What do you think?
Rate this book
Lance Spector #4
The Sleeper
Narvik, Norway
A remote NATO seismic array in the far north of Norway detects the largest nuclear detonation since the days of the Soviet Union.
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
The largest icebreaker in the Norwegian Navy, and one of the most high tech vessels operating in the Arctic, disappears without trace.
Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
In the chaos following the explosion, the lead scientist on a top secret Russian military research program goes missing with his daughter. There are rumors of sabotage.
The Kremlin, Moscow
A Russian asset, embedded deep within the CIA's London Station, sends a coded message.
"Your missing scientist has made contact. I can lead you right to him."
A remote NATO seismic array in the far north of Norway detects the largest nuclear detonation since the days of the Soviet Union.
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
The largest icebreaker in the Norwegian Navy, and one of the most high tech vessels operating in the Arctic, disappears without trace.
Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
In the chaos following the explosion, the lead scientist on a top secret Russian military research program goes missing with his daughter. There are rumors of sabotage.
The Kremlin, Moscow
A Russian asset, embedded deep within the CIA's London Station, sends a coded message.
"Your missing scientist has made contact. I can lead you right to him."
674 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2021
2469 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 2, 2023
Series Review
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
October 4, 2021
Brilliant
I have read all of the Lance Spector books, and this one was just as good as the others. Fast paced, with action from start to finish, these books are impossible to put down! I also love the way that the main characters continue to develop throughout the series, so with each book you get to know them a little better - it is best to read them in order. Absolutely brilliant, this book will not disappoint.
I have read all of the Lance Spector books, and this one was just as good as the others. Fast paced, with action from start to finish, these books are impossible to put down! I also love the way that the main characters continue to develop throughout the series, so with each book you get to know them a little better - it is best to read them in order. Absolutely brilliant, this book will not disappoint.
March 8, 2023
Character of Roth
It was realistic & not supposed to be a fairy tale but in a Fiction book, Roth looks like a total crazy. That destroys a main character in the book. He kills Tenet, and the book plays out he had always planned that but it isn’t clear. He is willing to Kill Laurel, Tatyana, even Lance for terms with Surova? That doesnt stick together and destroys him as a character. I dont know if I will read another as in a Fiction story of a group of people that have rather sad lives all alone, they have to have each other and no “messes or past lies” can be in it. That has to be a flawless group that always has their backs & readers root for all of them. Now each is lying, backstabbing, and potentially having the other killed. Cohesive positive feeling was trashed. Roth was considering giving up Lance even. No, that is polar opposite of the one thing your story has to maintain and the solid ethical love the group has for each other & that each would die for the other, This book made it so each member would have the other killed if the payoff was good enough.
It was realistic & not supposed to be a fairy tale but in a Fiction book, Roth looks like a total crazy. That destroys a main character in the book. He kills Tenet, and the book plays out he had always planned that but it isn’t clear. He is willing to Kill Laurel, Tatyana, even Lance for terms with Surova? That doesnt stick together and destroys him as a character. I dont know if I will read another as in a Fiction story of a group of people that have rather sad lives all alone, they have to have each other and no “messes or past lies” can be in it. That has to be a flawless group that always has their backs & readers root for all of them. Now each is lying, backstabbing, and potentially having the other killed. Cohesive positive feeling was trashed. Roth was considering giving up Lance even. No, that is polar opposite of the one thing your story has to maintain and the solid ethical love the group has for each other & that each would die for the other, This book made it so each member would have the other killed if the payoff was good enough.
June 3, 2025
Man, with every new installment in the series, I hate the character of Roth more and more. He’s got no boundary that he won’t cross and no level he won’t stoop to do “do what’s best for his country.” Sacrificing everyone he knows and loves is never off the table. I have to admit, when Alona told him he was “just a job,” I felt immense satisfaction…but then she went and did a “suicide by assassin,” and I just had to facepalm.
Lance Spector did Lance Spector things…the “hound” that can get to anyone, no matter who they are. He’s basically a cheat code at this point. Can’t really get too invested in him as a character because of that…and, you know…killing his pregnant traitor wife.
Tatyana is probably my favorite character at this point. She’s got her flaws, but she’s not stupid, she’s extremely capable and is easy to empathize with. Her and Laurel are at least immune from the kickass female character curse that this series seems to have…where they all basically die at some point. Here’s hoping they get a happy ending at the end.
Lance Spector did Lance Spector things…the “hound” that can get to anyone, no matter who they are. He’s basically a cheat code at this point. Can’t really get too invested in him as a character because of that…and, you know…killing his pregnant traitor wife.
Tatyana is probably my favorite character at this point. She’s got her flaws, but she’s not stupid, she’s extremely capable and is easy to empathize with. Her and Laurel are at least immune from the kickass female character curse that this series seems to have…where they all basically die at some point. Here’s hoping they get a happy ending at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
Super Spy
After now reading the 4th instalment of his books it has been an interesting and at times exciting story line, which has made the books all the more enjoyable.
It's always a shame when authors get it wrong after they have written the book, like young Ads is on the train to Scotland and they are entering Edinburgh Waverley station, Haymarket station is after Waverley not before and Aviemore in the highlands of Scotland is much, much more than a village. I wonder what the inhabitants will think when they read about there small village!!!
I will continue to read the books, hopefully any mistakes will be fewer and recommend the books although Roth is turning out to be a right b.....d. All for the good old USA.
After now reading the 4th instalment of his books it has been an interesting and at times exciting story line, which has made the books all the more enjoyable.
It's always a shame when authors get it wrong after they have written the book, like young Ads is on the train to Scotland and they are entering Edinburgh Waverley station, Haymarket station is after Waverley not before and Aviemore in the highlands of Scotland is much, much more than a village. I wonder what the inhabitants will think when they read about there small village!!!
I will continue to read the books, hopefully any mistakes will be fewer and recommend the books although Roth is turning out to be a right b.....d. All for the good old USA.
October 11, 2021
just finished this one, the last one currently available until some time next year when #5 is ready good read amazing knocks it over the big green monster best of the lot so far now i have to find something else to read thought i could move right along but not to be. what else? kindle, owned...11th of october 2021 picked a cuke and a few tomatoes form the garden, in october, maybe this global warming isn't all bad, a first, no frost yet and usually the garden is done by the first week of septembe...and what is a cuke in the store? thought i saw something like .69 each. each? and...i'm off to the white supremacist meeting.
May 19, 2025
I feel like I continue punishing myself by reading about the absolute dumbasses you created.
Who is this crazy ass bitch mother with undiagnosed but very clear mania making her bullshit problems someone else's? And why is needlessly getting involved in other peoples bullshit? Everyone should just mind their own damn businesses.
You definitely need to kill off a few of your characters. Lance should be first. I will think of more.
And he gives the girl to the prostitute? With the hopes that the prostitute will change her ways now that she has two children to take care of?
Did some jank ass busted AI write this? This is bonkers.
Who is this crazy ass bitch mother with undiagnosed but very clear mania making her bullshit problems someone else's? And why is needlessly getting involved in other peoples bullshit? Everyone should just mind their own damn businesses.
You definitely need to kill off a few of your characters. Lance should be first. I will think of more.
And he gives the girl to the prostitute? With the hopes that the prostitute will change her ways now that she has two children to take care of?
Did some jank ass busted AI write this? This is bonkers.
October 6, 2022
I think i am desperate for a good spy book. I think the Lance Spector series barely cuts it but as I said I’m desperate for books to read. Saul if you read your reviews take this to heart. Get to the point. Enough drama and more action! You waste so much time with the doom and gloom! I should give YOU a 2 star but the previous books were OK. The sleeper however is suckin! I’m 3/4’s through or I would toss it.
No offense but I’m here for a GOOD story. Not your opinion on world affairs or all the drama and doom and gloom. We live that everyday.
No offense but I’m here for a GOOD story. Not your opinion on world affairs or all the drama and doom and gloom. We live that everyday.
June 28, 2023
Don't read if you need sleep
I have read 4 in this series and still waiting for one boring chapter. Saul is a cunning writer who will get you thinking this is what happens and then twist it around. One very interesting thing he does is create a person that you care about, think this will be a continuing in future books and wham they are dead.
Excellent pacing good knowledge of background very deep background of the 4 still alive main subjects.
The best thing isn't all the killing but the deep feelings of subjects.
I have read 4 in this series and still waiting for one boring chapter. Saul is a cunning writer who will get you thinking this is what happens and then twist it around. One very interesting thing he does is create a person that you care about, think this will be a continuing in future books and wham they are dead.
Excellent pacing good knowledge of background very deep background of the 4 still alive main subjects.
The best thing isn't all the killing but the deep feelings of subjects.
May 17, 2024
2.5 stars:
I wasn't going to read anymore of this story after book 3 and forgot I down loaded this book onto my kindle.
Were to begin. To many characters to keep track off only to have them die later down the story line. Lance is gone most of the story in this book and he's the main character. I feel like this is a filler book. The author is sloppy with his ideas of the story line. I can't believer there are 10 books in this series. I'm done I can't read anymore is this horrible story line. This was on Kindle Unlimited. NOT worth buying.
I wasn't going to read anymore of this story after book 3 and forgot I down loaded this book onto my kindle.
Were to begin. To many characters to keep track off only to have them die later down the story line. Lance is gone most of the story in this book and he's the main character. I feel like this is a filler book. The author is sloppy with his ideas of the story line. I can't believer there are 10 books in this series. I'm done I can't read anymore is this horrible story line. This was on Kindle Unlimited. NOT worth buying.
December 18, 2025
The pacing of these books is soooooooooooooooooo slow. And the lead character, Lance Spector, is, surprisingly, not featured much in the story until the end when he comes in to clean up all the failures of the other 2 female agents, neither of whom I particularly like or care about.
Truly, Mr. Herzog, I'd get to the point faster and surround Lance with competent, or at the least, interesting characters, and let Lance show his stuff. His brooding isn't interesting.
I think this is my last foray into this series.
Truly, Mr. Herzog, I'd get to the point faster and surround Lance with competent, or at the least, interesting characters, and let Lance show his stuff. His brooding isn't interesting.
I think this is my last foray into this series.
September 7, 2021
Great read!
Saul is a new author for me but having read a ton of books in different genres he immediately captured my attention. His books are a fun role coaster ride for the reader and hard to put down. I think he does a great job of being apolitical and dealing with the agencies and operatots rather than the politicians and their viewpoint. Just finished this one and ready for the next! Keep em coming please!
Saul is a new author for me but having read a ton of books in different genres he immediately captured my attention. His books are a fun role coaster ride for the reader and hard to put down. I think he does a great job of being apolitical and dealing with the agencies and operatots rather than the politicians and their viewpoint. Just finished this one and ready for the next! Keep em coming please!
September 13, 2021
The Sleeper
I have now read all 4 books,and can I say that each book was better than the last one,don't get me wrong,because every book was fantastic,the way you weave a story,and the characters is like impossible but you make it happen,The Sleeper for me was mindboggling,the story line was so gripping,I could not put it down,and it was very human and sad to read,but what a read Brilliant Work Saul,here's to Book 5
I have now read all 4 books,and can I say that each book was better than the last one,don't get me wrong,because every book was fantastic,the way you weave a story,and the characters is like impossible but you make it happen,The Sleeper for me was mindboggling,the story line was so gripping,I could not put it down,and it was very human and sad to read,but what a read Brilliant Work Saul,here's to Book 5
October 25, 2021
Should have been titled “Missing in Action”
Lance made one brief appearance in the first 50% of the book and in more than 90 chapters I don’t think he appeared in 15. Not what you would expect of a compelling character and the reason for buying the book. Ada was a terrific new character but not a replacement for Spector. Ending was also unsatisfactory. The prior three Spector books were terrific but this fourth edition missed the mark.
Lance made one brief appearance in the first 50% of the book and in more than 90 chapters I don’t think he appeared in 15. Not what you would expect of a compelling character and the reason for buying the book. Ada was a terrific new character but not a replacement for Spector. Ending was also unsatisfactory. The prior three Spector books were terrific but this fourth edition missed the mark.
June 30, 2023
Another Winner!
Saul Herzog delivers again in The Sleeper. This story deviates a bit from his usual protagonist, Lance Spector, and instead focuses on Lance’s colleagues, Tatiana and Levi. We get to learn what makes Levi tick and how his demons have haunted him for a lifetime. All of the intricate story lines come together nicely at the end and all revolve around the life of one little nine year old girl. Great story, great intrigue, and one great ride!
Saul Herzog delivers again in The Sleeper. This story deviates a bit from his usual protagonist, Lance Spector, and instead focuses on Lance’s colleagues, Tatiana and Levi. We get to learn what makes Levi tick and how his demons have haunted him for a lifetime. All of the intricate story lines come together nicely at the end and all revolve around the life of one little nine year old girl. Great story, great intrigue, and one great ride!
August 26, 2024
A Touch of Softness
This book has a powerful plot. It is filled with intrigue and danger and there are lots of people dying BUT it’s such a good read. I’m wondering how little Natasha will do living where she is going to be. Seeing Roth’s schemes turn to dust and taking so great a toll for its failure was saddening… But, the heartwarming scene of Lance caring for Natasha brought a touch of softness to the whole thing.
This book has a powerful plot. It is filled with intrigue and danger and there are lots of people dying BUT it’s such a good read. I’m wondering how little Natasha will do living where she is going to be. Seeing Roth’s schemes turn to dust and taking so great a toll for its failure was saddening… But, the heartwarming scene of Lance caring for Natasha brought a touch of softness to the whole thing.
April 21, 2025
I don’t know if I just missed reading about Lance Spector, and the whole CIA crew with Laurel, Tatiana, and Roth, but I found this novel to be particularly incredible! As the fourth book in the series, questions are starting to finally be answered! The long convoluted discourse between the CIA and Russia continues to escalate. I love that Saul uses real life events to inspire the plots in his book. Absolutely incredible!
August 17, 2025
Confusing
The action sequences and the intrigue was good. But, the story was all over the place. The first 3 books were better, and I guess it was Lance’s turn to take a back seat. He was scarcely in the story, even though we knew he survived the blast in the last book. I’m not sure what was on the author’s mind with this. The story was totally incoherent. Hopefully, the next book gets back on track.
The action sequences and the intrigue was good. But, the story was all over the place. The first 3 books were better, and I guess it was Lance’s turn to take a back seat. He was scarcely in the story, even though we knew he survived the blast in the last book. I’m not sure what was on the author’s mind with this. The story was totally incoherent. Hopefully, the next book gets back on track.
September 8, 2021
Enthralling
Right out of the gate, this next offering in the Lance Spectrum series is completely gripping. Unputtdownable! The story is a gripping tale of murder, espionage, betrayal over a forty year time span and Spectrum is the only answer. A spectacular read with great characters, I can’t wait for next installment
Right out of the gate, this next offering in the Lance Spectrum series is completely gripping. Unputtdownable! The story is a gripping tale of murder, espionage, betrayal over a forty year time span and Spectrum is the only answer. A spectacular read with great characters, I can’t wait for next installment
September 10, 2021
The Sleeper
There are so many moving parts it is hard to keep up sometimes the changes in location and people seem to be different stories. Some of the characters that are killed come out of nowhere and are not expected, but the answer as to why and who was behind it is not hard to figure out.
There are so many moving parts it is hard to keep up sometimes the changes in location and people seem to be different stories. Some of the characters that are killed come out of nowhere and are not expected, but the answer as to why and who was behind it is not hard to figure out.
September 10, 2021
Best book of the series
Book has many surprises. Levi's character is further developed and he is not very admirable..one wantsto.run from thoseinvolved in.ooerational intelligence. Their arrogance is frightening. In actt there is no mention of.the stepsister.from.the last book. But Its A real page turner.
Book has many surprises. Levi's character is further developed and he is not very admirable..one wantsto.run from thoseinvolved in.ooerational intelligence. Their arrogance is frightening. In actt there is no mention of.the stepsister.from.the last book. But Its A real page turner.
September 17, 2021
I couldn't sleep once I started reading.
Saul has done it again. This book was hard to put down.The characters seem so real that you feel you are invading their lives.
New characters join the cast. Some make the journey and some don't survive. All in all I really enjoyed this adventure and can't wait for the next .
Saul has done it again. This book was hard to put down.The characters seem so real that you feel you are invading their lives.
New characters join the cast. Some make the journey and some don't survive. All in all I really enjoyed this adventure and can't wait for the next .
October 5, 2021
Another great read!!
The Sleeper is another great thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It just keeps pulling you from one scene to the next with unexpected twists and turns. Even though the characters inhabit a world so foreign to us every day folks, you feel a kinship with them through it all.
The Sleeper is another great thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It just keeps pulling you from one scene to the next with unexpected twists and turns. Even though the characters inhabit a world so foreign to us every day folks, you feel a kinship with them through it all.
December 17, 2021
This book in the series is exceptional! Is reading the Sleeper I was taken to a place of high drama, intrigue and best of all history. This book has the best explanation of the Cold War and events between the “Super Powers” that I’ve seen even in text book and the author makes learning of them fascinating fun. Read the series and be better for having done so.
February 17, 2022
Enjoyable read
Spector is a great character. Roth is despicable. These two make great central characters. A good plot with great twists and characters not afraid to act.
All in a very enjoyable read and a great series. If you liked reacher and Bourne you’ll love Spector. Even more ruthless.
Spector is a great character. Roth is despicable. These two make great central characters. A good plot with great twists and characters not afraid to act.
All in a very enjoyable read and a great series. If you liked reacher and Bourne you’ll love Spector. Even more ruthless.
March 20, 2022
Another great lance spector novel. Though the plotlines continue to be a bit unbelievable but who cares its a fictional book after all! Wouldn't have believed the bit about the mole but even as Roth met in the old hamlet why did he think he couldn't be recorded? Sounds a bit ridiculous why can you trust a pub. Why didn't he have blocking equipment?
November 15, 2022
They aren’t all Heroes
Yes it was long but one you can’t put down. What happens to Lance, etc.? The next book will answer those question…or not! Wonderful adventure that keeps you riveted when people die that you didn’t expect and others, that you thought were goners survive. Will the child live? Follow Saul Herzog!
Yes it was long but one you can’t put down. What happens to Lance, etc.? The next book will answer those question…or not! Wonderful adventure that keeps you riveted when people die that you didn’t expect and others, that you thought were goners survive. Will the child live? Follow Saul Herzog!
November 18, 2022
Just devoured this 4th in the series and have already begun #5
I appreciate how Herzog doesn't rush from one action scene to the next. He takes time, allows for some breathing space, and allows the characters time to develop, reveal themselves and grow in their own damaged way.
This is a very entertaining series for any spy story fan.
I appreciate how Herzog doesn't rush from one action scene to the next. He takes time, allows for some breathing space, and allows the characters time to develop, reveal themselves and grow in their own damaged way.
This is a very entertaining series for any spy story fan.
November 30, 2022
5 Stars
The Sleeper (Lance Spector Book #4) by Saul Herzog.
A nuclear detonation in a remote area.
A high-tech ship vanishes without a trace.
A high-level Russian scientist and his daughter disappear.
Sleeper agents.
Political tensions.
Plenty of action.
This series just gets better with each new instalment.
The Sleeper (Lance Spector Book #4) by Saul Herzog.
A nuclear detonation in a remote area.
A high-tech ship vanishes without a trace.
A high-level Russian scientist and his daughter disappear.
Sleeper agents.
Political tensions.
Plenty of action.
This series just gets better with each new instalment.
December 19, 2022
another great read
The only thing I could have done without is the kinky sex. Truly don’t care what consenting adults do in private and illusion to sex to carry through story line is good enough.
The twists and turns as well as fast pace are great..The fear that it could eon-fiction . . . Scary
The only thing I could have done without is the kinky sex. Truly don’t care what consenting adults do in private and illusion to sex to carry through story line is good enough.
The twists and turns as well as fast pace are great..The fear that it could eon-fiction . . . Scary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews