This books hits the ground running, and fast. FBI Special Agent Mann is part of a raid on an underground facility in a desolate place in New Mexico. Every single target in the raid is executed with prejudice, except one. The only survivor discloses that a greater threat is on the immediate horizon.

The hidden underground facility was a training ground for hundreds of cartel sicarios, many who have dispersed into the United States, mission unknown. Based upon the tip from the lone survivor, the FBI initiate a raid, which goes terribly wrong. As Agent Mann continues to hunt for the fugitive, a killer, it begins to seem as if this killer has connections deep within the United States government.

Mann runs his outward investigation, while also trying to investigate the conspiracy that is clearing happening on US Soil. As he investigates, it becomes clear the number of people he can trust is diminishing quickly.

There were a LOT of moving parts and a lot of characters. This was a fast paced, non stop crime thriller. I had a little trouble keeping up with the people in the book. There were just a lot of people. The core group was 8-12 people alone, then add in ancillary characters and it is easy to lose the plot at times. I did think it was a good book and I would read this author again.

The narrator was mostly excellent. He did the Spanish accents well. But when he transitioned to an Indian accent, it sounded Spanish at times.

Steven Konkoly delivers a pulse-pounding thriller with A Hired Kill, plunging listeners into a dark world of violence, conspiracy, and betrayal. FBI special agent Garrett Mann is thrown into a deadly game after a raid uncovers a chilling underground training camp for cartel killers now loose in the U.S. What begins as a manhunt quickly spirals into a vast and explosive government conspiracy.

Konkoly expertly balances intense action with psychological suspense, as Mann chases a moonlighting serial killer who may be connected to powerful officials—a revelation that blurs lines between friend and foe. The narrator’s gripping performance brings this complex cat-and-mouse chase to life, keeping listeners on edge from start to finish.

A Hired Kill* is a must-listen for fans of relentless thrillers that combine high stakes, deep secrets, and morally complicated characters. It’s a wild ride that won’t let go until the final shocking twist.

FBI special agent Garrett Mann and his Artemis task force are back in action, and there is lots of action!
Artemis was originally founded to track a trio of serial killers active both sides of the US-Mexican border. His FBI team is supplemented by ex-Mexican police looking to avenge the deaths of family members at the killers' hands. In book 1, their mission led the team to raid an underground facility in New Mexico, and the clean-up there hints that a major threat to the country is in the works. As Artemis continues to track the last member of the serial killer team, they also finds themselves working to stop a larger conspiracy. A Hired Kill is fast-paced, intense, and suspenseful thriller. The writing is skillful, with chapters ending in "cliffhangers" that make it almost impossible to not at least start the next one. The focus is on action, but there was enough character development to keep me vested in their fates.
I alternated between listening to the audiobook (narrated by Steve Corona, who really brought the story to life) and reading the book, mostly listening to it in the car and at the gym. As book 2 in the series, any reader will be better off reading the book 1 first, but it's not essential to follow the story (what happened in book 1 and Artemis's mission are explained well enough). I see there will be a book 3, and I will definitely be reading (or listening to) it!!

Although this is the second in the series it reads well as a stand alone in that it’s like envisaging some kind of action type drama or movie. I found at times there were a lot of characters which is maybe where reading the first book would have been beneficial because it could be a little difficult at times to follow.

Not my usual genre again trying to branch out into many areas and from the few action type I’ve read this was overall an enjoyable book.

With thanks to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for this ARC in return for this review 🙏🏽📚 Best wishes with publication!

To be honest, I initially signed up to review the Audiobook version. 13% into the book and I just could not hold my attention span. I don't know the reason, and don't want to point fingers. That's when I decided to pick up the Kindle version instead and continued reading.

I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving an honest review at the end of my reading. Thank you, NetGalley!

For someone who hadn't read the first book, it was hard to follow when references to the La Triada or ARTEMIS were liberally made, and derivatives in the plot that had me super confused each time, thinking out aloud if I am missing the plot or jumping in and out of the story and trying to catch up.

For someone from a non-North American audience, I thought the frequent Spanish phrases, which I obviously do not understand, made comprehending the audiobook and staying focused on the story a challenge, despite the obvious linguistic distraction. However, unlike other authors, there was often no translation provided nor allegory to be surmised.

I thought reading the Kindle version would be a better idea and simply look up the translations via a web search, however, I found myself losing the plot often to the point of giving up the book entirely midway.

Steven Konkoly’s “A Hired Kill” is a pulse-pounding thriller that immerses readers in the shadowy world of hitmen, rivalries, and complex moral dilemmas. Known for his meticulous research and gripping storytelling, Konkoly again proves his prowess as a master in the suspense genre.

The narrative revolves around Jason “Buck” McClane, a seasoned operative with a tumultuous past that haunts him throughout the story. The author skillfully develops McClane’s character, presenting him as a multi-dimensional figure with a murky history that influences his present decisions. Motivated by a desire for redemption while navigating the underbelly of the assassination industry, Buck is both a flawed hero and a relatable human being.

Konkoly establishes a fast-paced plot, deftly weaving together multiple storylines that converge with breathtaking precision. The book opens with a gripping assassination mission gone awry, thrusting readers immediately into the tension and urgency that defines the rest of the novel. As Buck takes on increasingly dangerous contracts, the stakes escalate, and so does the suspense. Each chapter seems to heighten the intensity, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder what moral concessions Buck might make to survive.

What sets “A Hired Kill” apart from other thrillers is Konkoly’s commitment to creating a believable world. The gritty realism of the plot is bolstered by the author’s extensive research into the mechanics of contract killing and the ethical quandaries faced by those involved in such clandestine operations. The dialogue feels authentic, and the settings—a mixture of urban landscapes and remote hideouts—add depth and texture to the narrative.

Character development is another strong suit of this novel. Buck’s interactions with other characters—whether allies, enemies, or innocent bystanders—reveal layers of complexity and emotion. The supporting characters are well-defined, each contributing significantly to the narrative. The relationships are enriched by moments of vulnerability and conflict, grounding the high-octane action in relatable human experiences.

Konkoly does not shy away from exploring the psychological effects of a life spent as a hired killer. Buck grapples with the weight of his choices and the lives he has taken, inviting readers to ponder the moral implications of his actions. This introspection amidst the violence adds depth to the novel, pushing it beyond mere escapism and into a thought-provoking exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption.

The pacing is brisk, maintaining a rhythm that compels readers to keep turning the pages. Konkoly effectively uses cliffhangers and sudden plot twists to maintain excitement throughout the narrative. Each moment of calm is short-lived, as new threats emerge, keeping the tension palpable.

In conclusion, “A Hired Kill” is a riveting thriller that blends adrenaline-fueled action with profound moral inquiry. Steven Konkoly has crafted a narrative that grips from beginning to end, leaving readers reflective and satisfied. Whether you are a fan of thrillers or seeking a deep exploration of character and morality, this novel offers an engaging experience that is hard to forget. Buck McClane's journey through the murky ethics of his profession makes for a compelling read that resonates long after the final page is turned.

I didn't realize when I requested this audiobook that it was the second in a series. I bought the first book to check it out and see how this character started out. I'll be honest, there are SO! so many character names right at the start of the story that the audiobook has made me a bit lost without seeing the names written. I highly recommend a printed version read along side the audiobook version. The first book starts off interesting and provides the backdrop for finding a serial killer. There is a task force formed by the FBI that is seeking to solve serial killings. There is a lot of intense moments and details about the procedures that the team need to perform. I will say that it was a bit of a ride but not one that was for me. Unfortunately, because the level of brutality with the serial killings and the before mentioned excessive character names to keep track of, I lost interest pretty fast. This one is just not for me.

Alright. Book 1 (A Clean Kill) was not my cup of tea, though I like Garrett Mann and his team. I didn't like the political/conspiracy aspect of the book. I gave book 2 a shot. Unfortunately, the one thing I liked about A Clean Kill is mostly missing. I DNFed at 25%. By this point, the Artemis team is barely involved, there is a plethora of other people, and we are still in conspiracy land.
Lesson learned- this series is not for me.

I do know there is a large audience that will love this. It just isn't me.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book, because the plot sounded super promising and right up my alley. Action, espionage, covert operations… what’s not to love? But honestly, this one just didn’t click for me. I don’t think it was a bad book by any means—it just wasn’t for me.

I even tried switching to the audiobook, thinking it might help me get more into it, but that didn’t work either. The narration felt just as choppy as the story itself. Everything moved in these quick, staccato bursts, which made it hard to stay engaged. On top of that, there were so many characters and agency abbreviations being thrown around that I kept losing track of who was who and what was going on.

I should probably mention this is the second book in a series—and I didn’t read the first one. That might have been part of the issue, because I definitely felt like I was missing some important background. Maybe with that context, it would’ve felt more cohesive.

So, while I think fans of fast-paced thrillers might enjoy this more than I did, I personally just couldn’t get into it. Not a total miss, but not a hit for me either.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC and audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I don’t know if it was the book or the narrator or both but I was BORED listening to this book! I love thrillers but I was ready to fall asleep!

A Hired Kill is the 2nd book in the Garrett Mann series by Steven Konkoly. I wish I had read the previous book first because I may have enjoyed this one more. I think it can be read as a standalone thriller.

This book was intense and filled with action. I thought it was a great FBI thriller, and I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, and the story was great!

I felt like there was a lot of bleed over from the previous book, so I felt like I was missing too much of the backstory to understand the “Why” of the book.

I enjoyed the narration by Steve Corona. I thought he did a great job bringing the book to life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Hired Kill (Garrett Mann #2) by Steven Konkoly
Narrated by Steve Corona
Publisher: Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: May 27, 2025

FBI agent Garrett Mann leads an elite team who uncover a threat to America. They must use all their skills to find those behind plots to kill millions. They will fight exhaustion and lose team members to stop those behind this plot.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in a fast paced, action packed novel., they will need their wits about them to stop their foe no matter the cost. Enjoy.

The SECOND I saw this cover I asked for the ARC! Second book in the Mann series! It’s just what I was looking for! I needed a quick, high octane spy/political thriller!

We start again with a serial killer but wait! Things aren’t what they seem. What’s uncovered is a government conspiracy and attempts to move the mission forward are met with failure after failure. Twists & turns lead to more questions.

I love this team. They make things work even in the darkest of hours! I like that they do the right thing, get the best results possible and in the moment, the letter of the law be damned … and then of course, make up a plausible letter of the law story for those they report to. The best of rogues.

Another edge of your seat wild ride! I love the choice of narrator! It fits the story perfectly & I feel I could listen to this again as he feels like he’s there sharing the story live, exciting!

Again I finished this one in a sitting! I might relisten to the first two books when book three comes out. If you enjoyed book one as much as I did, this one won’t disappoint.

Thank you NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to listen to this advance copy.