Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn is a dynamic sequel to her bestselling novel Killers of a Certain Age. This installment continues the thrilling adventures of four seasoned female assassins, blending sharp wit, intense action, and a fresh perspective on aging and empowerment.
Plot Overview
After a year of lying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are drawn back into the dangerous world of espionage. The Museum, their former employer, alerts them to a new threat: an Eastern European gangster has obtained a list of agents, targeting those who have interfered with her operations. With their names on the hit list, the quartet embarks on a globe-trotting mission to unmask the mole within the Museum and eliminate the formidable adversary. From Venice to Eastern Europe, the women rely on their decades of experience, unbreakable bond, and lethal skills to survive and succeed.
Character Dynamics and Development
Raybourn excels in portraying the deep camaraderie among the protagonists. Each woman brings a unique personality and skill set, creating a balanced and engaging team dynamic. Billie’s introspective nature offers a compelling narrative lens, while Helen’s pragmatism, Mary Alice’s warmth, and Natalie’s sharp intellect enrich the story. Their interactions are laced with humor and authenticity, reflecting a lifetime of shared experiences and mutual respect.
Themes and Tone
The novel challenges societal perceptions of aging, showcasing women in their sixties as vibrant, capable, and formidable. Raybourn intertwines themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience, emphasizing that age does not diminish one’s value or effectiveness. The tone balances dark humor with suspense, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Writing Style and Structure
Raybourn’s writing is characterized by sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and well-paced action sequences. The narrative structure incorporates flashbacks, providing context and depth to the characters’ histories. While some readers may find the timeline shifts slightly disorienting, they ultimately enrich the storytelling by revealing motivations and past experiences that influence present decisions.
Critical Reception
Critics and readers have praised Kills Well with Others for its engaging plot and strong character development. Beth Kanell of the New York Journal of Books commends Raybourn’s “skillful plot twists and nimble writing,” noting the dialogue’s capacity to elicit laughter. The Bossy Bookworm highlights the novel’s blend of action and suspense, appreciating the return of the “favorite aging assassins.” However, some reviews, such as one from Courtney Reads Romance, suggest that the sequel’s plot may feel less cohesive compared to the original, indicating a divergence in reader experiences.
Also Read: The Story She Left Behind: By Patti Callahan Henry (Book Review)
