Sizzling non-stop action and four top notch, wily, witty and wise-cracking female senior assassins are at it again in Ms. Raybourn's next new novel, KILLS WELL WITH OTHERS, in her, Killer's Of A Certain Age, series. In this entry the four ladies are summoned back into action to bring down a notorious European gangster. This time a mole has infiltrated the Museum and the ladies are its next target. A vicious gangster is out for revenge. The dynamic quartet hunt down a killer, globe trotting from Venice to Eastern Europe, while trying to uncover the maddening, mysterious mole at the Museum. They have to stay four steps ahead, combining all their talents and experience, to tackle the atrocious killer. Will they uncover the deadly double agent? Will the ladies liquidate the lethal killer?

Buckle up for a wild ride as the fast, fearless foursome tackle a seriously, deadly assignment for the Museum, the biggest of their career. Who is the master mind conspirator ratting on them? This is a bloody, fantastic chase with weaponry ablazing all the way! The author did a superb job hooking me from page one, because I couldn't put the book down! KILLS WELL WITH OTHERS is a deadly, fascinating, powerful thriller!

Kills Well With Others is the much-anticipated sequel to Killers of a Certain Age, and in my opinion, it’s even better than the first! The story picks up once again with our fabulous quartet of senior assassins—Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie—who are called back into action for what seems like a straightforward mission. But of course, things quickly spiral into a thrilling game of cat and mouse as it becomes clear that someone is setting them up.

This time around, I found it much easier to keep track of the characters. Each of the women felt more distinct and fully realized, which made their dynamic even more enjoyable to follow. The returning supporting characters added a great layer of continuity and charm.

I loved seeing these strong, capable women continue to prove that age is no barrier to being sharp, smart, and just a little bit dangerous. The mix of mystery, action, and humor makes for a fun and fast-paced read.

I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a light mystery with a witty edge, especially readers looking for stories that feature mature leads who still absolutely “have it.” I also think book clubs—particularly those with senior members—would find this one a delight to discuss.

Gawd, I love this series.

Between the fantastic characters, the varried settings, and the well-paced plot, this books was a delight.

With this book's multiple timelines, you're covered if you like the ingenue and the menopausal FMCs.

I don't care how plausible it is for the series to continue, what with its characters in their 60s, but my soul wants them to live (and work) forever.

The geriatric assassins are back as they embark on another mission after a year long vreak. When the head of The Museum (their elite assassin group) contacts them to uncover the criminal mastermind who is killing of Museum agents. It appears to be an inside job and only the best are trusted with it! As Billie, Mary Alice Natalie and Helen join forces again and travel the globe on the hunt for the elusive killer.

This novel revives the antics of these quirky ladies. Their minds are sharp as ever even if their bodies might be betraying them as they age. Another delightful novel that is definitely a fun read!

As an aside, I was privileged to meet the author in conversation with my good friend last year at our local independent bookstore. She was so charming and fun to listen to.

Thank you to @berkleypub @netgalley for a digital review copy of this novel.

I so enjoyed Killers of a Certain Age, the first book in this series, that I couldn't wait to dive into this sequel.

After a year of hiding out, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice and Natalie are back on the job. There is a mole inside the Museum, their elite assassin organization, and they have to expose this person, before they become targets themselves. Traveling all over the world, they chase the leads and follow the evidence. Full of witty banter and fast paced action scenes, Kills Well With Others definitely picks up right where Killers of a Certain Age left off. I love these unique characters and the bond of sisterhood they share.

I highly recommend this series and I sure hope someone makes a movie or tv series out of these books soon!

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I guess I just love anything Raybourn writes - she keeps knocking them out of the park, no matter which series she's writing. Love this group.

Thank you so much to Berkley for the free book @Berkleypub #Berkley #BerkleyPartner 💖💖.

Kills Well with Others was action-packed, refreshingly unique and kept me laughing throughout.

I read a review that likened the retired assassins to an elderly version of Charlie’s Angels, which was bang on.

Don’t let their age fool you. These women were complete forces of nature, and I loved reading about their missions.

This was a follow-up to Killers of a Certain Age, but I read it as a standalone. While I did really enjoy it, I had some difficulty telling the women apart from one another. Perhaps this was a scenario whereby a lot of the character building was embedded into the first book. Either way, I hope to see this series continue.

Read if you like:

✨Elderly FMC’s
✨Charlie’s Angels
✨Morally grey characters

"Kills Well With Others" by Deanna Raybourn is a brilliant and engaging novel that expertly combines elements of mystery, humor, and romance. The story features a captivating protagonist who immerses herself in a world of intrigue and unexpected alliances, leading readers on an exhilarating journey filled with twists and turns.

Raybourn’s writing is both sharp and witty, drawing readers in from the very first page. The character development is rich and nuanced, with each figure in the story contributing to the intricate web of relationships and secrets. The dialogue sparkles with wit and insight, making the interactions feel authentic and relatable.

What I particularly appreciated about this book is how Raybourn balances suspense with lighthearted moments, creating a perfect harmony that keeps the narrative flowing seamlessly. The exploration of trust and loyalty adds depth to the plot, making it more than just a simple mystery.

Overall, "Kills Well With Others" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a clever and entertaining story. Deanna Raybourn has once again demonstrated her exceptional storytelling skills, delivering a novel that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. A special thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

Kills Well with Others is just as fun as the first book in the series!

Our senior assassins assemble again to find out who killed one of their former coworkers. They suspect the killer was the son of a person they killed in 1979. They know the killer will be after them next. But they don't know what taking the offensive will lead to - people back from the dead, long train rides, and someone losing their head.

I love the characters Raybourn has created. She writes believable dialogue that goes from bickering to serious to sentimental to hilarious in the span of a page. She writes friendships really well, and romantic relationships that demonstrate how much of "true love" involves accepting each other, warts and all.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

From the publisher:
"Much like fine wine, battle-hardened assassins grow better with age.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner

Four women assassins, senior in status—and in age—sharpen their knives for another bloody good adventure in this riotous follow-up to the New York Times bestselling sensation Killers of a Certain Age.

After more than a year of laying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are called back into action. They have enjoyed their time off, but the lack of excitement is starting to chafe: a professional killer can only take so many watercolor classes and yoga sessions without itching to strangle someone...literally. When they receive a summons from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers.

Someone on the inside has compiled a list of important kills committed by Museum agents, connected to a single, shadowy figure, an Eastern European gangster with an iron fist, some serious criminal ambition, and a tendency to kill first and ask questions later. This new nemesis is murdering agents who got in the way of their power hungry plans and the aging quartet of killers is next.

Together the foursome embark on a wild ride across the globe on the double mission of rooting out the Museum’s mole and hunting down the gangster who seems to know their next move before they make it. Their enemy is unlike any they’ve faced before, and it will take all their killer experience to get out of this mission alive.
Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn was released March 4th, 2025 from Berkley.
My Thoughts:

It was nice to see the four 60 + ladies back in action. I appreciate that they are older than many characters in similar stories. And I like that they are active and not on the sidelines. They also have great chemistry as friends as well as killers.

The majority of the book is told from Billie's point of view. There are parts that are a flashback. And there are parts that are told from an omniscient point of view.I enjoyed the material told from Billie's point of view the best.

The book has a lot of action which is perfect for this sort of book. And the settings are are global which is interesting. This moves the plot along at a good pace. And afterwards I find myself curious about the places that they visited. The addition of a chicken to one location was funny and helped round out some of the characterization.

Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The characters are interesting. And, the plot moves along at a good pace. If you enjoyed book one, do not miss book 2. If you are looking for an interesting, action packed story with older protagonists, this would be a good book for you. You could probably read this one as a standalone, but much background is given in book 1. Do yourself a favor and check out this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions nor my review.

Kills Well with Others is book two in the Killers of a Certain Age series. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen & Natalie have been retired for a year from their work as assassins. They are enjoying their calm and uneventful lives when they are contacted by the head of the Museum, the organization they used to work for, expressing the need for an off-the-books job. There is a mole within the Museum that has leaked the four women's identities and information about some of their past jobs, resulting in someone wanting them all dead. The women work together again to hatch up the ultimate plan to eliminate their target before they are taken out. There is a lot of action and fighting scenes and the kills are graphic. It is fast paced and exciting. There are some flashback chapters that take you back through some of their earlier jobs, which does give some background info that helps put some pieces together in this story. I didn't personally love these chapters as they felt a bit too info dumpy and took away from the pacing of the book for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more without having those chapters, but it was still a solid read, and I had a great time.

Thank you NetGalley, Berley Publishing Group, & Deanna Raybourn for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #KillsWellwithOthers

📚 Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn
💀 Book 2 in the Killers series
Yowzer....I LOVE THIS BOOK...writing is just fun! If you’re not already obsessed with Deanna Raybourn’s gloriously stabby lady assassin series…what are you even doing with your life? Kills Well with Others brings back the sass, smarts, and sharp objects for another whirlwind ride with our favorite mature murderesses—and I loved every bloody second of it.

This book is like if RED, Killing Eve, and your favorite group chat of no-nonsense women had a baby… and gave it a knife.

What I Loved:
👯‍♀️ The female friendships are front and center—witty, wild, and ride-or-die.
🔪 Older women owning their space in the assassin game? ICONIC.
💬 The banter had me cackling—sharp in every way.
🌎 The plot is fast-paced and jet-setting, but it never forgets the heart at the center of it: loyalty, chosen family, and women taking charge in a male-dominated world.

If you like:
Snarky, capable heroines
Found family energy
Mature women showing the kids how it’s done...then you're going to eat this series up.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.

I loved the first one and just had to read the second!! This was so good too!! Reading about 60+ year old women assassins is so much fun!!! Another adventure for these women, and it was just as action packed as the first book. Highly recommend this series!!

*Thank you partners @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the #gifted hardcover copy, e-galley and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

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Review: Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn
March 29, 2025 by Angela Leave a Comment (Edit)


Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn
Killers of a Certain Age #2
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
March 4, 2025- Berkley
ARC

Review by Angela

Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are back and this time they are tasked by the head of the Museum, Naomi Ndiaye, to assassinate the son of the man who they took out years ago. Naomi believes there is a mole within the organization and that this man may be out for revenge over the death of his father. So, these killers of a certain age set out to do what they do best. Finding and killing their target is relatively easy, but afterward quickly realize that there is another baddie after them and they need to figure out who it is before they or their loved ones are hurt.

Despite several years between jobs, and some badly needed downtime for the ladies, they jump into action rather quickly. They are a team, and after forty years within the organization, work well together. They might snipe and joke with each other, but each have their strengths and weaknesses, and they all know what those are. They are also friends who have a deep bond and know each other extremely well.

There are flashback scenes to previous jobs, but as I enjoy that type of storytelling and those time jumps lent understanding to the current day shenanigans, they didn’t bother me at all. The action takes place all over Europe, and it gets intense while Billie, Natalie, Mary Alice, and Helen are working to figure out the who is after them. Once they identify the culprit the action and fight scenes pick up even more.

I do enjoy the peeks into each of the women’s lives. Billie’s relationship with Taverner, Mary Alice and her wife’s marriage, and Helen working to get over the death of her husband and move on with someone new. I liked the back and forth between these women where you can sense that their closeness. I about had a mini heart attack at the end when I feared one of these women might not make it to future stories. (So glad to be wrong).

All in all, a highly enjoyable read.

I am so glad we got to revisit these characters. Billie is what I hope to be when I grow up, well, maybe without the murder part. I really hope this is not the end.

Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

The ladies are back and honestly I could read 10 more of these entries. I really love how an old case of theirs winds up impacting what happens to the women of the Museum in present day. Raybourn does some interesting work with perspective here which I don’t think I noticed the first time. Present day chapters are in first person and flashbacks are in third person. If you loved the first one, you’ll love this one. Here’s hoping we see them again.

This one is a sequel to Killers of a Certain and it's just as good as the first one if not better. I love seeing Billie, Helen, Mary Alice and Natalie together again. And these four ladies are proof that age is just a number.

I loved the first book, and this was a worthy second entry in the series! There were a couple of moments that felt a little tedious and repetitive (I want to say contrived, but that feels wrong because the whole premise is such a fantasy) but those passed quickly. I love how all four ladies have distinct personalities even though they are somewhat roughly sketched. The plot moves quickly and is easy to follow.

I’m not sure whether another entry in this series will work, but I’m definitely willing to check it out if it comes along!

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

review in the ArtsFuse: https://artsfuse.org/306944/book-review-kills-well-with-others-another-mission-for-aging-female-assassins/

A little creaky, but still competent, the professional assassins of Kills Well with Others are showing their age. The four women, recruited in their youth by a clandestine operation known only as the Museum, are ready for retirement. As likely to disguise themselves as Depends-wearing Bingo players as Playboy Bunnies, they would prefer to give up the guns, knives, and martial arts they mastered decades ago. But when one of their own is taken out in apparent retaliation for a years-old hit and the quartet realize that they themselves are targets, they rally, once again, with thrilling results.

If this sounds a bit close to the plot of Killers of a Certain Age, author Deanna Raybourn’s first outing with her assassins Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie, it is. In that Barry-winning blockbuster, the team really was celebrating retirement from the Museum, a World War II relic that has taken on itself the duty of ridding the world of heinous criminals. Until, they realized, someone had interpreted “retirement” as something other than a leisurely cruise, sparking a life-or-death struggle that called on years of training and strained some aging muscles in the process. It was fast, furious, hilariously funny, and, one might think, a one-off.

Raybourn, after all, made her name (and was nominated for a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award) writing enjoyable, fast-moving historical mysteries, featuring protagonists like Veronica Speedwell, a Victorian lepidopterist who bent the prevailing social norms to her will, a resourceful proto-feminist with the skills, learning, and most of all wit to solve crimes and generally embrace life. Venturing into contemporary times, and with heroines who more accurately reflect the peer group of the 56-year-old author and, one assumes, many of her readers, was a leap — one Raybourn landed perfectly.

A second book was always going to be a challenge. But if Kills Well With Others lacks the freshness of Killers of a Certain Age, the novel makes up for it with complex plotting that mixes past and present-day timelines, giving us insight into the Museum and making our protagonists work a little harder than previously, testing their stiff joints and even stiffer preconceptions.

It all starts off with a botched hit more than 40 years ago. The four are undercover as Playboy Bunnies, a role that fits the buxom and gorgeous Mary Alice more than her colleagues. The target is the nephew of a Toronto gangster, an “ambitious” thug who is pushing his crime family into drugs and underage prostitution. “He likes violence for its own sake,” they have been told, and thus he becomes a target for one of the Museum’s ethical hits. Frustrated, Billie, who once again serves as the book’s main voice, always cynical and up to the job, takes the lead. However, when the assignment goes off track and Billie’s attempt to correct it only makes the matter worse, she and her colleagues run afoul of the Museum — and some very dangerous people.

When we switch to the present day and hear of the death of a member of the Museum’s Provenance department, the section that investigates possible targets, logic dictates that both their Museum handler and the quartet themselves reevaluate cases the dead Lilian Flanders had worked on. Along the way, Billie finds herself recalling yet another old case, one that she completed — leaving a corpse in a pyramid for the jackals to find — but which was never fully resolved.

That’s a lot of old bodies that may want avenging. But it isn’t only the killers out there who are giving the crew trouble. By their age, the four have acquired partners and with them all the baggage relationships bring. Widowed Helen, who has been bereft, may be falling in love again, in stark contrast with Natalie, who “dabbled in performance art” with “a number of gallery shows, and the same number of ex-husbands.” Mary Alice has found happy domesticity with her wife Akiko and their cats Kevin and Gary, but those connections weigh heavily on her professional responsibilities. Billie herself has no such meddlesome entanglements: her decades-long on-again, off-again relationship with the dashing Taverner is something she can leave at a moment’s notice. And does, when the news of Flanders’s murder spurs the team into action. But those attachments will complicate matters as the four begin their dangerous dance — both stalking and eluding their adversary on an adventure that takes them from England to Venice to the mountains of Montenegro.

Through it all, Raybourn’s characters rely on the acuity and resourcefulness that has made the author’s other series characters both so memorable and beloved. An older woman’s version of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, perhaps — with somewhat less sex but more believable violence. Billie, in particular, shines in this outing, coming to terms with the history that has made her so perfect for this job but, perhaps, less so for life. A history that has made her, in her mentor’s words, “a necessary monster.” And a good model for these days, perhaps. At least in our dreams.

Thank you to Berkley for the advance reader copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Killers of a Certain Age made my top ten books list when it was published. I shared it with family and friends and tried to get every woman I know to read it. And yet, I had mixed feelings when I saw a sequel was being published. Could Kills Well with Others possibly live up to the first book? Would it have sufficient intrigue when the main plot had already been solved?

My answer is a resounding yes!

This book lived up to all my hopes and expectations. It features our same group of absolutely spectacular women assassins navigating life after retirement and the return of their work. It transported me to great destinations, kept me on the edge of my seat with suspense, made me think hard and try to guess to stay ahead of the women. And most of all, it made me laugh and rage.

I can't say how amazing this is. I do recommend reading the two books in order.

4.5 stars rounded up