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Sleeper
Tom Rivers is a middle aged professional. He has a wife and two daughters. His life is comfortable, if somewhat unremarkable. But he has a secret, that even he doesn't know about. During a business trip to London he discovers that he is instead, a genetically superior and highly trained MI5 agent who has been kept in a sleeper state for the past twenty five years and is now expected to save his country from catastrophe.
A terrorist cell has developed a weapon so devastating that it could send Britain back to the Dark Ages and, at the same time, cost thousands of innocent lives. Their leader, a charismatic and extrovert psychopath, has carefully planned his attack on the capital with America in mind as his next target. Except, there was one element he hadn't predicted - Tom Rivers as his nemesis. The game of cat and mouse races across London as Tom and his team try to stop the terrorists in time and before the threat of nuclear war becomes a reality. But there are also other sinister forces at work, operating from the shadows.
Who can be trusted?
Sleeper is a real page-turner - a gripping and engaging thriller that delivers plenty of surprises along the way. Exciting, believable and action packed with characters that truly engage.
A terrorist cell has developed a weapon so devastating that it could send Britain back to the Dark Ages and, at the same time, cost thousands of innocent lives. Their leader, a charismatic and extrovert psychopath, has carefully planned his attack on the capital with America in mind as his next target. Except, there was one element he hadn't predicted - Tom Rivers as his nemesis. The game of cat and mouse races across London as Tom and his team try to stop the terrorists in time and before the threat of nuclear war becomes a reality. But there are also other sinister forces at work, operating from the shadows.
Who can be trusted?
Sleeper is a real page-turner - a gripping and engaging thriller that delivers plenty of surprises along the way. Exciting, believable and action packed with characters that truly engage.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2022
244 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Hawkins
4 books12 followersT.J. Hawkins is an award winning British author with his latest book (The Alpha Particle) winning the bronze medal in The Readers Favorite International Book Awards 2025 and also becoming a finalist in the Page Turner Awards 2025.
Born in Devon, brought up around Canterbury and now lives in the beautiful English Lake District. After leaving school, he undertook the Royal Marines Potential Officers Program - including the famous Commando endurance course. Even though he passed, he decided to join the police instead. In an usual career change, he then later entered the nightclub industry and managed some of the largest venues in the south of England for many years and gaining numerous awards in the process. Having said goodbye to his youth, he then became a professional in the property industry and qualified with a degree to become a surveyor. He is a fervent believer that variety is the spice of life.
Grateful for his inherited genes, he still has yet to have a single filling in his mouth - despite now being in his 50’s and having a very sweet tooth! A keen cook and loving everything Italian.
Born in Devon, brought up around Canterbury and now lives in the beautiful English Lake District. After leaving school, he undertook the Royal Marines Potential Officers Program - including the famous Commando endurance course. Even though he passed, he decided to join the police instead. In an usual career change, he then later entered the nightclub industry and managed some of the largest venues in the south of England for many years and gaining numerous awards in the process. Having said goodbye to his youth, he then became a professional in the property industry and qualified with a degree to become a surveyor. He is a fervent believer that variety is the spice of life.
Grateful for his inherited genes, he still has yet to have a single filling in his mouth - despite now being in his 50’s and having a very sweet tooth! A keen cook and loving everything Italian.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 14, 2024
This was an engaging debut novel that I enjoyed quite a bit. The twist at the end was shocking but also made me happy. And the question posed by Prisha at the end was also one I was pondering. Overall an exciting and action packed tale of terrorism and those trying to prevent the terrorists from succeeding. How far should we go and what is acceptable? Looking forward to a possible sequel to find out more about Tom and Luna.
July 18, 2022
Sleeper, by T.J. Hawkins, is a suspenseful thriller action that follows the life of Tom Rivers, an MI5 agent put into a hypnotic ‘sleep’ to be activated when the right time arises. After twenty-five years in this state, his time to awaken and take on his destiny has arrived. With a terrorist planning to destroy Britain and the United States, Tom must embrace his abilities and catch the terrorist threatening humanity.
I was enthralled from the very beginning. Hawkins captures the reader at every page, feeding our desires for a unique plotline, heart-pounding suspense, and an exciting thriller. It is clear from each chapter that the author has carefully thought out the information he feeds to the reader and how this will be interpreted by the reader. This is crucially important given the delicate political and social themes he brings up.
I commend Hawkins for acknowledging the power he holds as an author and ensuring he does not promote negative stigma around religious faith, thoroughly considering the words he is using. Hawkin’s shaping and subsequent development of Tom’s character are sublime. In a matter of pages, Mr. Rivers goes from hypnotic sleep to awake, and not once does it feel implausible. Each tiny shift in character allows the reader to fully appreciate the stark contrast between ordinary architect and exemplary agent and begin to delve into the exciting challenges the plotline may indeed encounter. We are in suspense from the very beginning and never disappointed throughout.
From an ethical standpoint, there may be some criticism of the use of agents and the perceived creation of ‘Lebensborn’ Esq individuals, especially considering the ending’s implications. However, rather than supporting violence upon violence and genetic modification, Hawkin shapes some valid, albeit rather upsetting realities: this is “the war that never ends.” And this brings out a haunting realization that hangs across the readers as they edge towards the ending, urging them to read further and, once finished, wish that there was more.
Sleeper is a riveting technothriller and mystery that pulls readers in from the opening pages and keeps them on edge till the end. The suspense that the author can create feels realistic and has your heart pounding with each new twist and turn of the plot, waiting to see the outcome.
I was enthralled from the very beginning. Hawkins captures the reader at every page, feeding our desires for a unique plotline, heart-pounding suspense, and an exciting thriller. It is clear from each chapter that the author has carefully thought out the information he feeds to the reader and how this will be interpreted by the reader. This is crucially important given the delicate political and social themes he brings up.
I commend Hawkins for acknowledging the power he holds as an author and ensuring he does not promote negative stigma around religious faith, thoroughly considering the words he is using. Hawkin’s shaping and subsequent development of Tom’s character are sublime. In a matter of pages, Mr. Rivers goes from hypnotic sleep to awake, and not once does it feel implausible. Each tiny shift in character allows the reader to fully appreciate the stark contrast between ordinary architect and exemplary agent and begin to delve into the exciting challenges the plotline may indeed encounter. We are in suspense from the very beginning and never disappointed throughout.
From an ethical standpoint, there may be some criticism of the use of agents and the perceived creation of ‘Lebensborn’ Esq individuals, especially considering the ending’s implications. However, rather than supporting violence upon violence and genetic modification, Hawkin shapes some valid, albeit rather upsetting realities: this is “the war that never ends.” And this brings out a haunting realization that hangs across the readers as they edge towards the ending, urging them to read further and, once finished, wish that there was more.
Sleeper is a riveting technothriller and mystery that pulls readers in from the opening pages and keeps them on edge till the end. The suspense that the author can create feels realistic and has your heart pounding with each new twist and turn of the plot, waiting to see the outcome.
July 8, 2022
Title – Sleeper
Author – T.J. Hawkins
Genre – Thriller
Word Count - 82,800
Rating – Four stars out of five
No. 27 - 2022
Posted 7/8/2022
My Impressions: Action packed terrorist plot with an action hero and a psychopath terrorist.
Main Characters:
Tom Rivers – British sleeper secret agent.
Luna Rivers – Tom’s unsuspecting wife with her own secrets.
Lan MacGregor – Deputy Director M15
Sally Carson – Police Superintendent
Mohammed Baqri – Crazy, psychopathic terrorist.
Brigid Doyle – 20-year-old radical.
Adalah – Baqri’s terrorist group
Tom Rivers is in his forties and is an architect in England who doesn’t know he’s a secret agent with M15. When a national emergency rises to its zenith, he is ‘awakened’ to save the nation. His wife, Luna, and two daughters know nothing of Tom’s past rigorous training that made him a formidable fighting force.
Tom’s foe is a brilliant but crazy, psychopath named Mohammed Baqri who heads a small terrorist group known as Adalah. They plan to create a new type of bomb that will render the entire British nation incapable of functioning. One of Mohammed’s key terrorist, Brigid, is a vicious young woman whose fiancé is killed during an attack; she vows revenge and sets forth a plan to kill Tom.
The plot involves a worldwide group of rich, powerful people who control the economies and governments across the globe and support terrorist to achieve their goals. Powerful people within the governments of all nations are members of the dark organization and subvert efforts to stop the planned attacks. After England is brought to its knees, America is next to be attacked.
The editing is fair with better sentence structure. The story suffers from missing words and silly errors; one is a woman speaking when being harshly strangled with a garrote and her airway is pinched shut.
Character Development is good for all characters depending on their importance.
Details and research are adequate to good.
The plot is involved, fast paced, and has many surprises, especially near the end.
This story is highly recommended in spite of its varied minor faults.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – T.J. Hawkins
Genre – Thriller
Word Count - 82,800
Rating – Four stars out of five
No. 27 - 2022
Posted 7/8/2022
My Impressions: Action packed terrorist plot with an action hero and a psychopath terrorist.
Main Characters:
Tom Rivers – British sleeper secret agent.
Luna Rivers – Tom’s unsuspecting wife with her own secrets.
Lan MacGregor – Deputy Director M15
Sally Carson – Police Superintendent
Mohammed Baqri – Crazy, psychopathic terrorist.
Brigid Doyle – 20-year-old radical.
Adalah – Baqri’s terrorist group
Tom Rivers is in his forties and is an architect in England who doesn’t know he’s a secret agent with M15. When a national emergency rises to its zenith, he is ‘awakened’ to save the nation. His wife, Luna, and two daughters know nothing of Tom’s past rigorous training that made him a formidable fighting force.
Tom’s foe is a brilliant but crazy, psychopath named Mohammed Baqri who heads a small terrorist group known as Adalah. They plan to create a new type of bomb that will render the entire British nation incapable of functioning. One of Mohammed’s key terrorist, Brigid, is a vicious young woman whose fiancé is killed during an attack; she vows revenge and sets forth a plan to kill Tom.
The plot involves a worldwide group of rich, powerful people who control the economies and governments across the globe and support terrorist to achieve their goals. Powerful people within the governments of all nations are members of the dark organization and subvert efforts to stop the planned attacks. After England is brought to its knees, America is next to be attacked.
The editing is fair with better sentence structure. The story suffers from missing words and silly errors; one is a woman speaking when being harshly strangled with a garrote and her airway is pinched shut.
Character Development is good for all characters depending on their importance.
Details and research are adequate to good.
The plot is involved, fast paced, and has many surprises, especially near the end.
This story is highly recommended in spite of its varied minor faults.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
December 4, 2024
This is the by this author , but it will not be my last.
The story begins with Tom leaving his wife Luna leaving on a train to attend a business conference in London. Tom was to meet with clients pror to attending. At the meeting with his clients, things did not go as well as Tom would have liked. He was drugged and transported to an unknown location. Tom upon awakening discovered that he was a "Sleeper Agent" and he slowly regained his lost memory. He was told that he was needed for a mission which would save many lives.
Tom was brought to a room where he met the members of the team that was established to quash a terror attack. It seemed that it would be a simple mission, but things didn't work out that way. Tom now seemed to be the only one that could help alleviate the damage. Tom now had to attempt to stop a bomb being exploded.
To learn why Tom was selected, what event was planned, what steps Tom had to take and how it all ended, then you need to read this book.
The ending is one that is not expected.
The story begins with Tom leaving his wife Luna leaving on a train to attend a business conference in London. Tom was to meet with clients pror to attending. At the meeting with his clients, things did not go as well as Tom would have liked. He was drugged and transported to an unknown location. Tom upon awakening discovered that he was a "Sleeper Agent" and he slowly regained his lost memory. He was told that he was needed for a mission which would save many lives.
Tom was brought to a room where he met the members of the team that was established to quash a terror attack. It seemed that it would be a simple mission, but things didn't work out that way. Tom now seemed to be the only one that could help alleviate the damage. Tom now had to attempt to stop a bomb being exploded.
To learn why Tom was selected, what event was planned, what steps Tom had to take and how it all ended, then you need to read this book.
The ending is one that is not expected.
September 15, 2023
I went into this book with very little expectations, and as much as I don’t think it was perfect I still really enjoyed it.
It was interesting to get an ‘insight’ into the politics behind terrorist attacks. Every group (terrorists, MI5 and government) was struggling with the correct balance between what they needed to do to achieve their goal and what was best for the bigger picture.
Personally, I feel like this book was both rushed in areas but dragged out in others. I got a bit confused with the timeline nearer the end, it seemed to me to jump around slightly.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers and is looking for a quick, easy read.
It was interesting to get an ‘insight’ into the politics behind terrorist attacks. Every group (terrorists, MI5 and government) was struggling with the correct balance between what they needed to do to achieve their goal and what was best for the bigger picture.
Personally, I feel like this book was both rushed in areas but dragged out in others. I got a bit confused with the timeline nearer the end, it seemed to me to jump around slightly.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers and is looking for a quick, easy read.
March 24, 2024
What a trip to imagine waking up one day in your 40's to learn you have the skills of a special agent. Think 007 good. That is what happens to Tom, the architect. He has been kept under wraps by MI5 as a 'sleeper agent' for decades. An imminent threat requires his skill set and he is activated. The danger to London and the players behind the plan were believable and it is possible to see the scenario playing out in real life. Quite a chilling read. I was thrilled that Hawkins included Tom's wife Luna in the action. The book ends with the promise of another mission. I'll be on the lookout for more books about this power couple.
July 6, 2022
I'm a believer!
The author takes you on a journey that you can clearly believe because of current headlines and world events. It was easy to get involved with the characters and feel their feelings. I had a very hard time putting this book down and I can't say that about many. I loved the nonstop action and intelligent thought processes going on throughout this book. Thank you for the great adventure! Please write another one!!
The author takes you on a journey that you can clearly believe because of current headlines and world events. It was easy to get involved with the characters and feel their feelings. I had a very hard time putting this book down and I can't say that about many. I loved the nonstop action and intelligent thought processes going on throughout this book. Thank you for the great adventure! Please write another one!!
July 9, 2022
Definitely did not put me to sleep
This is the first novel I have read from Hawkins. I enjoyed it very much. The characters were well developed, the story line was great, the pacing was excellent, and the ending with Luna surprised me. Well done. I look forward to them working as a team, sort of like Catherine Could we'd FBI duo.
This is the first novel I have read from Hawkins. I enjoyed it very much. The characters were well developed, the story line was great, the pacing was excellent, and the ending with Luna surprised me. Well done. I look forward to them working as a team, sort of like Catherine Could we'd FBI duo.
July 20, 2022
With action-packed, nail-biting sequences, Sleeper by T.J. Hawkins is an exciting techno-thriller, mystery novel with surprising plot twists that will keep readers at the edge of their seats from start to finish. Sleeper is a fast-paced, exceptionally researched portrayal of the tragedies that can create home-grown terrorists and the exceptional bravery of the people who protect against them.
January 22, 2023
Tom is Britain's Jack Bauer!
Thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Congratulations on your debut novel, Mr. Hawkins. Would make an exciting movie. I'll be watching for your next offering. Thank you for entertaining me, a "24" junkie.
Thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Congratulations on your debut novel, Mr. Hawkins. Would make an exciting movie. I'll be watching for your next offering. Thank you for entertaining me, a "24" junkie.
September 19, 2024
It's in the Genes
An amazing premise that is proving to be true .
Humans are beginning to evolve. It is still hot or miss the right partner matters. I have seen this in my family where cousins are superior.
Read this and place it in your family.
You might be surprised.
An amazing premise that is proving to be true .
Humans are beginning to evolve. It is still hot or miss the right partner matters. I have seen this in my family where cousins are superior.
Read this and place it in your family.
You might be surprised.
August 16, 2025
So once you get over the premise of our hero's origin, this is a cracking spy vs villain story that.mores at breakneck speed, to my delight. The ending preps one for the next adventure. Hopefully, this is a far fetched scenario
June 29, 2022
Interesting
How interesting that these people with great genetics are chosen to conduct an experiment that turns out to kinda work out! A little sci fiction and a mystery/apocalyptic
type storu!
How interesting that these people with great genetics are chosen to conduct an experiment that turns out to kinda work out! A little sci fiction and a mystery/apocalyptic
type storu!
July 3, 2022
Good book!
I read this book in 2 days.! It moves quickly and you never know what's happening next.
Characters are great
I read this book in 2 days.! It moves quickly and you never know what's happening next.
Characters are great
September 9, 2022
Very thrilling and didn’t want to put book down
December 14, 2022
Quirky but good
A different type of action story that contains for me a touch too much humour. A great plot and interesting characters and a few twists.
A different type of action story that contains for me a touch too much humour. A great plot and interesting characters and a few twists.
January 30, 2023
The plot was just too implausible so I did not finish.
April 20, 2023
Great international terror thriller.
Super characters and action.
A little formulaic but the concept of sleeper agents was very interesting.
Super characters and action.
A little formulaic but the concept of sleeper agents was very interesting.
May 2, 2023
Great start
I was very impressed at the beginning, unfortunately it went on too long and then became silly at the end.
I was very impressed at the beginning, unfortunately it went on too long and then became silly at the end.
August 4, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
March 9, 2024
great book
Fascinating characters, enjoyed this book. Very well written. Reminded of the Jason Bourne movies. Interesting setting, relative to what is happening in the world today.
Fascinating characters, enjoyed this book. Very well written. Reminded of the Jason Bourne movies. Interesting setting, relative to what is happening in the world today.
September 22, 2024
Sleeper Agents
Sleeper Agents are a unique breed but this one is very different. I really liked this book especially since I enjoy reading spy stories.
Sleeper Agents are a unique breed but this one is very different. I really liked this book especially since I enjoy reading spy stories.
December 19, 2024
Great reading
Full of twists and turns from the first chapter, and they kept coming the entire book. Enjoyable writing style with characters that stand out immensely.
Full of twists and turns from the first chapter, and they kept coming the entire book. Enjoyable writing style with characters that stand out immensely.
December 18, 2025
Great plot and characters with plenty of action and thought-provoking scenarios. Will read more in the series as they become available.
August 25, 2023
This was the book that has gotten me back into reading!! A fast paced, easy read, full of the unexpected, looking forward to reading book 2!
June 26, 2025
2.75 ⭐️⭐️
Interesting concept, mediocre execution.
Interesting concept, mediocre execution.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews