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The Protector
A gripping, action-packed spy thriller.
Titus Quayle was the best MI6 ever had – an operative of exceptional and lethal ability. But they burned him, abandoned him, and left him for dead.
Holly Morton is the daughter of the spymaster who first recognised Quayle’s potential and the key to unlocking a global conspiracy her father died trying to bring down.
To uncover the truth, Quayle must keep her safe from the threat of a powerful enemy in a globetrotting race against time.
Nowhere is safe.
But to survive in a secret world of spies and assassins, kill orders and kingpins, there’s no one you’d rather have by your side than Titus Quayle…
NOTE: THE PROTECTOR was originally titled BROKEN SQUARE.
Titus Quayle was the best MI6 ever had – an operative of exceptional and lethal ability. But they burned him, abandoned him, and left him for dead.
Holly Morton is the daughter of the spymaster who first recognised Quayle’s potential and the key to unlocking a global conspiracy her father died trying to bring down.
To uncover the truth, Quayle must keep her safe from the threat of a powerful enemy in a globetrotting race against time.
Nowhere is safe.
But to survive in a secret world of spies and assassins, kill orders and kingpins, there’s no one you’d rather have by your side than Titus Quayle…
NOTE: THE PROTECTOR was originally titled BROKEN SQUARE.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2020
420 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 8, 2021
Old Style Espionage
Brilliant book which was very well written, the attention to detail was profound and the story fairly zipped along with plenty of twists and turns. Considering the epoch it was a well crafted tome which can be read at any time and without further ado I thoroughly recommend this book.
Brilliant book which was very well written, the attention to detail was profound and the story fairly zipped along with plenty of twists and turns. Considering the epoch it was a well crafted tome which can be read at any time and without further ado I thoroughly recommend this book.
December 15, 2022
Could have been a contender, not a bum, but the author was way too lazy, as were the people responsible for producing the e-book version. And the final reveal made it utterly impossible to give more than two stars.
March 21, 2021
This was a very good, well written story. Loved the entire concept of the book, even with all the grammatical errors and missing words, which I assume was from a bad transfer to digital (as another reviewer also stated).
Being on the good side of Titus Quayle is definitely preferable, as nobody should ever want to be in his line of sight. As one of the best MI6 operatives the intelligence service has ever had, he is smart, cunning, and extremely lethal. The service abandoned him and left him for dead after he was captured and thrown into a Libyan prison. Mistake number one.
Years later, alive and trying to live out a peaceful, low key existence in a tiny village on the island of Serifos, he has a welcome visitor, Holly Morton, the daughter of a fellow operative and good friend of Quayle. Life seems to be good.
After retiring, and moving to Australia, Holly’s father continued to try and solve the last case he worked on. Those efforts get him killed, and now Quayle’s peaceful existence is shattered when people come looking for Holly to bring her in for questioning about her father’s work. Mistake number two.
Now Quayle needs to go on the offensive and not only protect Holly, but try and find anything that may still exist about what her father was working on before it is too late. Quayle the hunter is also Quayle the hunted, and he must use all the skills in his arsenal to live through this and keep Holly safe.
This is not a book for people that dislike stories that jump from timeline to timeline and place to place as there is plenty of that throughout the entire book. But if you can make it though the jumps, the grammatical errors, and the occasional missing word, you are in for a pretty good story. A shame the author never wrote anything else with Titus Quayle, as I think he had quite the character to build stories around.
Being on the good side of Titus Quayle is definitely preferable, as nobody should ever want to be in his line of sight. As one of the best MI6 operatives the intelligence service has ever had, he is smart, cunning, and extremely lethal. The service abandoned him and left him for dead after he was captured and thrown into a Libyan prison. Mistake number one.
Years later, alive and trying to live out a peaceful, low key existence in a tiny village on the island of Serifos, he has a welcome visitor, Holly Morton, the daughter of a fellow operative and good friend of Quayle. Life seems to be good.
After retiring, and moving to Australia, Holly’s father continued to try and solve the last case he worked on. Those efforts get him killed, and now Quayle’s peaceful existence is shattered when people come looking for Holly to bring her in for questioning about her father’s work. Mistake number two.
Now Quayle needs to go on the offensive and not only protect Holly, but try and find anything that may still exist about what her father was working on before it is too late. Quayle the hunter is also Quayle the hunted, and he must use all the skills in his arsenal to live through this and keep Holly safe.
This is not a book for people that dislike stories that jump from timeline to timeline and place to place as there is plenty of that throughout the entire book. But if you can make it though the jumps, the grammatical errors, and the occasional missing word, you are in for a pretty good story. A shame the author never wrote anything else with Titus Quayle, as I think he had quite the character to build stories around.
October 3, 2021
as usual an engrossing tale of intrigue and welldrawn characters ,but still reckon LET not the DEEP
IS one of the best books he has written. john h
IS one of the best books he has written. john h
August 14, 2022
I'm kind of baffled by the high ratings as I thought this was pretty weak. It is a curious mixture of styles. There's elements of Le Carre combined with more traditional action hero fare but I didn't feel that the two meshed together well at all. The pacing is uneven. The biggest problem though was the plot. The individual elements of the plot just didn't make any sense at all to me. 2.5/5
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February 5, 2021Disjointed and jumps around a lot but stuck with it and it was reasonable but I would not read again. I like a bit more rough and tumble and this more Spy and stealth which I found boring
December 22, 2021
This is a long book, and I listened it on Audible, which isn't always the best way to listen to a complex story as part of my mind is always on whatever it is I am doing as I listen. It is of its time, being set in the 1980s, so when Titus lights a cigarette on a plane, it jarred for just a moment and reminded me of just how much life has changed. No mobile phones and the fax is in constant use. What really struck me was the geopolitics. I have been listening to 'Doomsday Watch' with the senior diplomat Arthur Snell on Apple Podcasts. When this book is set, Russia is interested in peace with the rest of the world. And then came Putin. One lecture is called, What Putin Wants. That is scary. He is, as I type at the end of 2021, massing troops on the border with Ukraine. He interfered with the US elections to ensure Trump won and put at least ten million pounds into ensuring the UK left Europe. Another lecture is entitled America's Next Civil War?, thankfully with a question mark. When canvassed, most US Republicans still believe, or so they say, that Trump really won the election, not Biden. The lecture discusses what happens when a large proportion of society looses faith in its institutions, such as voting being valid, the police, the judiciary. It seems democracy fails. And if democracy fails, it is usually a civil war that settles who will govern. Here in the UK we have had a number of civil wars, Stephen and Martha, the Wars of the Roses, the rule of the Roundheads (we haven't always been a monarchy). The US civil war scars still have not completely healed, many people that Trump attracted indicated that when they turned up to his rallies with Confederate flags. The 1980s in this book now appear somewhat stable, compared to today, when the KGB could be respected as 'the other side but just like us'. Now they wander into Salisbury to murder at will, and then declare that they were visiting the cathedral. And the 'bad guys' in the book now potentially have even more money at their disposal. It is a good book and well written, though the hero falling in love was clumsily done. That could have been written in a far more subtle way. And I was completely confused as to why that certain party of men were up in the mountains in the first place. Perhaps because I wasn't paying attention. But if you like your plots challenging and your warrior strong, this is still even in the 2020s a good read.
March 27, 2022
The story starts with a mysterious fire, then jumps away and does not return for a while.
Titus Quayle is an ex-MI6 operative, and he fits into the superhuman category if ever any character did. He speaks (it seems) all languages, with accents, and kill with the wave of a hand, and has the expert eye of perfection. When he was burned, abandoned and left for dead, his association with MI6 ended. Or so he thought.
Quayle is unwillingly pulled back into the ‘great’ game, and we find him living in an out-of-the-way town in Greece with Holly Morton, the daughter of the man who recruited him. Set in the mid-80s, the story pits MI5, MI6, the KGB and various others against a wide-reaching global conspiracy, and Quayle, whilst outside the system, is the key to stopping it. We join him on his journey around the world, desperate to keep Holly safe as he fights to discover the truth.
This is as usual with Mr. Lunnon-Wood a splendid story. The initial part of this review might sound slightly critical of the superhuman Quayle, but many authors use such people to weave a story, and ML-W does it better than most. The atmospherics and attention to detail are there, in the details about the climbing at the end, the trip to Hong Kong, and the various other locations. As ever, I slightly regret finishing on of this authors books, as there are so few of them, and I will soon run out.
Titus Quayle is an ex-MI6 operative, and he fits into the superhuman category if ever any character did. He speaks (it seems) all languages, with accents, and kill with the wave of a hand, and has the expert eye of perfection. When he was burned, abandoned and left for dead, his association with MI6 ended. Or so he thought.
Quayle is unwillingly pulled back into the ‘great’ game, and we find him living in an out-of-the-way town in Greece with Holly Morton, the daughter of the man who recruited him. Set in the mid-80s, the story pits MI5, MI6, the KGB and various others against a wide-reaching global conspiracy, and Quayle, whilst outside the system, is the key to stopping it. We join him on his journey around the world, desperate to keep Holly safe as he fights to discover the truth.
This is as usual with Mr. Lunnon-Wood a splendid story. The initial part of this review might sound slightly critical of the superhuman Quayle, but many authors use such people to weave a story, and ML-W does it better than most. The atmospherics and attention to detail are there, in the details about the climbing at the end, the trip to Hong Kong, and the various other locations. As ever, I slightly regret finishing on of this authors books, as there are so few of them, and I will soon run out.
June 27, 2021
This is a product of its era. The author was a thorough researcher, and that's a bit of a problem because he evidently feels - like his contemporary Tom Clancy - that he has to dump it all into the text. The result can be a pointless naming of specialist brands or types of climbing gear. On the other hand, it does feel a bit more realistic than some other action thrillers.
It is a bit too long and convoluted - again, that's partially because it's a product of its era. But, really, I got a bit fed up with trying to hold in my head the endless characters - particularly the British Establishment figures, who blended into each other. Also problematic was that many character's surnames were a bit homophonic. After the first false ending I practically gave up paying attention and couldn't quite believe the climax it was building towards.
There were also a few spelling mistakes, some of which can be excused on the back of the fact that the interwebs wasn't around back yon. However, to describe a shrug as Gaelic, rather than Gallic, is an inexcusable howler. People from the West Coast of Scotland (of which I am one) are not renowned for shrugging, but the French are.
It is a bit too long and convoluted - again, that's partially because it's a product of its era. But, really, I got a bit fed up with trying to hold in my head the endless characters - particularly the British Establishment figures, who blended into each other. Also problematic was that many character's surnames were a bit homophonic. After the first false ending I practically gave up paying attention and couldn't quite believe the climax it was building towards.
There were also a few spelling mistakes, some of which can be excused on the back of the fact that the interwebs wasn't around back yon. However, to describe a shrug as Gaelic, rather than Gallic, is an inexcusable howler. People from the West Coast of Scotland (of which I am one) are not renowned for shrugging, but the French are.
May 23, 2022
Published more than a decade after the author's death, it is obvious that perhaps the version lacks a final brutal edit, likely out of a misguided notion of respect for the departed.
The writing is beautiful and the story engaging but sometimes meandering with timelines that fall outside the scope of reality.
One other minor quibble, perhaps a very short added prologue just to clarify the year in which the events take place since a natural assumption is that a book published in 2020 is set in the modern-day and it takes some time to grasp that the "current day" for the book's narrative is, in fact, roughly 30 years prior to today. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are flashbacks to the main character's own childhood at the beginning of the book ...
The writing is beautiful and the story engaging but sometimes meandering with timelines that fall outside the scope of reality.
One other minor quibble, perhaps a very short added prologue just to clarify the year in which the events take place since a natural assumption is that a book published in 2020 is set in the modern-day and it takes some time to grasp that the "current day" for the book's narrative is, in fact, roughly 30 years prior to today. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are flashbacks to the main character's own childhood at the beginning of the book ...
August 19, 2021
The Protector
At the start I struggled with all the different names being mentioned. However, as the book went on I got into it and enjoyed it. I did find it jumped around a little and because the chapters were long, a new paragraph was taking you from one part of the storyline to another. For me there was just something missing to make this a good book, but I am struggling to put my finger on what that was. Whilst it did hold my attention, it wasn’t a book that I just didn’t want to put down. A 4.25 out of 5 from me.
At the start I struggled with all the different names being mentioned. However, as the book went on I got into it and enjoyed it. I did find it jumped around a little and because the chapters were long, a new paragraph was taking you from one part of the storyline to another. For me there was just something missing to make this a good book, but I am struggling to put my finger on what that was. Whilst it did hold my attention, it wasn’t a book that I just didn’t want to put down. A 4.25 out of 5 from me.
December 12, 2021
I fir one miss Mike Lunnon-Wood. His passing a great sadness. Here’s a writer that believes in big stories with big characters with well-researched and beautifully executed plots, subplots wrapped with superb prose and presentation that still makes me smile. Ear-to-ear. Why? He takes real life, and while he has wiggling in his real life world, out come the fiction. Is it real? Who cares! It’s the ride that matters. The protector is such a ride. You still reading this? Shame on you! Get busy reading. Ride-on!
September 12, 2021
It may be worth sketching out a map of characters as you progress through this spy novel as there are many different factions pitted against each other. The story is redolent of le Carré, but not overly so. The main protagonist, Titus Quale is tough, gritty yet has a soft loving side - which didn't quite equate in my mind. Occasionally the storyline is a little rushed, particularly the ending, but on the whole this is a well crafted if a little confusing 1990's romp.
February 8, 2021
Good fast moving thriller.
First class thriller bringing a recovering British secret agent back into the game of political skullduggery across the world. Skullduggery that results in the death of close friends and the path of revenge assisted by agents from other countries also trying to uncover the truth and traitors.
First class thriller bringing a recovering British secret agent back into the game of political skullduggery across the world. Skullduggery that results in the death of close friends and the path of revenge assisted by agents from other countries also trying to uncover the truth and traitors.
October 25, 2021
Enjoyed this book, but sometimes got the character confused. There were too many of them! When I started this book I thought it was written last year, and was a bit confused by some of the background events. Do we really allow smoking on planes ? I now realise it was originally published in 1998 which explains a lot.
November 24, 2020
5 Stars
A great read and very hard to put down. The book was really well written and involved many interesting characters. It was an intelligent and thought provoking story from start to finish. A big thank you to the author and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A great read and very hard to put down. The book was really well written and involved many interesting characters. It was an intelligent and thought provoking story from start to finish. A big thank you to the author and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 8, 2020
Brilliant spy story with terrific research
Loved this book as it brings together the very best global spy agencies into an international conspiracy.....brilliant research and character builds...just terrific
Loved this book as it brings together the very best global spy agencies into an international conspiracy.....brilliant research and character builds...just terrific
February 14, 2021
Good story
Well written. Not being a climber I found some of the technical references difficult to picture. A number of grammatical errors and a few words missed when translated into digital form. Overall enjoyed this book
Well written. Not being a climber I found some of the technical references difficult to picture. A number of grammatical errors and a few words missed when translated into digital form. Overall enjoyed this book
June 14, 2021
Sadly nowhere as good as his other books. Not overly well researched and moves into the realm of action fantasy with an unbeatable hero etc etc.
A shame, as his other books have been thoroughly enjoyable.
A shame, as his other books have been thoroughly enjoyable.
July 13, 2021
Disappointing. Full of unbelievable, stretched, description of Titus Quale's abilities as more than a superman . The way the Code is coded and deciphered takes it to ridiculous levels . Hardly believable and belongs to category of "Science Fiction " in my view!
August 7, 2021
Top notch thriller.
Thoroughly entertaining read , very violent and moves all over world. Hero seems a good but goes to extremes to carry out his assignments definitely someone to have on your side.
Thoroughly entertaining read , very violent and moves all over world. Hero seems a good but goes to extremes to carry out his assignments definitely someone to have on your side.
August 14, 2021
The Protector is a well written, old school espionage thriller. It takes a while to get to the center of the plot but the suspense and the thrill are worth it. But I think toward the end those 2 factor kinda drop a little bit but still entertaining, though.
August 21, 2021
A good old-fashioned espionage adventure. The plot unravels slowly at first with seemingly unrelated events which adds some confusion for the reader. The plot varies in speed and the author skips over some aspects and draws out other scenes with no real reason.
A little predictable and rushed at the end but overall ticks the boxes for an action adventure based in a post-cold war / pre technological era.
A little predictable and rushed at the end but overall ticks the boxes for an action adventure based in a post-cold war / pre technological era.
September 23, 2021
Brilliant
This book is absolutely brilliant, it has everything you’d want from a thriller, murder, mystery, suspense and cunning. It’s full of more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. In fact they should make it into a film, it would be a box office hit. Happy reading.
This book is absolutely brilliant, it has everything you’d want from a thriller, murder, mystery, suspense and cunning. It’s full of more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. In fact they should make it into a film, it would be a box office hit. Happy reading.
December 18, 2021
It started off very strongly, promising a lot more to come. In the end, to me at least, it became lots of imagination to believe the story.
That being said, I will still read the Lunnon Wood book and hope for the best
That being said, I will still read the Lunnon Wood book and hope for the best
September 7, 2022
Too long, too convoluted, too many characters. And the main plot, the big plan the bad guys were doing, I didn’t quite catch it to be honest. It got lost somewhere in the boring stuff. I really wanted to like this. I did not.
March 4, 2021
The protector
A gripping read from start to finish.
Plenty of action and intrigue although you do have to concentrate to keep track of the background information.
A gripping read from start to finish.
Plenty of action and intrigue although you do have to concentrate to keep track of the background information.
March 10, 2021
Excellent. Intelligent and complex espionage story. Not just a simple action hero yarn that title might suggest.
March 23, 2021
Ripping great yarn
Ridiculous but somehow believable that a single man could take on the rest and win -
Good twists and turns along the way
Most enjoyable
Ridiculous but somehow believable that a single man could take on the rest and win -
Good twists and turns along the way
Most enjoyable
Read
March 27, 2021Good read but I had to look up all technical climbing terms to understand what he was writing about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews