Killers of a Certain Age

 

Killers of a Certain Age is a well written cat-and-mouse mystery thriller by Deanna Raybourn. Released 6th Sept 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 353 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

This is definitely (emphatically) not your grandmother's cozy mystery. These four competent former assassings resemble 007 way more than The Golden Girls. Recruited to the shadowy "Museum" in the 1970s, they're ready to retire now and taking a celebratory cruise together when they figure out that it's a lot easier to get into the hired killer business than it is to get out. 

This has aspects of a buddy mystery thriller, as well as deft touches of espionage and all-around good storytelling. There are some graphic descriptions of murder and violence. The characterizations really shine here and all four of the main characters are completely distinct and well rendered - impossible to blend them together. It's razor-wire sharp but I was surprised how wryly humorous and warm it was at the same time.  

Four stars. Very well done. Ms. Raybourn is a gifted writer who is clearly willing to put in the work necessary to write about difficult/unappealing crimes in a way that renders the protagonists relatable. Dual timeline flashbacks and current time narrative are used to good effect and make the story readable as well as moving the plot along.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.