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The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern
on Tour August 1-31, 2018
MY REVIEW
I love books that start with a hook, a glimpse of the present and then jumping to the past for the explanation of current events. Nikki Stern did that very well in The Former Assassin.
An unfortunate incident set the path for Susan that led her to Kemp. Now, he had her under his control, but she wanted out.
She is in love and it will unravel her life and break her heart.The choices she makes will bring her to her knees. Anguish and despair are the least of her worries, her life is in danger.
Even though she is an assassin, I love assassins and I can empathize,sympathize and fear for her.
I felt Part I could have been a novella, but I am so glad it isn’t. Nikki Stern misdirected me in such a way, she had me fooled and that is not an easy thing to do. I was lulled into a sense of ‘I know where this is going,’ so I didn’t feel that sense of urgency to find out what happens next. HA! Now, she is going to twist and turn me into Part II and I am looking forward to finding out what is hidden behind her words.
A sense of danger lurks…Revenge. Kemp should be careful how far he pushes her. Everyone has their breaking point and sometimes the cost is more than you want to pay.
How can she kill for work…for a job?
It wasn’t like she had choices.
Is something wrong with her?
Will she ever be able to quit?
Retire?
Have a family with children?
The danger and suspense is subtle. I knew something was coming, but not what and I do enjoy when an author keeps me on the fence…teetering this way and that as I try to figure it out before I get there.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Former Assassin by Nikki Stern.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.
After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.
Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.
He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.
Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.
“An explosive page-turner which owes its momentum to it two well-drawn opponents and a conflict that goes beyond good-vs.-evil.” ~IndieReader, Four Star review
“Later turns in the smashing final act come at a searing pace.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“Keeps readers guessing the outcome right up to its conclusion.” ~D. Donovan Midwest Book Review
Book Details:
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: Ruthenia Press
Publication Date: January 8, 2018
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780999548721
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Goodreads
Read an excerpt:
Today is not a good day to die.
No day is, not really. We humans are hard-wired to survive. By most standards, though, this morning is exceptional. The weather is balmy, even for May. The fierce winds that often pound the Welsh coastline have remained offshore. Purple heather blankets the emerald cliffs that encircle Bristol Bay. Small breakers gently lap the shoreline and wash the sand clean of debris. The water sparkles in the sunlight. Shades of azure and aquamarine yield to cyan and lapis further out. In the distance, the sea meets a cerulean sky just where the earth curves. No slate clouds gather at the horizon. All is calm.
Nothing suggested that today I would find myself on a bench in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world with a gun to my head, held by a predator who speaks just two words: “Don’t move.”
***
Excerpt from The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern. Copyright © 2018 by Nikki Stern. Reproduced with permission from Nikki Stern. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Nikki is the author of two works of non-fiction: HOPE IN SMALL DOSES, a 2015 Eric Hoffer finalist for books that provoke, inspire and redirect thought, and BECAUSE I SAY SO: MORAL AUTHORITY’S DANGEROUS APPEAL, as well as dozens of short stories. She is co-author on the Cafe Noir interactive murder mystery series, published by Samuel French. Nikki’s suspense novel, THE FORMER ASSASSIN has garnered strong reviews, including a four-star rating from Indie Reader. She’s working on a mystery/sci-fi series starring an unorthodox crime fighter named Samantha Tate. When she’s not writing about strong complex women, Nikki is working with several non-profits, taking Pilates classes, and attending to the needs of her dog, Molly.
Catch Up With Nikki Stern On:
Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!
Tour Participants:
Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!
ENTER GIVEAWAY:
This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Nikki Stern. There will be 2 winners of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.
Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours
suspense I enjoy a good thriller and like when the author is able to keep you on edge. Great review!
Nikki is able to easily do that for me. Thanks for stopping by Kim
What a lovely review. Thanks so much!
It is my pleasure to share an intriguing story.
When I spotted this one I knew it had your name on it!
You know me so well.
I too enjoy books where the author keeps the reader on the fence. Putting this one on my list!
Glad to hear it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
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