Linda L. Richards takes readers on a thrilling journey through her novel, "Endings," an utterly captivating mystery that had me hooked from the first page. With a masterful plot, intricate characters, and expert storytelling, this book is a gem in the world of mystery fiction.

In "Endings," we meet the enigmatic Megan Crane, a seasoned investigative journalist who thrives on unraveling the truth behind every story. When she learns of the apparent suicide of her former mentor and dear friend, Professor Thomas McMurtrie, her world is turned upside down. Megan, fueled by her relentless determination, cannot accept the official explanation for his death. She embarks on her own quest for answers, determined to uncover the real story behind her mentor's demise.

Linda L. Richards does a remarkable job breathing life into her characters. Megan is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and her unwavering commitment to uncover the truth resonated with me. As she peels back the layers of Professor McMurtrie's life, the plot unfolds, revealing a complex tapestry of hidden motives and intricate relationships. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, each harboring their own enigmatic secrets that add depth and texture to the story.

Richards' writing is sharp and evocative, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that lingered with me throughout the reading. The pacing is expertly handled, maintaining the suspense and keeping me invested in the narrative. The story is riddled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat right up to the story's final revelations.

"Endings" adeptly combines the thrill of a gripping mystery with a poignant exploration of human connections, past regrets, and the quest for redemption. It delves into the intricate facets of human nature, including the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

While the complexity of the plot added depth to the story, there were moments when I found myself retracing my steps to fully grasp the intricacies of the narrative. However, this only served to make the reading experience more engaging.

In sum, "Endings" is a compelling mystery that will undoubtedly satisfy aficionados of the genre. Linda L. Richards has crafted a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and a profound exploration of the human psyche. If you crave a well-executed mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page, "Endings" is a book well worth your time.

Catchy read for sure and only realized at the end that the Protagonist is unnamed.
The protagonist begins her story from a point of despair, having lost hope in what the world had to offer in her life. She is filled with bitterness and rage for the losses in her life and takes in her first job for the sake of it. She had lost everything that mattered to her anyway. Before she knew it, she was passing the time and kept going with her new job. To the outside eye, she is the girl next door but has much going on. Almost unbelievable.
Soon, her new norm starts to feel usual and everything takes a turn when this new serial killer gets on her radar. He is elusive and for some reason, even law enforcement is not able to catch him. Using her newfound skills due to her “job”, she tracks down the killer. She is so determined to a point I almost thought she would blow her cover. She went all in with all that she had got within her. He slipped through her a few times but that did not deter her. Relentless and would not back down no matter what. There were children involved after all. Despite all that, at the last minute, the satisfaction of catching the killer is taken away from her. She hesitated for a second, she questioned her motives, was she the same as him? Did the killer get to her? Our protagonist finds redemption in the most unexpected way. Finding her new path and reason in life is brought to light by the unexpected.
I enjoyed the flow of this book. Would recommend it.

This was thought provoking, full of suspense and drama and twists you don’t see coming. A great thriller read that I would recommend

Well that was different! When her family is destroyed by fire she becomes a gun for hire. Her kills are quick and well planned. No hint of being caught. But then she becomes obsessed by a child killer. She goes after him. A well written book that was interesting and so different from my normal reading material. I liked it.

This book followed a grieving widow and mother who takes up murder for hire as her new career path. During her work, she finds herself taking on a probono case for a well-known serial killer.

I found the plot very interesting and the progression pretty good overall. However, the writing style really took me out of the story and I found it kind of an odd choice to write it in the style.

This book was highly recommended, but I was unable to get into it. It was definitely a case of "it's not you, it's me", so be sure to check out the reviews of other readers.

Thanks for Oceanview Publishing for giving me access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

ok - despite its foundation on a hardly credible scenario (she overhears that conflicted couple need help) - once you accept that an ordinary woman could kill - it's all breezy kind of entertainment - very good writing, adept and robust - despite the lack of darkness! and I see there are other titles - entertaining ...

Richards, an accomplished thriller writer, first introduced her "hit woman" in a short story titled "Hitting Back" (2011). The themes of 'good and evil' and redemption stayed with Richards. Ten years later, she published Endings, the first of a series that will feature the female assassin.
This compelling novel, told in first person present tense dumps the reader into the killers world. Bit by bit her mindset emerges. The protagonist, a living example of complicated grief, reveals her pain to the reader by not allowing pain to be part of her current life.

Then a twist. A serial killer of children becomes a media sensation. How will this evil compare to the evil found in contact killing? How does suffering motivate both news outlets --if it bleeds it leads --
and those who are compelled by inner demons. Readers are challenged to find the answers along with our protagonist.

This was a novel that I could not put down. Happily the author is continuing assassin's story.
Exit Strategy is scheduled to be released in May 2022

Very highly recommended.

A female assassin?!

I wanted to read that.

I usually don’t read books about assassins but this one caught my eye!
I thought to myself why not?

It was quite a fun ride. It did have moral questions which could make us think about what we would do in these situations as humans mostly as females.

I enjoyed it and would highly recommend

3. 4

A normal day-to-day woman suddenly becomes a hired woman killer. The description immediately got my attention. I was entertained most of the time because reading a woman in that industry is not common in stories. There was also a lot of reflection about society, For example, how media use fear, police brutality, and more. Which are all relevant subjects but you are not expecting that in a thriller. I think people that don't know that information might get into the book expecting something different. Like a story where the protagonist is truly evil which is not the case. As much as I was surprised by the society critiques in this novel., I did think it brought humanity to the protagonist.

I wouldn't personally label this book as a mystery or thriller. I think it's far more a darker adventure story since some of the clues are found by using spiritual methods. For me, the minute that supernatural elements are in a story it's not a mystery. It's the easy way out that authors usually use when they are struggling with moving the plot. In addition, there is a discovery journey so I would label this book as more adventurous than mysterious.

Overall, it's a story with an intriguing female lead, society critiques, and a story that I found more adventurous than suspenseful.

Thank you, NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing, and Linda L Richards for the arc.

I adored this book! Yes, it's about a female assassin paid to kill (and she's un-named so it's harder to get into her psyche. But that's the point. But when she discovers a serial killer has been kidnapping and killing young children, she is determined to help; and after all, who but a killer could track down another? That's all the plot you get, but know that it's not just about killing or vengeance; it's also about redemption that might bring a tear or two to your eye. I was riveted and can't wait to read more by Richards!

I really enjoyed reading this book, this was my first read from Ms. Richards and it won't be the last. The characters were great and I enjoyed the mystery that was set up in this book.

Our protagonist, who is never named, is at her husband’s hospital bedside when she overhears a conversation where a couple is looking for a hitman. After suffering devastating personal loses, our protagonist takes the job, and a female assassin is born. Endings is an unusual, engrossing story, less about the acts than about the emotions and moral implications of the assassin, especially when she gets involved in the hunt for a serial killer. Definitely a different type of thriller, and I loved how the story was told. If you look past the implausibility of it all, there’s quite a story here, and worth a look. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A young woman has a wonderful life; wonderful house, job, young son and husband but a house fire robs her of everything. In the hospital as her husband is dying of his injuries she overhears a couple talking about how a crooked agent has taken all their money and perhaps their only recourse is to have him murdered. Our tragic heroine thinks she has nothing to lose by volunteering to do this for them and finds that not only can she do it but she's quite good at it. Whilst living a nomadic life on the road she decides to become a contract killer full time. Is there any way back to reality and normality from here?
Its a most unusual plot idea. Its well written and will keep you engaged - a good read.

Really enjoyed the woman for hire aspect of the novel. Stayed engaged with the cat and mouse chase throughout the novel. The somewhat reluctant. human emotions of the killer for hire kept me rooting for her.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

This was such a unique and interesting premise. I went into this story thinking of one way, when it actually turned out to go in a totally different direction. I really enjoyed the way this story was formatted and detailed. It was very well written.

.Definitely an unusual premise for a book - - a woman hired killer! We never know her name or much about her except that she describes herself as looking 'average'. It's interesting that with no more information than this about her appearance, she comes across as very real and 'normal'. Except for the hired killer part!! As preposterous as that sounds, it seems perfectly normal while reading the book.

the first part of the book was compelling but then I actually lost a bit of interest in the middle - only to get the interest back in the last 1/3 of the book. The puppy humanized her and I have to admit I worried more about the puppy's fate than the woman's.

I love mysteries of any kind and this one is different enough to be really enjoyable.

What does it take for a nice person to kill for money?
“Endings” by Linda L. Richards is unique because of its structure in the first person-present tense. Descriptions set the tone of the narrative and pull readers into the midst of the action. What does it take for a nice person, like the narrator, to kill a person, multiple people even? Readers soon find out. Step by step events unfold; no warning is given. “Not much, anyway. Just before I plug three silenced shots into his chest.”
She once was someone’s wife and someone’s mother, but now things are different. She is different. Now she is someone “nice” people contact when they need someone killed. As soon as she first killed for money, everything fell into place like dominoes tumbling into each other in an orderly fashion. Then things change dramatically; there is a job that is not a job. Jobs come and go; jobs are completed, over, finished. This is an obsession, and once she commits to something, she follows it through to the end.
There are no spoilers in this review, which is a difficult task. The narrative is compelling, addictive, gut wrenching and teeth grinding. Her life once was orderly, organized and focused; then suddenly it is not. I will just say that she keeps the puppy. Plan your time wisely when you start reading, because once you start you will not be able to put this book down. I received a review copy of “Endings” from Linda L. Richards, and Oceanview Publishing. I read it in one day.

one area of concern is this must have a violence disclaimer in the front of the book .
This is one of the best thrillers I have every read. It a strong protagnist that is unlike any other and embarks on a life path that is unique to her skills she builds over time. You will both loath and understand her. This is a page turner that kept me reading into the night as she uses her personal skills to stop a killer and redeem herself .

Needs to have a disclaimer about violence in the front. 3 stars due to graphic unnecessary violence ..

3.5 rounded up
Interesting storyline and great protagonist. I liked the mysterioudness. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book