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Jayne Robinson #4
The Queen's Pawn
CIA checkmated . . . A defecting oligarch meets a grisly death in London over a game of chess. CIA investigator Jayne Robinson is sent to Moscow on a high-risk mission to find out why. And the US president prepares for a crisis summit as Russia grabs a chunk of Ukraine.
The dead oligarch is apparently ready to pass on top secret information about the Kremlin’s increasingly hostile plans and strategy. But he never gets the chance.
Operative Robinson is dispatched to Moscow to extract information from a highly-placed asset in Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
But the operation does not go to plan, and Robinson is left in a desperate battle not just to get what she needs, but for her personal survival.
The ensuing game of diplomatic chess becomes highly personal for Robinson as she swiftly learns it’s impossible to know who to trust—either on the other side, or on her own.
She ends up delving deep for answers into the dirtiest and most dangerous corners of Russian and western European capital cities—as the US president fights to save his career.
The dead oligarch is apparently ready to pass on top secret information about the Kremlin’s increasingly hostile plans and strategy. But he never gets the chance.
Operative Robinson is dispatched to Moscow to extract information from a highly-placed asset in Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
But the operation does not go to plan, and Robinson is left in a desperate battle not just to get what she needs, but for her personal survival.
The ensuing game of diplomatic chess becomes highly personal for Robinson as she swiftly learns it’s impossible to know who to trust—either on the other side, or on her own.
She ends up delving deep for answers into the dirtiest and most dangerous corners of Russian and western European capital cities—as the US president fights to save his career.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2023
347 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Turpin
13 books126 followersAndrew is a former journalist who has always had a love of writing and a passion for reading good thrillers. Now he has finally put the two interests together.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
His first book in the Joe Johnson thriller series, The Last Nazi, was published in August 2017, and the second, The Old Bridge, in January 2018. The third, Bandit Country, followed in February 2018. In January 2019 the fourth, Stalin's Final Sting, was published along with a prequel to the series, entitled The Afghan. Book #5 in the series, The Nazi's Son, appeared in November 2019, followed by book 6, The Black Sea, published in May 2020.
The themes behind these thrillers also pull together some of Andrew’s other interests, particularly history, world news, and travel. They explore the ways in which events and human behaviors deep into the past continue to impact on modern society, politics and business.
All of Andrew's books draw strongly on these themes. They feature Joe Johnson, an ex-CIA officer and former U.S. Nazi hunter with the Office of Special Investigations, part of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Johnson has a passion for justice and a drive to investigate unsolved war crimes in different parts of the world.
Andrew studied history at Loughborough University and worked for many years as a business and financial journalist before becoming a corporate and financial communications adviser with several large energy companies.
He originally came from Grantham, Lincolnshire, and lives with his family in St. Albans in Hertfordshire, U.K.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 25, 2023
QP: Checkmate? Or just Check?
Another chapter in the pulse racing ride through Jayne Robinson's ride with Joe Johnson to keep the world in balance and out of war with Russia tightly ratcheting up the tension with the very real Ukraine under military attack so Russia can "practice maneuvers" on a nation busy minding its own business feeding itself and a great deal of the nations around it. Funny how five years ago, nobody thought anything about the Ukraine except it was the bread basket of Europe and its capital was Kiev, but now, everyone recognizes most of the people they personally recognize are Ukrainians, the capital is really Kyiv, pronounced "Keyv," and they are far braver and more heroic than anybody should have to be just going about the daily business of living life.
Well, thank God, Jayne and Joe are around to help and thank God Andrew Turkish can tightly and smoothly write about it, because all these happening are just far too real to toss off as just the mind of a retired journalist, clever mind and flexible fingers staying busy for entertainment. The plot is so tight, so strong, so, well, real, it is totally believable. It might be so totally believable because what is going on in the background we call life IS what is going on. This is not practice, folks, nor a play: this is it. I can't tell you from personal experience that every scrape Jayne gets into happened, but I can tell you that some of those characters, the real ones, do act just the way she encounters and you just well better have her sharp whip-smart mind if you encounter them. I can tell you the landscape of the novels is spot on and with few words Mr. Turpin absolutely nails them, as well as the atmosphere and as Papa Hemingway said: "how the weather was." As each of these novels has ended, I have been exhausted, as though it was now my turn to vacation in Maine, have a lobster and cold swim, or even go home to Portland, where I'd love to wind down to a regular life and ramp back up for my next adventure curated by Andrew Turpin's solid skill. I have to admit of all nine, this is hands down my favorite, the most exciting (please note I have avoided "thrilling" as the most overused word of this fantastically fabulous genre) power threatening concept struggles. Many people have done it well, and I've read them all. Right now, for my money, Turkish is the fresh imaginative nouvelle vague that does it better than anyone else and the best part, the VERY best part, he tells us two persons, even just one plus convictions can make all the difference in the world. Now don't you think that's worth the price of a cup of coffee?
Another chapter in the pulse racing ride through Jayne Robinson's ride with Joe Johnson to keep the world in balance and out of war with Russia tightly ratcheting up the tension with the very real Ukraine under military attack so Russia can "practice maneuvers" on a nation busy minding its own business feeding itself and a great deal of the nations around it. Funny how five years ago, nobody thought anything about the Ukraine except it was the bread basket of Europe and its capital was Kiev, but now, everyone recognizes most of the people they personally recognize are Ukrainians, the capital is really Kyiv, pronounced "Keyv," and they are far braver and more heroic than anybody should have to be just going about the daily business of living life.
Well, thank God, Jayne and Joe are around to help and thank God Andrew Turkish can tightly and smoothly write about it, because all these happening are just far too real to toss off as just the mind of a retired journalist, clever mind and flexible fingers staying busy for entertainment. The plot is so tight, so strong, so, well, real, it is totally believable. It might be so totally believable because what is going on in the background we call life IS what is going on. This is not practice, folks, nor a play: this is it. I can't tell you from personal experience that every scrape Jayne gets into happened, but I can tell you that some of those characters, the real ones, do act just the way she encounters and you just well better have her sharp whip-smart mind if you encounter them. I can tell you the landscape of the novels is spot on and with few words Mr. Turpin absolutely nails them, as well as the atmosphere and as Papa Hemingway said: "how the weather was." As each of these novels has ended, I have been exhausted, as though it was now my turn to vacation in Maine, have a lobster and cold swim, or even go home to Portland, where I'd love to wind down to a regular life and ramp back up for my next adventure curated by Andrew Turpin's solid skill. I have to admit of all nine, this is hands down my favorite, the most exciting (please note I have avoided "thrilling" as the most overused word of this fantastically fabulous genre) power threatening concept struggles. Many people have done it well, and I've read them all. Right now, for my money, Turkish is the fresh imaginative nouvelle vague that does it better than anyone else and the best part, the VERY best part, he tells us two persons, even just one plus convictions can make all the difference in the world. Now don't you think that's worth the price of a cup of coffee?
February 1, 2023
Jayne Robinson is quite some hero. In her fifties, she has the razor-sharp mind demanded of an intelligence agent, the courage to face the most frightening of challenges and she doesn't shy away from the rough stuff either. All of these attributes are needed in vast quantities to overcome the threats she faces in THE QUEEN'S PAWN. And she's a thoroughly decent woman ; lover, step-mother to be and loyal colleague.
The first part of the narrative is unbelievably tense as Jayne tries to escape from a Russia ruthlessly determined to all it can to stop her. Orders for her neutralisation come from the very top, Putin himself. Then there's the cleverly constructed plot to turn the tables on the west's enemies. Both sides put their A teams into the field including Jayne's partner Joe Johnson while the Russians have a woman, an attractive late fifties operative, once a champion chess player. She has the nastiness of a Rosa Klebb but the deadly attraction of a fading femme fatale. It's a story torn from today's headlines, as the trailer for a fifties black and white movie might have put it. And boy, does it work. Andrew Turpin marches on.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
The first part of the narrative is unbelievably tense as Jayne tries to escape from a Russia ruthlessly determined to all it can to stop her. Orders for her neutralisation come from the very top, Putin himself. Then there's the cleverly constructed plot to turn the tables on the west's enemies. Both sides put their A teams into the field including Jayne's partner Joe Johnson while the Russians have a woman, an attractive late fifties operative, once a champion chess player. She has the nastiness of a Rosa Klebb but the deadly attraction of a fading femme fatale. It's a story torn from today's headlines, as the trailer for a fifties black and white movie might have put it. And boy, does it work. Andrew Turpin marches on.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
February 13, 2023
Another spectacular addition to the Jayne Robinson series, The Queen's Pawn finds Jayne involved with secrets more dangerous than ever. When a Russian businessman is killed before being able to defect and pass on sensitive information to the American government, Jayne is roped in to find out what he knew and why it was worth his death to keep him quiet. From London to America, Russia and Ukraine, she must stay one step ahead of her enemies if she is going to uncover the truth in time.
Andrew Turpin is so good at creating these deeply interwoven political storylines. The attention to detail is, as always, phenomenal. It is such a thrilling ride to see the puzzle pieces come to light and fall into place, ending with the most unexpected and shocking revelations of all. I highly enjoyed this book, and will continue to keep up with anything Andrew Turpin writes.
Andrew Turpin is so good at creating these deeply interwoven political storylines. The attention to detail is, as always, phenomenal. It is such a thrilling ride to see the puzzle pieces come to light and fall into place, ending with the most unexpected and shocking revelations of all. I highly enjoyed this book, and will continue to keep up with anything Andrew Turpin writes.
January 7, 2023
This series just gets better and better! If you are familiar with this author’s work read this book and if you have never read this author now is the time to start. Like all of his works, is very fast paced and action packed. The characters are multidimensional and you will either love them or hate them. The author makes this story real by bringing the story into the present but from another level. Once you start reading you will not put this book down. I would also recommend that if you have not read any of this author’s work before start at the beginning and you will be in for a treat, it is that good.
July 9, 2023
Jayne Robinson continues her work for the cia, solving problems to work out what on earth Russia are up to with very limited information.
I enjoyed all the different parts of the storyline which linked well to one another and were easy to follow. It is a very enjoyable and easy read that makes you want to carry on reading.
I feel the end of the book was somewhat of a disappointment. I was hoping for a much bigger fight and mystery at the end instead it seemed like the book ended very quickly without a big climax. Maybe i just wanted it to be even longer as I was enjoying it so much but I was left wanting more.
I enjoyed all the different parts of the storyline which linked well to one another and were easy to follow. It is a very enjoyable and easy read that makes you want to carry on reading.
I feel the end of the book was somewhat of a disappointment. I was hoping for a much bigger fight and mystery at the end instead it seemed like the book ended very quickly without a big climax. Maybe i just wanted it to be even longer as I was enjoying it so much but I was left wanting more.
January 13, 2023
I am a huge Andrew Turpin fan - both his Joe Johnson series and this 4th Jayne Robinson one. Jayne is an operative called into action when a Russian oligarch is poisoned and dies in London. She is sent to Moscow to determine what he was going to pass along that is crucial information for the West. Full of twists and turns, Jayne ultimately uncovers a decade s-old plot that will bring back power to Russia. On the eve of todays current Ukraine invasion, it is timely and very exciting. Highly recommend - will have a hard time waiting 6 months for the next book in the series!
December 25, 2022
An excellent counterintelligence story with respect to the author for his insight into Russian -Western politics in a high speed chase to discover 2 highly place individuals with the Western allies. Spearheading the investigation is Jayne Robinson, a former agent for British intelligence and now free lancing for both CIS and British intelligence. But can she find the moles before it is too late for the West to do anything. A long story but well worth reading.
October 31, 2025
This series is absolutely fantastic. I am extremely impressed with the research carried out by the author. He also shares the information with his readers, which is extremely interesting. Although it’s fiction, I call it facto fiction because of the references to actual places and people.
Well done Andrew and thanks for really brilliant series. I have also read all the Joe Johnson books. Amazing author.
Well done Andrew and thanks for really brilliant series. I have also read all the Joe Johnson books. Amazing author.
January 31, 2023
another excellent book in the robinson series.
good twists and turns and several examples of "life imitating art " as things were happening in real life similar to what was happening in the book
i highly recommend the whole series and the johnson series before.
however , if you choose to start with this book, andrew gives enough information during the book that you will be fine.
good twists and turns and several examples of "life imitating art " as things were happening in real life similar to what was happening in the book
i highly recommend the whole series and the johnson series before.
however , if you choose to start with this book, andrew gives enough information during the book that you will be fine.
January 11, 2023
Yet another gripping story from Andrew and very topical for our times. A page turner that's difficult to put down until it's finished! An intricate plot that twists and turns from one exciting scene to another. I thoroughly recommend it, a great read.
Rob.
Rob.
January 18, 2023
Clever, plausible, intriguing
My kind of spy novel, this narrative includes action, International complexities, and links to European history. Old school methods for communication remain useful as cyber systems fail or require upgrades. Who can be trusted? Well, Jayne of course.
My kind of spy novel, this narrative includes action, International complexities, and links to European history. Old school methods for communication remain useful as cyber systems fail or require upgrades. Who can be trusted? Well, Jayne of course.
February 12, 2023
Both , the Joe Johnson and Jayne Robinsons are Very good series'
Both , the Joe Johnson and Jayne Robinsons are Very good series'. Lots of plot twists and turns. The beginnings draw you in and they are hard to put down. You need to find out what's happened! Very good reads!
Both , the Joe Johnson and Jayne Robinsons are Very good series'. Lots of plot twists and turns. The beginnings draw you in and they are hard to put down. You need to find out what's happened! Very good reads!
December 16, 2023
technical specifications
A good read but as usual this author gets lost in too many technical specifications which are not relevant to the average reader. Who cares whether it is a Beretta or a Walter pk which is holstered? The same goes with type of helicopter used.
A good read but as usual this author gets lost in too many technical specifications which are not relevant to the average reader. Who cares whether it is a Beretta or a Walter pk which is holstered? The same goes with type of helicopter used.
January 6, 2025
Good book/series
Jayne is a wonderful character/agent there is never a dull moment in these books. I am very surprised at her age how she is able to keep doing what she does. I highly recommend this series can't wait for next one.
Jayne is a wonderful character/agent there is never a dull moment in these books. I am very surprised at her age how she is able to keep doing what she does. I highly recommend this series can't wait for next one.
June 10, 2025
Hold on to Your Hat!
Mr. Turkish hyped up the heat with this one. The oh my goodness breath intake occurs so many times. Like a Hail Mary in a championship football game, the goosebumps just keep on happening!
Mr. Turkish hyped up the heat with this one. The oh my goodness breath intake occurs so many times. Like a Hail Mary in a championship football game, the goosebumps just keep on happening!
December 18, 2022
An extremely well written story, completely believable. Full of action from start to finish, with a great cast of characters. An edge of the seat page turner.
February 9, 2023
This was a great read. The story lines were not overly complicated but the pace was very captivating.
February 15, 2023
Grandmaster
The characters are well-developed and believable. The plot keeps moving and never wanders. The writing is tight and engaging. Hot book about the Cold War.
The characters are well-developed and believable. The plot keeps moving and never wanders. The writing is tight and engaging. Hot book about the Cold War.
August 8, 2023
Enjoyable, multi faceted plots
A great read, linked to real events, keeps you wanting to keep on reading. Whilst fiction plot is not far from what could have happened.
A great read, linked to real events, keeps you wanting to keep on reading. Whilst fiction plot is not far from what could have happened.
September 10, 2023
Excellent novel
Very exciting read. Good plot and characters. Best of the four in this series so far. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
Very exciting read. Good plot and characters. Best of the four in this series so far. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
June 4, 2024
Treason
Another excellent story with twist and turns that keeps you in not wanting to put the book down,cannot wait to read the next installment.
Another excellent story with twist and turns that keeps you in not wanting to put the book down,cannot wait to read the next installment.
June 28, 2024
Interesting look at background for today's events
Seeing the workings for what is going on in the east reminds us that the cold war is stil a real threat to the world.
Seeing the workings for what is going on in the east reminds us that the cold war is stil a real threat to the world.
August 19, 2025
Fun read, with recent history as the backdrop
This story feels like it could be true. It ties well into the recent war in Ukraine. A fun read!
This story feels like it could be true. It ties well into the recent war in Ukraine. A fun read!
March 26, 2023
So realistic it's terrifying!
Based on current world events this novel reads as if you're reading the latest New York Times exclusive or listening to CNN's breaking news. From the extremely competent operatives to the detestable foreign agents you find yourself wrapped up in a story so convincing you wonder if the author himself isn't a retired American or British operative.
Based on current world events this novel reads as if you're reading the latest New York Times exclusive or listening to CNN's breaking news. From the extremely competent operatives to the detestable foreign agents you find yourself wrapped up in a story so convincing you wonder if the author himself isn't a retired American or British operative.
January 6, 2023
This was a fantastic book by a fantastic author. Make sure u have the time to read it in one sitting. It’s nonstop action, drama and heart pounding suspense! I couldn’t put it down. I rotated between sitting on the edge of my seat to holding my breathe praying Jayne would get out of some pretty hair raising situation! I was so into the book I felt like I was right beside her instead of reading from the comfort of my home! This is the best book this author has ever written! Once my pulse slows down I will read it again to make sure I didn’t miss anything. This would make a great blockbuster movie. I love all the characters! I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s an absolutely fantastic book! If I could give it 10 stars I would!
January 5, 2023
This was another cracking, by the seat of your pants read. Absolutely brilliant work. At times you could cut the tension with a knife.
It felt very close to real life, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Perfect spy thriller once again Mr Turpin.
It felt very close to real life, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Perfect spy thriller once again Mr Turpin.
March 13, 2025
Jayne isn't your ordinary spy girl, she's way smarter than any Tarzan. Read the series from #1 thru #5 Andrew Turpin keeps building the characters through fictional events that rival any spy thriller. A good read, but I was left with a few inconsistencies that went unresolved. Like in one chapter she's doomed, and then the chapter ends, and I didn't find out "how'd she get out of that one?"
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews