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James Ryker #8
Outsider
James Ryker stumbles into a chilling conspiracy in a small Norwegian town . . .
Travelling through frozen north Norway, Ryker isn’t looking for trouble, but he has a habit of finding it. After a near miss on the road with a young moped driver, a local policeman assists the teenager and encourages Ryker on his way. But when Ryker travels to the nearby small town of Blodstein—only to be warded off by the locals when he asks questions about the boy he nearly killed—his instincts as a longtime intelligence agent fire.
Ryker is determined to find out who the boy is, and where he has gone, but soon finds himself pulling at the edges of a conspiracy that threatens to erupt with blood and violence. Unless he can determine the truth and put an end to it all. But as the outsider, is there anyone he can trust?
Travelling through frozen north Norway, Ryker isn’t looking for trouble, but he has a habit of finding it. After a near miss on the road with a young moped driver, a local policeman assists the teenager and encourages Ryker on his way. But when Ryker travels to the nearby small town of Blodstein—only to be warded off by the locals when he asks questions about the boy he nearly killed—his instincts as a longtime intelligence agent fire.
Ryker is determined to find out who the boy is, and where he has gone, but soon finds himself pulling at the edges of a conspiracy that threatens to erupt with blood and violence. Unless he can determine the truth and put an end to it all. But as the outsider, is there anyone he can trust?
- GenresThriller
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
268 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sinclair
34 books683 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2022
The third book in the Ryker Returns series is an exciting read like it's prequels and this anecdote is set in a small town in Norway, although it is not clear what was his purpose of the visit there? Was he running away to escape his inner demons or just taking a break from his assignment at JIA? These questions remain unanswered until the very end.
As he is traveling north of the country through Trondheim, his car gets involved in a minor accident on a narrow road involving a 14-year-old youngster, Hendrik riding a moped. Before he could offer any help, a police car stops by and whisks him away while another truck stops by and two hardened men drive off with the moped.
Ryker's instincts as a JIA officer kicks in, he smells something shady, and discreetly follows them to another town Blodstein. Meanwhile, in a parallel plot, a nervous business owner Sigurd Berg drops two oil barrels in the ocean and retires to his home and wife, Isabelle living in the same town.
James Ryker aka Carl Logan is not a welcome guest at Blodstein where everyone knows each other and is often told by people to go away from the town. This only reinforces his suspicion that something is not right and decides to stay back in the town to find Hendrik. He realizes that without any local support, his search would be futile. Luckily for Ryker, he meets an astute police officer, Pettersen, who is convinced of his willingness to help find the kid but yet to gain her trust.
As Ryker meanders through the streets and forests of Blodstein, he stumbles upon a conspiracy that goes beyond the missing boy involving corrupt cops and businessmen, the Russian mafia, and loggers who owe allegiance to the Sigurd. One event leads to another and sparks off a chain reaction of kidnappings, gun fights and carnage amongst Sigurd’s associates and the Russian chaperones.
Who is Hendrik after all? Why is a businessman and Russian mafia after this young boy? Will Ryker be able to save the kid and unveil the conspiracy brewing in Blodstein?
Brace yourself for an action-packed sequence with twists and turns typical to the Ryker series. This book can be read as a standalone to it's prequels and is certainly recommended for action lovers. Waiting for the next book in the series.
As he is traveling north of the country through Trondheim, his car gets involved in a minor accident on a narrow road involving a 14-year-old youngster, Hendrik riding a moped. Before he could offer any help, a police car stops by and whisks him away while another truck stops by and two hardened men drive off with the moped.
Ryker's instincts as a JIA officer kicks in, he smells something shady, and discreetly follows them to another town Blodstein. Meanwhile, in a parallel plot, a nervous business owner Sigurd Berg drops two oil barrels in the ocean and retires to his home and wife, Isabelle living in the same town.
James Ryker aka Carl Logan is not a welcome guest at Blodstein where everyone knows each other and is often told by people to go away from the town. This only reinforces his suspicion that something is not right and decides to stay back in the town to find Hendrik. He realizes that without any local support, his search would be futile. Luckily for Ryker, he meets an astute police officer, Pettersen, who is convinced of his willingness to help find the kid but yet to gain her trust.
As Ryker meanders through the streets and forests of Blodstein, he stumbles upon a conspiracy that goes beyond the missing boy involving corrupt cops and businessmen, the Russian mafia, and loggers who owe allegiance to the Sigurd. One event leads to another and sparks off a chain reaction of kidnappings, gun fights and carnage amongst Sigurd’s associates and the Russian chaperones.
Who is Hendrik after all? Why is a businessman and Russian mafia after this young boy? Will Ryker be able to save the kid and unveil the conspiracy brewing in Blodstein?
Brace yourself for an action-packed sequence with twists and turns typical to the Ryker series. This book can be read as a standalone to it's prequels and is certainly recommended for action lovers. Waiting for the next book in the series.
January 23, 2022
The outsider by Rob Sinclair.
The Ryker Returns Thrillers Book 3.
James Ryker stumbles into a chilling conspiracy in a small Norwegian town . .
Travelling through frozen north Norway, Ryker isn’t looking for trouble, but he has a habit of finding it. After a near miss on the road with a young moped driver, a local policeman assists the teenager and encourages Ryker on his way. But when Ryker travels to the nearby small town of Blodstein—only to be warded off by the locals when he asks questions about the boy he nearly killed—his instincts as a longtime intelligence agent fire. Ryker is determined to find out who the boy is, and where he has gone, but soon finds himself pulling at the edges of a conspiracy that threatens to erupt with blood and violence. Unless he can determine the truth and put an end to it all. But as the outsider, is there anyone he can trust?
Very very good read with good characters. I did like Ryker. He's my favourite character. I do love this series. 4*.
The Ryker Returns Thrillers Book 3.
James Ryker stumbles into a chilling conspiracy in a small Norwegian town . .
Travelling through frozen north Norway, Ryker isn’t looking for trouble, but he has a habit of finding it. After a near miss on the road with a young moped driver, a local policeman assists the teenager and encourages Ryker on his way. But when Ryker travels to the nearby small town of Blodstein—only to be warded off by the locals when he asks questions about the boy he nearly killed—his instincts as a longtime intelligence agent fire. Ryker is determined to find out who the boy is, and where he has gone, but soon finds himself pulling at the edges of a conspiracy that threatens to erupt with blood and violence. Unless he can determine the truth and put an end to it all. But as the outsider, is there anyone he can trust?
Very very good read with good characters. I did like Ryker. He's my favourite character. I do love this series. 4*.
January 10, 2022
James Ryker returns this time not actually on a mission for anyone, just moving through Europe trying to stay one step ahead of those he's sure want to do him harm. Landing in Norway a seemingly innocuous road accident piques his suspicious nature and soon he's on a mission to protect a teenage boy, but from who or why he's not sure. We see a slightly softer side to Ryker, he's even attracted to the local police Inspector. But of course there's no shortage of blood, death and destruction as the bad guys are dealt with. If you've followed the Carl Logan/James Ryker journey this won't disappoint.
December 15, 2021
This series just gets better and better.
I suppose that if your name is James Ryker and you know that TROUBLE follows you everywhere, it will even make you suspicious when a young boy of fourteen falls off his moped in front of your car – just hours after you’ve arrived in the middle of nowhere in Norway. Ryker tries to help the teenager – however – before he can, a police car arrives and the police officer, takes hold of the boy, (Hendrik) and puts him in the back of the car. Almost immediately, a truck also arrives, and two hardened men jump out and load the moped onto the back and the two vehicles speed off.
James Ryker loses them but finds a small town called Blodstein. He stops at the only restaurant and while having a meal, a policewoman arrives, and a few minutes later the same police officer who’d taken Hendrik with a very suspicious attitude and interrogates why Ryker is in his town. When asked for his name, replies, Ryker replies, Carl Logan. A name he’d changed years before.
Whether as Carl Logan, or James Ryker, he cannot see something suspicious without making further enquiries. He suspects that there is something suspicious happening in the town. He is even more convinced when the police officer introduces himself as Politiforstebetjent Wold – Inspector Wold. And tries to “persuade” him that there is nothing in the town for him – that he should move on.
Normally, Ryker is summoned to help his old firm, The JIA, a secretive organisation previously run by the UK and US governments. However, he’s in Norway, trying to keep one step ahead of his many enemies. Except, a young boy needs his help. It makes Ryker/Logan think back to his youth and the man who rescued him and turned him into the agent he’d become for the JIA.
What is so remarkable about this novel is that once again, we’re seeing a far more mature Ryker. Still very wary of the world. Still trying to escape his demons but at the same time a man who will fight for justice, regardless of his safety. I also loved the fact that I’ve left the book wondering why he was even in Norway? Why choose to visit it? What drove him there? I somehow think I might not ever get the answers.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
I suppose that if your name is James Ryker and you know that TROUBLE follows you everywhere, it will even make you suspicious when a young boy of fourteen falls off his moped in front of your car – just hours after you’ve arrived in the middle of nowhere in Norway. Ryker tries to help the teenager – however – before he can, a police car arrives and the police officer, takes hold of the boy, (Hendrik) and puts him in the back of the car. Almost immediately, a truck also arrives, and two hardened men jump out and load the moped onto the back and the two vehicles speed off.
James Ryker loses them but finds a small town called Blodstein. He stops at the only restaurant and while having a meal, a policewoman arrives, and a few minutes later the same police officer who’d taken Hendrik with a very suspicious attitude and interrogates why Ryker is in his town. When asked for his name, replies, Ryker replies, Carl Logan. A name he’d changed years before.
Whether as Carl Logan, or James Ryker, he cannot see something suspicious without making further enquiries. He suspects that there is something suspicious happening in the town. He is even more convinced when the police officer introduces himself as Politiforstebetjent Wold – Inspector Wold. And tries to “persuade” him that there is nothing in the town for him – that he should move on.
Normally, Ryker is summoned to help his old firm, The JIA, a secretive organisation previously run by the UK and US governments. However, he’s in Norway, trying to keep one step ahead of his many enemies. Except, a young boy needs his help. It makes Ryker/Logan think back to his youth and the man who rescued him and turned him into the agent he’d become for the JIA.
What is so remarkable about this novel is that once again, we’re seeing a far more mature Ryker. Still very wary of the world. Still trying to escape his demons but at the same time a man who will fight for justice, regardless of his safety. I also loved the fact that I’ve left the book wondering why he was even in Norway? Why choose to visit it? What drove him there? I somehow think I might not ever get the answers.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
November 27, 2021
Well here we go again. Book 3 in the fantastic Ryker Returns series by Rob Sinclair; it can also be read as a stand alone, although I recommend you read the earlier books for some context. Well written with a great storyline and plenty to keep you guessing.
Briefly, the storyline picks up with Ryker on a ferry to Trondheim whilst at the same time a business owner in a fishing village north of the town is dropping two oil cans into the sea. Without any explanation as to why Ryker is in Norway he is driving north when he nearly runs down a 14 year old boy on a bike. When he asks after the teen in the nearby village it appears the boy has disappeared but our former intelligence agent isn’t going to let it rest there. This starts a chain of events involving kidnapping, corruption, murder and general carnage (as you would expect with this author) all because Ryker asked after the teenagers well-being!
The plots move along swiftly with a number of twists throughout climaxing with a violent ending. Be warned there is explicit violence throughout. I loved the book and rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Bring on the next one!
Briefly, the storyline picks up with Ryker on a ferry to Trondheim whilst at the same time a business owner in a fishing village north of the town is dropping two oil cans into the sea. Without any explanation as to why Ryker is in Norway he is driving north when he nearly runs down a 14 year old boy on a bike. When he asks after the teen in the nearby village it appears the boy has disappeared but our former intelligence agent isn’t going to let it rest there. This starts a chain of events involving kidnapping, corruption, murder and general carnage (as you would expect with this author) all because Ryker asked after the teenagers well-being!
The plots move along swiftly with a number of twists throughout climaxing with a violent ending. Be warned there is explicit violence throughout. I loved the book and rated it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Bring on the next one!
November 28, 2021
This is book 3 in this series but you don't need to have read the earlier 2. I hadn't and it works well as a standalone, although it's so good that I will now go back and read the earlier ones.
Ryker is in Norway and nearly runs over a teenage boy on a moped. A local policeman arrives along with 2 guys in a truck and they take the boy and the moped back to wherever he came from. Of course, this smells off to Ryker so he follows discreetly.
What follows next is a violent thriller, full of twists, with loggers, Russians, skinheads, a corrupt businessman and cop. The pace is relentless. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed the break from my usual police procedurals and psychological thrillers. A five star read from me.
I received an advance copy from Bloodhound books in exchange for an honest review.
Ryker is in Norway and nearly runs over a teenage boy on a moped. A local policeman arrives along with 2 guys in a truck and they take the boy and the moped back to wherever he came from. Of course, this smells off to Ryker so he follows discreetly.
What follows next is a violent thriller, full of twists, with loggers, Russians, skinheads, a corrupt businessman and cop. The pace is relentless. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed the break from my usual police procedurals and psychological thrillers. A five star read from me.
I received an advance copy from Bloodhound books in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
Outsider Rob Sinclair
Ryker has not lived a painless pass. He has the scars to prove it. People he becomes close to in his past life die or are in constant danger. A price anyone pays who stays close to him. He is in Norway. No assignment no job no real reason to be there. He narrowly avoids running into a teenager on a moped who serves into his line and crashes. He is not seriously injured but when the police arrive when not summoned something doesn't feel right to Ryker. From her the story unfolds . The small Danish town he arrives in next has many secrets with a dark past. An excellent. read. Enjoyed immensely!!
Ryker has not lived a painless pass. He has the scars to prove it. People he becomes close to in his past life die or are in constant danger. A price anyone pays who stays close to him. He is in Norway. No assignment no job no real reason to be there. He narrowly avoids running into a teenager on a moped who serves into his line and crashes. He is not seriously injured but when the police arrive when not summoned something doesn't feel right to Ryker. From her the story unfolds . The small Danish town he arrives in next has many secrets with a dark past. An excellent. read. Enjoyed immensely!!
April 20, 2022
Hm. Not really my usual style of mystery. First of all, I never really figured out what business it was of Ryker's about anything that happened. He was in this city for...who knows what... and he accidentally hits a kid with his car and knocks him off his bike. And based solely on that, he gets himself caught up in all manner of bloody ickyness. It's a very bloody book. I really don't like graphic descriptions of blood and guts like that. But it's well written so it gets four stars. I'm not interested in keeping up with the series, though.
November 30, 2021
This is my honest and unbiased review of a arc book thanks to Bloodhound books.
This is the third book in the series but a stand alone in it's own right. Ryker after a near miss of knocking a teenager off his moped and a police officer and two mens intervention. When he tries to enquire how the boy is Ryker finds himself mixed up in more than what he anticipated. The book is full of twists turns and surprises and very good descriptive story line and action scenes.
This is the third book in the series but a stand alone in it's own right. Ryker after a near miss of knocking a teenager off his moped and a police officer and two mens intervention. When he tries to enquire how the boy is Ryker finds himself mixed up in more than what he anticipated. The book is full of twists turns and surprises and very good descriptive story line and action scenes.
December 2, 2021
Another great read in this James Ryker Returns series . I was delighted Ryker used his Carl Logan name as that is where it all started for me. Ryker is now freelance and in this adventure he is in Norway. He doesn't ho looking for trouble it just seems to find him. Bumping into a young boy who has come off his moped, he senses something not quite right and so the adventure begins.
A great action packed page turner as usual .
A great action packed page turner as usual .
December 6, 2021
Really loving this Ryker series from Rob Sinclair, this one finding him in Norway. Whilst the read may not be for everyone due to the violence throughout, it is still a great action story, moving along at a good speed with the usual twists and turns which we have come to expect.
It does read well as a standalone however having read the previous two books, does help to add to the full "Ryker Experience"
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
It does read well as a standalone however having read the previous two books, does help to add to the full "Ryker Experience"
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
November 22, 2021
I loved this book. Ryker is so cool. This is the first book I’ve read in the series apparently but I’m sure I’ve read one of them. I just didn’t note it down on here, lol. Anyway, was an action packed book, lots of violence, totally gripped. Will defo read more ryker! This was my honest review after bloodhound books gave me an ARC to read. Thanks to them and Rob x
November 22, 2021
This is a book by an author that I have enjoyed from the first book I picked up by him. I enjoy his writing style and his attention to details that make his story feel realistic. This is a suspenseful story about Ryker. As he is traveling he comes a young boy that he almost kills. When he starts asking questions about him things take a turn. Now he is determined to find out more about the boy. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. They pulled me into the story from the start. This is a fast paced story that is full of action and has twists and turns that you will not see coming. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
November 29, 2021
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this ARC.
I am a big fan of this author’s Ryker series and was eager to read this book. I enjoyed reading this although I felt it lacked the pace and action of the previous book which I loved. Ryker has a knack of recognising trouble and steps into help someone when travelling through Norway. I thought this book was very much a slow burner initially although the action did pick up after a while. I liked that the story was told through the different characters, some I liked and some I loathed. I enjoyed the twists here and loved the action scenes which were very descriptive. Overall a good read despite a slowish start, and one that became a very fast paced read and raced to a satisfying conclusion.
I am a big fan of this author’s Ryker series and was eager to read this book. I enjoyed reading this although I felt it lacked the pace and action of the previous book which I loved. Ryker has a knack of recognising trouble and steps into help someone when travelling through Norway. I thought this book was very much a slow burner initially although the action did pick up after a while. I liked that the story was told through the different characters, some I liked and some I loathed. I enjoyed the twists here and loved the action scenes which were very descriptive. Overall a good read despite a slowish start, and one that became a very fast paced read and raced to a satisfying conclusion.
November 27, 2021
If you like Lee Child’s Jack Reacher then you will like this book.
Ryker nearly collides with a young boy. The police & other guys on scene too quickly & take the terrified boy away. He is determined to find out what’s going on.
Lots of violence. Good book though. Worth reading.
Ryker nearly collides with a young boy. The police & other guys on scene too quickly & take the terrified boy away. He is determined to find out what’s going on.
Lots of violence. Good book though. Worth reading.
December 8, 2021
This is the first of the Ryker books I have read so came to the book with no expectations. I found it hard to get into but once in I enjoyed the book. At the beginning I did struggle with the character as he appeared to be someone who could not avoid trouble, seemed to be seeking it out. Once past that I found the book good to read.
December 21, 2021
Trouble follows, as usual
Now that Tyler has left JIA he eludes conformity similar to Lee Child's Reacher and walks into a set of circumstances that most sane people would avoid like the plague. He ruffles feathers more times than politician and like a politician he does learn from his presumptions. An entertaining thriller.
Now that Tyler has left JIA he eludes conformity similar to Lee Child's Reacher and walks into a set of circumstances that most sane people would avoid like the plague. He ruffles feathers more times than politician and like a politician he does learn from his presumptions. An entertaining thriller.
April 29, 2022
Russian mafia meets Norwegian lumberjacks
Ryker ventures North and ends up in Norway. Another fast moving plot involving kidnapping and violence. Corruption and betrayal in a plot that unravels as Ryker delivers his own special kind of justice. Fans of Ryker will not be disappointed.
Ryker ventures North and ends up in Norway. Another fast moving plot involving kidnapping and violence. Corruption and betrayal in a plot that unravels as Ryker delivers his own special kind of justice. Fans of Ryker will not be disappointed.
October 29, 2024
The Non-Starter
This writer uses a lot of words to say nothing — 46 chapters should be edited to 20. The mystery of who the boy is gets stretched out so long as to become old and when we finally find out, the journey isn’t worth it. A book that truest offers nothing —- several hours of my life invested that I can’t get back.
This writer uses a lot of words to say nothing — 46 chapters should be edited to 20. The mystery of who the boy is gets stretched out so long as to become old and when we finally find out, the journey isn’t worth it. A book that truest offers nothing —- several hours of my life invested that I can’t get back.
December 6, 2021
Loved this book lots of twists and turns never disappoints . If you love Jack Reacher this is your new found read.
This is a definite page turner and one sitting read.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
This is a definite page turner and one sitting read.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
December 8, 2021
great read as always from this series Ryker as always has to follow his intuition when something doesnt feel right and gets himself in trouble .love the way he is always soo calm when faced with a challenge roll on book 4 .
February 2, 2022
Outsider
I love Rob Sinclair and his books and this one did not disappoint. This story makes place in Norway as we find Ryker there finding himself in deep deal again. Definitely a quick read.
I love Rob Sinclair and his books and this one did not disappoint. This story makes place in Norway as we find Ryker there finding himself in deep deal again. Definitely a quick read.
February 23, 2022
Another great w
Another great story by Rob Sinclair featuring Tyler with enough action to fill a series of books . Very well written with good strong characters and a storyline that kept you gripped right to the end.
Another great story by Rob Sinclair featuring Tyler with enough action to fill a series of books . Very well written with good strong characters and a storyline that kept you gripped right to the end.
August 3, 2022
Insiders and Outsiders duel
An extraordinary story involving Norwegians and Russians also an outsider who carries the story. A vicious climax that will stun the toughest of readers. A must read for thriller fans!
An extraordinary story involving Norwegians and Russians also an outsider who carries the story. A vicious climax that will stun the toughest of readers. A must read for thriller fans!
November 10, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. Reviewed for bloodhound arc books.
November 28, 2021
3 1/2 stars
Read
December 16, 2021Another good one
I like this Ryker series. He is a mild Jack Reacher with a big heart. Ryker finds trouble and trouble finds Ryker.
I like this Ryker series. He is a mild Jack Reacher with a big heart. Ryker finds trouble and trouble finds Ryker.
December 26, 2021
Nine lifes
Another masterpiece from master Sinclair,how many lifes does James have left,but he lives to fight another day,think he needs to but out of other folks business though.
Another masterpiece from master Sinclair,how many lifes does James have left,but he lives to fight another day,think he needs to but out of other folks business though.
January 6, 2022
Good read not too much carnage.
Cant wait to move on now , book 4 is next, or maybe back to the Jack Noble series.
Rob Sinclair holds your attention well.
Cant wait to move on now , book 4 is next, or maybe back to the Jack Noble series.
Rob Sinclair holds your attention well.
March 5, 2022
Seductive
It hooks you and keeps you wanting more.
Rob Sinclair knows how to weave a terrific story. This is a great series!
It hooks you and keeps you wanting more.
Rob Sinclair knows how to weave a terrific story. This is a great series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews