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Manhunter
The brand new thriller from SAS legend and 5 million copy bestselling author Chris Ryan - introducing Joe Bowman, the ex-SAS hero battling opioid addiction and his own inner demons.
Following a botched operation in Afghanistan, Bowman is recruited into 'The Cell', a covert unit within the SAS working alongside the police - a unit so secretive most of the other guys in the Regiment don't even know it exists.
Their mission: to tackle international organised crime that threatens British interests. In a world where the Russian government is the real mob, it is the job of the Cell to take the fight to the enemy. But when a notorious British fixer to the Kremlin goes on the run, Bowman soon finds himself drawn into a deadly conspiracy, and a race against time to find his target - before the Russians get to him first.
Following a botched operation in Afghanistan, Bowman is recruited into 'The Cell', a covert unit within the SAS working alongside the police - a unit so secretive most of the other guys in the Regiment don't even know it exists.
Their mission: to tackle international organised crime that threatens British interests. In a world where the Russian government is the real mob, it is the job of the Cell to take the fight to the enemy. But when a notorious British fixer to the Kremlin goes on the run, Bowman soon finds himself drawn into a deadly conspiracy, and a race against time to find his target - before the Russians get to him first.
383 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2021
180 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
344 books1,024 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 17, 2021
A brilliant, nerve-biting thriller which kept you on the edge of your seat until the last moment. Ryan does what he does best - complex characters, great plot development and outstanding action scenes, all without losing the reader along the way.
Would have been 5 stars but for a minor gripe, mainly because I’m not sure how I felt about the ending, which to me was both cliche and rushed. Felt there was more to be unpacked about Josh’s drug addiction and the role of John/the Voice after the hurried ending. Only needed perhaps 1 or 2 more chapters to fully round off the plot with an ending worthy of such a great thriller.
Would have been 5 stars but for a minor gripe, mainly because I’m not sure how I felt about the ending, which to me was both cliche and rushed. Felt there was more to be unpacked about Josh’s drug addiction and the role of John/the Voice after the hurried ending. Only needed perhaps 1 or 2 more chapters to fully round off the plot with an ending worthy of such a great thriller.
November 11, 2021
Bowman is on a protective details. He is also an addict on opioids.
A dictator is visiting US and they protected this monster.
Turned out that this dictator has a deal with the Russians.
Plot twists and more fights in trying to protect the dictator family.
It is okay. The reflection in addiction is pretty interesting and how it caused life when the addict is not 100%. Also, on how Bowman is suffering from loss and grief and this is how he cope with the pain.
A dictator is visiting US and they protected this monster.
Turned out that this dictator has a deal with the Russians.
Plot twists and more fights in trying to protect the dictator family.
It is okay. The reflection in addiction is pretty interesting and how it caused life when the addict is not 100%. Also, on how Bowman is suffering from loss and grief and this is how he cope with the pain.
May 3, 2021
A new one from Chris Ryan that introduces a new SAS character to us.
Bowman is an experienced SAS Staff Sergeant but he has a problem, an opioid addiction that he is just about keeping secret.
On protection duty at the wedding of a minor Royal there is an assassination attempt using a bio weapon. Bowman is then drafted into a top secret SAS/MI6 team to track down the perpetrators, this eventually leads to a rush to Africa where his small team is forced to hold an isolated complex against overwhelming odds.
It’s a very fast paced story and full of the sort of action scenes that Ryan fans will enjoy. But there are some elements that just don’t click. Bowman’s opioid addiction felt odd, one minute he can’t function without them, the next “the adrenaline” kicks in and it’s like he doesn’t have a problem at all. There are some signposts to various hidden agendas and they ended up being generally unsatisfying or not really addressed.
So this was okay but not up to the standard of Ryan’s best.
Bowman is an experienced SAS Staff Sergeant but he has a problem, an opioid addiction that he is just about keeping secret.
On protection duty at the wedding of a minor Royal there is an assassination attempt using a bio weapon. Bowman is then drafted into a top secret SAS/MI6 team to track down the perpetrators, this eventually leads to a rush to Africa where his small team is forced to hold an isolated complex against overwhelming odds.
It’s a very fast paced story and full of the sort of action scenes that Ryan fans will enjoy. But there are some elements that just don’t click. Bowman’s opioid addiction felt odd, one minute he can’t function without them, the next “the adrenaline” kicks in and it’s like he doesn’t have a problem at all. There are some signposts to various hidden agendas and they ended up being generally unsatisfying or not really addressed.
So this was okay but not up to the standard of Ryan’s best.
February 9, 2022
I first heard Chris Ryan's name after watching the TV show "Strike Back" based on his novel of the same name. I remember reading about his military service, his crazy story about survival and prolific writing career. I always meant to check out his work and never got around to it, probably influenced by the extreme down turn Strike Back took past the original season.
Cut to years later, I've been in the mood for military type thrillers and while perusing the local store I see Manhunter by Chris Ryan, a name I had all but forgotten. The blurb immediately interested me; a special forces regiment dedicated to taking out organized crime. I love true crime and crime fiction, plus my hankering for military thrillers seemed like a perfect match.
Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed. I've read the kind of "airport thrillers" people would compare Ryan to before, and this seems pretty subpar even by that standard.
For me, the main point of contention, is that it sort of abandons it's premise. Even in the back of the novel in the Thank You Dear Reader, Chris Ryan refers to the story as being about gritty organized crime, however only the first half even mildly pretends to be about that at all. From the get-go the story sets the stage regarding political tensions in an African nation, the shit hits the fan when a London gangster is poisoned at a Royal wedding party and this very quickly devolves into, "this is all connected to a Russian backed coup in Africa". Cue some small globe trotting and then big battle against Socialist rebels. The crime angle is what sold me on the book and it's barely there even aesthetically. Frankly, this is why the book took me forever to finish. I kept picking it up and putting it back down because it just lost me in this way.
The characters and dialogue are the paper thin variety I was expecting from this kind of thriller. Can hardly demote points for that. The action is well written. Ryan certainly loves to tell us all about firearms and their bullet calibers but when the bullets are flying it's enjoyable.
To avoid ending the review wholly negative, there's a handful of twists in the novel I didn't really see coming and seemed to be well foreshadowed. Plus some pretty brutal stuff that shocked me.
Overall, i was disappointed. The marketing is a little off and left me disappointed and the plot and writing left me wondering if this is the same guy that was so popular those years ago. I might try reading Strike Back, give the bloke another chance. I think for everyone else, you can probably just give this one a miss.
Cut to years later, I've been in the mood for military type thrillers and while perusing the local store I see Manhunter by Chris Ryan, a name I had all but forgotten. The blurb immediately interested me; a special forces regiment dedicated to taking out organized crime. I love true crime and crime fiction, plus my hankering for military thrillers seemed like a perfect match.
Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed. I've read the kind of "airport thrillers" people would compare Ryan to before, and this seems pretty subpar even by that standard.
For me, the main point of contention, is that it sort of abandons it's premise. Even in the back of the novel in the Thank You Dear Reader, Chris Ryan refers to the story as being about gritty organized crime, however only the first half even mildly pretends to be about that at all. From the get-go the story sets the stage regarding political tensions in an African nation, the shit hits the fan when a London gangster is poisoned at a Royal wedding party and this very quickly devolves into, "this is all connected to a Russian backed coup in Africa". Cue some small globe trotting and then big battle against Socialist rebels. The crime angle is what sold me on the book and it's barely there even aesthetically. Frankly, this is why the book took me forever to finish. I kept picking it up and putting it back down because it just lost me in this way.
The characters and dialogue are the paper thin variety I was expecting from this kind of thriller. Can hardly demote points for that. The action is well written. Ryan certainly loves to tell us all about firearms and their bullet calibers but when the bullets are flying it's enjoyable.
To avoid ending the review wholly negative, there's a handful of twists in the novel I didn't really see coming and seemed to be well foreshadowed. Plus some pretty brutal stuff that shocked me.
Overall, i was disappointed. The marketing is a little off and left me disappointed and the plot and writing left me wondering if this is the same guy that was so popular those years ago. I might try reading Strike Back, give the bloke another chance. I think for everyone else, you can probably just give this one a miss.
May 17, 2021
Fans of the author know exactly what they're getting when they open the latest Chris Ryan thriller, plenty of action and a fast moving storyline, this one has both.
In the first of a new series, we meet 22 SAS’s Josh Bowman working as one of the team assigned to protect a foreign president attending a Royal wedding in London. When one of the guests at the wedding, the known head of a criminal gang is poisoned with a chemical agent that has all the trademarks of a Russian hit, he’s in the right place at the right time and comes to the attention of John Mallett, the team leader of 'The Cell' a small unit of elite operators who carry out deniable operations to protect British interests both home and abroad.
This was an easy read that moved along at a good pace, what it lacked in depth it made up for with action and firepower, the tension building as it reached a dramatic conclusion with enough twists to keep it interesting. My main problem with this novel was the character of Josh who far from being the 'best of the best' was weak and unreliable, making mistakes that put the lives of his fellow team mates and those he was protecting at risk. Hardly a hero and if he’s the best the regiment has to offer it doesn’t say much for the rest of them.
Personally I’d have liked a bit more depth but I’m not knocking him, the author knows his subject, he knows his target audience and he delivers.
My thanks to Bonnier Books UK for the advance copy for review purposes, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
In the first of a new series, we meet 22 SAS’s Josh Bowman working as one of the team assigned to protect a foreign president attending a Royal wedding in London. When one of the guests at the wedding, the known head of a criminal gang is poisoned with a chemical agent that has all the trademarks of a Russian hit, he’s in the right place at the right time and comes to the attention of John Mallett, the team leader of 'The Cell' a small unit of elite operators who carry out deniable operations to protect British interests both home and abroad.
This was an easy read that moved along at a good pace, what it lacked in depth it made up for with action and firepower, the tension building as it reached a dramatic conclusion with enough twists to keep it interesting. My main problem with this novel was the character of Josh who far from being the 'best of the best' was weak and unreliable, making mistakes that put the lives of his fellow team mates and those he was protecting at risk. Hardly a hero and if he’s the best the regiment has to offer it doesn’t say much for the rest of them.
Personally I’d have liked a bit more depth but I’m not knocking him, the author knows his subject, he knows his target audience and he delivers.
My thanks to Bonnier Books UK for the advance copy for review purposes, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 13, 2021
Not read anything by this author before, even though I have some of his books on my kindle on my "to read" list, but I have read books by similar authors and thought I'd see if this lived up to some of them.
In all honesty, the answer is yes! There is the level of detail that you would associate with someone who has been there and done that, and this shows in the book.
The story starts off as a protection detail, then the job spirals out of control and I won't spoil the story by telling you where it ends up!
The characters are interesting, with some backstory provided for the main character Josh Bowman, and explains why he does what he does. Some of the side characters are given some detail, but not too much - this could be due to possible sequel plots.
Overall a great book, and if you like your thrillers full of action and good pacing, then i would highly recommend this to you.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for a honest review.
In all honesty, the answer is yes! There is the level of detail that you would associate with someone who has been there and done that, and this shows in the book.
The story starts off as a protection detail, then the job spirals out of control and I won't spoil the story by telling you where it ends up!
The characters are interesting, with some backstory provided for the main character Josh Bowman, and explains why he does what he does. Some of the side characters are given some detail, but not too much - this could be due to possible sequel plots.
Overall a great book, and if you like your thrillers full of action and good pacing, then i would highly recommend this to you.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for a honest review.
April 19, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
I’ve read quite a few of this authors books although none in recent years. The premise of the book looked just like my kind of read and I wasn’t disappointed. I really liked the main character here. He is flawed, believable, has a good background history with a tragic past. He is recruited into ‘The Cell’, and on protection detail at a royal wedding where events take an unexpected turn. I did think this was a bit of a slow burner initially although it soon picked up pace, and thought this was a very well written book with an engaging and believable plot line, lots of twists and full of so many intricate details. The last quarter of the book literally had me on the edge of my seat and was full of suspense. The author certainly knows how to ramp up the tension here! And the reveals at the end as to who was behind all the events and why - I didn’t expect that. Fingers crossed there is follow up book to this, I would definitely read it.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve read quite a few of this authors books although none in recent years. The premise of the book looked just like my kind of read and I wasn’t disappointed. I really liked the main character here. He is flawed, believable, has a good background history with a tragic past. He is recruited into ‘The Cell’, and on protection detail at a royal wedding where events take an unexpected turn. I did think this was a bit of a slow burner initially although it soon picked up pace, and thought this was a very well written book with an engaging and believable plot line, lots of twists and full of so many intricate details. The last quarter of the book literally had me on the edge of my seat and was full of suspense. The author certainly knows how to ramp up the tension here! And the reveals at the end as to who was behind all the events and why - I didn’t expect that. Fingers crossed there is follow up book to this, I would definitely read it.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 4, 2024
I do not usually pick up books of this genre but I did like this one. It was filled with unexpected twists and turns and was a fun read overall.
The only thing which I still don't understand is, did Josh already know about Bowman's addiction and bring him on despite that? The author really shouldn't have left it hanging like that.
Bowman's addiction was not very well portrayed in my opinion. The story began with how uncontrollable his withdrawal symptoms could get if he didn't pop a pill every 12 hours or so. And yet he is working on a very critical mission without much acknowledgement for his addiction. It's as if the author forgets about Bowman's addiction and then suddenly remembers. And if Josh already knew about this (which he should, given he's selecting someone for a top secret mission), was he really sure Bowman was the right person for this task? It just feels odd.
The only thing which I still don't understand is, did Josh already know about Bowman's addiction and bring him on despite that? The author really shouldn't have left it hanging like that.
Bowman's addiction was not very well portrayed in my opinion. The story began with how uncontrollable his withdrawal symptoms could get if he didn't pop a pill every 12 hours or so. And yet he is working on a very critical mission without much acknowledgement for his addiction. It's as if the author forgets about Bowman's addiction and then suddenly remembers. And if Josh already knew about this (which he should, given he's selecting someone for a top secret mission), was he really sure Bowman was the right person for this task? It just feels odd.
April 11, 2022
I think that this is a miss as far as Chris Ryan is concerned. I feel that some of the books that fit this genre at the moment are showing how SF soldiers survive their service, addiction to either booze or drugs. The amount of books I have read of late by ex Operators, that rely on the addiction part is frightening. For me this book is not one of Chris’s best, I much prefer Ryan’s writing to that of other so called operators, including the new generation of Bingham, Middleton and Ollerton!!!
Bowman is a weak character and I really think he has had his one and only outing, at least he was a serving soldier and not the only ex SAS man that could save the world.
Mallet, however, he is a character to watch and I for one, can’t wait to read what that evil Bar stool gets up to next time.
Bowman is a weak character and I really think he has had his one and only outing, at least he was a serving soldier and not the only ex SAS man that could save the world.
Mallet, however, he is a character to watch and I for one, can’t wait to read what that evil Bar stool gets up to next time.
September 17, 2022
At the end of the book (on kindle) Chris provides an explanation on how he’s created Manhunter and the characters within, which is a change from his usual style we’re familiar with. If I’d have read this first it may have helped my acceptance of the plot and characters. However I didn’t like the weakened character of Bowman and his subservience to Mallett, it’s not what I like to see in an elite SF operator. Also the final phase of the storyline where they’re holed up in building running out of ammo and been overrun by African mobs is vaguely familiar with one of Chris’s other books (cant think which one?) so I didn’t think it was an original storyline. Overall a bit too abstract for me, not one of my favourites I’m afraid.
September 20, 2024
I think this is the first Chris Ryan book I've read, and even though I enjoyed it, it felt slow and sloppily written. The protagonists has some interesting features, such as his opioid addiction, but his lines and actions felt predictable and lame.
The secondary characters are all out of Central Casting. "Loader" is a walking cliche: fake womanizer, overall good guy, good husband, with a child on its way. What happens to him? He gets killed, of course. The tough commander, Mallet (what a name!) is rugged, decisive but hides a secret. The old friend, Mike Gregory, is praised throughout the book as a soldier's soldier, but turns out to have a black heart at the end. Can it be more predictable? That's why I only give it 3 stars.
The secondary characters are all out of Central Casting. "Loader" is a walking cliche: fake womanizer, overall good guy, good husband, with a child on its way. What happens to him? He gets killed, of course. The tough commander, Mallet (what a name!) is rugged, decisive but hides a secret. The old friend, Mike Gregory, is praised throughout the book as a soldier's soldier, but turns out to have a black heart at the end. Can it be more predictable? That's why I only give it 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
slow starter, but ends on an absolute literal blast of sustained nerve shredding action
I like the struggling dynamic in Bowman with his tortured past and his addiction, combined with trying to keep it together and still perform at the SAS elite level as a soldier too. Really good story, though quite slow to begin with as the story develops with little action, but stay with it as it has a fantastically brutal ending, with non-stop action to keep the last half of the book page turning at a blurring rate to see how it plays out in the end. Top notch from Chris with the action carefully described with knowledge along with the all out consequences a part of the story too. Roll on more Cell and Bowman stories!
I like the struggling dynamic in Bowman with his tortured past and his addiction, combined with trying to keep it together and still perform at the SAS elite level as a soldier too. Really good story, though quite slow to begin with as the story develops with little action, but stay with it as it has a fantastically brutal ending, with non-stop action to keep the last half of the book page turning at a blurring rate to see how it plays out in the end. Top notch from Chris with the action carefully described with knowledge along with the all out consequences a part of the story too. Roll on more Cell and Bowman stories!
June 1, 2021
Another fantastic book
Once again Chris Ryan writes a page turning thriller. It’s nice to read Chris talking about hard issues. For most his books the hero’s have been top notch soldiers who are on top of their game. It was good to read about someone struggling with life but trying to get it back on track. I really hope to read more of Josh and how he gets on with his life in The Cell.
Once again Chris Ryan writes a page turning thriller. It’s nice to read Chris talking about hard issues. For most his books the hero’s have been top notch soldiers who are on top of their game. It was good to read about someone struggling with life but trying to get it back on track. I really hope to read more of Josh and how he gets on with his life in The Cell.
June 16, 2022
Welcome to a textbook case study of armed conflict and a standoff involving a rescue attempt and a blood thirsty coup. This is classic Ryan. The slight tweak is that the main character is dealing with addiction. This however feels like a convenient plot point, almost a USP, but this is something that feels under-developed. Maybe we’ll see more in future books.
But for a straight up, in your face action exploration, this is a very enjoyable read.
But for a straight up, in your face action exploration, this is a very enjoyable read.
August 9, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Action from start to finish and there's so many twists and turns in the story! The story will keep you on the edge of your seat and I didn't to put the book down. The main character Joe Bowman is very complex and you fully emphathise with his pain and sadness. Interesting to see how he battles an addiction to opioids with his position within the SAS. Looking forward to future books!
November 25, 2025
A fast paced read which starts with a murder at a royal wedding in London and then moves onto a battle for the right to rule a West African country, via Monaco.
The book follows a covert SAS team as they discover the deep links between organised crime and international politics.
The author's experience as a former member of the SAS is clear in the detailed and believable descriptions of protocols and enemy engagement.
The book follows a covert SAS team as they discover the deep links between organised crime and international politics.
The author's experience as a former member of the SAS is clear in the detailed and believable descriptions of protocols and enemy engagement.
June 30, 2021
Mint!
Love all the books but love this new direction. Always been a fan of Danny Black and John Porter and Bald but looking forward to more Josh Bowman stories. Anyone that reads this and enjoys Chris' work, I definitely recommend Life or Death with Chris Ryan podcast, cracking chat with amazing guests.
Love all the books but love this new direction. Always been a fan of Danny Black and John Porter and Bald but looking forward to more Josh Bowman stories. Anyone that reads this and enjoys Chris' work, I definitely recommend Life or Death with Chris Ryan podcast, cracking chat with amazing guests.
July 16, 2022
Still good stuff coming from Chris Ryan
Been reading his stuff for years and he's still churning out decent holiday action reads. This new character seemed a bit too lightweight for the job he was doing. I prefer John Bald, a much more darkly written character and someone who wouldn't be phased by all the secret backstabbing. Still a good read, through it within a week.
Been reading his stuff for years and he's still churning out decent holiday action reads. This new character seemed a bit too lightweight for the job he was doing. I prefer John Bald, a much more darkly written character and someone who wouldn't be phased by all the secret backstabbing. Still a good read, through it within a week.
June 22, 2025
My first Chris Ryan after reading everything by McNab, and I can say I was not disappointed!
Same fast paced, detailed, violent and visual writing.
The book grabbed me and I was drawn into the story quickly.
The characters have enough dept to get stuck under your skin.
Definately going to read more from this author.
Same fast paced, detailed, violent and visual writing.
The book grabbed me and I was drawn into the story quickly.
The characters have enough dept to get stuck under your skin.
Definately going to read more from this author.
July 16, 2021
Great Story
Chris Ryan has excelled himself with this story featuring Josh Bowman an the Cell.Great characters and a plot that had more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction. I hope that there are many more to come in this series.
Chris Ryan has excelled himself with this story featuring Josh Bowman an the Cell.Great characters and a plot that had more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction. I hope that there are many more to come in this series.
January 8, 2022
Not brilliant by Chris Ryan’s standards, but action packed and easy to read.
I didn’t like the main character, Josh, but I didn’t really engage with the others either. It just missed the mark for me.
I didn’t like the main character, Josh, but I didn’t really engage with the others either. It just missed the mark for me.
Read
February 17, 2022Excellent story
Another excellent story from an excellent author this is a book that entertains
and keeps the reader wanting more I've read lots of books by Chris Ryan and they never disappoint me
Another excellent story from an excellent author this is a book that entertains
and keeps the reader wanting more I've read lots of books by Chris Ryan and they never disappoint me
January 2, 2023
Good thriller, Josh wasn’t my favourite character by a long shot but I understand him and it was nice to have a character that wasn’t perfect in every way. Loved the last third of the book the most although wish the ending dragged out a little longer. But thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
January 27, 2023
There are some interesting plot twists and a lot of action - which I liked. But there are also things that just didn't make much sense to me or remained in the air (like plot holes). Overall, it didn't quite hit the mark for me, but I am willing to try another book from this author.
May 28, 2021
Another all action thriller from Chris Ryan. If like me you've enjoyed his previous novels then this is one for you. Well worth a read.
June 7, 2021
Quite a good read. Liked the twist at the end although not totally unexpected.
June 14, 2021
5*/5 a great read, a bit different to his other books, as in this is more of a thriller as opposed to 'special forces shoot em up' if you like Chris Ryan MM i would recommend reading it.
June 24, 2021
same old...but this time give the flawed hero a drug addiction to battle through as well as enemies
It's an ok read,
It's an ok read,
August 3, 2021
Gripping story and what a twist in the final pages.
October 19, 2021
Good action sequences. Fun interpersonal dramas. One storyline was slightly baffling as it didnt add anything to the character or to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews