The Protector: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: hyperspeed thriller
Review: Biochemist Daniel Prescott creates a drug that is supposed to help stop addiction, but instead is rumored to provide an incredibly addictive rush by stimulating the body producing adrenaline. Fearing that undesirables will harm him to get at his creation, Daniel hires Global Protective Services, a security firm not squeamish about crossing legal barriers. Former Delta Force commando Cavanaugh serves as the lead "protector" to keep the client safe from the Feds, foreign governments, and drug kings.

However, Cavanaugh gets a taste of the elixir, but loathes the monstrous amount of fear he feels caused by the geometric stimulation of adrenaline. When his men die in a firefight that Daniel caused before the biochemist vanished, Cavanaugh assisted by his wife joins those seeking the missing scientist, but unlike the myriad of others in the chase he needs the antidote.

Fans of action filled with "state-of-the-art tradecraft" gizmos will want to read THE PROTECTOR, a plot that flows so fast and furious as if David Morrell stayed on an adrenaline rush while writing this exciting thriller. Cavanaugh is a wonderful "tragic" hero, but the gadgetry and the careening from one loaded scene to another energy laden adventure overwhelms much of the rest of the cast. Except the star and his spouse there are no good or bad guys just readers elating with this ride.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: A fun fast read by one of the top thriller writers
Review: Cavanaugh, a typical thriller hero, is a protector or bodyguard. He also helps make people disappear by creating new identities. Cavanaugh works for an agency called Global Protective Services. Their latest client is Daniel Prescott, a biochemist who has invented a hormone that may have military purposes and is being pursued by shadowy individuals trying to get their hands on the formula. When the organization goes to work, a disaster occurs leaving Cavanaugh to clean up the mess alone. He solicits the help of his wife, Jamie, who is most definitely not part of the business, to achieve his objective.
David Morrell is a veteran thriller writer who has, in fact, created the character of Rambo. Cavanaugh is, of course, an ex member of the Delta force which accounts for his many extraordinary talents. He is another excellent creation and, in a sense, the prototypical thriller hero. Pacing is never a problem with this book as the plot moves along in a strong sure manner as we are in experienced hands. David Morrell considers this a "trade craft novel" meaning that interspersed throughout the book are numerous references as to how to perform certain deeds inherent to the profession such as escaping detection, how to protect individuals and how to obtain ready cash when away from home (wear a Rolex watch which can always be exchanged for money). Of course, our villain is over the top and a quite worthy opponent to Cavanaugh. The book is overall a fun fast read as all thrillers should be.

Rating:
Summary: No one does action and suspense better than David Morrell.
Review: It's hard to believe that books like "First Blood" (inspiration for Rambo) and "Brotherhood of the Rose" were written twenty years ago or more, with "Brotherhood" written in 1984. It's even harder to believe that David Morrell has kept up the frantic pace of his novels for this many years without slowing down or missing a beat.

The main character of THE PROTECTOR is essentially a super-bodyguard in the same mold of the main character of Morrell's best-selling novel ever, THE FIFTH PROFESSION (whose protagonist, Savage, is an 'executive protector'). Like most of Morrell's books, THE PROTECTOR gets off to a fast start and absolutely flies by. As technology has progressed over the years, so has Morrell's writing material, always incorporating the newest trends in electronic gadgets and spy tradecraft into his storylines and his characters.

An early twist will securely lock you into the plot, and will keep you from putting the book down for very long. With one action scene after another, this has motion picture written all over it. The years haven't affected David Morrell's writing. He's as good as ever, and THE PROTECTOR is proof positive.

Rating:
Summary: Morrell's best book in years!
Review: THE PROTECTOR is a tour de force that ranks right up there with THE FIFTH PROFESSION and THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE. Cavanaugh is a protector (different from a bodyguard in that Cavanaugh is a highly trained special operations agent). When he's assigned to protect a biochemist, things go wrong. Cavanaugh's team is killed and he's forced to turn to his wife for help as he tries to set things right. Morrell uses plenty of authentic tradecraft and the book rockets along building suspense. If you're not on the edge of your seat turning pages as fast as you can, you don't have a heartbeat.

Tight plotting, smart characters, cool action set-pieces. This would make a great movie, but there's no way that Hollywood can match what Morrell brings to the table.

On a scale of one to five stars, THE PROTECTOR deserves a six. Don't start this one late at night or you'll be up until the wee hours of the morning and the last satisfying page is turned.

Whatever you do, don't miss this one!