After an accident that led to an innocent death a year ago, Mark, made the choice to leave his job and get clean. After almost a year in AA: Assassins Anonymous, Mark has learned how to breathe through his old thoughts and feelings and is making progress as a reformed assassin when he is attacked following an AA meeting. Now, Mark must figure out who attacked him and why. Is The Agency after him? How can he remain reformed and in recovery when in order to save his own life he has to take another? The worst though, is that Mark must resume his killer persona, Pale Horse, to figure out who is out for blood and lose the steps of recovery he has made.

I struggled with this novel in the beginning. Chapters jump around, so one must pay attention to the setting listed at the beginning of each chapter. Once I picked up on the setting changes, following the text became easier. I liked the plot and Mark as a protagonist. I was not able to piece together the story and characters in order to figure out the ending (which I always enjoy), but others may see it coming. Overall, I think this is a fun read for mystery lovers. I do wish more would have gone into the psychology of the incident that led Mark to AA, but it also wasn't brushed over; it was limited which made sense for the character.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart. This was a fast paced thriller and interesting story of how assassins formed a group to stop being killers. Does that kind of life ever leave you? Can you walk into a room and not feel like you have to watch your back every minute? Will your past catch up with you? Mark is almost a year into the program and he feels great until one day when he doesn’t.

I absolutely love the concept of this book, I think it’s ingenious, and it was executed so well! I’m normally not one for a ton of action, but this was absolutely thrilling and maintained a lot of heart within its characters. Mark made for a great narrator and I was totally invested.

This is a very different kind of thriller with humor, action, and an assassin to root for to succeed. But succeed at what? Mark is trying to maintain his sobriety not to kill, but changing isn’t easy. It is made all the harder when he is viciously attacked just after one of his AA meetings. What is an assassin supposed to do when he has the skills to retaliate, the will to stay alive but a yearning to be free of his “job” and deadly abilities. Keeping vows and surviving may not be compatible as Mark tries to learn who is behind this attack and who can he trust. Time lines give background and venues change as the author delves into Mark’s motivations and reputation. A great read for those seeking a new kind of hero. Try the book before (most likely to happen) it becomes a movie. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy. This was a really enjoyable book. Fast-paced, with lots of action sequences. I expect we'll be seeing a streaming or theatrical version of this book sometime in the near future. It reads like it was written with this in mind, and I'm excited to watch when it is made. Most of the characters were well developed, or developed enough to actually care about how things turn out for them. I did guess one of the twists fairly early on, but that was OK. I think it was telegraphed on purpose. All in all, an exciting read that I had trouble putting down. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed the beginning of this but quickly realized that this was the type of action driven thrillers that I do not enjoy. I could have pushed on to provide a review but I felt it would be unfairly biased by my lack of enjoyment for these type of books

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

"Yesterday matters. Today matters more."

Rob Hart has certainly hit his stride with his seventh novel, and it is no surprise to discover that the movie rights to this novel have been sold to Amblin Partners for an upcoming feature film.

A perfect blend of John Wick meets Barry, this cinematic thriller offers readers all the necessary ingredients for a summer blockbuster story that I could pitch as a flawless book for any reader. Equal parts humorous and heart-warming, I was pulled in from page one with zero lulls in this well-plotted redemption narrative.

The book's concept is that the world's deadliest hitman, Pale Horse, has left behind his violent life of crime and joined a support group with a hodgepodge band of reformed assassins ready to leave their killing sprees and peppered pasts behind them. The rules they live by are inspired by AA groups, including those celebrated moments with chips and speeches as they reach their meaningful milestones.

But in the story's opening pages, Mark (AKA Pale Horse) is attacked by a mysterious assailant. Now nursing a severe knife wound, he gets medical treatment from a woman who has bailed him out a few times before. As the two become embroiled in a life-threatening situation, they now must outrun his assailant, all while navigating Mark's initial pledge that he will not kill. You can imagine this is quite hard, especially when we uncover his God-like capabilities for both murder and mayhem.

The novel follows a nonlinear timeline, allowing us to peek into Mark's past. This reveals gasp-worthy twists about why he left his old life behind. As Mark tries to envision a new future with his kitty companion, P. Kitty, we discover all of Mark's past friends and foes in riveting detail.

The novel's bursting with film references to past assassins and more than a few eye rolls as Mark is compared to John Statham repeatedly (Dear God, please let him be the lead in the film!); you'll be laughing through much of this novel.
While the story ends tidily, I can't help but hope that this might be the first in a series—I can't imagine our journey with Pale Horse is done. I count this story among my favorite books of the year and a must-read for your summer.

Both a beautifully written meditation on redemption and forgiveness and an action-filled deconstruction of the hitman tropes, Assassins Anonymous is Rob Hart operating at the full height of his storytelling prowess. Hart keeps his recovering killer Mark and his struggle to maintain sobriety at the core of a fast-paced ride that delivers all the thrills and sharp-eyed observations you could want.

Assassins Anonymous is a fast paced and thoroughly entertaining thrill ride. I had a lot of fun reading this one. I love the characters and the plot twists were executed so well. Definitely a book to remember. Must read!!!

ASSASINS ANONYMOUS is a rare combination of action-packed thrills with a side of heartfelt emotion. Mark was once a member of a shadowy US agency and was the most lethal killer-for-hire in the world. He joined a 12-step program for former killers but the draw of his former life can’t be easily outrun when he is attacked by a mystery assailant one year into his reformed life.

Ultimately this is a tale of longing for change and finding the fortitude to make it happen. This story took some unexpected twists and went in sentimental directions I haven’t read in a thriller before. The life of an assassin is a solitary one but I loved the focus on community within the “Assassins Anonymous” group and the essential role that others play in our own healing journeys.

Despite the grit and the gore, there is unexpected tenderness to be found.

READ THIS IF YOU:
-believe yesterday matters but today matters more
-appreciate Brene Brown quotes mixed into an action thriller
-have ever desired to change your life

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: June 11, 2024

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fast-paced, entertaining, fun at times - crazy intense at others, Assassins Anonymous is a good book! The action is bold with travel around the world to solve the mysteries.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Group Putnam for an advance copy of this novel about a man trying to make amends for all the wrongs he has done, and those who plotting to keep him from changing his ways.

Moderation is something that a lot of people have problems with. Especially when it something that one is good at, that gives that person a charge, and in some cases the impetuous to go on. Sometimes these things can be harmful, to ourselves or to others around us. However once started it is hard to walk away. That feeling is always there, an itch that can't be scratched. Drugs, drink, sex, even hoarding are hard to give up once one gets the taste. And so is killing. Especially if one is extraordinary good at it. Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart is a thriller about a man with a particular set of skills who wants to stop what he does best, and the increasing amount of people who want him to keep on killing.

Mark is a guy trying to change his life. Mark has taken in a cat, tried to be a better neighbor, and has entered a twelve-step program to help him with his problems. Once Mark was known as the Pale Horse, an assassin for a group known as the Agency, not the CIA, until things went wrong in his life. Now Mark is trying to take it day-by-day, as a member of a group who tries to get killers to stop killing. Mark is nearing one year since he has last killed, and has moved up to the ninth step of making amends. To do this Mark has made a list of those he has killed. One night after a meeting Mark is jumped by a Russian, who stabs him and steals his notebook. Mark is soon traveling the world, trying to determine who is after him, and how he can accomplish this all without having to unleash the beast that is the Pale Horse, something he has given so much to contain.

A very rare thriller in that the ideas are fresh, the characters are well developed, are interesting and the costs aren't the end of the world, but reverting back to a person that one doesn't like. This could have been a one-joke story, AA for killers, but Hart is much to good a writer to take the easy way. Plus there is a great cat as a companion. Mark is a very good character, one that people will find easy to root for, even while he shares the bad things that he has done. Mark has done a lot of bad things. All the characters are interesting, even the minor ones. Each one has a tale, and in many ways a pain that again makes the stakes of the book real. There is plenty of action, cool equipment, and lots of fisticuffs. Well maybe a little John Wick-y but still good. The humor is just right, especially the jokes about assassins in media, and the constant comparisons to Jason Statham.

Read this before the streaming series starts. Big action, big adventure, and some really heart breaking moments. This is the second book I have read by Rob Hart, and I enjoy the fact that Hart is always trying something new. I would like to read more about Mark and his struggles to overcome his addiction to violence. However I am looking forward anything Rob Hart writes because I already know it will be good.

Full of action and wit, I absolutely adored this. Rob Hart created the most entertaining story full of colorful characters, snarky humor, and quirky shenanigans. I fell in love with his story writing style and this unique plot. I don't think I've read anything quite like this before and this author has definitely made it onto my list. Can't wait to check out more of his books.

Immensely fun and entertaining! Maybe it's just the timing, but this was like the dark older brother of Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins. Loved how things wrapped at the end of this book, but would gladly comeback to these characters for more. There were plenty of times I quite literally gasped out loud!

I really enjoyed this one!! I was intrigued by the clever premise alone and it REALLY delivered everything I was hoping for. This book was like a feel-good assassin thriller (that’s not a real genre but I’m going with it). Yes, there are fight scenes and blood, but Hart doesn’t relish in it or glamorize it. In fact, the book focuses far more on the psychological and emotional impact killing people could have on assassins and contract killers. It’s funny and sarcastic, but also thoughtful and emotional (there were even a few chapters I caught myself tearing up!). I thought the cast of characters was great across the board- I really enjoyed getting to know them and unraveling bits and pieces of their personalities. Overall this was a really fun, comedic, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller I’d recommend to anyone!


4.25 stars

I enjoyed the story arc, and loved the twists and turns it took me on. I cant' wait to see what else Rob has coming down the pipeline.

Mark, also to known as Pale Horse in the assassin community; decides to walk away/retire from his job with the Agency. He joins an AA group and it is Assassins Anonymous; to cope with leaving the business. Good story line(added flashbacks to fill in his backstory), great cast of characters, and some humor along the way.
First time reading a Rob Hart book and will have to check out his collection. Thank you NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for the ARC of this
entertaining book and I do recommend buying the book when it's available.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS by Rob Hart from a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy weekend!

Mark, known in the assassin world as Pale Horse, has gone cold turkey. No more killing, one day at a time just like the other AA. His life is in shambles but he is slowly building a new life and has dreams of one day living normally. Then one day after his AA group he is attacked, left for dead, and his new calm non-violent life is no more. Now he needs to figure out who wants him dead before they get to finish the job. Fast paced, sometimes humorous. I never thought I'd be rooting for an assassin.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A well-written, exciting unique novel about a hitman (whose appearance is unassuming) who joins a recovery group in an attempt to leave the murders of his past firmly in his review mirror.

Due to this novel's premise, I wasn't sure what to expect (a mystery, a spy novel, or even a humourous read) and I am still not precisely sure how to classify this book, however it IS an enjoyable ride of a read!

From an author I had not read previously but one I will follow for future releases.

If you are a fan of crime or "murder for hire" intrigue, give this novel a read,

The action and surprises are frequent, and you will be holding on tight as you navigate through this fun roller coaster ride of a story (as your emotions and heart rate rises and falls with each twist and turn)!

Will the main character Mark ever be able to (permanently) escape his adrenaline-charged addictive past career as a murderer for hire?

Dear readers, you will need to pick up a copy to find out this and other "spoilers".