Zero Kill

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Pub Date 06 Jul 2023 | Archive Date 06 Jul 2023
Aria & Aries | Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book

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Description

An ex-secret agent, now a wife and mother, must come out of retirement to save her family in the new action-packed thriller from M.K. Hill.

Meet Elsa Zero: Bad neighbour. Single mother. Ex-deep cover agent.
And right now, the most dangerous person on Earth.

When Elsa's dull but dedicated boyfriend proposes in a packed restaurant, she doesn't think her evening can get any worse.

But as the clock strikes midnight, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly Elsa is running for her life, trying to keep her children safe, and desperate to discover what the hell is going on.

Every intelligence agency in the world wants her dead because she's in possession of a deadly secret – she just has to stay alive long enough to figure out what it is.

But this is Elsa Zero we're talking about.

And it's a very bad idea to get on her wrong side.

Bursting with tension, twists and humour, this is a brilliantly unique action-thriller, perfect for fans of Killing Eve, Lee Child and shows like Hunted.

Praise for M.K. Hill:

'A belter of a thriller' Peter James
'I genuinely had no nails left by the end!' Lisa Hall
'A tense and twisted page-turner that kept me guessing right to the very clever end' Susi Holliday
'Thoroughly enjoyable' Daily Mail
'An addictive read that pulled me in and didn't let go' Cass Green
'Absorbing and twisty' Mark Edwards

An ex-secret agent, now a wife and mother, must come out of retirement to save her family in the new action-packed thriller from M.K. Hill.

Meet Elsa Zero: Bad neighbour. Single mother. Ex-deep cover...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781804549193
PRICE £20.00 (GBP)
PAGES 400

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Average rating from 97 members


Featured Reviews

I enjoyed this book a lot. Elsa finally decides to open up and share her life with someone only to have that life shattered at the stroke of midnight. Everything changes for her. The book started with a bang and I liked that.
Not a lot of books I read do that. To me, that helps keeps a readers interest. Instead of slowly leading up to what the problem is, you're hit in the face with it. I loved it.

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Wow! Talk about action packed! Great book! This book was awesome! It had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, serial killers, some crazy FBI/CIA people and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Its well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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This book hits the ground running and does not let up. Absolutely compelling thriller with a good dose of security services procedural. A must read.

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Elsa Zero doesn’t do domesticity. A quiet life just isn’t for her. And that’s as well, when it appears that she’s at the top of the shoot on sight list. From the opening chapter, Zero Kill explodes from the traps and from that point on, even pausing to make a cuppa is out of the question. Elsa is just the sort of character I hanker after in crime fiction. Hard as nails, cynical, self deprecating and acid tongued. The story itself builds slowly as we meet killers, saviours and any number of grey operatives. Throughout, the dialogue is razor sharp and Elsa has no time to sit herself down and ask a leading question such as “Why does everyone I meet want to kill me?”.

A belting read that simply does not stop for breath with a rock solid story backing it up all the way.

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4-5 stars

Joel tries to impress his female companion on date night with his choice of restaurant but then she’s always been fierce and unpredictable. He proposes, she says yes but it’s hardly an emphatic one. He gets a call, he takes it outside which bothers her, she follows and then to her shock he attacks her relentlessly. She defends herself, a horrendous fight ensues with the restaurant ending up resembling the aftermath of an explosion. She is Elsa Zero and it’s time for her to take her leave of the life she has created and taking her twins Harley and India to safety. Her world has fallen apart Krav Magra Cinderella style on the stroke of midnight, her decision to try to life a normal life with Joel an imploded dream. Elsa is no ordinary woman, you may have guessed by now. She’s a former deep cover agent for a private security firm RedQueen and out of the game for years. Why now, nine years after her last op does every intelligence agency seem to want her dead? Can she stay alive long enough to discover what is going on?

M. K. Hill sure knows how to pull me into the storytelling with 0-100mph pace in a nanosecond! It doesn’t let up for most of the book although thankfully there are some spaces to catch your breath. This is just the kind of thriller I like, it’s exciting, tense, intense, has multiple layers that provoke further tension, oodles of twists, turns and questions, danger around every corner, a lot of havoc, plenty of destruction and rather a lot of carnage - many of whom get exactly what they deserve. The plot is well thought out, keeps me entertained and whilst it might stray into the far fetched it’s by no means implausible. It’s complex, intelligent with conspiracies left, right and centre as a deadly game of BIG cat versus teeny mouse ensues. You have to accept Elsa is made of titanium and would give Ethan Hunt a run for his money any day of the week and you get behind her all the way. The plot thickens, the danger intensifies and trying to stay one step in front and alive requires audacity and she’s got that in spades.

This is the book I didn’t know I needed! So entertaining, fun, compelling and thrilling with a good ending and an intriguing cliff hanger. Sign me up for the next one!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

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Zero Kill is a wild, action packed thrill ride that begins in chapter one and runs full throttle to the nail biting ending. Elsa Zero is a personal trainer with two children and a rather boring boyfriend. But the night of her engagement, Elsa’s new fiancé tries to murder her in a public restaurant. Elsa’s past has come roaring back, a former intelligence operative, every intelligence order has issued a kill order for Elsa. Grab her kids and stowing them away, Elsa begins a dangerous, heart pounding journey to find out why she is targeted and to stop a global conspiracy that she has been framed for. Zero Kill is a page turning, chaos ridden, hair raising adventure with a strong butt kicking heroine. I get wait for another Elsa Zero thriller. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

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There’s barely time to pause for breathe in this exciting action packed thriller! Elsa Zero is a personal trainer and single Mum to twins Harley and India who is living a quiet life in London. When out on a date night with her boyfriend, deciding whether to accept his marriage proposal, something completely unexpected happens and Elsa is forced to run for her life relying on skills she thought she would no longer need to use.
Why does everyone want her dead and what can she do to protect both herself and her young children? The action is fast paced and relentless in this quirky thriller. Elsa is an amazing heroine who always seems to work out how to escape her enemies. It becomes apparent early on that her present predicament is based on a failed mission she undertook as some sort of agent 9 years earlier. With the help of a motley band of unusual allies including a couple of ex colleagues and some particularly weird family members, Elsa delves into her past to try and work out what is going on.
The plot itself is a bit far fetched and the bad guys are particularly nasty but isn’t that to be expected in this sort of thriller? I for one really didn’t mind and had a great time racing through the book to its extremely exciting conclusion.
Indeed the last chapter set up a possible sequel and I can’t wait to read more about Elsa and her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

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I think this book has one of the best opening chapters I have ever read. Elsa is out to dinner with her boyfriend. We learn that Elsa can be a bit prickly and hard to please but seems to be leaning towards accepting her boyfriends impromptu proposal. However, we soon learn all is not as it seems and a brilliant opening scene sets the pace of this book and it never lets up.

If you like thrilling, high paced novels which don't let up then this is for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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You know what? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fast paced, full of action and with a character who probably won't win the Miss Congeniality titles anytime soon but who is none the less compelling and quite a bit of fun to spend time with. If your idea of fun includes being shot at, driven off a bridge and subject to all manner of various assassination attempts that is ...

I was not expecting the opening chapter. It starts with a somewhat gruff and thoroughly rude Elsa Zero receiving an unexpected proposal and ends with an even more unexpected attempt on her life. And why not? Elsa is, unbeknownst to her, public enemy number one - on a very global scale. Within a few hours a romantic evening out has turned into the night from hell and that is only the start of Elsa's worries, and the start of the fun times for us readers. If you like a high tension, spy style thriller, then this could be right up your street because Elsa is a retired deep-cover agent, previously hired by numerous agencies across the globe for top secret incursions, and a woman with a price on her head ... with no idea why. And that's half the fun for us as readers, trying to second guess exactly what is going on.

The story is dual timeline affair. Elsa finally gets to understand that the reason people want to kill her is linked to her last mission, one in which she nearly died. Quite why it has triggered people to act now is unknown, but it leads to high octane scenes and showdowns across the Capital as Elsa, and the company she used to work for, try to understand just what is going on. For all her faults, and there are many, many of those, I kind fo liked Elsa. Yes, she is the stereotypical hard nut of a woman, rude, abrupt, unable to display emotion to anyone other than her children, and even that is somewhat constrained and on her terms. Then again, which parent/aunt/grandparent hasn't gotten fed up of reading the same book to kids over and over? Elsa is just a little less capable of filtering her frustration than most. But she is tough, quick thinking and compassionate - in her own special way. Mark Hill has played a clever game showing her professional clinical side but often balancing it against her weak spot - the love for her children.

There are a number of surprises spring on us throughout this book, although I had guessed one of the antagonists very early on. It was a bit of a no brainer the more we learned of Elsa's past, but still played carefully with the small amount of uncertainty as to which side they were really on. The root cause of Elsa's woes I did not see coming and makes for a very interesting proposition. And whilst some semblance of altruism is professed by the bad guys as to why they are acting now, it's quite clear that it is truthfully about personal gain. One of the surprise star characters, for me, was Saint. A drunk, yes, but still able to pull off the seemingly impossible and the kind of support that Elsa needs by her side. Then again, Elsa's parents, Greta and Howard, have a few aces up their sleeve and their partnership and bickering, as well as their very distant interactions with Elsa, really did make me smile.

The ending of the book saw the pace pick up, with fight scenes and a high stakes showdown which had me, sitting on the edge of my seat, cheering Elsa on and, in the final moments chuckling to myself. If you read the book, you'll understand why. The very end of the book leaves us with so much promise of what could be yet to come, hopefully with Saint, Greta and Howard having Elsa's back. Fun, fast paced and a little unexpected. Can't wait for more.

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What an absolutely mindblowing read! This is the exact kind of thriller that i love!

An absolutely complex plot that is wonderfully paced and consistent from beginning to end - but keeps you on the edge of your seat!

I could not put this down and read it in a matter of days!

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This is a fast paced action thriller from the get the go to the very end with a strong, smart female lead in Elisa Zero. Nice plot, with plenty of humour, and I found the characters fun. Hope to spend more time with Elisa in future books. Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

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From my schoolboy physics, electromagnetic waves travel at 186,000 miles per second and without acceleration and until now it's the only thing that does. So, what's new? Zero Kill. It does not accelerate, it flies from the get go. It's hard to recall a novel which keeps you holding your breath the whole way through as the action crashes around you. But there again, if the whole world's worth of covert organisations are after your head, what would you expect? That's the position Elsa Zero find's herself in. Poor woman, she's wined and dined and then proposed to, then her future husband breaks it off, or at least tries to and it's her head I'm talking about! It's a novel which encompasses some advanced scientific concepts which are available now, which makes it even more worrisome. If you like a thriller on steroids, this novel is for you.

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Zero Kill by M.K. Hill is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story centres around Elsa Zero, a former secret agent who is now leading a seemingly normal life as a wife and mother. However, her world is turned upside down when she becomes the target of every intelligence agency in the world.

The character of Elsa Zero is a compelling protagonist. She is a complex and multifaceted character, showcasing her skills as a former agent while also highlighting her vulnerability as a mother trying to protect her children. The author does an excellent job of developing her character and making her relatable to readers.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and engaged throughout. The pacing is well-executed, with plenty of action sequences that are both thrilling and suspenseful. The writing style is crisp and descriptive, creating vivid imagery that enhances the reading experience.

Zero Kill is a thrilling and entertaining read that combines elements of espionage, family drama, and suspense. M.K. Hill delivers a well-crafted story with intriguing characters and a high-stakes plot. Fans of action-packed thrillers will thoroughly enjoy this book.

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Great book, plenty of action and a smattering of humour. Really liked the main character, she came alive on the page. This would make a fabulous movie.

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This is a fast paced thriller following the main character as she strives to find out why she is being targeted by numerous international agencies. 9 years previously she was working for a private organisation on a mission to destroy a hard drive during which they came under attack resulting in only 3 members surviving.
This book starts off with a bang as an attempt is made to kill her and she has to flee. Running to not only survive but find out who is behind this attack and why she has to link up with the other survivors from that mission.
There are a lot of twists and turns as she is never sure who is trying to kill her and who actually wants to kill her.

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A roller coaster ride of fast fuelled adrenaline as a young mother struggles to discover why she has become the kill target for multiple secret agents across the world. Ten years of living a blame free life as a single mother struggling to bring up young twins whilst simultaneously earning a living as a health instructor leaves her dangerously ill equipped to fight the dangers surrounding her children and those mercenaries and members of multiple secret agencies intent on discovering her secret then killing her. Fast paced, convoluted plot line , unable to recognise or identify who the bad guys are, leaves the reader no choice other than sit back, enjoy the ride and trust all will be revealed as the multiple deaths pile up. A complex finale leaving little room for any error from whoever is working to resolve this crazy scenario requires a breathless race towards the ultimate exquisite conclusion. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this hugely entertaining read that has dragged this reader into the screaming tension of a completely new and different genre towards for me a writers work just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

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I feel like I’ve just got off a rollercoaster after reading this book. The drama is intense and thrilling with a great cast of characters. The storyline toggles between now when Elsa Zero, an ex secret agent is targeted while enjoying her quiet new life in London and 10 years previously while she was on her last mission abroad. There are twists and excitement all through the book and I found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’ then reading another 5 - always a sign of a good book. I hope there’s more to come.

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I’d like to thank Head of Zeus, Aries and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Zero Kill’ by M K Hill in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Ex-secret agent and mother, Elsa Zero and her boyfriend Joel are in a London restaurant where he asks her to marry him. Minutes later Joel leaves their table to answer his phone and when Elsa approaches he begins a ferocious and prolonged attack on her. Elsa escapes but she needs to find out what’s happening to her, why and by whom. What is it she knows that makes people think she’s part of a major global conspiracy?

‘Zero Kill’ is an intense and very exciting spy thriller that’s had me on the edge of my seat for the last twenty-four hours. The first pages with Elsa trying to escape sure death at the hands of Joel set the pace for the remainder of the book and so involved was I in Elsa’s fate and that of her family that I put the housework on hold and sat glued to my Kindle turning page after page until I reached the end. With its suspense, intrigue and twists and turns, I’ve been continually flummoxed as I’ve tried to decide who were the goodies and who the baddies. This is one of the most exciting books I’ve ever read and I’m very much hoping that the cliffhanger on the final pages means there’s more of Elsa to come. Congratulations go to Mr Hill who’s written a fantastic thriller that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

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What starts out as a normal dinner between a girlfriend and boyfriend turns into a proposal. Elsa has only loved one man in her life, the father of her kids, but Joel has made her feel special so she decides why not. Not long after Joel receives a call, everything changes and Elsa’s old life as a secret agent causes her to come out of retirement. After all, a mom will do anything to protect her kids.

Think James Bond meets female version, Elsa Zero, who has to be quick on her feet to figure out how to stop a past failed mission from coming back and being completed. Old acquaintances come back, but she doesn’t know who is to be trusted. You won’t want to put this book down to find out who is after her and why. Loved the cliff hanger at the end indicating more to come. The author builds on the plot through out the book jammed pack with action just when you think it was resolved. There were so many unexpected outcomes that were not expected and I loved that it wasn’t predictable.

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This is the first book I have read by MK Hill but definitely won't be the last. The plot starts off with a young woman being proposed to by her partner and then suddenly all hell breaks loose. The science behind the story has obviously been well researched but to be honest the lead character is the ingredient that makes it really great. Initially starting as a Mum of two she develops into someone with a very convoluted and varied past which is well written and enjoyable to learn about. There are other characters also with various pasts and all add to the story.
If you are a spy thriller fan or even if you just like a good yarn then I would really recommend giving this book a try.

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Wow, what a fantastic book this was to read! Really gripping from the off with a storyline that really captured your attention and I honestly didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it, a sign of a good book for me! A great main character too that you could understand. A book I'd highly recommend to read.

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Okay, how do I start?

I could not put this book down, I love every page in this book. The more and more I read this book the pages were drawing me in with shocking details and twists.

This book gives me the vibes of James Bond and John Wicks, with a female character, which I am down for.

Mark, thank you so much for writing this book and allowing me to review this book. I truly hope that you would write more books like this.

If you are into Mystery and Thriller, this is the book for you. Especially for those female readers who wish there were more lead female characters.

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