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Jayne Robinson #5

The Dam Keeper

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Water torture . . . A US army dam engineer is targeted in a Kremlin honeytrap and a Russian mole killed in Ukraine after passing on key information to the CIA. The question is why? Operative Jayne Robinson is asked to find out. As Moscow prepares to invade Ukraine, Robinson uncovers evidence of a Russian plot, masterminded by a mystery Kremlin puppet, to destroy a critical hydroelectric dam. But which one? As the young dam engineer disappears after hearing too much, apparently kidnapped by a dangerous Russian seductress, Robinson finds herself in a desperate race against time down the River Danube to locate him. Nothing is what it Robinson is forced to take on spiraling risks—urged on by a US President who is preparing for a visit to Kyiv to support his Ukrainian counterpart. To make progress, Robinson gets involved in a high-stakes game of international poker with a top-level asset inside the Russian president’s inner circle—who was recruited under coercion. But with the threat of a biblical-scale flood looming, can the asset now be trusted? Can Robinson find out which dam is at risk? Which shadowy figure is behind the plot to destroy it? And can her knife-edge operation to rescue the missing engineer succeed? The DAM KEEPER , book number five in the internationally top-selling Jayne Robinson series, is another gripping spy thriller with dramatic twists that will keep readers up deep into the night.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2023

239 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Andrew Turpin

13 books124 followers
Andrew 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.

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515 (59%)
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304 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie Fraser.
Author 38 books29 followers
March 5, 2024
What a great find. I have now read several of this author's books and this one is even more thrilling.

The passenger drones were a wonderful surprise and critical for the escape scene! So much of the action is happening in today's world which makes each read so riveting.

Although the books are numbered, they each can be read as standalone stories but it's compelling to revisit many of those characters in subsequent books - even out of sync.

I'm looking forward to reading many more of Mr Turpin's exciting stories.
Profile Image for David Lowther.
Author 12 books30 followers
December 13, 2023
Jayne Robinson is back with a triple challenge; locating and releasing a US hostage in Russian hands, discovering the detail of a plot being hatched against America and ensuring the planned act of terrorism fails.
The thrilling narrative never lets up as Jayne and her CIA colleagues race through Central and Eastern Europe chasing the Kremlin criminals to Putin’s heavily guarded holiday palace.
Jayne attacks her challenges with fire and determination much in the way as Boudicca, the East Anglian Queen who who very nearly defeated the much vaunted Roman legions in the first century AD.
There’s some pretty awful bad guys on the other side and Jayne needs to use all of her intellect to get on terms with them. Thrilling action, superb characterisation and fascinating locations combine to make The Dam Keeper a winner.

David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of ‘39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books)
911 reviews15 followers
November 6, 2023
I am part of advance team for this author and this is an honest opinion.
This is the fifth book in this series and I was not disappointed. It is a nail biter. The story is very fast paced and action packed. The author used current events as the basis for this story and it works perfectly. Fact and fiction were woven together flawlessly. Jayne Robinson does what she does best. She is one very tough lady. I am glad that Joe comes into the story as I always enjoy him. The cast of characters are interesting. Some are new some you will know from past books in this series. It will keep you up at night. I so enjoyed it. This author can do no wrong in my opinion. I look forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Blair.
Author 23 books225 followers
January 27, 2024
Slow going, it took me an eternity to get to the end. One major gripe I have is that, although the book is time stamped at 2017, i.e. it's in the past, the U.S. president is some guy called Ferguson. Last time I checked it was Trump. I wouldn't mind so much, but the author uses the real Russian president's name. What's going on there? The second gripe I have is that the Russian word "dermo", which the author uses a lot, is never used as an expletive as the equivalent word in English (and other European languages) is. Those technical issues aside, I also find it hard to relate to any of the characters in even a semi-meaningful way. I had enjoyed a previous outing with MC Jayne Robinson, but this one is stuck in 2nd gear.
48 reviews
December 16, 2023
A fast paced thriller!

I've read all Andrews books and I find his story telling riveting, The Dam Keeper is no exception. The books go at a fast pace and are difficult to put down, just one more chapter I keep saying! This book is very relevant to the current situation in Ukraine and there is a fine line between fact and fiction. So glad to hear there will be a Jayne Robinson,book six but sorry to hear about his personal loss. Keep up the good work Andrew, the more books the better!
193 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2023
A sadly believable story linked to Russia and Ukraine. The 5th book in the series about ex-MI6 agent, freelance investigator, Jayne Robinson, begins with an unsuspecting flirtation in Frankfurt that has far-flung repercussions, with a potentially devastating twist.
I have read all the published books in this series and also the Joe Johnson books, in which his partner, Jayne, also features. I highly recommend Andrew Turpin as an author to put on your reading list.
1,076 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2023
I am a huge fan of this series by Turpin. This is the 5th in the Jayne Robinson thrillers and it had me on the edge of my seat from the start to the exciting conclusion. Quick paced action takes us from Frankfurt, Germany to the Ukraine, Putin’s palace on the Black Sea and ultimately to the American southwest. Jayne is hot on the trail of a Russian plot to keep America from intervening in the upcoming Ukraine war. I will
Be waiting anxiously for the next book to be written!
396 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2023
Exciting espionage and technology

Many segments of this story offer international intrigue and surprising traitors. Each chapter seems like a separate scene. I wonder if President Putin learns how fiction writers portray Russian government. Could Jayne Robinson utter alternate expletives besides the stereotypical British one?
Profile Image for Doug Cranmer.
14 reviews
December 15, 2023
This book is the 5th in the "Jayne Robinson" series by Andrew Turpin. I've enjoyed all of the Robinson series books and this one was no exception. The series has some interesting links with the author's "Joe Johnson" series. While I've appreciated reading the two series in order, it's certainly not necessary, as the novels do well as standalones as well.
805 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2025
Great book series

I have enjoyed every book in this series with nonstop excitement. But I believe this is my favorite. "Dam those Russians" they are such a burr in the west saddle. I thought back in the 1990's they were getting on right path but now no not with men like Putin and men like him pure evil monsters. Get reading on this series you will not be disappointed.
4 reviews
November 19, 2023
once again andrew has done a fantastic job of research and story telling.
jayne and the cast of characters come through again.
i suggest reading the series in order, however andrew does a good job of reviewing past books , that you could read it before the others
Profile Image for Jerome Alterman.
60 reviews
December 3, 2023
Dam good read

The older Jayne gets, the better she gets, and this is one of her best adventures yet. As much as she depends on the help of her cohorts she is capable of handling herself when the situation demands action. One tough old broad.
33 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2023
Damn good

Jayne Robinson continues her good work and Andrew Turpin continues to excel. Great story, twists and turns galore. Undoubtedly Americans at work wanting to show Russiai in bad light. No needless gore but sharp and crisp story telling. Waiting for the next one.
111 reviews
December 30, 2023
Andrew Turpin tells an exciting tale from 2017 about the intrepid British MI6 agent Jayne Robinson who skillfully works to protect Ukraine from Russian attack, manipulates highly placed Russian agents, and operates with CIA and FBI agents to protect the USA. While The Dam Keeper is fiction, it relies on current events which causes readers to think about them.
Profile Image for Bethany Cousins.
389 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2024
Another exciting thriller from Andrew Turpin, this book builds on the last few Jayne Robinson stories. Filled with its usual mysteries, twists and danger, this is a really great addition to the series.
3 reviews
October 31, 2023
As always with Andrew's books, this is both very well researched and topical. The action never lets up and it is good to rediscover Jayne, the heroine who is as alert and fit as ever.
682 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2023
An edge of the seat page turner. Action from start to finish, with a great cast of characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
966 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2023
Another excellent book by Andrew Turpin! I’ve come to expect nothing less from this incredible author!! Jayne comes face to face with Putin! This drama had nonstop action and keeps u on the edge of your seat! The storyline was so excellently and intricately woven together seamlessly like only Andrew Turpin can do! This is a high octane thriller, mystery and scarily close to current affairs! It deals with Ukraine, Russia and the US and what a balancing act it truly was and is before Russia attacked Ukraine. The author is very knowledgeable and does extensive research and it shows! I highly recommend this book, series and author! All r excellent!
1 review
December 1, 2023
Another thriller from Andrew Turpin with twists and turns from start to finish. With all that is currently happening in Ukraine this is uncannily prescient with black ops and blackmail thrown in.
8 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2023
A Page turner

A fast moving intricate plot, which keeps the reader guessing.
Well written and gripping, I could not put it down.
4 reviews
December 30, 2023
Another great Andrew Turpin book

I’ve read every Andrew Turpin book; ‘The Dam Keeper’ was excellent as expected! I look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Curt.
284 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2024
This is a good book that also provides historical context to “water wars” which have been going on throughout millennia. Good historical fiction in my view.
88 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
Close call

Another great story of intrigue and action ,what more can the various Russian security organisations do to catch Jayne Robinson out.
164 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2025
Goodness!

Quite a story. Jayne certainly knows how to get into scrapes. This book left me breathless! I was both glad and sad when it ended. I need book six!
Profile Image for LooseBoots .
879 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2023
Another fantastic edge of your seat spy thriller from the pen of Andrew.
There were two climaxes in this tale, both had the adrenaline flowing at full speed.

A most excellent read.
I apologize for not being a long review but this is a book of the highest quality. You’ll be sorry if you miss it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
31 reviews
January 12, 2024
certainly a triller

Hard to put down. Recommend it highly, my only objection was the use of the Mansion on the Black Sea, home of Putin. Could it ever have been compromised?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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