As I mentioned at the end of my book review of The Elias Network am totally hooked onto Simon Gervais and his thrillers. I have downloaded an earlier series mentioned as the “Clayton White” series. Finished reading the first book, The Last Protector a week ago. Am nearly 70% through the second book. Simon Gervais has truly got the art of writing thrillers that are page turners !!
The Last Protector – Summary
Clayton White is a former Air Force Combat Rescue officer turned Secret Service agent who has been tasked to protect the Vice President Elects’ daughter, Veronica Hammond. We soon realise that Veronica and Clayton are not just childhood friends but are romantically involved.
The book opens with an awards gala to honour Veronica for her achievements as an archaeologist and for creating an amazing app called “Drain”. As she is getting ready for the event, a group of South African mercenaries attempt a daring attack on her. Clayton White is with her at the time of the attack and is able to save her. He loses his entire team though.
As Vice-President elect and Veronica’s father Alexander Hammond comes to meet Clayton and Veronica in the hospital, his “terrible” past starts to unfold. Veronica’s smartphone app “Drain” threatens to reveal evidence of war crimes committed by her father and Roy Oxley, a British MI6 agent turned mercenary. The attack on Veronica is orchestrated by Oxley’s henchman Abelard Krantz.
Over the next several chapters, we understand how Hammond had deceived Clayton’s father and got him killed. The whole South African connection becomes clear as Clayton is sent to neutralise Roy Oxley, Hammond’s old partner-in-crime. Also Clayton is can no longer be a secret service agent since he and Veronica are engaged.
The ending is a bit abrupt compared to the build up to it… As expected certain characters are neutralised but some are left out. Maybe for the succeeding novels.
Clayton White’s character is brilliantly developed.
My rating – 5/5. Especially for those who love thrillers, this is a good one.
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