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James Ryker #9
Vigilante
From the author of The Red Cobra, a new thriller featuring a spy on a journey across Europe in search of a killer . . .
James Ryker thought he’d gotten the gangsters out of the Norwegian town of Blodstein, so when he hears of a wave of murders, it gets his attention. Then he discovers that an unidentified teenager has been found dead in Crete, and the description of the victim raises an alarm—could the boy be Henrik Svenson, who Ryker had once rescued in Blodstein?
To get some answers, Ryker heads for Athens—and meets the seductive but duplicitous Eleni. Soon the search begins for a known associate of the elusive Eastern European drug kingpin known only as Jesper. But just as it looks like he’s about to get a break in the case, Ryker finds himself in jail for murder.
Someone is setting him up—and after two Russian agents visit him in prison, things take a turn he never expected . . .
Praise for the bestselling novels of Rob
“A real page-turner, impossible to put down.” —Publishers Weekly
“A must read for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.” —Chelle’s Book Reviews
James Ryker thought he’d gotten the gangsters out of the Norwegian town of Blodstein, so when he hears of a wave of murders, it gets his attention. Then he discovers that an unidentified teenager has been found dead in Crete, and the description of the victim raises an alarm—could the boy be Henrik Svenson, who Ryker had once rescued in Blodstein?
To get some answers, Ryker heads for Athens—and meets the seductive but duplicitous Eleni. Soon the search begins for a known associate of the elusive Eastern European drug kingpin known only as Jesper. But just as it looks like he’s about to get a break in the case, Ryker finds himself in jail for murder.
Someone is setting him up—and after two Russian agents visit him in prison, things take a turn he never expected . . .
Praise for the bestselling novels of Rob
“A real page-turner, impossible to put down.” —Publishers Weekly
“A must read for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.” —Chelle’s Book Reviews
- GenresThriller
372 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2022
About the author
Rob Sinclair
42 books691 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 9, 2023
This fourth installment in the Ryker Returns series “Vigilante” is a follow-on from “The Outsider”, his 3rd book, and is an edge-of-the-seat thrilling entertainer. The series began in the small town of Blodstein, Norway and so far has taken the readers through the countryside of Norway, Greece, Ukraine, and Crete. I would recommend reading all the books in this series to have a better understanding of the characters, their relationship, and how they fit into the machination. Ryker is a man of principle and can think and act clearly in any kind of situation and therefore, comes out successful every time.
After the bloodbath at Blodstein, where he had presumed to have eliminated the gangsters, he is surprised to learn more about such incidents and therefore, returns. He is aghast to learn that a teenage boy is murdered in Crete and his body is washed on the shores of the beach. Initial investigation identifies this boy as Henrik whom he had rescued in Blodstein. Shocked by this revelation, he heads to Crete to find out more about his death. He faces the first hurdle when the police officer's investigation does not show any interest in the case and brushes it aside as a case of suicide. Ryker is sure if it is indeed Henrik, he would not take such a cowardly step of suicide. His investigation takes him to Athens, where he encounters a mysterious woman Elena and two Russian agents. He begins his hunt for an associate of an East European drug lord known by his nickname Jesper.
Following a series of chases and violence in Athens with the Russian agents, when Ryker returns to Crete, he is arrested on suspicion of the murder of Henrik. He is now certain that he is being set up. But the question is by who and why? With the help of some very close friends and associates at JIA, when he is released, he decides to dig deeper into this conspiracy and finds himself entwined in a web of politics, subterfuge, and mistrust. His search for truth takes him to Russian-occupied Ukraine where the plot culminates. While the book was written before the real invasion of Ukraine, some references direct to the real reason behind the invasion.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The plot is complex and intriguing, but also easy to follow. The writing style is clear and concise. A professionally crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of Lee Child and Vince Flynn. Although It can be read as a stand-alone, it also references events and characters from the previous books in the series. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Ryker Returns series.
After the bloodbath at Blodstein, where he had presumed to have eliminated the gangsters, he is surprised to learn more about such incidents and therefore, returns. He is aghast to learn that a teenage boy is murdered in Crete and his body is washed on the shores of the beach. Initial investigation identifies this boy as Henrik whom he had rescued in Blodstein. Shocked by this revelation, he heads to Crete to find out more about his death. He faces the first hurdle when the police officer's investigation does not show any interest in the case and brushes it aside as a case of suicide. Ryker is sure if it is indeed Henrik, he would not take such a cowardly step of suicide. His investigation takes him to Athens, where he encounters a mysterious woman Elena and two Russian agents. He begins his hunt for an associate of an East European drug lord known by his nickname Jesper.
Following a series of chases and violence in Athens with the Russian agents, when Ryker returns to Crete, he is arrested on suspicion of the murder of Henrik. He is now certain that he is being set up. But the question is by who and why? With the help of some very close friends and associates at JIA, when he is released, he decides to dig deeper into this conspiracy and finds himself entwined in a web of politics, subterfuge, and mistrust. His search for truth takes him to Russian-occupied Ukraine where the plot culminates. While the book was written before the real invasion of Ukraine, some references direct to the real reason behind the invasion.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The plot is complex and intriguing, but also easy to follow. The writing style is clear and concise. A professionally crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of Lee Child and Vince Flynn. Although It can be read as a stand-alone, it also references events and characters from the previous books in the series. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Ryker Returns series.
June 30, 2025
A good read and it’s good to find another series to take up and follow.
March 19, 2023
Very disappointing. A highly confusing plot that jumped about like a kangaroo. Unlike previous books in the series, this one came across as stilted.
March 10, 2022
Vigilante by Rob Sinclair.
James Ryker thought he’d gotten the gangsters out of the Norwegian town of Blodstein, so when he hears of a wave of murders, it gets his attention. Then he discovers that an unidentified teenager has been found dead in Crete, and the description of the victim raises an alarm—could the boy be Henrik Svenson, who Ryker had once rescued in Blodstein?
To get some answers, Ryker heads for Athens—and meets the seductive but duplicitous Eleni. Soon the search begins for a known associate of the elusive Eastern European drug kingpin known only as Jesper. But just as it looks like he’s about to get a break in the case, Ryker finds himself in jail for murder.
Someone is setting him up—and after two Russian agents visit him in prison, things take a turn he never expected . . .
A really enjoyable read. I love this author. 5*.
James Ryker thought he’d gotten the gangsters out of the Norwegian town of Blodstein, so when he hears of a wave of murders, it gets his attention. Then he discovers that an unidentified teenager has been found dead in Crete, and the description of the victim raises an alarm—could the boy be Henrik Svenson, who Ryker had once rescued in Blodstein?
To get some answers, Ryker heads for Athens—and meets the seductive but duplicitous Eleni. Soon the search begins for a known associate of the elusive Eastern European drug kingpin known only as Jesper. But just as it looks like he’s about to get a break in the case, Ryker finds himself in jail for murder.
Someone is setting him up—and after two Russian agents visit him in prison, things take a turn he never expected . . .
A really enjoyable read. I love this author. 5*.
April 14, 2022
combo review for the Outsider & Vigilante
I forget when I first stumbled on Rob Sinclair and Logan/Ryker, but I was addicted early on. I read a lot, and a lot of authors.. on a FIFO basis in my Kindle quiver, so it had been awhile since I got back to Ryker. Funny how easy it is, with certain authors and characters, to simply fall back in step, recalling the past books/plots and move forward with the latest. Great, not over the top, plots; cool character development, and always great pace, Sinclair, with Logan/Ryker, reminds me often of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher (especially his latest post-JIA persona), but always a bit more global in the settings. Love his books.
I forget when I first stumbled on Rob Sinclair and Logan/Ryker, but I was addicted early on. I read a lot, and a lot of authors.. on a FIFO basis in my Kindle quiver, so it had been awhile since I got back to Ryker. Funny how easy it is, with certain authors and characters, to simply fall back in step, recalling the past books/plots and move forward with the latest. Great, not over the top, plots; cool character development, and always great pace, Sinclair, with Logan/Ryker, reminds me often of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher (especially his latest post-JIA persona), but always a bit more global in the settings. Love his books.
March 11, 2022
Vigilante. Rob Sinclair
Ryker is in Greece to determine if a young boy he helped in Norway is actually dead. Murdered. The authorities, the police he has to deal with are on the wrong sides payroll. Not all, but enough are persuaded to arrest him for the boys murder. None of the evidence points to him. He is arrested but two strangers from a past encounter appear. A deal is made for his freedom. They are FSB agents. His mission? Ukraine. What unfolds is non stop action. Another excellent read in this series!! Enjoyed immensely!!
Ryker is in Greece to determine if a young boy he helped in Norway is actually dead. Murdered. The authorities, the police he has to deal with are on the wrong sides payroll. Not all, but enough are persuaded to arrest him for the boys murder. None of the evidence points to him. He is arrested but two strangers from a past encounter appear. A deal is made for his freedom. They are FSB agents. His mission? Ukraine. What unfolds is non stop action. Another excellent read in this series!! Enjoyed immensely!!
March 23, 2022
5 Stars
I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed each and every one of them. This was no exception. Lots of twists and turns, and so many sub plots. The main character, Ryker is a good man who trouble always seems to find. It is not always clear who wins and who loses, apart from the dead baddies. A big thank you to the author Rob Sinclair and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I have read all of the books in this series and enjoyed each and every one of them. This was no exception. Lots of twists and turns, and so many sub plots. The main character, Ryker is a good man who trouble always seems to find. It is not always clear who wins and who loses, apart from the dead baddies. A big thank you to the author Rob Sinclair and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 15, 2022
Ryker at his best
This was Ryker back to 'normal' after the disappointment of the previous book. My only criticism is the back and forward chronology. Difficult to follow if you can't read large chunks of the book at one time. Still, it was a good adventure and I look forward to his next one.
This was Ryker back to 'normal' after the disappointment of the previous book. My only criticism is the back and forward chronology. Difficult to follow if you can't read large chunks of the book at one time. Still, it was a good adventure and I look forward to his next one.
April 26, 2022
Vigilante
This is one of my top favorites of any of the Ryker series. It has everything in it from escaped to smashed toes. Ryker really finds himself in a fix this time as he gets tossed into a prison which is inescapable but manages to escape to joining his most hated villain. Great story great book enjoy.
This is one of my top favorites of any of the Ryker series. It has everything in it from escaped to smashed toes. Ryker really finds himself in a fix this time as he gets tossed into a prison which is inescapable but manages to escape to joining his most hated villain. Great story great book enjoy.
May 29, 2022
Great thriller
I like the characters. I like that there is a kid in the story.
The villains are suitably villainous. Even though the story is a bit predictable the action scenes are fast and exciting so kept my interest. I like a vigilante Ryker and would like to see what he does next. And I hope Henrick is a part of it.
I like the characters. I like that there is a kid in the story.
The villains are suitably villainous. Even though the story is a bit predictable the action scenes are fast and exciting so kept my interest. I like a vigilante Ryker and would like to see what he does next. And I hope Henrick is a part of it.
July 9, 2022
Lots of action. Lots of plot twist.
The one thing you can count on in any Ryker book is that he is going to get the crap beat out of him. This plot had many twist so you never knew who was the good guy and who was the bad guys. Ryker is no longer affiliated with any intelligence agency, but he can still get onto and out of many scrapes.
The one thing you can count on in any Ryker book is that he is going to get the crap beat out of him. This plot had many twist so you never knew who was the good guy and who was the bad guys. Ryker is no longer affiliated with any intelligence agency, but he can still get onto and out of many scrapes.
March 16, 2022
Great to catch up with James Ryker and his next 'adventure'. It didn't disappoint, in fact there was so much action I hardly stopped to catch my breath. Its another great read from Rob Sinclair and I hope there's lots more to come.
March 23, 2022
Ryker is a badass
Loved the book and the character. Ben Porter however is a thoughtful man who solves issues without violence. Check him out in False Assurances, Threat Bias, Subversive Addiction and coming soon Vital Deception.
Loved the book and the character. Ben Porter however is a thoughtful man who solves issues without violence. Check him out in False Assurances, Threat Bias, Subversive Addiction and coming soon Vital Deception.
April 12, 2022
Well written thriller
The Tyler series is packed with thrills and escapades that can sometimes be predictable but nevertheless are filled with suspense and a fair slice of varied action.
The Tyler series is packed with thrills and escapades that can sometimes be predictable but nevertheless are filled with suspense and a fair slice of varied action.
May 24, 2022
Ryker lives to fight another day
Another tantalising read from master Sinclair,but I really think James should learn to mind his own business,he just might live to a grand old age if he did.
Another tantalising read from master Sinclair,but I really think James should learn to mind his own business,he just might live to a grand old age if he did.
July 5, 2022
A very good book!
I love all these books about James Ryker they have have a lot of action and just a little bit of sex to make it interesting , just give them a try you want be disappointed!
I love all these books about James Ryker they have have a lot of action and just a little bit of sex to make it interesting , just give them a try you want be disappointed!
November 25, 2022
Keep your wits sharp initially, all will become clear and exciting
All interested in politics, subterfuge and intrigue will be delighted with this well told story. Looking forward to the next stage to Ryker’s life
All interested in politics, subterfuge and intrigue will be delighted with this well told story. Looking forward to the next stage to Ryker’s life
March 16, 2022
If you like your books fast paced and full of violence then this is the book for you, very similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher books.
March 20, 2022
No spoilers here other than this book is coincidentally based on the Russian Ukraine war . It’s a great book and highly recommended.
March 31, 2022
Love Ryker
Henryk, the next generation 😎
Like Batman &Robin. James will always be “the man,” but its gonna’ be fun watching Henryk grow. 😁
Henryk, the next generation 😎
Like Batman &Robin. James will always be “the man,” but its gonna’ be fun watching Henryk grow. 😁
April 19, 2022
A good .read
Fast paced with lots of plot/ storylines in the mix. Believable to a degree, especially given what has recently occurred in Ukraine!
Fast paced with lots of plot/ storylines in the mix. Believable to a degree, especially given what has recently occurred in Ukraine!
July 30, 2022
So very Ryker
How does Rob Sinclair manage to keep writing those amazing stories? Vigilante is a fitting end to the Ryker Returns quadrilogy.
How does Rob Sinclair manage to keep writing those amazing stories? Vigilante is a fitting end to the Ryker Returns quadrilogy.
May 27, 2025
Unrealistic
The scenario, the action, the people are just not plausible
A real page turner; twenty at a time
One more book and then another author
The scenario, the action, the people are just not plausible
A real page turner; twenty at a time
One more book and then another author
Read
November 1, 2026excellent read excitement from start to finish,
December 10, 2024
Constant pace !!!
Just like the previous books , fast paced , I was unable to put them down either . Can't wait till the next one !!!
Just like the previous books , fast paced , I was unable to put them down either . Can't wait till the next one !!!
March 7, 2022
Book 4 in the Ryker Returns series and this is a direct follow up to The Outsider (book 3) and I felt you really need to read book 3 first. A grab you by the throat opening chapter had me hooked as the author led me though various timelines; taking the reader on a mini tour of Europe from Norway to Greece, Crete, Russia and Ukraine
Briefly, Ryker thought he had expelled the gangsters from Blodstein in Norway but when he hears of more killings he heads back. Then a teenage boy is murdered in Crete and he believes it is Henrik who he had rescued in Blodstein. Ryker heads for Athens to obtain more information where he meets the mysterious Eleni and two Russian agents. Thereafter he heads for Crete but is suddenly in jail accused of the murder of the boy. It is clear he has been set up but by whom?
As usual there are plenty of action packed moments and violence. Excellent fast paced read and very typical of the author. Cannot wait for the next book and definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Ryker thought he had expelled the gangsters from Blodstein in Norway but when he hears of more killings he heads back. Then a teenage boy is murdered in Crete and he believes it is Henrik who he had rescued in Blodstein. Ryker heads for Athens to obtain more information where he meets the mysterious Eleni and two Russian agents. Thereafter he heads for Crete but is suddenly in jail accused of the murder of the boy. It is clear he has been set up but by whom?
As usual there are plenty of action packed moments and violence. Excellent fast paced read and very typical of the author. Cannot wait for the next book and definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 16, 2022
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The author's James Ryker Books are a great series of books and Vigilante, the latest one, doesn’t disappoint. It follows on from the previous book, Outsider, so I’d recommend you read that first. Ryker believes the body of a teenager found dead in Crete may be the young lad he helped in Norway. Is all as it seems though? Ryker comes up against russian gangs again and when events take an unexpected turn he finds himself set up for murder and in a russian jail. I thought this was a well written, thrilling and very fast paced read. The start was very good and I was drawn in immediately. The book flowed really well, it had plenty of action scenes and raced to a fitting end. If you like action packed books this is for you.
The author's James Ryker Books are a great series of books and Vigilante, the latest one, doesn’t disappoint. It follows on from the previous book, Outsider, so I’d recommend you read that first. Ryker believes the body of a teenager found dead in Crete may be the young lad he helped in Norway. Is all as it seems though? Ryker comes up against russian gangs again and when events take an unexpected turn he finds himself set up for murder and in a russian jail. I thought this was a well written, thrilling and very fast paced read. The start was very good and I was drawn in immediately. The book flowed really well, it had plenty of action scenes and raced to a fitting end. If you like action packed books this is for you.
March 2, 2022
This is the first James Ryker book by Rob Sinclair that I have read. This left me at a bit of a disadvantage, as the story was clearly based on actions that had occurred in previous books. It took a while to figure out who Ryker really was.
While it is a standalone book, it would have helped to have the background to fully appreciate the story.
That being said, if you like your books to have a lot of action, this is the book for you. The story moves along very quickly, starting in Norway, going next to Greece, the island of Crete and then to Russia and Ukraine. The book outlined part of the historical background that is relevant in the current situation occurring in Ukraine.
Ryker is the thinking person’s hero. He has principles and values and acts within his value system at all times. He is able to think and act and deal with all situations in which he finds himself.
While it is a standalone book, it would have helped to have the background to fully appreciate the story.
That being said, if you like your books to have a lot of action, this is the book for you. The story moves along very quickly, starting in Norway, going next to Greece, the island of Crete and then to Russia and Ukraine. The book outlined part of the historical background that is relevant in the current situation occurring in Ukraine.
Ryker is the thinking person’s hero. He has principles and values and acts within his value system at all times. He is able to think and act and deal with all situations in which he finds himself.
February 26, 2022
This is the follow-up to Outsider and you do need to have read that first to understand how things are the way they are.
Following on from events in Norway, Ryker heads to Athens when he thinks the body of a murdered teenager may be Henrik, the boy he had rescued in Blodstein. There he encounters FSB agents, the mysterious Elena, corrupt police and numerous other thugs. The story flits between various timelines and the incredible opening chapter had me totally hooked.
As usual, this has lots of violence and action and you will not be disappointed if you are a fan of this series. A fabulous read and I hope this series continues.
I received an advance copy from Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review.
Following on from events in Norway, Ryker heads to Athens when he thinks the body of a murdered teenager may be Henrik, the boy he had rescued in Blodstein. There he encounters FSB agents, the mysterious Elena, corrupt police and numerous other thugs. The story flits between various timelines and the incredible opening chapter had me totally hooked.
As usual, this has lots of violence and action and you will not be disappointed if you are a fan of this series. A fabulous read and I hope this series continues.
I received an advance copy from Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
This is my honest unbiased review of a arc book thanks to Bloodhound books.
Although this could be read as a standalone, it is probably better to read after Outsider . This time after a quick visit back to Blodstien, Ryker takes himself off to Crete, to investigate the death of Henrick whom he had previously rescued from gangsters.
This leads him into alsorts of trouble and life threatening danger, which could be more than what he anticipated.
The book has you captured from the very beginning and as usual is full of intrigue, violence, twists,turns revelations and is a very fast pace book.
A extremely intriguing well written storyline and very interesting and exciting book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Although this could be read as a standalone, it is probably better to read after Outsider . This time after a quick visit back to Blodstien, Ryker takes himself off to Crete, to investigate the death of Henrick whom he had previously rescued from gangsters.
This leads him into alsorts of trouble and life threatening danger, which could be more than what he anticipated.
The book has you captured from the very beginning and as usual is full of intrigue, violence, twists,turns revelations and is a very fast pace book.
A extremely intriguing well written storyline and very interesting and exciting book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews