Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn was immediately on my reading list because of my love of her Veronica Speedwell series. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked as assassins for over forty-years for an organization known as the Museum. When things go awry on their retirement cruise, the girls are going to have to work together on one last operation. Humor, suspense and a clever mystery kept me flipping the pages…..
by Deanna Raybourn
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
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.
Raybourn knows how to weave a tale that pulls readers in and holds them to the very last page. The idea of the secret organization know only as the Museum was an element I enjoyed. The Museum works outside of government constraints to hunt down Nazis, restore stolen artifacts to their rightful owners and take down drug lords appealed.
The author skillfully delivered a story with unique, colorful characters and an engaging storyline. They are all on the cruise at the museums’ expense. A farewell retirement send off if you will. While cooling off from a hot-flash, one discovers another operative on board and that can only mean one thing. Either they are on a mission (in which case they would have been told) or there to eliminate them. Since they weren’t informed, the ladies assume the latter and devise a plan.
The story that unfolds was delightful. It’s filled with suspense and action that has us trotting around the globe. The ladies use the skills they’ve learned to work together. The mission is clear. Find out why they’ve been targeted and devise a plan to get their lives back.
Well paced and suspenseful, Raybourn spun a clever tale that kept me guessing. As the four go about getting answers and eliminating threats, we learn about their training and previous cases. I absolutely loved all the details and connected with them. Each has their own skill set, baggage and opinions on the lives they’ve led.
I highly recommend this to fans of mysteries, secret organizations, mixed with strong characters, a little humor and a lot of action.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn delivered a suspenseful, action-packed mystery thriller. A must read this fall. #NewRelease #bookreview Share on XAbout Deanna Raybourn
A sixth-generation native Texan, New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
Great review and I’ve had it on my TBR so now I know to move it toward the top.
Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
Kimberly
I look forward to your thoughts 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
This was so much fun! I laughed so much. The Menopaws tracker app and so much more! Loved Billie and the gals. They gave me hope that I can be a badass at 60, although I guess that means I should try and be one now at 52 as well!
Kimberly
OMG yes….. that was brilliant. I will be 56 in October, so yep…let’s be badass now!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved this and rated it the same as you.
Kimberly
Yay! Have you read her Veronica Speedwell books?
Anne - Books of My Heart
Not yet but they are definitely on my list.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
Wasn’t this one fantastic?! I really thought that this was a very clever and entertaining tale.
Kimberly
Yes, and I love reading about older women!
Katherine
This sounds so fun! I love Deanna Raybourn and can’t wait to get to this one!
Kimberly
Wahoo! I think you’ll love it!
Wendy
What an absolutely fun book. I agree, the story was delightful!!
Kimberly
So glad you enjoyed it as well Wendy!
Greg
This looks so fun! I really want to try this.
Kimberly
I hope you grab it Greg!
Lover of Romance
I actually have never read this author, but I am definitely curious about her work. I do appreciate an author that can keep you highly involved in the story until the very end though.
Lovely review Kimberly!
Kimberly
Her Veronica Speedwell historical mystery series with romantic elements is deightful.
Sophia Rose
I had a good time with these four gals figuring it all out and then their adventures.
Kimberly
Right. I liked that it wasn’t all machine guns, etc.
Nadene
This sounds fun. One day I hope to read this author’s work.
Kimberly
I am loving these books with older characters.
Debbie Haupt
Wow this looks really good and as a woman of a certain age myself I want to read it. Is it contemporary or set in the past? Thanks Kim
Kimberly
It is contemporary.
Mary
I really enjoyed it!
Kimberly
Yay. I really enjoy this author.