Killers Of A Certain Age

I always appreciate it, both in fiction and in life, when middle aged women are not treated like they're invisible. This book about retired assassins fit that bill. The pacing is great, the characters are vivid and the story idea is as unique as it is compelling.

This book is a unique spin on the classic assassin story. It follows four women in their 60s, retired from their careers as killers, who are now targeted and trying to survive.

Raybourn’s book is funny and action-packed, but it does incredible work with the characters. It explores a traditionally macho genre from a female perspective, which offers a whole host of new opportunities and insights.   

It was delightful reading about the antics of women in their sixties who are very much still energetic and smart… and, as it turns out, haven’t lost their skillsets as assassins!

When they attempt to retire from their lucrative—if murderous—jobs, they find the agency for which they worked is only willing to let them go… if they’re dead. Don’t anger women of a certain age, especially if they’ve spent the last four decades killing people on your behalf, as the invisibility that happens to all women beyond a certain age may well prove to be their most valuable weapon.

It’s… show more.

This one is fabulous from a reader's view as well as a craft standpoint.

Raybourn played with the timelines and multiple points of view in a way that felt fresh and interesting. The past and present weave together to explain the history and motivations of the characters while unfolding the primary story.

When I recommend this one to friends, I usually say, "Female assassins doing what they've been trained to do while complaining about their aching knees and back." There's something about that combination that makes the whole plot relatable. No, I've never killed anyone, blown up a cruise ship,… show more.

Killers of a Certain Age is about four 60-year-old female assassins. Just as they’re retiring from “the biz,” they discover the organization they’ve worked for 40 years has sent an assassin after them. Using the skills they’ve honed over the years, they set out to find who ordered the hit and why.

Books about female assassins are not unique. What makes Killers of a Certain Age special is that the main characters are active, vibrant, 60-year-olds who kick some serious ass. It’s witty, funny, and full of heart. As I get older (ahem), I appreciate reading about mature characters in… show more.