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Danny Black #6
Head Hunters
The sixth book in the Danny Black series by SAS hero and bestselling author Chris Ryan.
When your deadliest enemy is closer than you think.
The Regiment is beset by a mysterious run of suicides. When Danny Black becomes part of an SAS hit squad to seek out and eliminate Taliban leaders he has to steel himself for the pressures of a constant round of killing. What he can't prepare himself for is the accusation that he has massacred an entire family, and an old enemy in the Military Police is on his tail, determined to put him away.
When your deadliest enemy is closer than you think.
The Regiment is beset by a mysterious run of suicides. When Danny Black becomes part of an SAS hit squad to seek out and eliminate Taliban leaders he has to steel himself for the pressures of a constant round of killing. What he can't prepare himself for is the accusation that he has massacred an entire family, and an old enemy in the Military Police is on his tail, determined to put him away.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
144 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,019 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 13, 2023
A powerful, strong, gritty, explosive action thriller.
Head Hunters, a Danny Black Book 6.
Your enemies maybe a lot closer than you think !!
Such a true statement, great strong characters, and builds up for a fast paced action packed last third of the book.
I felt the heat, the dry desert, the awful surroundings as I was reading this book.
Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Taliban are on the rise.
A top-secret SAS kill team is assassinating high-value targets. It is bloody, violent, relentless work, suitable only for the Regiment's most skilled and ruthless head hunters.
Like Danny Black.
But when Danny joins the kill team, he learns that Taliban militants are not his only problem. There are elements within the British Army who want to bring the SAS to book. And there are elements within the SAS who have their crosshairs on Danny himself.
Framed for a sickening war crime, Danny finds himself hunted in a brutal, dangerous terrain where his wits, training and strength may not be enough to survive.
And in a world where his enemies are closer than he could have imagined, he must do whatever it takes to get to the truth. If he fails, it will mean the end not only of Danny Black, but of the SAS itself.
A clear four star book.
Head Hunters, a Danny Black Book 6.
Your enemies maybe a lot closer than you think !!
Such a true statement, great strong characters, and builds up for a fast paced action packed last third of the book.
I felt the heat, the dry desert, the awful surroundings as I was reading this book.
Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Taliban are on the rise.
A top-secret SAS kill team is assassinating high-value targets. It is bloody, violent, relentless work, suitable only for the Regiment's most skilled and ruthless head hunters.
Like Danny Black.
But when Danny joins the kill team, he learns that Taliban militants are not his only problem. There are elements within the British Army who want to bring the SAS to book. And there are elements within the SAS who have their crosshairs on Danny himself.
Framed for a sickening war crime, Danny finds himself hunted in a brutal, dangerous terrain where his wits, training and strength may not be enough to survive.
And in a world where his enemies are closer than he could have imagined, he must do whatever it takes to get to the truth. If he fails, it will mean the end not only of Danny Black, but of the SAS itself.
A clear four star book.
September 16, 2018
Wow!
Couldn’t put my kindle down from start to finish, have read all of Chris Ryan’s books and so far this has to be up there with my favourites. Twists and turns all the way, hopefully there’s more to come from the Danny Black series. Looking forward to the next Strike Back book.
Couldn’t put my kindle down from start to finish, have read all of Chris Ryan’s books and so far this has to be up there with my favourites. Twists and turns all the way, hopefully there’s more to come from the Danny Black series. Looking forward to the next Strike Back book.
April 28, 2019
Danny Black is sent to join an SAS black ops team taking out taliban targets. Unfortunately an old enemy is leading the team and this doesn’t bode well for Black. So Black is framed for a war crime and there may be significant consequences for the future of the SAS.
It’s a short book and fairly average. The SAS are shown to have a number of psychotics in their midst, an unexpected suggestion from the author. The dangerous parts of Afghanistan seem to be easy for allied soldiers to wander around and there are many plot aspects that are either weak or are unbelievable.
Definitely one of the author’s weaker efforts.
It’s a short book and fairly average. The SAS are shown to have a number of psychotics in their midst, an unexpected suggestion from the author. The dangerous parts of Afghanistan seem to be easy for allied soldiers to wander around and there are many plot aspects that are either weak or are unbelievable.
Definitely one of the author’s weaker efforts.
January 21, 2019
Another Danny Black Classic
Danny Black receives an unexpected order to meet in the depths of the West Country. His liaison takes him to another secret rendezvous and then on to Afghanistan to supplement a covert SAS hit squad. This would seem on the face of it to be a typical day at the office for Danny except that he and Wiseman, the leader of the squad, have long-standing issues. The unasked question is whether these issues will remain unresolved and therefore fester or whether the ill-feeling will boil over into direct action. In the meantime, there is a job to be done and terrorists for them to hunt down and eliminate.
Chris Ryan has a massive following of devoted fans, and it's not surprising to see why. His novels are action-packed and exciting reading, and this latest thriller is indeed no exception. It can be read as a stand-alone as there are no spoilers although I have no doubt that any aficionado of this genre will want to seek and read the previous five.
Set mainly in Afghanistan, "Head Hunters" is atmospheric and captures the feeling of the constant heat and dust brilliantly. The pace of the plot varies which gives the reader time to contemplate what the future holds, before being plunged again into bloody violence. Excellent.
The characters are very well formed with the conflict between Black and Wiseman almost palpable. Similarly, the dialogue is raw and true to life. So often clunky dialogue lets down an otherwise excellent book, but not in this case. It’s sparse in places but serves its purpose extraordinarily well.
Ryan's SAS background is transparently obvious, but without the excellent research, this novel would still lack credibility. Combining his knowledge and research has enabled him to create another throat-grabbing read. If you enjoy this type of story, this one should be in your top 10 wish list. You will not be disappointed.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Danny Black receives an unexpected order to meet in the depths of the West Country. His liaison takes him to another secret rendezvous and then on to Afghanistan to supplement a covert SAS hit squad. This would seem on the face of it to be a typical day at the office for Danny except that he and Wiseman, the leader of the squad, have long-standing issues. The unasked question is whether these issues will remain unresolved and therefore fester or whether the ill-feeling will boil over into direct action. In the meantime, there is a job to be done and terrorists for them to hunt down and eliminate.
Chris Ryan has a massive following of devoted fans, and it's not surprising to see why. His novels are action-packed and exciting reading, and this latest thriller is indeed no exception. It can be read as a stand-alone as there are no spoilers although I have no doubt that any aficionado of this genre will want to seek and read the previous five.
Set mainly in Afghanistan, "Head Hunters" is atmospheric and captures the feeling of the constant heat and dust brilliantly. The pace of the plot varies which gives the reader time to contemplate what the future holds, before being plunged again into bloody violence. Excellent.
The characters are very well formed with the conflict between Black and Wiseman almost palpable. Similarly, the dialogue is raw and true to life. So often clunky dialogue lets down an otherwise excellent book, but not in this case. It’s sparse in places but serves its purpose extraordinarily well.
Ryan's SAS background is transparently obvious, but without the excellent research, this novel would still lack credibility. Combining his knowledge and research has enabled him to create another throat-grabbing read. If you enjoy this type of story, this one should be in your top 10 wish list. You will not be disappointed.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
December 25, 2019
4.5 stars
I’m very partial to SAS novels and while there are many ex-SAS and armed services people who write these kind of novels, Chris Ryan is the best. He writes both stand alone novels as well as a couple of different series; however the Danny Black series is my favourite of all his series and Head Hunters is my new favourite of the Danny Black books.
Head Hunters is another excellent read by Ryan. It begins with Black being sent to Afghanistan to work in a kill team with his nemesis Tony Wiseman. Before he knows it, Black is being accused of a war crime and Wiseman is hanging him out to dry for something he didn’t do. Alone and on the run, Black now has to convince the powers that be that he isn’t the guilty one. His time is running out as the bodies began stacking up and the question remains, Will Black survive to bring the truth to light?
Like all of Ryan’s books; it has a fantastic plot with several twists and turns. You assume that Black will ultimately survive; but the plot does enough to make some doubt creep in along the way; which I like. Like the other twenty five of Ryan’s books that I have read, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. The characters are interesting, clearly a sign of Ryan’s time as a member of the British SAS. Whilst it does help to have read the books in the series before it, it certainly can be read as a stand alone novel. I highly recommend Head Hunters, along with all of Ryan’s other books.
I’m very partial to SAS novels and while there are many ex-SAS and armed services people who write these kind of novels, Chris Ryan is the best. He writes both stand alone novels as well as a couple of different series; however the Danny Black series is my favourite of all his series and Head Hunters is my new favourite of the Danny Black books.
Head Hunters is another excellent read by Ryan. It begins with Black being sent to Afghanistan to work in a kill team with his nemesis Tony Wiseman. Before he knows it, Black is being accused of a war crime and Wiseman is hanging him out to dry for something he didn’t do. Alone and on the run, Black now has to convince the powers that be that he isn’t the guilty one. His time is running out as the bodies began stacking up and the question remains, Will Black survive to bring the truth to light?
Like all of Ryan’s books; it has a fantastic plot with several twists and turns. You assume that Black will ultimately survive; but the plot does enough to make some doubt creep in along the way; which I like. Like the other twenty five of Ryan’s books that I have read, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. The characters are interesting, clearly a sign of Ryan’s time as a member of the British SAS. Whilst it does help to have read the books in the series before it, it certainly can be read as a stand alone novel. I highly recommend Head Hunters, along with all of Ryan’s other books.
May 18, 2020
Somethings Not Right.....
It’s goodish.
However, I smell a Rat.
Books 2, 3 and 5 (this one) have excellent plots.
Books 1 and 4 not.
Caitlin the kickass competent Female Special forces operative (previously in book 2 and 3).
Had (previously) our protagonists total confidence.
She returns here and doesn’t???
Constantly reminded about how carful SF operatives are but there’s some massive mistakes here.
Could it be that the Author is so busy with things Ghost(s) are infiltrating the writing process???
Such that the plotting varies so much, the interaction between characters goes so south and details are not sorted???
Will never know the truth.
As a series so far, it’s recommended, but if not wanting to read in order just stick with books 2 and 3 whilst waiting for the next one.
It’s goodish.
However, I smell a Rat.
Books 2, 3 and 5 (this one) have excellent plots.
Books 1 and 4 not.
Caitlin the kickass competent Female Special forces operative (previously in book 2 and 3).
Had (previously) our protagonists total confidence.
She returns here and doesn’t???
Constantly reminded about how carful SF operatives are but there’s some massive mistakes here.
Could it be that the Author is so busy with things Ghost(s) are infiltrating the writing process???
Such that the plotting varies so much, the interaction between characters goes so south and details are not sorted???
Will never know the truth.
As a series so far, it’s recommended, but if not wanting to read in order just stick with books 2 and 3 whilst waiting for the next one.
March 23, 2021
Danny Black on a mission to hunt terrorists
Danny Black was on a mission to hunt two known terrorists.
The mission go sideways and Black is now running for his life.
There is some really bad persons with guns. And now he have to find help from a doctor so that he could discover the truth and complete his mission.
I'm a fan of the Strike Back series. That lead me to read the books and probably why I like them so much. They are very straight forward in the way that the lead is usually in trouble because of politics or someone getting too greedy. And Danny Black is the good guy who would get into the middle of the problem and sort things out, with guns and explosives.
Fun read. Really like it. Just what I need to get me to forget for a few hours the mess in the world and in the city.
Danny Black was on a mission to hunt two known terrorists.
The mission go sideways and Black is now running for his life.
There is some really bad persons with guns. And now he have to find help from a doctor so that he could discover the truth and complete his mission.
I'm a fan of the Strike Back series. That lead me to read the books and probably why I like them so much. They are very straight forward in the way that the lead is usually in trouble because of politics or someone getting too greedy. And Danny Black is the good guy who would get into the middle of the problem and sort things out, with guns and explosives.
Fun read. Really like it. Just what I need to get me to forget for a few hours the mess in the world and in the city.
June 29, 2020
I absolutely loved it, I was gripped throughout and couldn’t put it down. I can see the flaws that some might see more negatively but as far as war type stories go few are perfect. As far as this story goes I genuinely, really enjoyed it. The plot was interesting as well as the characters, the story flowed nicely and had just the right amount of twists and turns. It was a happy accident I picked this book up having not read the rest of the series, so I’ve now ordered the rest and a selection of others by the author.
October 19, 2019
A typical alpha male book that is short and basically a carry on from book #5. No real surprises, but at least bad Tony is now history and Mr Ryan can move on and develop Danny. Not much soldier or equipment tech in this story. Overall I was disappointed and one of Mr Ryan's weaker books. The SAS are not all fire breathing vigilantes topping off the Taliban. Another book nearer home and Danny's relationship with his brother and his son's mother would now be welcome.
Read
August 14, 2020Another great read
Another great read. Fast moving and exciting. Very topical given recent reports on sas activities in Afghanistan. Frighteningly accurate. E
Recommended if you like this genre
Another great read. Fast moving and exciting. Very topical given recent reports on sas activities in Afghanistan. Frighteningly accurate. E
Recommended if you like this genre
August 30, 2021
Ironic that I should read this on the weekend of the latest US capitulation in a war they should not have started. They should stick to civil wars, they can win those without involving so called friendly counties.
September 9, 2023
Another solid military action/adventure in this series.
Little time wasted delving straight into the main plot for this one. The story itself was a little more far fetched perhaps than earlier in the series and returning characters seem to have very different personalities that in earlier books.
Little time wasted delving straight into the main plot for this one. The story itself was a little more far fetched perhaps than earlier in the series and returning characters seem to have very different personalities that in earlier books.
March 1, 2024
realistic from start to a very good last sentence.
Another great book in Blacks history . Page turner from start to finish . Well researched and written by a man who knows . As do I !!!!
Another great book in Blacks history . Page turner from start to finish . Well researched and written by a man who knows . As do I !!!!
April 20, 2025
I miss Spud, but man, it was great to see Tony finally meet his end (hopefully). It was left a little open-ended, but after what he did to Katie it was great he finally got a bullet to the head.
Let’s see what happens next.
Let’s see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
I like the series, but there was wording in this book that annoyed me. “Shut your cake hole” it doesn’t fit the theme of the book.
They are top SAS, hard, tough guys, just doesn’t seem to fit. It also doesn’t seem like an English saying/ slang feels more American slang than British.
They are top SAS, hard, tough guys, just doesn’t seem to fit. It also doesn’t seem like an English saying/ slang feels more American slang than British.
October 23, 2018
Good read
Another good one from Chris , keep them coming.Look forward to the next one . Fear Naught . Through the blood and mud to the green fields
Another good one from Chris , keep them coming.Look forward to the next one . Fear Naught . Through the blood and mud to the green fields
December 6, 2018
The best Danny Black book IMHO. Glad I have read "Bad Soldier" before this as that book set the background of this new one
December 29, 2018
Another gripping Danny Black novel, these are getting better as the series progresses. Looking forward to reading the next book.
July 5, 2019
A riveting read that clicks along at a good pace. Good storyline and strong characters.
August 13, 2019
Head Hunters and Masters of war are absolutely the best of Danny Black series
August 21, 2019
As always very good
Interesting, fast paced and full of surprises. Danny black never lets the reader down. Chris Ryan has created one of the best characters out there.
Interesting, fast paced and full of surprises. Danny black never lets the reader down. Chris Ryan has created one of the best characters out there.
December 7, 2019
Brutal! What a great book. As always Chris Ryan packs his books full of non stop action. A captivating read that I could not put down. Bloody and merciless throughout and not for the faint hearted.
January 19, 2020
After reading all of the Dany Black series I was worried that it would start to become a bit 'samey'. However, with the twists and turns and how high paced this book is I just couldn't put it down!
April 21, 2020
Very easy read which was enjoyable and face paced. Took my mind away from real life for sure which was great.
May 11, 2020
So pleased my husband made sure I read Bad Soldier before this one!!
October 26, 2020
Couldn't put it down it has you on edge and wanting more every single page. The 2nd Chris Ryan book I've read and equally impressed with both
December 13, 2020
Bit of a palate cleanser after some longer and more serious books. Fulfilled that job perfectly - action very well paced and keeps you entertained. Violence very graphic which seemed unnecessary.
March 14, 2021
Clever, shocking, exciting - loved this just like all of Ryan’s books I’ve read. Can’t wait to get stuck into another one
June 16, 2021
Great read
Another very good read. Obviously the SAS heroes were always going to win, but another well written story by one of their own
Another very good read. Obviously the SAS heroes were always going to win, but another well written story by one of their own
July 4, 2021
another Danny Black story i just could not put it down another great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews