I'm a long-time fan of the American author Rob Hart. He writes thrillers that mashup with other genres in really fun ways. There's always a lot of action, but the stories are character-driven. They're awesome thrill rides with themes you can sink your teeth into.

His book 'Take-Out' is a collection of culinary crime stories set all over the world. Big thanks to him for introducing me to Hainanese Chicken Rice from Singapore. I devoured his book 'The Warehouse' in the summer of 2019. That one is set in the near-future at a company like Amazon. It basically controls — everything — and an unlikely duo has to team up to stop the company's nefarious plans. His novel 'The Paradox Hotel' is sci-fi crime story set in a hotel that caters to ultra-wealthy tourists about to embark on time-travel trips.

He has a fantastic imagination and from the first page, I'm always immersed in the worlds he creates.

His new book is 'Assassins Anonymous,' and the premise is a killer.

Our hero is Mark. He WAS the deadliest killer-for-hire on the planet. But he's seen the light. No more killing. He's even joined a 12-step program for former assassins. It's only the straight and narrow for him. Until he's attacked by a mystery man. So he has to go on the run to figure out who's trying to kill him... all without killing anyone himself.

The story opens on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Mark is at his Assassins Anonymous meeting, and after a little peek into his internal monologue about adrenaline and pain, we're dropped into the middle of the action. I love the hard-boiled, first-person narration:

'When you've been at this long enough — and I've been at this long enough — time turns into a thing you can hold in your hand. You can rotate it and examine the angles. You end up confronting things about yourself. Like why you're sprawled on a cold linoleum floor, amid the shattered remains of a flimsy folding table, covered in cheap coffee and leftover donuts. You wonder which of your sins summoned the man who put his boot to your chest and set you flying.'

Mark is a character you want to root for. The writing is snappy. And the chapters end with mini cliffhangers, so it's nearly impossible to put down. Which is exactly how I felt about 'The Warehouse' and 'The Paradox Hotel.'

This is a great summer read. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on 'Assassins Anonymous' by Rob Hart right now.

I recommended this book in the 14 June episode of my podcast 'The Library of Lost Time.' http://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2024-06-14/

Mark has almost always seemed like your average white dude, a trait that’s very much helped him in his career as a professional killer. Working for the shadowy Agency under the codename Pale Horse, he swiftly rose to become their number one assassin, leaving a trail of death and fear behind him.

But something happened a little over a year ago that made him decide he wanted out of the game for good. With the help of another assassin he’d met in the field, he cut ties with the Agency and went underground. Having amassed a substantial nest egg, he’s got the logistics of leading a new life covered. What surprises him now is how difficult his new life is for him emotionally.

Assassins Anonymous, a group very much modeled after similar 12-step recovery programs, helps. As his sponsor explains at their meetings:

QUOTE
“We do not bring weapons into Assassins Anonymous, nor prior political affiliations. If any of us were known by any particular handle or nickname, we do not use it here. We share our stories, but we obscure details as best we can. If any of us seek to bring in new fellows, we agree to have them properly vetted. This is to protect us, not just from prying ears, but from each other.”

He’s not kidding. The story goes, there was a meeting in Los Angeles a few years ago where two professional hit men revealed their stage names and inadvertently discovered they’d spent decades locked in a game of cat and mouse. By the time the meeting was over, four people were dead.

Anonymity is an important component of any recovery process, and it’s especially important here.
END QUOTE

Everything changes when a Russian hitman shows up one day and tries to take Mark out, stealing his coded notebook in the process. Mark manages to survive and find his way to underground trauma surgeon Astrid, who readily stitches him up after asking why she hasn’t seen him in so long. Mark has always had something of a crush on Astrid, so when the Russian makes it clear that he’s followed Mark and knows about her, Mark makes the logical decision to take his not entirely unwilling doctor with him as he goes looking for answers.

Their journey leads them from New York City to Singapore to London, as Mark not only reaches out to old contacts but finds himself embarking on the important step of making amends to those he wronged while he was working as a professional assassin. As word gets out as to who he really is and why he’d mysteriously disappeared from the field, old enemies come out of the woodwork in search of revenge and other unfinished business. In the old days, Mark would have killed anyone who got in his way without a second thought. His current fight for survival, however, is vastly complicated by who he is now, even when faced with a murderous foe:

QUOTE
He takes small steps toward me now, gauging the distance. Hopping forward a little before stepping back, daring me to swing. I’m matching his stance, forearm out, wrist facing me so he can’t get at the tender part on the inside.

But I’m desperately outmatched.

What this guy doesn’t know is that I will do anything within my power to avoid killing him, even as the most savage part of me roars with hunger to do just that.
END QUOTE

Will Mark be able to find the answers he needs as he travels the world, dodging the many killers on the lookout for him? More importantly, will he be able to do so without taking the lives of any of the people determined to stand in his way?

Delving into the psychology of homicide and the mindsets associated with both murder and addiction, this is a fascinating character study of a man genuinely determined to make a break with his desire to kill. Having once been conditioned to believe that murder is a viable – if not the best and most efficient – solution to any problem arising in his line of work, Mark struggles not only with his behavioral patterns and ego but also with the outside forces that make not relapsing a really big challenge. While the most justifiable killing is arguably the one done in self-defense, Mark is highly trained enough in combat to know that that’s no longer an excuse for him, even as his psychological make-up begs for him to do whatever it takes to survive.

Even without the insights into addiction and power, this is a rip-roaring, cinematic adventure of assassins and secrets, that leavens its brutal fight scenes with both hilarity and genuine discussions of what it means to be a good person. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything as thoughtful as this book is on the life of a former killer for hire. I’ve been a fan of Rob Hart’s since The Warehouse, and believe that this might be his best book yet. Assassins Anonymous is genuinely unmissable for anyone who enjoys reading about mercenaries, murderers and mayhem.

After a career as a Navy Seal, Mark started work as an assassin for an agency. Known as the Pale Horse, his reputation proceeded him. One year ago, he made the decision to leave the assassin lifestyle behind and is now a member of Assassins Anonymous where he joins other reformed killers. But when Mark’s old life catches up to him, he’s forced to face his past decisions all while maintaining his new lifestyle of no killing.

This was such a fun read, that hit all the marks for me. I was completely immersed in figuring out the mystery and was completely entertained. I’ve been in a semi-reading slump and this was a great book to pick up now. Mark, our main POV, tells his story both in present day and in the past. The flashbacks we’re a great addition to truly flush out Mark’s character, paired with his snarky humor, he was a colorful lead.

The unique way Hart was able to portray his assassins perfect. It was the perfect amount of quirky, suspense, and depth. Can’t recommend it enough!

Assassins Anonymous is out June 11, 2024! Huge thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books or on Tiktok @speakingof.books

I originally became familiar with Rob Hart when I read his The Warehouse and although I'm not typically a huge fan of satires, I loved The Warehouse.

So when I saw a new book was coming out, Assassins Anonymous, I had to have it.

And wow! This thriller is very different from his other books but so much fun! Mark is a world renowned lethal assassin (think John Wick) who has retired from the biz and is within a few days from getting his one year chip at AA (Assassins Anonymous).

As we all know, things do not go as planned, and Mark finds himself as a target of another assassin. How oh how is Mark going to be able to protect himself, find the answers as to why, and yet, not go back to his old ways.

Along with his beloved cat, Mark travels the world hoping to stop the assassin/assassins after him all without using deadly force. Can he do it?

I picked this book up because I enjoyed the author's other book, The Warehouse (which has been optioned and would make an excellent mini-series...maybe on Prime? LOLOLOLOL), and I gotta say, this one was better. Mark, the main character, is a reformed assassin. And he's not just any assassin...he's the MOTHER-TRUCKING PALE HORSE. Anyway, at one of his assassin AA meetings, he gets attacked, which sets in motion a mad-cap spy-thriller romp with a lot of humor and character development as the chapters vacillate between Mark's past and present. He's kind of a straight man, and that's played effectively for jokes, but he does get fleshed out more as the book continues, and I really liked the side-characters as well. I'm not sure if this was setting up a series, but it easily could've been, and I would totally want to hang out with this character again. Anyway! If you like your books with lots of action and dark humor, you're going to love this one. 4 stars. I really liked it.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wonder what hired killers do when they get tired of killing”? Well, Assassins Anonymous is here to give you that very answer. And yes, it’s modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, with the twelve step program and everything.
Assassins Anonymous follows Mark, a retired assassin known for sowing chaos and death around the world. His handler, fond of biblical references, bestowed upon him the moniker Pale Horse after seeing him in action the first time. Mark has been out of the game for almost a year when a big Russian man comes calling and makes it clear that Mark isn’t as retired as he thought he was. Someone is gunning for him (literally) and his associates in the AA group, so Mark sets off with some cash and a cat carrier to find out who. I respect the guy for taking care of his cat, P Kitty, in the midst of all the chaos.
At first I wasn’t sure how well this book would work for me, though I do love a good assassin in any media form. There’s action aplenty and some humorous references to famous characters like John Wick and the numerous hit men type characters played by Jason Statham. There’s plenty of cool stuff going on, but what surprised me the most is how much emotion was packed into Assassins Anonymous. This is ultimately about a man trying to do better and break the addiction he has to killing and the powerful, god-like feeling it produces to be feared and to be in control. There are flashback chapters that give the reader insight to what Mark was like in the height of his career and to the events that lead him to seek out Kenji with Assassins Anonymous. It was honestly heartbreaking at times and I loved every page of it.
I would highly recommend Assassins Anonymous, especially to those folks looking for that action packed story that has more depth than the usual action thriller. Rob Hart does a fantastic job of exploring addiction and demonstrating just how it destroys lives.

Do you believe that once a killer always a killer? What if there’s a rehab for that? Kind of like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) where you follow a 12-step program? Assassins Anonymous is like that. The former hitmen and assassins (yes, they’re totally different and not synonymous at all lol!) left their former occupations and try to reform themselves by joining this secret program. The whole story is so unique and quite fascinating to read as it is action-packed but also chock full of insights. The characters might be killers in their previous lives, but with their will to change, you just cannot help but root for them! I liked that there’s a flashback POV so we get to learn the reason for the MC’s life-changing switch. I totally didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I’m so thankful that I receive the digital ARC from @putnambooks 💖 It’s witty, fun to read and most important of all, you get to appreciate people who has the courage to change for the better. Highly recommend!

Mark is in recovery and he's really hoping to earn that one year chip. It's been almost a year since his last... murder, but a Russian with a bad tattoo and an even worse temper tries to kill him, he's forced to confront his disturbing history as one of the most famous hitmen in the business.

Things I loved: the pace was amazing, heart-racing and speed reading at times coupled with gorgeous descriptions, reflections, and characterizations that let you catch your breath when you need it.
Gallows/dark humor was fantastic and timed just right to give you a break from the seriousness of all the murder, violence, and mayhem.
The philosophical and moral implications of recovering as a professional hitman and how they were tackled in the narrative.

Not my cup of tea: How often someone's knee got kicked in. As a person with knee problems, that had me flinching!
The graphic violence wasn't my favorite, but didn't detract from the read.

Huge thanks to #NetGalley, Rob Hart, and Penguin Group-Putnam for the opportunity to read and review Assassins Anonymous.

It's violent and bloody, and also seriously humorous at times. Full of action, locale hopping, and over the top characters and situations, it's definitely one that might not appeal to ALL readers, but if you can stomach it it's a great ride.

This was such a fun, quick read, I could see it playing out in my head just like a good action movie! Mark is an assassin. Or, was one. He’s in recovery now, and if you’re imagining a bunch of buff, intimidating people sitting in a circle saying “Hi, I’m ____ and I’m a killer” then you’re spot on. Mark is a few days shy of getting his one year chip when he’s attacked and immediately thrown back into the lifestyle he’s been trying to outgrow. Now he’s on the run with the black market surgeon he went to for medical care and his orange cat, P.Kitty, and determined to figure out who’s after him and why, all without compromising his “sobriety”.

Complete with lots of chase scenes, fights, conspiracies, shocking twists, great humor, and surprisingly emotional backstory, this is a great pick for a vacation read. You may even have luck getting your loved ones who aren’t big readers but love action movies to give it a go. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This one will keep you reading, as it's very action packed. The action was not always the kind that I enjoy; a lot of fighting, but of course that's to be expected from a book about an assassin. The main character was great and I loved his sense of humor. Most of all I loved the cat who was a character.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Rob Hart, and Penguin Group-Putnam for the opportunity to read Assassin’s Anonymous, to be published June 11, 2024. 5/5 Stars for this wild psychological thriller. It was a fast read and particularly interesting the way the various characters evolved from the group process. Hart’s writing is superb and really holds your attention. The storyline moves from darkness to light with twists galore. There is a great amount of action and moments of self-reflection by the protagonist. Don’t miss this one! #NetGalley, #RobHart, #Penguin Group-Putnam

Thank you Putnam and sons for the review copy of Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart; PRH audio also provided a free copy of the audiobook (which was really well narrated!). I hate to say wow what a fun romp and feel cheesy about it but hey, what a fun romp. Hart's novel is smart, funny, delightfully subversive in places, and a great ode to spy/assassin thrillers all at once. Hart manages to take the idea of a recovery group for former assassins be witty, a little cheeky, but also filled with well developed, dimensional characters who take the plot and fill it with depth. This is a well executed novel, from the excellent cover art to the character and plot development, this is 100% satisfying and I suspect a sneaky option for a sleeper summer hit.

Perfect for fans of assistant to the villain, John Scalizi books, and similar reads!

Assassin‘s anonymous by Rob Hart is about Mark a.k.a. Pale Horse. He is days away from having a year free of cold blooded murder and is on step eight of his 12 step program after his latest assassins anonymous meeting he is cleaning up when all of a sudden he is attacked by a stranger and although the man is Russian due to his previous employer anyone could’ve sent this hit. The fight is equally matched but leaves Mark alive with a stomach wound. Relying on an old friend and black market medic Astrid who patches him up but then they start targeting her. After sending an SOS to the group he and Astrid gets fake passports takes P Cat and leaves town. He initially takes Astrid to protect her but soon learns Astrid is no damsel in distress. Throughout their international travels he will uncover a sinister plot that in the end will blow his mind but will he end this mission still living his sobriety? Or will the ease of his prior life be too big a pool to ignore? This book was so good I previously heard of Rob Hart but never read a book by him and I can definitely say I am now a big fan. The book was witty, The plot moves swiftly and there’s surprises throughout. No matter what you think of Mark by the end of the book you will route for him. This is a great book and a book I definitely recommend if you love action with a smart dialogue NLOL moments you will definitely enjoy this book. I want to thank penguin group Putnam for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Mark has been going to meetings for assassins not wanting to kill anymore for almost a year now, but someone is after him. He must navigate precariously into his past life to try to figure out who is after him while still maintaining his steps to recovery.

Mark is a complicated character, and so are his friends at the Assassins Anonymous group. I really liked the way Mark's character development came about with him struggling to separate his assassin moniker from him as a man. Everyone has to identify their own internal issues and make amends in order for more personal growth and to progress through the process.

The story had plenty of action and took you on covert trips across the globe. It jumped back and forth from the present to the past giving the reader more insight along the way as to why Mark is the way he is and how he came to be in the predicament he is in. The twists in the story will keep you guessing till the end. I would love to see a spin-off story involving Astrid and see where that goes! I was entertained throughout and would definitely read another story by Mr. Hart.

Thanks to Putnam Books, NetGalley, and Penguin Random House for this copy of "Assassins Anonymous."

In this action thriller, no one is what they seem and Mark doesn't know which of his Assassins Anonymous group he can trust.

Wow, it was a great read! So many twists and turns and double- and triple-crosses and Mark is using his skills but really trying NOT to kill anyone.

I don't know if it's been optioned for a movie yet, but it should be!

Rob Hart won me over with his darkly funny, intense action-adventure-in-a-hotel, tragically romantic novel The Paradox Hotel, which is a book I think about all the time and constantly recommend because I love authors who know how to write perfect blends of dark comedy, intense action, and love of varying types.

Assassins Anonymous runs in a similar-but-definitely-not-same vein as The Paradox Hotel: darkly funny, intense action-adventure (not in a hotel), and a few different types of love. The plot is what it says on the tin: An assassin gave up the game almost a year ago and joined a 12-step program to stop killing people. A few days shy of earning his one-year chip he gets attacked and now he’s on the run to get to the bottom of the matter and get back out all without relapsing and killing someone.

Why wouldn’t I want to read that? Why wouldn’t anyone want to read that? That plot sounds like the bee’s knees.

And it was the bee’s knees! This book was fantastic. From the first page to the last this book was an interesting and fun read. It’s witty, dark, action-packed, adrenaline-fueled, reflective, and emotionally-aware. I nearly cried a couple of times, and I really loved the found family aspect that comes in clutch. I totally recommend it.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Espionage Thriller/Suspense Thriller/Thriller

Assassins anonymous is a wonderfully written medium paced read with amazing characterization and development, the mix of past and present revealing twists and turns throughout the entire book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book

Rob Hart’s Assassins Anonymous offers a gripping foray into a clandestine world where hitmen and hitwomen grapple with their pasts, present, and the looming threat of their future. Known for his deft storytelling in the genre of crime and thrillers, Hart presents a novel that is as much about human redemption as it is about the dark underworld of professional killers.

At its core, Assassins Anonymous is a story about seeking redemption and finding one's humanity amidst a life of violence. The book revolves around a support group for assassins—a unique premise that Hart uses to explore the complexities of morality, guilt, and the desire for change. Each character's struggle with their identity and past actions adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a thriller.

Hart excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Each member of the support group has a distinct backstory, motivations, and inner demons. The protagonist, a former top-tier assassin, emerges as a particularly compelling figure, torn between his lethal skills and his yearning for a normal life. The group dynamics and the personal journeys of each member are skillfully portrayed, drawing readers into their emotional turmoil.

The book’s structure, alternating between group sessions and individual missions, allows Hart to build tension and maintain a fast-paced yet reflective narrative. The support group meetings provide a window into the characters’ minds, revealing their vulnerabilities and moral dilemmas, while the action sequences keep the adrenaline pumping.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Assassins Anonymous is its exploration of moral ambiguity. Hart does not present his characters as clear-cut villains or heroes; instead, he delves into the gray areas of their lives, showing how even those who kill for a living can seek redemption and change. This nuanced portrayal challenges readers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong.

The book’s underlying theme is the possibility of transformation. Despite their violent pasts, the characters' participation in the support group symbolizes their hope for a different future. Hart’s portrayal of their struggles with addiction, trauma, and the quest for a new identity resonates on a deeply human level, making the story relatable despite its dark premise.

Hart’s writing is sharp, vivid, and engaging. His ability to switch seamlessly between introspective moments and high-octane action scenes ensures that the book remains a page-turner from start to finish. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, particularly in the support group settings, where the characters’ interactions reveal much about their personalities and inner conflicts.

Assassins Anonymous has been widely praised for its original premise, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes. Critics have highlighted Hart’s ability to blend intense action with deep psychological insight, creating a novel that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Some have noted that the novel’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative, which elevates it above typical genre fare.

Rob Hart’s Assassins Anonymous is a standout addition to the thriller genre, offering a unique blend of action, psychological depth, and moral complexity. Hart’s exploration of redemption and transformation within the framework of a support group for assassins is both innovative and compelling. For readers seeking a thrilling yet thoughtful read, Assassins Anonymous delivers on all fronts.

A fun and fast read about a reformed assassin that gets drawn back into the criminal world he left having to now navigate it without violence. This book is a perfect poolside book for the summer. Hoping maybe they will make a second one? Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this one!