An Invigorating Escape: A Review of Kills Well with Others
I often find it astounding how much my mood sways with the pages of the book I’m diving into at any given moment. Sometimes, it’s a delightful tale that can chase away the dreariness of life, while other times, the struggle to finish a less enjoyable read can leave me in a funk. On one particularly gloomy day, I picked up Kills Well with Others, the sequel to Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, and let me tell you—it was a true mood elevator. The moment I opened the book, the sun started shining (well, figuratively)!
In this charming sequel, we reunite with the formidable quartet—Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie—who are now semi-retired assassins in their 60s. The unique premise of their careers, originally rooted in hunting Nazis and now expanding to eliminate any kind of societal villain, is laced with humor and heart. When the women receive mysterious summons from their boss, hinting at a mole in their organization, they jump into action, leaving their mundane lives behind. Their escapade takes us from the bustling streets of NYC to the elegance of the Queen Mary and the breathtaking vistas of Sardinia, Venice, and Montenegro.
What struck me most were the dynamics among these women, their friendship layered with both levity and depth. It’s easy to feel nostalgia for the past as they navigate their current lives, filled with joy, humor, and a touch of vulnerability. Raybourn’s writing shines through her ability to balance the past and present effortlessly; she understands just how much to reveal and when, a skill she mastered brilliantly in the first book as well. This polished storytelling made for a captivating read, with no dissonance in the timelines that sometimes plagued the predecessor.
One of my favorite moments involved a humorous scene with a chicken—yes, a chicken!—which had me laughing out loud. It’s little highlights like this that warm your heart, elevating a crime-spy thriller into something a tad more extraordinary.
Raybourn’s pacing kept me engaged throughout. The narrative flowed seamlessly, drawing me into the intricate relationships and making this book one I felt genuinely invested in. As I read, the banter and camaraderie among the four protagonists painted a vivid picture of both their present challenge and how their past shaped them. This blending of humor, adventure, and emotional depth made the reading experience that much richer.
I believe Kills Well with Others will appeal to anyone who enjoys a touch of humor woven into their mystery, readers looking for strong female characters, and fans of clever, interwoven narratives. The witty repartee and the thrill of following these women on their quest make this book a delightful escape from the mundane.
What struck me most throughout this reading experience was how it lifted my spirits during a day I’d rather forget. It’s reassuring to know that the written word can have such a profound effect on our moods. So, if you’re seeking a novel that not only entertains but also celebrates friendship, resilience, and the adventures that come with age, look no further than Kills Well with Others. Just like Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie, you might find yourself captivated by the call to adventure—armed with wit, wisdom, and maybe a chicken or two!
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