If I had to describe this one, I would say it’s a Golden Girls meets James Bond mashup that you never knew you needed. Deanna Raybourn has been a beloved author of mine for YEARS! Her characters are charming, witty, and smart. I have read almost all of her books and never pass on anything she has written. She is truly a talented writer and I am just so thrilled that she has come out with a new standalone book! Raybourn has such a great prose with humor, charm, and boldness that is rare to find and I absolutely love when she comes out with a new book as I am almost SURE to love it.
When I saw this one was coming out, it sounded a little different from her usual books. Raybourn usually writes more historical fiction and this one sounded more like spies and espionage. But I have full faith in Raybourn’s writing talents and I knew that she would craft something that I would simply love and adore! In so many books, the main characters are young hot talented women, but we all grow up and age—I love seeing more representation of older badass women!
This book was also selected as a Book of the Month pick so if you need anymore endorsement, this is it! Raybourn’s writing mixed with this unique story really made it shine an I can totally see why it was a BOTM selection. You should be able to add this one onto your next book box if you missed it for September. This book really shows that just because you are retired—-doesn’t mean you can’t still be interesting.
Summary
Older women often feel invisible, but sometimes that’s their secret weapon.
They’ve spent their lives as the deadliest assassins in a clandestine international organization, but now that they’re sixty years old, four women friends can’t just retire – it’s kill or be killed in this action-packed thriller.
Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. Now their talents are considered old-school and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills.
When the foursome is sent on an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. Only the Board, the top-level members of the Museum, can order the termination of field agents, and the women realize they’ve been marked for death.
Now to get out alive they have to turn against their own organization, relying on experience and each other to get the job done, knowing that working together is the secret to their survival. They’re about to teach the Board what it really means to be a woman–and a killer–of a certain age. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
Raybourn’s signature whit is all over the pages of this book. She has such a strong style that really shows the sass and snark that makes readers enjoy her books. I love reading her characters they are always interesting, well defined, sassy, and fully realized. I have never read one of her books and felt like her characters were just ‘ok’. I loved how the book didn’t just focus on the ‘main’ part of the story but rather explored some of the recruitment, training, and early missions for the characters. I thought it added a lot of depth to the story and I loved how the humor broke up the tension throughout the book so it didn’t get weighted down. I loved how a lot of the jokes and such were focused on underestimating older women, it really is a good reminder that you might be old but you aren’t dead!
This book really stood out as different for me. It isn’t your ‘run of the mill’ lady detective story or spy story. It’s unique with a strong voice and a lot to enjoy. I agree with a lot of reviewers who also commented on the cinematic quality of this book. I could easily see it as a thrilling Netflix series or something. It had this great story with unique and fascinating characters that really stands out. I would love to see this book made into a series of some kind as I think it would really appeal to readers and watchers! I also kind of wonder if this could be made into a book series. I know it’s meant to be a stand alone book and it does wrap up nicely but I also think there is plenty of content within the novel that a series could be created.
I simply adored this book. At first I was a little hesitant as it sounded completely different than Raybourn’s traditional novels but it quickly won my over and is now one of my favorite books I’ve read this year! It really distinguishes itself from traditional novels and I simply love the humor and overall story. If you have been on the fence about this one, you might want to do yourself a favor and shove it into your Amazon cart because it’s absolutely worth the read! I am so glad I read this one, it was a treat to read and one that will stick with me for quite some time.
Book Info and Rating
Format: 368 pages, hardcover
Published: September 6th 2022 by Berkley Books
ISBN: 9780593200681
Free review copy provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: mystery, spy novel
The Lit Bitch 