The most recommended books on contract killing

Who picked these books? Meet our 29 experts.

29 authors created a book list connected to contract killing, and here are their favorite contract killing books.
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Book cover of A Clean Kill in Tokyo

Philippe Espinasse Author Of Hard Underwriting

From my list on thrillers set in Asia.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've lived in Asia for more than 22 years and have extensively traveled around the region, both for work and pleasure, from the Middle East and central Asia to Japan, and Australia, New Zealand, and every country in between. Asia is the perfect setting for a thriller, as a region thatā€™s deeply rooted in traditions, but where modernity and growth are also breathless. There can be political instability at times, and even corruption, unsurpassed wealth and shocking poverty, bankers, and prostitutes. I worked for many years as an investment banker and my experiences inspired me to write my debut thriller, Hard Underwriting, in Hong Kong, and uncover the dark side of Asiaā€™s financial capital. 

Philippe's book list on thrillers set in Asia

Philippe Espinasse Why did Philippe love this book?

This is one of the best books in Eislerā€™s John Rain series, featuring half-American, half-Japanese assassin and Vietnam veteran John Rain.

Eisler himself was a covert operative with the CIAā€™s Directorate of Operations, and his descriptions of fieldcraft, surveillance, torture, and killing techniques all ring so true, as does his extensive knowledge of modern Japan.

Tokyo is, of course, a fascinating playground for Rainā€™s adventures. Eislerā€™s books and unputdownable, and well worth discovering.

By Barry Eisler,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Clean Kill in Tokyo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Previously published as Rain Fall

Name: John Rain.
Vocation: Assassin.
Specialty: Natural Causes.
Base of operations: Tokyo.
Availability: Worldwide.

Half American, half Japanese, expert in both worlds but at home in neither, John Rain is the best killer money can buy. You tell him who. You tell him where. He doesnā€™t care about whyā€¦

Until he gets involved with Midori Kawamura, a beautiful jazz pianistā€”and the daughter of his latest kill.

A Clean Kill in Tokyo was previously published as Rain Fall, the first in the bestselling John Rain assassin series.


Book cover of The Hit

Lee Gimenez Author Of The Media Murders

From my list on murder mystery from award-winning thriller author.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a mystery writer and Iā€™ve had 16 award-winning novels published. I also love to read mystery and thriller novels, and I read them voraciously. Iā€™m best known for my highly-acclaimed J.T. Ryan mysteries and I was a Finalist for the Author Academy Award. Also, many of my books were Featured Novels of the International Thriller Writers Association. Iā€™m also a multi-year nominee for the Georgia Author of the Year Award. 

Lee's book list on murder mystery from award-winning thriller author

Lee Gimenez Why did Lee love this book?

The Hit is my favorite of David Baldacci's many novels. It's a page-turning, pulse-racing action thriller with one of the best plots I've ever read. I found Will Robie, the main character in the book, a riveting personality. He's a U.S. government agent and the man the government calls on to eliminate the worst of the worst. No one can match Robie's talents as a hitman. No one, except Jessica Reel. A fellow assassin, Reel is every bit as lethal as Robie. And now she's gone rogue, turning her gun sights on other members of their agency. I found the captivating characters, the plot line, and the relentless pace of this novel a great read. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last.

By David Baldacci,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Hit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Hit is David Baldacci's blockbuster follow up to The Innocent, the smash-hit bestseller featuring U.S. government assassin, Will Robie.

YOU SEND A KILLER TO CATCH A KILLER.

Government hitman Will Robie is an elite killer. Called on by the US authorities to assassinate enemies of the state, his formidable skill set makes him an irreplaceable asset to his employers. But when he's given his next target, he knows he's about to embark on his toughest mission yet.

Reports indicate fellow assassin Jessica Reel has gone rogue, leaving a trail of deaths in her wake including her handler. To stopā€¦


Book cover of Don't Look for Me: A Carter Blake Thriller

Ian Coates Author Of Eavesdrop

From Ian's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Techie Thriller lover

Ian's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Ian Coates Why did Ian love this book?

Crossā€™s thriller poses an intriguing puzzle at the start, the answer to which slowly unfolds through the book, ending with some big surprises that I loved. Itā€™s not only that mystery that makes this such a good book, though.

The adrenaline almost made me breathless as the excitement and action scenes rapidly dragged me through the pages.

The twists and turns of the plot ensured it never lost my total attention, and I found I was totally absorbed by the thriller right to the end.

By Mason Cross,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Look for Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mason Cross, author of THE SAMARITAN, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, returns with his gripping new thriller - perfect for fans of David Baldacci, Linwood Barclay and Mark Billingham.

*

Don't look for me.

It was a simple instruction. And for six long years Carter Blake kept his word and didn't search for the woman he once loved. But now someone else is looking for her.

He'll come for you.

Trenton Gage is a hitman with a talent for finding people - dead or alive. His next job is to track down a woman who's on the run,ā€¦


Book cover of Killshot

Mike Consol Author Of Lolita Firestone: A Supernatural Novel

From Mike's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Extrovert Fitness fanatic World traveler Magazine editor News junkie

Mike's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Mike Consol Why did Mike love this book?

I have tried Elmore Leonard books in the past and stalled. Not with this book, in which Leonard made a very bright mark for his reputation as a master crime novelist. This is Leonard at his best.

A tough-minded married couple witnesses a crime near the start of this tale and spends the rest of the pages avoiding a professional hitman and his bumbling associate from taking them out.

Someone once said, ā€œElmore Leonard writes dialogue like he invented it.ā€ Itā€™s absolutely true of this book. I highly recommend it.

By Elmore Leonard,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Killshot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The King of Cool returns with another thrilling tale of crime capers.

Arman 'The Blackbird' Degas is a professional hitman: one shot, one kill. But when he's carjacked by ex-con Richie Nix, he finds himself with a lethal partner.

Nix is on his way to shake down a realtor and the Blackbird is along for the ride. But they don't count on Carmen and Wayne Colson getting in their way. Exposed as eyewitnesses, the Colsons are placed in witness protection but soon discover the program contains as many predators as the underworld they're hiding from. But can they outrun theā€¦


Book cover of Takes One to Know One

DK Coutant Author Of Evil Alice and the Borzoi

From DK's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professor Cross Cultural Psychologist Dog Lover Traveler Reader

DK's 3 favorite reads in 2023

DK Coutant Why did DK love this book?

Again, my choices come back to characters that I love. Corie Geller is someone I relate to.

Most of the books I find have protagonists with a tragic past. I enjoy those books and learn about other peopleā€™s reality, which is good. But it was delightful to encounter a protagonist with a solid, supportive middle-class family.

Corie has a good life and her biggest challenge is trying to enjoy the fabulous situation she has been lucky enough to fall into. Until she pokes a suspicious hornetā€™s nest and a serial killer comes after her. This book was a flashing red warning sign to me to be thankful, and treasure all I have.

By Susan Isaacs,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Takes One to Know One as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Just a few years ago, Corie Geller was busting terrorists as an agent for the FBI. But at thirty-five, she traded in her badge for the stability of marriage and motherhood. Between cooking meals and playing chauffeur, Corie scouts Arabic fiction for a few literary agencies and, on Wednesdays, has lunch with her fellow Shorehaven freelancers at a so-so French restaurant. Life is, as they say, fine.

But at her weekly lunches, Corie senses that something's off. Pete Delaney, a seemingly bland package designer, always shows up early, sits in the same spot (often with a different phone in hand)ā€¦


Book cover of Missing Susan

Sharon Dunn Author Of Romance Rustlers & Thunderbird Thieves

From my list on that made me laugh out loud.

Why am I passionate about this?

While I love books that reflect strong family values, I donā€™t like sugary sweetness to the point of unrealism. I prefer to read about real people who can make fun of themselves and the world. That sarcastic and biting edge seems to tap into a deeper honesty about life while making me roll around on the floor and break all my furniture.  

Sharon's book list on that made me laugh out loud

Sharon Dunn Why did Sharon love this book?

Imagine being in a tour group with the most annoying person in the world, Susan. Every tour group has that one person who talks non-stop about things that donā€™t matter. The difference here is that the tour guide Rowan Rover is an inept hitman who canā€™t seem to bump Susan off. An added element of fun is that the group is touring Englandā€™s most famous murder sites. When I was learning to write mysteries, I had two prominent influences, Sue Grafton and Sharyn McCrumb. Both taught me how to construct a solid mystery. Sue Grafton opened my eyes to the power of connection created by writing in first person. And Sharyn McCrumb showed me the importance of using humor even when talking about dark subjects like murder. 

By Sharyn McCrumb,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Missing Susan as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Edgar Award winner Sharyn McCrumb brings you her sixth Elizabeh MacPherson mystery novel.
The unsinkable Elizabeth is on tour of England's most famous murder sites, when Rowan Rover, the group leader, is quietly asked to commit murder. He does, of course, but not without misgivings--not the least of which is having Elizabeth MacPherson, canny observer and all-around murder spoiler, on his tail...
"Sharyn McCrunb is definitely a rising star in the New Golden Age of mystery fiction. I look forward to reading her for a long time to come."
Elizabeth Peters


Book cover of Hard Rain

Bryant Wieneke Author Of Priority One

From my list on political thrillers promoting peaceful solutions.

Why am I passionate about this?

I quit my job in 1994 to write. Fiction. It took me a while to find my niche, but what I realized is that I wanted to write political thrillers that were about more than how to stop the bad guys from killing the good guys by killing them first. There is another way. Starting with Priority One, and continuing to what is currently my tenth novel in the series, I imagine an American foreign policy that promotes the building of a more peaceful world through a combination of economic justice and humanitarianism, applied practically and pragmatically. Itā€™s my dream for my fiction, as well as the real world.

Bryant's book list on political thrillers promoting peaceful solutions

Bryant Wieneke Why did Bryant love this book?

As I set about the task of writing political thrillers, I read many gifted novelists in this genre. I found that the plots often revolved around shoot-ā€˜em-ups and egregiously evil militant groups. Barry Eisler is an exception. He is a superb writer who casts a talented and likeable character into a career as an assassin. John Rain chooses this life because his actions deter greater acts of violence. And isnā€™t that the choice many of us face in the modern world? Isnā€™t going to war about saving lives by killing the bad guys? In my books, I try to be sensitive to the issue that peace does not come easy in a violent world, and sometimes the trade-offs to secure peace are not at all pleasant.

By Barry Eisler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hard Rain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Previously published as Hard Rain and Blood from BloodAll John Rain wants is to get out of the killing business. But with his discretion, his reliability, and his unique talent for death by "natural causes," no one is willing to let him just retire. So when an old nemesis from the Japanese national police force comes to him with a new job-eliminate Murakami, a killer even more fearsome than Rain himself-Rain knows he can't refuse.Aided by an achingly desirable half Brazilian, half Japanese exotic dancer he knows he shouldn't trust, Rain pursues his quarry through underground no-holds-barred fight clubs, mobbed-upā€¦


Book cover of The Winter of Frankie Machine

Anthony Schneider Author Of Lowdown: A Mafia Romance Thriller

From my list on character-driven gangsters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up on a diet of The Godfather, The Sopranos, thrillers, and gangster novels, and living in New York City with eye-opening trips to Sicily, I became slightly obsessed with the Mafia. I came to see the American Mafia as a quintessentially American fabric, woven of family, power, immigrants, money, history, loyalty, legacy, and, yes, crime.  

Anthony's book list on character-driven gangsters

Anthony Schneider Why did Anthony love this book?

Retired hitman Frankie Machianno thinks heā€™s left the past behind and can focus on the things that matterā€”wife, mistress, daughter, surfing, perfect kitchen, roasting coffee, cooking.

But someone is coming for him and wants him dead. The problem is: Frankie doesnā€™t know who. As he tries to figure it out, we learn about Frank, his family, his lover, and his past, from San Diego beach bum to mafia ā€œbutton man.ā€

Heā€™s my favorite kind of gangsterā€”the good guy bad guyā€”and I couldnā€™t help but like Frank and fear for his life, as the novel hurtles toward its bittersweet conclusion.ā€Øā€Ø

By Don Winslow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Winter of Frankie Machine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Frank Machianno is the guy, a late-middle-aged ex-surf bum who runs a bait shack on the San Diego waterfront. That's when he's not juggling any of his other three part-time jobs or trying to get a quick set in on his long board. He's a beloved fixture of the community, a stand-up businessman, a devoted father to his daughter. Frank's also a hit man. Well, a retired hit man.

Back in the day, when he was one of the most feared members of the West Coast mob, he was known as Frankie Machine. Years ago, Frank consigned his mob tiesā€¦


Book cover of Prizzis Honor

Richard Vetere Author Of Champagne and Cocaine: A Novel

From my list on the darkly insane world of NYC in the 1980s.

Why am I passionate about this?

Richard Vetereā€™s screenplay Caravaggio won The Golden Palm for the Best Screenplay at the 2021 Beverly Hills Film Festival. He co-wrote The Third Miracle screenplay adaptation of his own novel. The movie was produced by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Ed Harris and Anne Heche and directed by Agnieszka Holland released by Sony Pictures Classics. His teleplay adaptation of his stage play The Marriage Fool starring Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett is the most viewed CBS movie ever and is currently running on Amazon. He also wrote the cult classic film Vigilante called by BAM as one of the ā€œbest indies of the 1980s.ā€

Richard's book list on the darkly insane world of NYC in the 1980s

Richard Vetere Why did Richard love this book?

Richard Condon shows the mob as a family of degenerates, violent felons who are still human beings who also fall in love. The focus on the novel is how a hit man, looking to embellish his career, dates a big mob guyā€™s daughter, only to fall in love with another killer who is a woman. She has been hired to kill him but she also is in love with him. Published in 1982 , the novel captures the entanglements of a soap opera with real bite. The movie with Jack Nicholson is also top rate.

By Richard Condon,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Prizzis Honor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A darkly funny novel of mobsters, murder, and marriage: ā€œThe surprise ending will knock your reading glasses off.ā€ ā€”The New York Times
 
Charley Partanna works as a hitman for the Prizzis, New Yorkā€™s most dangerous crime family. When he meets Irene Walker, an LA-based tax consultant, itā€™s pretty much love at first sight.
 
But Irene also moonlights as a hit womanā€”and had a hand in a big-money heist in Vegas. Now Charley has been told that sheā€™s got to go. Faced with divided loyalties, he must make a choiceā€”between the only family heā€™s ever known and the woman he loves.ā€¦


Book cover of One of Us

Nikki Dudley Author Of Volta

From my list on memory and forgetting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been fascinated by the idea of memory. What sticks in your mind, what is lost, what can be manipulated, how you see things in different ways to others, and how sometimes you canā€™t trust even your own memories. I studied psychology at A-level and that sparked an interest in me, especially in terms of repression and learned behaviours. I studied creative writing to MA level at university, where I wrote my first thriller, which also focuses on memory. Iā€™m always searching for reads that make me look at human nature differently, or break me out of routine and can offer a surprise. Surprises keep things interesting! 

Nikki's book list on memory and forgetting

Nikki Dudley Why did Nikki love this book?

This is a sci-fi thriller with amazing concepts and a page-turning story! Meet Hap Thompson ā€“ his job is to take on other peopleā€™s memories. He carries bad memories for a few hours and gets paid for the privilege. When he gets landed with a bad memory by someone who wonā€™t take it back, he finds himself on the run. Then, people start disappearingā€¦ This is a fab read ā€“ refreshing different with some sci-fi elements, but still a thriller by nature. Michael Marshall Smithā€™s writing is both dark, humorous, and inventive. I wouldnā€™t say itā€™s a perfect novel but for the ideas about memory and forgetting, it delivers a lot.

By Michael Marshall Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One of Us as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A mesmerising SF thriller from a master of the genre. Hap Thompson is a REMtemp, working the night hours, having people's anxiety dreams for them. For the first time in his life, Hap's making big money - and that should have been enough...

Hap Thompson has finally found something he can do better than anyone else. And it's legal. Almost. Hap's a REMtemp, working the night hours, having people's anxiety dreams for them. For the first time in his life, Hap's making big money - and that should have been enough.

But then Hap is made an offer he justā€¦


Book cover of A Clean Kill in Tokyo
Book cover of The Hit
Book cover of Don't Look for Me: A Carter Blake Thriller

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