Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn

December 19, 2024

Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn

The four middle-aged supposedly retired assassins from Killers of a Certain Age are back for another adventure. The son of the target of their first kill is methodically tracking down and killing the people responsible for his father's death. It's up to the four assassins to take him out before he finds them. But how will they find him, and how does he know where they are?

The Golden Girls meets Charlie's Angels. Despite being in their 60s, the four female assassins are still evolving and growing. They are smart, sassy and sexy. I do like the recommendations for using common household items as killing or torture tools. Also, I would like Taverner if Billie is finished with him. A worthy sequel to the first book.

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

Venice

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark

October 31, 2023

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark

Eveen is a member of the Dead Cat Tail Assassins guild, and an undead contract killer. During the annual Festival of the Clockwork King, she accepts a commission from an anonymous patron to ship (read: kill) a target in a wealthy district. Expecting some old mobster or shady businessman, Eveen infiltrates the building with no difficulty, but when she reaches the bedchamber, she finds a young woman who looks suspiciously familiar. Realizing that she has been set up, Eveen has until dawn to figure out how to beat her enemy and save herself. And her doppelganger.

I love P. Djeli Clark's fantastical fiction, and this novella does not disappoint. I especially enjoy his female characters: strong, smart and snarky. The ending is open enough that there could be a sequel (I hope, I hope!).

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Dark goddesses

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.