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The Journalist
Jamie Ryder is a highly-trained officer in the British army with a
beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has
quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him.
Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security
contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading
impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life.
While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s
desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet
this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between
the IRA and Basque Separatists.
Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse,
and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the
other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line
Jamie knows he must do his duty.
beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has
quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him.
Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security
contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading
impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life.
While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s
desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet
this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between
the IRA and Basque Separatists.
Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse,
and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the
other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line
Jamie knows he must do his duty.
- GenresThriller
246 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2021
13 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
John Reid Young
4 books12 followersJohn Reid Young was born in London in 1957. Although he has spent most of his life in the Canary Islands, home to his paternal ancestors since the middle of the 19th century, he was educated at private schools in England and Scotland. At university he read Law and Politics and completed his studies with a Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies. After spending time in the UK and elsewhere he returned to the Canary Islands. A family man with a Spanish wife and two sons, he enjoys nothing more than swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the mountains and gardening. He owns Tenerife Private Tours with which he finds great pleasure meeting people from all over the world. He has provided his voice to numerous recordings and has translated a series of documents and publications. He has published several articles and keeps an historical blog, Travel Stories in Tenerife and the Canary Islands. His collections of short stories, and his first novel, a thriller, confirm his passion fo telling a good story.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 14, 2024
This is the first book in a new and exciting series - the Jamie Ryder thriller series.
I think I've mentioned before that I don't often read much of this genre - but I do love watching films/series that focus on this theme and are packed with action.
This was a relatively short book, but there was so much going on from start to finish!
The writing style was super engaging and I found this really hard to put down.
Jamie had it all - he was a highly trained army officer and was settled with his girlfriend - but when he finds himself without either, he heads off to the Scilly Isles to start to rebuild his life.
Jamie was a great character - I loved his determination to do the right thing. Even having left the army, I'm sure that sense of duty never really leaves you.
I was intrigued by his background and wonder if we'll get to explore more of his past in future books in the series.
This was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
I think I've mentioned before that I don't often read much of this genre - but I do love watching films/series that focus on this theme and are packed with action.
This was a relatively short book, but there was so much going on from start to finish!
The writing style was super engaging and I found this really hard to put down.
Jamie had it all - he was a highly trained army officer and was settled with his girlfriend - but when he finds himself without either, he heads off to the Scilly Isles to start to rebuild his life.
Jamie was a great character - I loved his determination to do the right thing. Even having left the army, I'm sure that sense of duty never really leaves you.
I was intrigued by his background and wonder if we'll get to explore more of his past in future books in the series.
This was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
September 11, 2021
John Reid Young’s first full-length novel demonstrates his masterful ability to spellbind the reader. His shorter stories about authentic characters among the “English” community in Tenerife have already earned him a following of charmed and loyal readers. With “The Journalist” he introduces a more fictional but attractively swashbuckling character with robust ties to Tenerife and, the author hints, a proclivity for uncovering the seamier side of the island in the late 1980s as land development for time-shares and tourism rears its head.
After resigning in 1988 from his regiment as an officer and trained combatant, young Jamie Ryder finds himself at a crossroads. He is the casualty of multiple circumstances: firstly, his deeply regretted decision to leave the British military and return to his home in Tenerife; secondly, the unexpected infidelity of his Spanish fiancée; and thirdly the menace of shady land development dealings that his ex-fiancé’s father may have become involved in.
Uncertain what to do, Jamie leaves Tenerife first for London, then for Cornwall and then for the Isles of Scilly after a fortuitous meeting with a bright young woman at the annual reunion of his old boarding school. In Scilly, he impulsively agrees to crew a yacht to Northern Spain and unwittingly becomes embroiled in an IRA operation to purchase arms from Basque terrorists and smuggle them back to Ireland on a yacht stolen – unbeknownst to Jamie -- from a retired British brigadier who served in Northern Ireland. When Jamie discovers the true purpose of the voyage, his natural acumen and his military training take over.
The resulting clashes between terrorist organizations, national governments, named politicians of the day like Margaret Thatcher and Sir Geoffrey Howe, the special services, the armed services, MI6, and the police are packed with suspense and action in which Jamie plays the lead role.
As well as telling a spellbinding story in “The Journalist”, John Reid Young subtly prepares the stage for a series of novels featuring this daring young ex-British Army officer who is as comfortable in Spanish society as in English, as handy with a pistol as he is with the tiller of a yacht, and becomes involved in the underworld of espionage and political devilry.
John Reid Young’s dashing new hero, Jamie Ryder, promises to become a special agent so outstanding that this, and future novels in the series, will give James Bond, Jason Bourne, Quiller, and even Modesty Blaise serious competition among devoted readers of undercover operations with a firm bond to true life.
After resigning in 1988 from his regiment as an officer and trained combatant, young Jamie Ryder finds himself at a crossroads. He is the casualty of multiple circumstances: firstly, his deeply regretted decision to leave the British military and return to his home in Tenerife; secondly, the unexpected infidelity of his Spanish fiancée; and thirdly the menace of shady land development dealings that his ex-fiancé’s father may have become involved in.
Uncertain what to do, Jamie leaves Tenerife first for London, then for Cornwall and then for the Isles of Scilly after a fortuitous meeting with a bright young woman at the annual reunion of his old boarding school. In Scilly, he impulsively agrees to crew a yacht to Northern Spain and unwittingly becomes embroiled in an IRA operation to purchase arms from Basque terrorists and smuggle them back to Ireland on a yacht stolen – unbeknownst to Jamie -- from a retired British brigadier who served in Northern Ireland. When Jamie discovers the true purpose of the voyage, his natural acumen and his military training take over.
The resulting clashes between terrorist organizations, national governments, named politicians of the day like Margaret Thatcher and Sir Geoffrey Howe, the special services, the armed services, MI6, and the police are packed with suspense and action in which Jamie plays the lead role.
As well as telling a spellbinding story in “The Journalist”, John Reid Young subtly prepares the stage for a series of novels featuring this daring young ex-British Army officer who is as comfortable in Spanish society as in English, as handy with a pistol as he is with the tiller of a yacht, and becomes involved in the underworld of espionage and political devilry.
John Reid Young’s dashing new hero, Jamie Ryder, promises to become a special agent so outstanding that this, and future novels in the series, will give James Bond, Jason Bourne, Quiller, and even Modesty Blaise serious competition among devoted readers of undercover operations with a firm bond to true life.
December 1, 2024
A winding start to an epic twist makes this a great first installment to the Jamie Ryder thriller series.
This book had a bit of a slow start. It’s the first in a series, so you’re just getting introduced to the character. At first, I wasn’t a huge fan of Jamie Ryder. Also, I was a little hesitant and confused about the storyline. Why were we following these random people – none of whom appeared to be a journalist?
And bam! When you get the payoff, it is totally worth it! It’s definitely one of THOSE stories! Where, yeah, you have to wait for it, but it’s like a choo-choo train. You start slow and build up to it, and then you’re barreling along at breakneck speeds and can’t physically read fast enough to keep up with the pace of how fast you want to consume what is happening! And I love it! Sometimes it’s exactly perfect for how you’re feeling, and for the exact story.
And every little random encounter ends up making perfect sense and making the story tie up into a perfect little package at the end. That is always chefs kiss Love it!!
And our main character Jamie, definitely grows on me throughout this book! I’m not sure he’s my favorite character ever, but he’s going through some things in the beginning and we get to see him grow and change throughout the story. And I love Ruth so much!! She’s a firecracker who knows what she wants and gets it! My grandma was named Ruth, and she reminds me a lot of her. It’s a good representation of the name, I think.
Spy thrillers aren’t usually my thing, but this one was a really interesting take. It definitely fits the category, but in a quirky new kind of way. So, I’d definitely give it a try, if you’re on the fence about the genre!
Who’s It For?
If you love a good spy novel, but with twists and turns you’d never see coming this book is for you. Also, if you enjoy some sweet romance thrown in, there’s some of that as well.
Content Warnings: Murder, Violence, Death, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Crime, Alcohol Abuse
This book had a bit of a slow start. It’s the first in a series, so you’re just getting introduced to the character. At first, I wasn’t a huge fan of Jamie Ryder. Also, I was a little hesitant and confused about the storyline. Why were we following these random people – none of whom appeared to be a journalist?
And bam! When you get the payoff, it is totally worth it! It’s definitely one of THOSE stories! Where, yeah, you have to wait for it, but it’s like a choo-choo train. You start slow and build up to it, and then you’re barreling along at breakneck speeds and can’t physically read fast enough to keep up with the pace of how fast you want to consume what is happening! And I love it! Sometimes it’s exactly perfect for how you’re feeling, and for the exact story.
And every little random encounter ends up making perfect sense and making the story tie up into a perfect little package at the end. That is always chefs kiss Love it!!
And our main character Jamie, definitely grows on me throughout this book! I’m not sure he’s my favorite character ever, but he’s going through some things in the beginning and we get to see him grow and change throughout the story. And I love Ruth so much!! She’s a firecracker who knows what she wants and gets it! My grandma was named Ruth, and she reminds me a lot of her. It’s a good representation of the name, I think.
Spy thrillers aren’t usually my thing, but this one was a really interesting take. It definitely fits the category, but in a quirky new kind of way. So, I’d definitely give it a try, if you’re on the fence about the genre!
Who’s It For?
If you love a good spy novel, but with twists and turns you’d never see coming this book is for you. Also, if you enjoy some sweet romance thrown in, there’s some of that as well.
Content Warnings: Murder, Violence, Death, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Crime, Alcohol Abuse
April 12, 2024
This is the first book in a brand new thriller series, and if this one is anything to go by, it's going to be brilliant.
Jamie appears to have it all, pretty much the perfect life. Until, all of a sudden, he doesn't. And what do you do when your life falls apart? Get caught up in some major action of course.
There was plenty of action, but also lots of real human emotion. John has clearly done his research into the IRA and British Army. This book felt so real it probably could be.
I really hope we don't have to wait too long for book two.
Jamie appears to have it all, pretty much the perfect life. Until, all of a sudden, he doesn't. And what do you do when your life falls apart? Get caught up in some major action of course.
There was plenty of action, but also lots of real human emotion. John has clearly done his research into the IRA and British Army. This book felt so real it probably could be.
I really hope we don't have to wait too long for book two.
March 30, 2023
Set in the 1980s, Jamie is experiencing bad luck after bad luck. Upon his return to England, Jamie's life kickstarts down a new direction and he embarks on an investigative journey as he pretends to be a journalist. Jamie's life is in danger, but he has nothing left to lose. The gritty story is plot-driven and descriptive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
Good interesting story
I liked the international element of the story but didn't think out went into enough detail about the backgrounds of the situations they and their organisations were in. I was less interested in the 'street style' violence between the main characters. I also thought 'the guy gets the girl' element of the story was more schmaltzy filler than necessary to the plot and interesting.
I liked the international element of the story but didn't think out went into enough detail about the backgrounds of the situations they and their organisations were in. I was less interested in the 'street style' violence between the main characters. I also thought 'the guy gets the girl' element of the story was more schmaltzy filler than necessary to the plot and interesting.
July 24, 2023
A lot of suspense, a lof of descriptive writing, some really tense and interesting moments. Overall an interesting story which is told from different perspectives and it was exciting to see it all come together.
My main criticisms were that there were too many points of view changes and a lot of unnecessary description at times, but overall the story arc was interesting.
ARC
My main criticisms were that there were too many points of view changes and a lot of unnecessary description at times, but overall the story arc was interesting.
ARC
September 17, 2022
I was drawn to this because of the Tenerife link, but there was less Tenerife than I’d expected.
It was a good read with excitement, intrigue and a bit of romance.
There was a bit too much detail at times but overall I enjoyed it
It was a good read with excitement, intrigue and a bit of romance.
There was a bit too much detail at times but overall I enjoyed it
August 14, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3OUBJeo.
After deciding not the re-enlist in the British Army Jamie goes home to propose to his childhood sweetheart. However, when he gets there things have changed in the sleepy islands of his youth. She has moved on with her father's blessing leaving Jamie adrift and regretting his decision to leave the military. Intent to see what other options his life may take he sets off, meeting a beautiful young teacher who convinces him to travel with a boater who tells of his partner's sickness and need for a translator. Instead, Jamie soon finds himself wrapped within a dangerous trafficking. Can he expose those behind this and get the small vessel to the British before he loses his life for this cause?
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts off very slow and the statement about doing ones duty is pounded into your head within these pages. Once the book picks up it is quite enjoyable. We have a small yacht that has a certain past being used by a Spaniard and a Scot to transport and then make a sell. After the unfortunate "illness" of the Spaniard the Scot needs a new translator, lucking upon the travelling Jamie, who agrees after some prompting from his girlfriend. The two travel in relative peace until the truth is discovered and Jamie must play along or join his new partner in order to stay alive.
The only real thing that bothered me about this book is the fact that Jamie never wanted to leave the military. Not really. He did it for his girl. Okay, sure. Believable. He didn't re-up and went home. But it is stated over and over and over that you can't re-enlist once you have left the British forces. Now, I know for a fact that isn't the case here in America and it seemed a bit ridiculous that it would be in other nations. Especially if the officer was climbing the ranks and left in good standing. So, I looked it up. You can absolutely re-enlist. They LOVE it when that happens. So....a large premise of this book is not rooted in fact. I know authors get embellishment rights, but come on. Fiction should be based in fact.
Other than that oversight, or intentional change (not sure which), the book is believable and largely enjoyable. The characters aren't two dimensional and the scenes are well described. All in all it was a decent book that lived up to it's thriller name. Just go in with eyes open to take the "facts" with a grain of salt.
After deciding not the re-enlist in the British Army Jamie goes home to propose to his childhood sweetheart. However, when he gets there things have changed in the sleepy islands of his youth. She has moved on with her father's blessing leaving Jamie adrift and regretting his decision to leave the military. Intent to see what other options his life may take he sets off, meeting a beautiful young teacher who convinces him to travel with a boater who tells of his partner's sickness and need for a translator. Instead, Jamie soon finds himself wrapped within a dangerous trafficking. Can he expose those behind this and get the small vessel to the British before he loses his life for this cause?
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts off very slow and the statement about doing ones duty is pounded into your head within these pages. Once the book picks up it is quite enjoyable. We have a small yacht that has a certain past being used by a Spaniard and a Scot to transport and then make a sell. After the unfortunate "illness" of the Spaniard the Scot needs a new translator, lucking upon the travelling Jamie, who agrees after some prompting from his girlfriend. The two travel in relative peace until the truth is discovered and Jamie must play along or join his new partner in order to stay alive.
The only real thing that bothered me about this book is the fact that Jamie never wanted to leave the military. Not really. He did it for his girl. Okay, sure. Believable. He didn't re-up and went home. But it is stated over and over and over that you can't re-enlist once you have left the British forces. Now, I know for a fact that isn't the case here in America and it seemed a bit ridiculous that it would be in other nations. Especially if the officer was climbing the ranks and left in good standing. So, I looked it up. You can absolutely re-enlist. They LOVE it when that happens. So....a large premise of this book is not rooted in fact. I know authors get embellishment rights, but come on. Fiction should be based in fact.
Other than that oversight, or intentional change (not sure which), the book is believable and largely enjoyable. The characters aren't two dimensional and the scenes are well described. All in all it was a decent book that lived up to it's thriller name. Just go in with eyes open to take the "facts" with a grain of salt.
May 6, 2023
Oh, i love how the journalist begins, opening with a heartbreaks and ending with a warmheart. British soldier Jamie Ryder feels deceived by his lover. Even though Jamie Ryder had sacrificed the most for his sweetheart, their beautiful dreams together faded in the course of a single night. Jamie Ryder makes the decision to go to London after having a horrible night in an effort to discover something new that would help him recover. The school reunion Jamie Ryder was hesitant to go to turns out to be the beginning of his quest. navigating danger and love up ahead.
In order to make the stories totally engaging, John Reid Young demonstrates his obvious experience with ships and the seas. He also skillfully illustrates the stunning vistas of the Canary Islands, Ireland, Spain, and the rest of Europe that he offers to readers. The author does a great job of tying up this murder mystery with a heroic tale and a tender but hurting romance. Even though it was so difficult to grasp in the earlier chapters, the Irish-Basque conflict is described in full at the conclusion. However, the explanation in the following chapter is excellent.
How Jamie Ryder becomes a journalist is a craze that turns out to be a breath of fresh air for him in the future, in order to dodge the question of whether he is unemployed. The change of story between the individuals in it does not interfere with the plot. Unexpected threats can be avoided with military experience. He believed that his life had purpose and that he could survive a disaster because he loved Jamie Ryder. The story feels smooth but so emphatic, like a journey "the journalist" had all. a love story, crime and history. once you open it it's hard to close it. This book is highly recommended, earning a 4 out of 5 star rating, and it may make downtime enjoyable.
In order to make the stories totally engaging, John Reid Young demonstrates his obvious experience with ships and the seas. He also skillfully illustrates the stunning vistas of the Canary Islands, Ireland, Spain, and the rest of Europe that he offers to readers. The author does a great job of tying up this murder mystery with a heroic tale and a tender but hurting romance. Even though it was so difficult to grasp in the earlier chapters, the Irish-Basque conflict is described in full at the conclusion. However, the explanation in the following chapter is excellent.
How Jamie Ryder becomes a journalist is a craze that turns out to be a breath of fresh air for him in the future, in order to dodge the question of whether he is unemployed. The change of story between the individuals in it does not interfere with the plot. Unexpected threats can be avoided with military experience. He believed that his life had purpose and that he could survive a disaster because he loved Jamie Ryder. The story feels smooth but so emphatic, like a journey "the journalist" had all. a love story, crime and history. once you open it it's hard to close it. This book is highly recommended, earning a 4 out of 5 star rating, and it may make downtime enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
Here is my review of The Journalist by John Reid Young
This was a great read and I got into it from the start. I liked the character Jamie Ryder who had resigned from the army to be with his girlfriend, only to find she had been cheating on him with someone else. He was crushed and didn’t know what to do with himself. He eventually came back to England and met someone else who lived on the scilly Isles, so he decided to visit her. Things go haywire after that. The author has written a good book using a good plot and taking us a little way back in time to 1988. The writing is good and gets you involved with the story very easily. I enjoyed this story and hope there will be a second book.
Blurb :
Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone does their duty.
Jamie Ryder is a highly-trained officer in the British army with a beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him.
Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life.
While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between the IRA and Basque Separatists.
Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse, and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line Jamie knows he must do his duty…
This was a great read and I got into it from the start. I liked the character Jamie Ryder who had resigned from the army to be with his girlfriend, only to find she had been cheating on him with someone else. He was crushed and didn’t know what to do with himself. He eventually came back to England and met someone else who lived on the scilly Isles, so he decided to visit her. Things go haywire after that. The author has written a good book using a good plot and taking us a little way back in time to 1988. The writing is good and gets you involved with the story very easily. I enjoyed this story and hope there will be a second book.
Blurb :
Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone does their duty.
Jamie Ryder is a highly-trained officer in the British army with a beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him.
Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life.
While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between the IRA and Basque Separatists.
Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse, and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line Jamie knows he must do his duty…
May 28, 2025
The Journalist is a fast-moving, exciting story that hooks you from the first few pages. Jamie Ryder, a highly trained British soldier, suddenly finds himself with nothing—he’s quit the army, his girlfriend has left him, and he's completely lost. Hoping for a fresh start, he heads to the quiet Scilly Isles. But things take a surprising turn when he meets Brendan, a friendly and persuasive Irishman who asks for help delivering a yacht to Spain. Jamie says yes—only to discover he's stepped into something far more dangerous than he imagined.
Brendan is one of the most interesting parts of the story. He’s charming and seems trustworthy, but there’s always the feeling that he’s hiding more than he’s saying. As the journey unfolds, you realize Brendan is deeply involved in a gun-running operation linked to the IRA and Basque separatists. He pulls Jamie into this risky world, but it’s not clear whether he’s a villain, a victim, or something in between. The tension between their uneasy friendship and the growing danger keeps you turning the pages.
What really makes this book work is that it’s not just about action—it’s about choices. Jamie could have walked away, but instead he decides to step up and try to stop something truly terrible. You can feel his inner struggle, and it makes him a relatable and likable character. The settings feel real, the story is full of twists, and by the end, you’ll be eager to see where Jamie’s journey goes next. The Journalist is a strong start to a promising new thriller series.
Brendan is one of the most interesting parts of the story. He’s charming and seems trustworthy, but there’s always the feeling that he’s hiding more than he’s saying. As the journey unfolds, you realize Brendan is deeply involved in a gun-running operation linked to the IRA and Basque separatists. He pulls Jamie into this risky world, but it’s not clear whether he’s a villain, a victim, or something in between. The tension between their uneasy friendship and the growing danger keeps you turning the pages.
What really makes this book work is that it’s not just about action—it’s about choices. Jamie could have walked away, but instead he decides to step up and try to stop something truly terrible. You can feel his inner struggle, and it makes him a relatable and likable character. The settings feel real, the story is full of twists, and by the end, you’ll be eager to see where Jamie’s journey goes next. The Journalist is a strong start to a promising new thriller series.
April 8, 2024
The Journalist by John Reid Young.
Book 1 in the Jamie Ryder thriller series.
Jamie Ryder is a highly-trained officer in the British army with a beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him. Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life. While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between the IRA and Basque Separatists. Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse, and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line Jamie knows he must do his duty…
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover. This was a short read which I got into straight away. I did like Jamie. It felt as though I was there watching everything. It had a bit of everything mystery romance travel and murder. Read in 2 sitting. I was rooting for Jamie. Although a short read this book had plenty of action. I did like the ending and I can't wait for the next book. 4*.
Book 1 in the Jamie Ryder thriller series.
Jamie Ryder is a highly-trained officer in the British army with a beautiful girlfriend and a bright future. But within a few days he has quit his regiment, and his girlfriend has left him. Lost and alone, Jamie considers opportunities offered by security contacts in London. But a chance meeting sees him heading impulsively to the Scilly Isles to try and rebuild his life. While there he meets Brendan, a personable Irishman who’s desperate for help to deliver a yacht to a port in northern Spain. Yet this isn’t any normal cruise, but a gun-running operation between the IRA and Basque Separatists. Jamie finds himself at the centre of a deadly game of cat and mouse, and a terrifying plot only he can foil. It would be easy to look the other way, but he’s not running any more. With lives on the line Jamie knows he must do his duty…
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover. This was a short read which I got into straight away. I did like Jamie. It felt as though I was there watching everything. It had a bit of everything mystery romance travel and murder. Read in 2 sitting. I was rooting for Jamie. Although a short read this book had plenty of action. I did like the ending and I can't wait for the next book. 4*.
January 27, 2023
“The Journalist” opens with heartbreak. Lost love and a beloved career in the British Army gone, Jamie Ryder is in a state of free fall, unsure what to do next. Travelling to London in search of a future outside of the military he stumbles upon a new and intriguing woman. Setting off to find this woman again, Jamie travels solo under the guise of being a journalist to avoid the judgement and questions, eventually getting talked into a sailing adventure to Spain on a yellow yacht.
Beginning with heartbreak and espionage, this story turns what would be a hilarious set of events, if they weren’t so gruesome, into an action packed, romance skimming, sea faring read! Author John Reid Young takes his obvious skill with ships and sea to bring a wholly entertaining story to the page. Spanning beautiful scenery, Young transports readers to the Canary Islands, Ireland, Spain, and all across Europe.
This story has a lot of intermingling parts leaving readers on the edges of their seats for the entirety of the ride. From land to sea, romance to organized crime, “The Journalist” had it all. “The Journalist” appears to just the beginning of Jamie Ryder’s adventures, as this hero and accidental journalist leaves the door open for more.
Beginning with heartbreak and espionage, this story turns what would be a hilarious set of events, if they weren’t so gruesome, into an action packed, romance skimming, sea faring read! Author John Reid Young takes his obvious skill with ships and sea to bring a wholly entertaining story to the page. Spanning beautiful scenery, Young transports readers to the Canary Islands, Ireland, Spain, and all across Europe.
This story has a lot of intermingling parts leaving readers on the edges of their seats for the entirety of the ride. From land to sea, romance to organized crime, “The Journalist” had it all. “The Journalist” appears to just the beginning of Jamie Ryder’s adventures, as this hero and accidental journalist leaves the door open for more.
January 22, 2026
The Journalist by John Reid Young is a standout thriller that grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. This book blends high stakes, razor-sharp suspense, and compelling character work into a story that feels both fast-paced and richly layered. What really drew me in was the way Young balances the intensity of the plot with deeply human moments. Jamie Ryder is a protagonist who feels real smart, determined, and flawed in all the right ways. Watching her navigate danger, uncover secrets, and confront ethical dilemmas made the journey feel personal and urgent. The pacing is excellent throughout: scenes build tension or deepen emotional resonance without ever feeling rushed or padded. The twists are genuinely surprising but never forced, and the investigative elements are detailed in a way that feels authentic without bogging down the narrative. I was especially impressed by the thematic richness Young explores the power (and responsibility) of the press, the cost of truth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of threats both seen and unseen. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read smart, thrilling, and emotionally engaging. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven thrillers and anyone who loves a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
April 11, 2024
This book has it all, action, adventure, mystery, espionage, and even a love story. It is about life and choices and figuring out what to do after the choices do not lead to the expected outcome. Jamie made choices to start a life with the girl he always dreamed of but when things don’t go the way he planned he is at loose ends. With an empty future in front of him he sets out to try and figure out what he wants in life. Just as he thinks he finds it he makes a choice that puts him in danger. Can he figure a way out before it is too late? There are lots of pieces, storylines, and characters to introduce so for me the book started out slowly. About half way through it, as all of the pieces came together, the pace picked up and I raced through the rest of the book If you are a fan of spy thrillers give this book a try.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
April 8, 2024
Thank you @authorjohnreidyoung and @lovebookstours for the chance to read and review this book!
The Journalist by John Reid Young (A Jamie Ryder thriller)
Genre: Crime | Thriller Fiction
Pages: 258
Publisher: Reidten Publishing
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Life can change in the blink of an eye. Jamie Ryder thought he had it all, a successful career with the British army and a plan to propose to the love of his life. The Journalist is a captivating read that shows us what happens when it all falls apart. A beautiful blend of action and human emotions, a crime thriller that is well written and keeps you turning the page! This book is an exhilarating jump off the diving board into this new series!
The Journalist by John Reid Young (A Jamie Ryder thriller)
Genre: Crime | Thriller Fiction
Pages: 258
Publisher: Reidten Publishing
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Life can change in the blink of an eye. Jamie Ryder thought he had it all, a successful career with the British army and a plan to propose to the love of his life. The Journalist is a captivating read that shows us what happens when it all falls apart. A beautiful blend of action and human emotions, a crime thriller that is well written and keeps you turning the page! This book is an exhilarating jump off the diving board into this new series!
June 4, 2024
The Journalist by John Reid Young follows Jamie Ryder, a former British army officer whose life unravels rapidly after quitting his regiment and losing his girlfriend. Seeking a fresh start, Jamie heads to the Scilly Isles where he meets Brendan, an Irishman in need of help for a perilous gun-running mission between the IRA and Basque Separatists. Drawn into a deadly game, Jamie must navigate this dangerous world and thwart a terrifying plot. This gripping thriller combines elements of suspense and action, showcasing Jamie’s resolve to do his duty despite the risks. The story is a fast-paced journey through treacherous waters and moral dilemmas.
December 17, 2025
This was tense from the moment Jamie stepped back into trouble. I liked how it slowly pulls you in what starts as a chance encounter turns into a genuinely dangerous spiral. The settings feel lived-in, the politics add weight, and Ryder’s refusal to walk away kept me hooked right to the end.
October 13, 2025
Excellent writing! Compelling and intriguing!
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