love with Uncle Bona all..These characters are very well fleshed out ,so much you get a sense of that you know them. I love all the information and talk its just great. The writer lets you feel and experience, exactly how well this story is written. Now for the personal, I love that Felix gets Nikita and its love at first sight. It's a riot when only of the guys says she scares them or she can teach them something. Now I think we should find Christmas someone or Nev and I want a tough talking,but kicking sista from the Les who knows her way around. Wait let's not forget Bunny,he needs love too. Now I.hope this was not the end to the story and it's not a long wait for the next episode. Until then watch your six!
October 24, 2020
Rafael Hines once again hits it out of the park!
Clancy. Coonts. Hunter. Johnstone.
The next name on this list of action thriller novelists who only need one name will be Hines.
"Bishops Law" picks up where Hines first installment "Bishops War" leaves off.. Knee deep in bad guys, bullets and bodies.
With perfect pacing and plenty of unexpected twists and turns Hines delivers the explosive thrills we have come to expect from John Bishop and his team of battle tested brethren.
I highly recommend this latest thrill ride from Rafael Hines.
Clancy. Coonts. Hunter. Johnstone.
The next name on this list of action thriller novelists who only need one name will be Hines.
"Bishops Law" picks up where Hines first installment "Bishops War" leaves off.. Knee deep in bad guys, bullets and bodies.
With perfect pacing and plenty of unexpected twists and turns Hines delivers the explosive thrills we have come to expect from John Bishop and his team of battle tested brethren.
I highly recommend this latest thrill ride from Rafael Hines.
July 31, 2020
John Bishop
Bishop’s War and Bishops Law were excellent. They were aspects of reality, and of course fiction . ,The stories were interwoven which made it scary yet entertaining. You are caught up in the web of suspense,family struggles and human nature.
Well Done!!!!! Dr. C. 😊🎊🎉🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
Bishop’s War and Bishops Law were excellent. They were aspects of reality, and of course fiction . ,The stories were interwoven which made it scary yet entertaining. You are caught up in the web of suspense,family struggles and human nature.
Well Done!!!!! Dr. C. 😊🎊🎉🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷
November 21, 2020
Two books in this series, interesting dramas and mix of good\evil
An interesting premise of a crime family turned Patriots while still being fatally criminalistic and wildly destructive... While having the blessings of the powers that be.
Fun and wild. Many mini dramas in between the general plot and an extreme multitude of superb villains to overcome.
An interesting premise of a crime family turned Patriots while still being fatally criminalistic and wildly destructive... While having the blessings of the powers that be.
Fun and wild. Many mini dramas in between the general plot and an extreme multitude of superb villains to overcome.
October 18, 2020
Very good read!
The problem with books like this one is it’s too short and the next one in the Bishop series will be too slow. Enjoyed this book a lot. It moved well and has twists not anticipated . The characters added to the story line. Would recommend as a very good read!
The problem with books like this one is it’s too short and the next one in the Bishop series will be too slow. Enjoyed this book a lot. It moved well and has twists not anticipated . The characters added to the story line. Would recommend as a very good read!
March 14, 2021
I love John Bishop and his family! Whether that's the Valdez family, or the Team Razor family. I am thoroughly invested in these guys and their story. It seemed a long wait between Bishop's War and Bishop's Law, but the wait was worth it. I am eager for part three. Good job Rafael Amadeus Hines!
October 28, 2020
A good book
I have read both book and found them to be enjoyable. They tell the story of what soldiers face. Love or death.
I have read both book and found them to be enjoyable. They tell the story of what soldiers face. Love or death.
June 8, 2021
Brilliant book how much can a man take with soo many out to kill him !Great story of loyal friends and betrayal of others .Looking forward to no 3 .
June 10, 2021
Awesome Read!!
Great series! Loved the action, plot, characters and storyline. This series is action packed.
Looking forward to more in the series.
Great series! Loved the action, plot, characters and storyline. This series is action packed.
Looking forward to more in the series.
July 28, 2021
Good guys don't always win.
Fast moving with lots of action in and out of the military scenarios and execution of planning to eliminate the same bad actors.
Fast moving with lots of action in and out of the military scenarios and execution of planning to eliminate the same bad actors.
October 26, 2021
Bishops law was excellent
Looking forward to book 3 and more followups. Writer held my attention from beginning and will try any others he has written
Looking forward to book 3 and more followups. Writer held my attention from beginning and will try any others he has written
November 8, 2021
Great book!
Sometimes hard to track all the characters, but plenty of action. Would definitely read anymore books by this author for sure.
Sometimes hard to track all the characters, but plenty of action. Would definitely read anymore books by this author for sure.
December 8, 2025
Bishop’s Law is a relentless, high octane action thriller that doesn’t let up from start to finish. Rafael Amadeus Hines has a talent for creating a world where danger lurks around every corner, and his protagonist, John Bishop, feels like the kind of character you can believe in someone forged by experience, capable, and human in his flaws.
The story pulls you into a global web of threats, from ISIS cells to the Russian mob and a family of deadly assassins. What makes it feel real, despite the larger than life action, is the way Hines grounds the characters in their relationships and motivations. Bishop’s loyalty to his Spec Ops team and the complicated ties to his crime boss uncle Gonzalo Valdez give emotional weight to the chaos. You can sense the pressure, fatigue, and moral complexity each character navigates, which makes the stakes feel personal and not just plot driven.
Hines’ pacing is relentless, but he balances it with moments that reveal the human side of his team the trust, camaraderie, and the cost of living a life on the edge. You don’t just follow the missions; you feel the consequences, the tension, and the weight of the choices the characters make.
For fans of military thrillers, international espionage, and stories where action meets real human stakes, Bishop’s Law delivers exactly what it promises: heart pounding suspense, smart strategy, and a cast of characters that stay with you long after the final page. It’s an intense, satisfying read that keeps you on the edge of your seat while never losing sight of the people at the center of the story.
The story pulls you into a global web of threats, from ISIS cells to the Russian mob and a family of deadly assassins. What makes it feel real, despite the larger than life action, is the way Hines grounds the characters in their relationships and motivations. Bishop’s loyalty to his Spec Ops team and the complicated ties to his crime boss uncle Gonzalo Valdez give emotional weight to the chaos. You can sense the pressure, fatigue, and moral complexity each character navigates, which makes the stakes feel personal and not just plot driven.
Hines’ pacing is relentless, but he balances it with moments that reveal the human side of his team the trust, camaraderie, and the cost of living a life on the edge. You don’t just follow the missions; you feel the consequences, the tension, and the weight of the choices the characters make.
For fans of military thrillers, international espionage, and stories where action meets real human stakes, Bishop’s Law delivers exactly what it promises: heart pounding suspense, smart strategy, and a cast of characters that stay with you long after the final page. It’s an intense, satisfying read that keeps you on the edge of your seat while never losing sight of the people at the center of the story.
March 29, 2024
This book is a direct continuation of the first, and continues the story of John Bishop and Team Razor.
It's as far-fetched as a Hollywood movie.. the heroes get horribly injured, but because they are the heroes, they need no recovery time, and are able to continue even after having their limbs broken.
They manage to kill, or at least stop all of their enemies, and although the book is left open for a third volume, it's yet to appear.
The action is well-written, but the overall story is so completely over the top, and the enemies so stereotyped, that ultimately, I was glad to have read it, but I'm not desperate for another sequel.
It would have been nice to have learned the terrorist's plan even if only in small details, while we got to read the terrorist chapters, but instead, we had loads of "character" building, that really lead nowhere, and eventually made you not really care what happened to them.
It's as far-fetched as a Hollywood movie.. the heroes get horribly injured, but because they are the heroes, they need no recovery time, and are able to continue even after having their limbs broken.
They manage to kill, or at least stop all of their enemies, and although the book is left open for a third volume, it's yet to appear.
The action is well-written, but the overall story is so completely over the top, and the enemies so stereotyped, that ultimately, I was glad to have read it, but I'm not desperate for another sequel.
It would have been nice to have learned the terrorist's plan even if only in small details, while we got to read the terrorist chapters, but instead, we had loads of "character" building, that really lead nowhere, and eventually made you not really care what happened to them.
December 25, 2020
The continuing story of John Bishop and a select team of "trouble shooters" who are working to prevent an ISIS attack on New York. There is a lot of intrigue, bodies everywhere, and even some governmental double dealing as the team tries to track down the terrorists.
February 21, 2021
Bishop's law
Too casual an approach to gangsters, terrorists and killing. The hero if you want is loyal to family only, except he really is loyal only to himself. Pretty unbelievable in most parts but full of action..
Too casual an approach to gangsters, terrorists and killing. The hero if you want is loyal to family only, except he really is loyal only to himself. Pretty unbelievable in most parts but full of action..
September 15, 2022
hard to put down
This book was as great as the first one. It keeps your attention and never lets you down. Amazing read!!
This book was as great as the first one. It keeps your attention and never lets you down. Amazing read!!
February 18, 2023
First class.
An excellent second book in the series totally entertaining, The enemies just keep coming, book 3 can't come fast enough for me.
An excellent second book in the series totally entertaining, The enemies just keep coming, book 3 can't come fast enough for me.
September 3, 2025
Great book, lovely follow on from the first book
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews