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Ryan Lock #12
Fine dei giochi (Serie di Ryan Lock Vol. 12)
Nell’ultimo thriller del pluripremiato Sean Black, l’autore che scrive con ‘il ritmo di Lee Child e il cuore di Harlan Coben’, l’ex-membro della polizia militare britannica e guardia del corpo Ryan Lock sarà costretto a immergersi nel terribile mondo dello sfruttamento sessuale.
Quando una ragazzina di quattordici anni, Kristin Miller, abbandona la sua casa nella San Fernando Valley e fa perdere le sue tracce, alla famiglia non rimane che un’unica ingaggiare Ryan Lock e il suo socio in affari Ty Johnson, veterano dei Marines, per trovare una pista che li possa condurre fino a lei. Le ricerche, però, li porteranno a scoprire una realtà feroce e ogni giorno a Los Angeles dozzine di ragazze vengono osservate, studiate e selezionate da predatori senza scrupoli per inserirle nel business della prostituzione.
Gli sfruttatori sono astuti e potenti, agiscono nell’ombra e si muovono nelle pieghe della legge, senza commettere nulla che sia, almeno in apparenza, denunciabile come un crimine. Le uniche a conoscere la verità sono le loro vittime, che non possono parlare per timore di terribili ripercussioni.
In altre parole, la polizia ha le mani legate e la famiglia di Kristin non potrà contare sull’aiuto delle autorità. Ancora una volta, Ryan Lock dovrà farsi giustizia da solo. Riuscirà a trovare Kristin prima che sia troppo tardi?
Quando una ragazzina di quattordici anni, Kristin Miller, abbandona la sua casa nella San Fernando Valley e fa perdere le sue tracce, alla famiglia non rimane che un’unica ingaggiare Ryan Lock e il suo socio in affari Ty Johnson, veterano dei Marines, per trovare una pista che li possa condurre fino a lei. Le ricerche, però, li porteranno a scoprire una realtà feroce e ogni giorno a Los Angeles dozzine di ragazze vengono osservate, studiate e selezionate da predatori senza scrupoli per inserirle nel business della prostituzione.
Gli sfruttatori sono astuti e potenti, agiscono nell’ombra e si muovono nelle pieghe della legge, senza commettere nulla che sia, almeno in apparenza, denunciabile come un crimine. Le uniche a conoscere la verità sono le loro vittime, che non possono parlare per timore di terribili ripercussioni.
In altre parole, la polizia ha le mani legate e la famiglia di Kristin non potrà contare sull’aiuto delle autorità. Ancora una volta, Ryan Lock dovrà farsi giustizia da solo. Riuscirà a trovare Kristin prima che sia troppo tardi?
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2022
266 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Sean Black
82 books249 followersI write the Ryan Lock series of thrillers, which feature ex-military bodyguard Ryan Lock and his partner, former Marine, Ty Johnson. The first two books in the series, Lockdown and Deadlock, hit the Official UK Top 50 Bestseller Chart, and the third, Gridlock, has just been released in hardback. They have have also been translated into Dutch, German, and Russian.
I'm a firm believer in hands-on research, also known as 'any excuse to get out of the house', so before I wrote Lockdown, I trained for a month with former members of the Royal Military Police's specialist close protection unit. That turned out to be great preparation for Deadlock, which I researched by spending time inside Pelican Bay Supermax in California (see the TV interview on my author page). I recently completed a desert survival course in Arizona and ventured into the tunnels under Las Vegas, all as preparation for a new standalone thriller I will begin work on once I have completed the fourth Ryan Lock book.
Before I became a full-time novelist, I taught college and wrote television drama. I'm an Oxbridge and Ivy League graduate – try not to hold that against me.
I'm a firm believer in hands-on research, also known as 'any excuse to get out of the house', so before I wrote Lockdown, I trained for a month with former members of the Royal Military Police's specialist close protection unit. That turned out to be great preparation for Deadlock, which I researched by spending time inside Pelican Bay Supermax in California (see the TV interview on my author page). I recently completed a desert survival course in Arizona and ventured into the tunnels under Las Vegas, all as preparation for a new standalone thriller I will begin work on once I have completed the fourth Ryan Lock book.
Before I became a full-time novelist, I taught college and wrote television drama. I'm an Oxbridge and Ivy League graduate – try not to hold that against me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 27, 2022
spelling:
p21: "But you can still recover the date?"
p118: It was driving a little above the speed limit, enough to make good time but not so much to be overly conspícuos.
p121: "I'm sorry you had to come all the way our here," said Lock.
spaces:
p68: He'd made a rookie mistake and paid a price that could have been higher, but a price none the less.
p83: He left a voicemail, giving his partner the bad news.Monocle had given him another lead, but this one, Ty suspected, would be a lot harder to chase down.
p87: Carmen was holding his lap top up.
p116: But a chance none the less.
plot:
p121: He'd made Carmen his one phone call so you wouldn't worry about where he was, fully expecting that she'd be happy to let him cool his heels.
period:
p183: "Sir, if you could just give me a quick rundown," said Lock, giving his best impression of an impatient cop who just wanted to see what was up and get the hell out of here That prompted a deep sigh, and a jabbed finger in the direction of the apartment to Lock's left.
I tried to make it last for as long as possible. I read somewhere that Sean has grown tired of the subject (close protection) /character (Ryan Lock) and is ditching them in favor of another (Neil Brody).
Some errors I found seem to suggest a lack of proofreading, or maybe an editorial eye.
p21: "But you can still recover the date?"
p118: It was driving a little above the speed limit, enough to make good time but not so much to be overly conspícuos.
p121: "I'm sorry you had to come all the way our here," said Lock.
spaces:
p68: He'd made a rookie mistake and paid a price that could have been higher, but a price none the less.
p83: He left a voicemail, giving his partner the bad news.Monocle had given him another lead, but this one, Ty suspected, would be a lot harder to chase down.
p87: Carmen was holding his lap top up.
p116: But a chance none the less.
plot:
p121: He'd made Carmen his one phone call so you wouldn't worry about where he was, fully expecting that she'd be happy to let him cool his heels.
period:
p183: "Sir, if you could just give me a quick rundown," said Lock, giving his best impression of an impatient cop who just wanted to see what was up and get the hell out of here That prompted a deep sigh, and a jabbed finger in the direction of the apartment to Lock's left.
I tried to make it last for as long as possible. I read somewhere that Sean has grown tired of the subject (close protection) /character (Ryan Lock) and is ditching them in favor of another (Neil Brody).
Some errors I found seem to suggest a lack of proofreading, or maybe an editorial eye.
December 9, 2022
Ryan and Ty are back at it but this one is tougher than they thought. Do they bring the little one home safely or in a box? Check it out, it's worth the time......
August 26, 2021
I am a HUGE Sean Black fan, and even though this book is a slight departure from the normal format of these books its still a fantastic read. When I say it is different, I mean it is a slightly different (and at times sensitive) topic relating to sex trafficking, but also feels slightly more sedate in terms of Ryan and Ty as characters. This isn’t a simple open and shut case of catching and when necessary killing the bad guys. It’s more of them delving into a new world that they haven’t had to deal with in the past.
Ryan has a seemingly simple task of tracking down a missing 14 year old girl. However, it leads to the murky world of sex trafficking and both he and Ty are dragged into something they just cannot turn their back on. It is still packed with action and the writing and storyline are just as brilliant as all of his other books. However, we see a slightly less than perfect version of them this time around, whether thats age or just taking their eye off the ball I don’t know. What I do know is that as a team they are not a pair you should mess with. Another cracking read that I absolutely loved and I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
Ryan has a seemingly simple task of tracking down a missing 14 year old girl. However, it leads to the murky world of sex trafficking and both he and Ty are dragged into something they just cannot turn their back on. It is still packed with action and the writing and storyline are just as brilliant as all of his other books. However, we see a slightly less than perfect version of them this time around, whether thats age or just taking their eye off the ball I don’t know. What I do know is that as a team they are not a pair you should mess with. Another cracking read that I absolutely loved and I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
December 24, 2021
This was a pretty good story; it whipped along and kept me turning the pages. The subject matter was grim and some of the descriptions hovered on the edge of what I can tolerate, but on the whole it was an interesting read and I suspect the author did some actual research. I would read more by this author.
August 25, 2022
In quest'ultimo episodio la nostra coppia inossidabile (Lock e Ty) si trovano ad affrontare una piaga della società che abbiamo sotto gli occhi ma che, spesso, decidiamo di non vedere; un mondo che all'apparenza non è così brutto come nella realtà di chi lo subisce.
L'autore, e la bravura del traduttore, ci trasportano in un vortice di soprusi e sopraffazioni; in un thriller che ti lascia con il fiato sospeso fino all'ultimo; azione, inseguimenti e 'buchi nel vuoto' la fanno da padroni. Un finale di serie con il botto degno di una serie avvincente come questa.
Degna di nota è l'appendice finale a cura del traduttore dove ci ricorda che, bensì la storia sia ambientata negli USA, anche qui in Italia esiste la medesima piaga, ma che c'è anche chi si preoccupa del fenomeno e cerca di fare del suo meglio a riguardo.
L'autore, e la bravura del traduttore, ci trasportano in un vortice di soprusi e sopraffazioni; in un thriller che ti lascia con il fiato sospeso fino all'ultimo; azione, inseguimenti e 'buchi nel vuoto' la fanno da padroni. Un finale di serie con il botto degno di una serie avvincente come questa.
Degna di nota è l'appendice finale a cura del traduttore dove ci ricorda che, bensì la storia sia ambientata negli USA, anche qui in Italia esiste la medesima piaga, ma che c'è anche chi si preoccupa del fenomeno e cerca di fare del suo meglio a riguardo.
March 31, 2021
The Last Bodyguard is a bit of a departure from the usual good-buddies-fighting-bad-guys
theme. This time the bad guys are the scum who engage in human trafficking. It explores in considerable detail how young girls are drawn into the sex trade and forced to sell themselves. It seemed to me that the heroes have a harder time than usual solving the case.
As usual there is plenty of action and the two buddies encounter a lot of obstacles. You will not be bored reading Last Bodyguard. This is not a happy story, but reading this should raise your awareness of a serious problem in the world today.
theme. This time the bad guys are the scum who engage in human trafficking. It explores in considerable detail how young girls are drawn into the sex trade and forced to sell themselves. It seemed to me that the heroes have a harder time than usual solving the case.
As usual there is plenty of action and the two buddies encounter a lot of obstacles. You will not be bored reading Last Bodyguard. This is not a happy story, but reading this should raise your awareness of a serious problem in the world today.
March 31, 2021
This is a work of fiction, but it shines a bright light on the real world of sex trafficking. The police task force has a difficult and probably thankless job. For this story, though, Lock is asked to find Kristin, a 14 yr old girl who was lured away from home by a smooth-talking Andre. Once she was ready, he handed her off to Hanger, who became her pimp. He has lots of contacts and lots of places to move around to once he knows Lock and Ty are on the hunt. Sooner or later things have to start falling Lock’s way and he is not too subtle about getting to that point. Excellent read!
August 25, 2025
I had to really push through to complete this read. It was slow, somewhat predictable and slightly ridiculous for two ex-military guys.
Truth is, the set up was real and this could have been an intense read with lots of action and true edge of your seat thrills. Unfortunately it wasn’t any of this and the ending just seemed forced. Almost as if there were no more ideas to put on paper.
It was disappointing. I continued the full read in hopes something would click with the plot and characters. It never happened for me. So much potential and no real action.
Truth is, the set up was real and this could have been an intense read with lots of action and true edge of your seat thrills. Unfortunately it wasn’t any of this and the ending just seemed forced. Almost as if there were no more ideas to put on paper.
It was disappointing. I continued the full read in hopes something would click with the plot and characters. It never happened for me. So much potential and no real action.
March 31, 2021
This is book is a great addition to the Ryan Lock series. It is action packed from beginning to end. Ryan and Ty are in search of a 14 year old girl who was lured into sex trafficking. It’s a fast paced exciting thriller. There are parts that are hard to read and not for the faint of heart. I like how Carmen stands by her man and Ty always has his back. Mr Black never disappoints This honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author
July 28, 2024
Excellent read
Sean Black very good writer had me enthralled from the first chapter until the last word. Truly two unique and awesome hero's I was cheering for them the entire way through the book. Can't wait to read the next novel. Thank you Mr. Black for something special to read.
Sean Black very good writer had me enthralled from the first chapter until the last word. Truly two unique and awesome hero's I was cheering for them the entire way through the book. Can't wait to read the next novel. Thank you Mr. Black for something special to read.
September 3, 2025
An interesting book about a hard subject.
It’s hard to believe what people do to other’s. This is a hard subject to understand or believe everything that takes place. The author describes a little about what the traffic girls go through. Lock and Ty went through a lot to locate the girl even though they didn’t seem to be the smartest of men. The book is worth reading.
It’s hard to believe what people do to other’s. This is a hard subject to understand or believe everything that takes place. The author describes a little about what the traffic girls go through. Lock and Ty went through a lot to locate the girl even though they didn’t seem to be the smartest of men. The book is worth reading.
April 8, 2021
Awful
Comparing these guys to Lee Child’s Reacher is ridiculous. - They were useless, made every mistake one could think of and succeed only by luck / others mistakes. Not impressed.
Comparing these guys to Lee Child’s Reacher is ridiculous. - They were useless, made every mistake one could think of and succeed only by luck / others mistakes. Not impressed.
April 12, 2021
Action personified
Gave five star rating for the non stop action. Enjoy the fact that Sean Black carries the Locke and Johnson characters in their story with integrity. Stories always delivers plenty of action.
Gave five star rating for the non stop action. Enjoy the fact that Sean Black carries the Locke and Johnson characters in their story with integrity. Stories always delivers plenty of action.
July 9, 2021
Trafficking. Horrible
This is a compelling book about sex trafficking of minor girls. A disgusting situation but a well written book. Very much like Christopher Rosow’s books, false assurances, threat bias and subversive addiction.
This is a compelling book about sex trafficking of minor girls. A disgusting situation but a well written book. Very much like Christopher Rosow’s books, false assurances, threat bias and subversive addiction.
October 29, 2021
Gut wrenching
Tough topic, human trafficking and one girl that Lock is tasked with finding. Pro bono case gets Lock and Ty into a tough spot, and some blood is shed. Can they find her in time? I was fully invested.
Tough topic, human trafficking and one girl that Lock is tasked with finding. Pro bono case gets Lock and Ty into a tough spot, and some blood is shed. Can they find her in time? I was fully invested.
April 1, 2022
Great read with lots of action
Sean Black has once again provided an escape from the present and a journey into a world who's existence many choose to ignore. Easy read filled with excitement.
Sean Black has once again provided an escape from the present and a journey into a world who's existence many choose to ignore. Easy read filled with excitement.
November 23, 2023
A definite page-turner, this book will keep you up at night with a too-close-for-comfort look at the horrifying world of sex-trafficking. Despite the dark theme, a satisfying tale of good finding ways to triumph.
August 21, 2025
Well written and a thought provoking story
The main characters are well described and the actions and events are plausible, though I don't have the relevant experience to make judgement on authenticity.
The main characters are well described and the actions and events are plausible, though I don't have the relevant experience to make judgement on authenticity.
August 29, 2025
Outstanding!!!
This book had lots of action! I especially liked the way Mr. Black outlined the brutal scenes without many details but enough information the reader could figure it out.
This book had lots of action! I especially liked the way Mr. Black outlined the brutal scenes without many details but enough information the reader could figure it out.
September 3, 2025
Ryan and Ty get close a few times but are thwarted by the pimp and his associates. How did they fail so many times while the girl was suffering ? It shows how young girls can be trapped in a world of depravity at the hands of unscrupulous handlers, not all men. Good story with a moral ending.
September 9, 2025
What an amazing story. Ryan and Ty get involved in a dangerous search for a missing teen. Perhaps it’s a case of trafficking Will they find her in time. Full of suspense and secrets, a book not to be missed.
September 12, 2025
Excellent
Kept me on the edge of my seat. It's horrible to think that this does happen in real life. Great read. Highly recommend, but not for the weak!! If you can't handle violence of ANY kind...pass on it and read something else.
Kept me on the edge of my seat. It's horrible to think that this does happen in real life. Great read. Highly recommend, but not for the weak!! If you can't handle violence of ANY kind...pass on it and read something else.
April 3, 2021
Don't want to put it down
This was a very good book I would like to read more of Ryan Lock books if you have read one you would want to read more!
This was a very good book I would like to read more of Ryan Lock books if you have read one you would want to read more!
April 8, 2021
Very average
August 21, 2021
Really phoned this one in
Seems like a story that was written in a day or two. No subplots, predictable, and typical ending. Not up to the authors usual standards.
Seems like a story that was written in a day or two. No subplots, predictable, and typical ending. Not up to the authors usual standards.
February 25, 2022
Good overall but the storyline is horrendous - I didn’t enjoy the theme at all, far too detailed for me!
October 11, 2022
great read
My first book by this author. Will be looking for more. A great look at the seeder side of humanity.
My first book by this author. Will be looking for more. A great look at the seeder side of humanity.
January 20, 2024
Listened to this on audio book and enjoyed hearing the fast-paced story unfold .
August 21, 2025
Another great book from. Lack. He knows how to keep you turning pages with keeping you intrigued. The fourteen year old Kristen Miller owes her life to Ryan Locke.
August 22, 2025
Everything you never really wanted to know about sex trafficking. But a really good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews