Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

August 20, 2022

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Four nice middle-aged women embark on a luxury retirement cruise, courtesy of their employer. But all four have worked as contract killers for a clandestine organization, and they quickly realize that their employer has plans to dispose of them permanently. They need to use their skills and quick thinking to stay ahead of events and stay alive.

As someone over 60, I appreciated reading about heroines who aren't 20 and super gorgeous and perfect. These are smart women, quick thinking and resourceful, who work with the trials of getting older to survive. There is the issue of society ignoring women over 50 (unless you're Jennifer Anniston), which these women use to their advantage. I've told my co-workers that I could be running a drug cartel, or printing counterfeit money in the basement, or working as a hired killer, and no one would ever know. Who would suspect a young-ish senior citizen wearing leggings and a sweatshirt that says "Ask Me About My Cat"? (FYI, I don't have a cat, I'm more of a dog person).

Here's another news flash: mentally you never feel old - you always feel like you're 25.

The characters get a little bit Golden Girls as times, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I love Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell and Lady Julia Grey series, and this stand-alone novel does not disappoint. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.