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!

Mark, a retired assassin, is celebrating nearly a year in his Assassins Anonymous group. Only someone doesn't want him to reach this milestone, and he becomes the target. He notorious in the circuit as the "Pale Horse," with many cowering just at the mention of his name. Armed with P. Kitty, his cat, Mark sets off on an adventure to find who has marked him.

From the colorful cast in AA, Mark must determine who to trust in order to live. Mark is a funny guy as he jet sets around the world finding the hitmen. The story provides glimpses into his recruitment into this lifestyle, and the "why" he walked away.

Assassins Anonymous is a unique thriller with lots of action and humor.

Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons

***I would like to thank NetGalley and Putnam Books for the chance to read an ARC of this title***

Where can assassins go to talk to someone when they are feeling guilty and wish to change their body-counting days? That is the main premise of this *extremely* enjoyable action novel written by Rob Hart. This is my second Rob Hart read, as I saw that he also wrote Paradox Hotel which I had read a little while back.

The main character Matt (code name “Pale Horse”) has found his way to a support group for wayward assassins, the titular “Assassin’s Anonymous.” The group follows the same basic rules as Alcoholic’s Anonymous and some of the members are not exactly who they appear to be.

I don’t want to spoil anything else. The book starts in the present and has flashbacks throughout that show you how Matt built his legendary persona and also all of the choices he made that made him want to try to live a normal life. The characters are great, the dialogue is fresh and funny and the action scenes read just like a big budget John Wick-esque movie. In fact, I can totally see this book becoming a series and then being adapted for the big screen or streaming services.

I highly recommend this book and you can’t go wrong by giving it a read!

An enjoyable, fast-paced read with a lot of self-awareness and tongue-in-cheek references to the genre.

What a fun ride. Filled with humor. Loved the concept of an assassin trying to no longer kill. Want more Mark and Astrid. "Why is a caterpillar wrapped in silk while it changes into a butterfly? So the other caterpillar can’t hear the screams. Change hurts. —Rory Miller, Meditations on Violence". And “Choosing to change is not something you do once. It’s something you have to wake up every day and choose to do again"

Assassins Anonymous has everything an action movie lover wants: jaw-dropping betrayals, suspenseful reveals, and a redemption story arc. With its fast-paced plot and loveable, morally gray protagonist, I could definitely see this novel being adapted into an action movie someday. In the meantime, you can get your fix by picking up this title and following Mark on his adventure as an ex-hit-man who is forcibly being pulled back into his previous lifestyle

Mark is a former hitman who has turned his life around... or has he? He is a member of Assassins Anonymous, exactly what it sounds like, a 12 step program based on AA for former hitmen. I learned that a hitman is someone who kills for money, or a job. An Assassin is someone who kills for religious or political reasons, but doesn't necessarily get paid. Assassins Anonymous doesn't discriminate between these two, but Mark is the former. His sponsor Kenji is walking him through the steps, as sponsor's do, and he is on step 8; making a list of those we have harmed and becoming determined to make amends to them all.

Mark's higher power then tests his willingness to make amends by sending someone to attack and kill him.

I requested this book on a whim, I liked the title and cover, and premise. I am 13 years sober in AA and I have been to 9 zillion AA meetings. I also read A LOT. While I like thrillers and mysteries, I tend to learn towards female authors with female protagonists and stay away from anything gritty, it's just not for me. Also "Quit-Lit" or "quitting drinking" or "sober-curious" memoirs I find to be just absolutely awful, even harmful. If you want to quit drinking, it is easy to read a milion of these and think you are actually doing something, but you aren't. If they work for some people, great. Again, they just aren't for me.

This is a "man's book" for sure, very action-y. Now I tend to think action movies are really boring and the most action-y parts of this I did skim through those paragraphs. Just...yawn. Want to get back to the dialogue and relationships and internal monologue. If you like action movies, you will really like those parts, I am sure.

I have to say, as someone who has been to 90000 zillion 12 step meetings, the author NAILS this piece. The language is really perfect, creative, reflective of the spirit and intention of not only the program itself but the meeting "culture" and traditions that are a bit of a mixed bag. We often say we are an imperfect program for imperfect people. And so, yeah? Hitmen are pretty imperfect. "If you think YOUR amends list is bad, how about these guys?" I see 12 step being spoofed all the time in pixar and disney movies, tv shows, etc. They are usually pretty funny, I like the Wreck-it-ralph intro the best. And often a character in thriller fiction will be sober, as a side story, and it's fine. I think sometimes the author did some research and went to like 5-10 AA meetings. That is NOT the case here, this one is really creative and true to the spirit... so if you know someone who likes male-centered books that are action, they will love this book. If they ALSO have a background in 12 step they will REALLY love this book.

Book to be published June 11, 2024.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this. It was a great balance of a little ridiculous and heartfelt. There's one scene that was down right heartbreaking. I think I will be thinking about it quite a bit for the next few days.

Mark is days away from trading in his six month chip for his one year chip, and he's struggling with the process. With the support of his sponsor, though, he's optimistic about getting there. And then his past shows up after a meeting, stabs him, insults him, and blows up his apartment. Now Mark, his clandestine surgeon, and his cat are on the search for who has it our for him and why. His biggest problem is that he has to keep everyone alive while he figures it out, including all the people trying to kill him, or he'll never get his one year chip.

I'm not ashamed to say I'm very attached to a fictional character, and that character is Mark. His inappropriate and dark sense of humor is absolutely perfect and comes at you from left field at just the right moments.

Mark's struggle with his sobriety was a struggle for me right along with him. In the moments he wanted to let go of it, I was there to back his decision as justified and tell him to go for it. In the moments he held back and tried to maintain his sobriety, I cheered him on and hoped for his success. I really empathized with him the whole way through from both sides of the coin.

I'd love to see another book or ten with Mark and the other members of AA!

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an eARC copy of this book.

Read if you like:
🔪 Action & Adventure
☠️ Assassins
🐈‍⬛ Cat Daddy’s
🔍 Mysteries
🧠 Group Recovery Meetings
💕 Romance

This book was nothing like I expected, and I guess I really had no clue what to expect.

I enjoyed the dark humor and lol moments and the way that Mark was so focused on his recovery from his lifestyle as an assassin.

But when shit hits the fan when someone is coming after him, what will he do? Stick with his recovery or turn back to his old ways?

I enjoyed the past and present aspects to give more context to his past, but also felt at times they were a bit over done and took away from the current fast pacing of his ticking clock to figure out who is after him.

The slight romance elements were unexpected but enjoyable but not sure if they were fully needed and if it strengthened or weakened the storyline.

All in all, this is a bit of a genre bending book that I enjoyed and I would recommend to others that enjoy thrillers and dark humor!

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ARC and PRHA for my ALC in exchange for my honest review!

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS ABOUT?
Almost a year ago, Mark walked away from his old life and into a 12-step meeting. It's been a struggle for him—he's almost relapsed, he came close to suicide, and he's struggled every day. But with the support of the other people in his group, his sponsor, and a little orange cat who came into his life at just the right time—Mark is making it, day by day.

Then one day, Mark's cleaning up after the meeting and he's attacked by a Russian who moves like a professional killer. Mark fights back—incapacitating the Russian and escaping with a serious—but not-too-serious—wound of his own and a burning question: who sent the Russian? The search for the answer takes Mark (and his cat) around the world—into some very dangerous situations, and almost more temptation for Mark to relapse than he could've imagined.

You see, Mark's 12-step meeting isn't for Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or anything like that. As you'll guess from the book's title, it's Assassins Anonymous. Hitmen, Assassins, Serial Killers, and the like, who are tired of the life, who are tired of killing and want to try to live productive, life-affirming lives. They have to fight old impulses, old habits, old attitudes, they have to abandon adrenaline rushes (which are probably pretty addictive) and all the rest for a quiet life. Mark had been one of the best in the world (or the worst, depending on your perspective)—almost legendary—until he went cold turkey. But someone's apparently trying to warm up the poultry.*

* That's a metaphor I really shouldn't have tried to stretch.

Can Mark discover why someone game for him almost a year after he quit "the life"? Can Mark make them stop without having to throw away all the work he's done over the last (almost) 12 months?

THE MOVIES
Like many moviegoers, I love a good hit man movie. I can even enjoy a "just okay" hitman movie (sorry, The Whole Ten Yards you don't qualify as either). Mark, unsurprisingly, isn't a fan of most of them. Sadly, that's where most people get their ideas and information about assassins and hitmen from. So by character, actor, or movie title, they're brought up frequently—usually to Mark's dismay. He'll also just compare his life to those movies on occasion. I enjoyed this aspect of the character a lot—particularly one running bit where people kept expecting him to look more like a particular actor.

Other kinds of movies are used throughout the novel, too—they're a great shorthand way of revealing character. What movies he likes, what movies he refuses to mention liking, and so on are a convenient and efficient way of telling you a lot about Mark. Also, it's just fun to see characters talk about movies and whatnot—as people like Whedon, Tarantino, and Smith have been showing us.

THE 12-STEPS
As the book started to really focus on—and feature—things like the meetings Mark's attending, his recovery, and his working the steps, I started to get worried. Primarily because it was early on, and while I understood that Mark was flippant, even a wiseacre—was Hart going to be flip about the 12-steps? That feels like something you shouldn't touch—like a third rail, a skunk with a hair-trigger, or that Easter Egg you finally found in late June.

But no—the meetings, the steps, the attitude about recovery, and the way the characters interacted about their recovery were dealt with respectfully. Sure, there was a little bit of Mark's attitude (or similar ones) expressed in the meetings and whatnot—but not about the meetings or the program, just about each other or themselves. (much like I imagine happens in an actual meeting)

If anything, this is practically an advertisement for those kind of programs and the good work they can do. Because this is the heart of the novel—yes, there's the violence, the suspense, the twists, and whatnot—let's call them "The Thriller Aspects." Those aspects are what will draw readers to the book, they're what'll keep your attention and get you hooked on it. But Assassins Anonymous isn't so much about the "Assassins" as it is the struggle, the stumbles, and the victories associated with Recovery. In my book, we should get more of those—particularly honest books about the victories.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS?
Imagine Martin Q. Blank, Jimmy Tudeski, and Frank Moses meeting up and trying to take care of business—non-lethally (I guess that'd be something like the pacifist version of The Expendables), and you'll have something like this book.

Let's start with The Thriller Aspects—Hart nailed them. Even—maybe especially—the more outlandish aspects of them (which are really the trickier part to pull off). There's a confident panache to the novel—as well as most of the characters—that lets you know right away that you're in good hands and are set for a great ride. Some twists you'll see coming, and won't care because of the way he executes them. But also,

The 12-Step aspect—well, see above—another win for Hart.

What about the comedy and narrative voice? Spot on—seriously good. It'd be easy to go overboard on the comedy—or to not use enough of it (we are talking about a bunch of people who have killed many others), but I think Hart hits the balance just right. And Mark's the kind of guy you can enjoy being stuck in the mind of for 320 pages.

The first chapter gives you everything you need to know about this novel—it's such a well-written chapter, too. Voice, character, action, comedy. If you read it and aren't hooked, you're probably going to feel that way about the rest of it. If that first chapter works for you? Kick back and enjoy.

Sure, this novel is right in my wheelhouse—I'm practically its target demographic incarnate—but I think even if I wasn't, it would've won me over. I strongly encourage you to pick this one up. I can't tell you what's keeping me from giving it the final full star, but something is (and since I'll have to round up almost everywhere I cross-post, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it)—but, boy howdy, you're in for a great time when you open this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Putnam Books via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

4.5 Stars!

Really, the blurb says it all. Mark is this close to his one year anniversary of not having killed anyone. However, a brute of a Russian makes an attempt on his life which spurs him to discover the whys of how he’s become a target after disappearing from the life of being the best assassin for over the past decade. If he wants to continue his recovery, Mark needs answers, but things quickly spiral out of control as complications pile up.

Know that the plot is quick, the thrown wrenches hit hard as this alternates between Mark in the present trying to figure things out and the past showing how he arrives at his current predicament. I was not once bored. I loved the struggle Mark goes through, seeing his world through a lens of paranoia and situational awareness, fighting a deeply ingrained instinct to kill to easily solve life’s problems. The ingenuity he comes up with to avoid falling back into old patterns was entertaining to see as he’s basically operating with one hand tied behind his back.

So yes, this had plenty of violence, fights, chases, shady agencies, and rival assassins, all entwined with a plausible existential crisis about the moral dilemma that is Mark’s profession. I love me an assassin/mercenary story, and unlike most of these sorts of books, Hart brings a different perspective to his anti-hero that makes him very likable and sympathetic despite his deadly skill set. Though this is serious in subject matter with some very tragic fallout, the best books that I enjoy the most always have a touch of fun factor and humor to them (and believe me, there's plenty of grim dark books regarding this genre who have none of that) which makes this stand out amongst the masses.

Peppered with pop culture references, Hart knows how to lure the reader through his propulsive writing. So, if you want a slightly less flashy John Wick-esque tale full of action, suspense, betrayals, reveals, and the hope for some peace and redemption, then this right here is the answer. Rob Hart is officially on my radar now, and I’ll be checking out previous and future works to come!

Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.