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Murder By Natural Causes
A double life with a single purpose, getting away with murder. Cilla is a 22-year-old contract killer, specialising in the dry a murder interpreted as death by natural causes. Her main client, Vladimir Haugr, is the owner of TGR's bridge club in London. In return for a flat, a retainer and expenses, Cilla does five jobs a year. She occasionally works freelance. Neither strong, nor beautiful, Cilla isn't your typical female protagonist. In fact, she is so unremarkable as to render her almost invisible, an advantage in her line of work. She has survived because she is clever, stubborn and lucky. But Cilla knows that, statistically, her luck is about to run out. She must find a way to reinvent herself. Soon.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2023
12 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Helen Erichsen
1 book18 followersHelen Erichsen has a background in sociology, psychology and criminology. An accomplished bridge player, she has represented England several times and won the English Ladies Trials in 2021. Murder by Natural Causes combines Helen’s interests in psychology with her bridge career and her knowledge of gardening and the many properties of plants. She is married to the Norwegian bridge professional Espen Erichsen and lives with her family in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 16, 2023
I'm trying to imagine the pitch meeting for this book:
"Right, give me the concept in ten words or less."
"La Femme Nikita works at a bridge club."
"I see you're quick. When would I get the first draft?"
"One month from now."
"Done. Oh, wait, can you include a bit of Wittgenstein? I love Wittgenstein."
"Sure. I'll throw in some Kant for free."
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Well, it was worth a try."
"Right, give me the concept in ten words or less."
"La Femme Nikita works at a bridge club."
"I see you're quick. When would I get the first draft?"
"One month from now."
"Done. Oh, wait, can you include a bit of Wittgenstein? I love Wittgenstein."
"Sure. I'll throw in some Kant for free."
"Will you marry me?"
"No."
"Well, it was worth a try."
May 30, 2023
Murder By Natural Causes is the first novel by British bridge champion and author, Helen Erichsen. The audio version is narrated by Natalie Pela. Plain, ordinary, unremarkable: Cilla Wilson finds these attributes useful in her career as a contract killer. She’s twenty-two, but she’s been killing since she was fourteen. She’s very good at it, an expert at making a death look like it is from natural causes.
Currently, she kills people for the owner of TGR's bridge club in London, Vladimir Haugr, in return for a flat, a retainer and expenses: five jobs a year for the man also knows as Haugr the Ogre or, to those who get on the wrong side of him, Vlad the Impaler. And under conditions she very strictly controls, she does a bit of selective freelance work. Her attitude is pragmatic to the extreme, rather chilling, in fact.
Despite her cut-glass British accent, Cilla is a product of Soviet Russia, plucked from the village school at the tender age of ten, and trained at Academy 43 to become an assassin for the government. The Academy’s training methods produce cold, efficient killers. The children start with intensive lessons on a wide range of topics, then later specialise.
They are trained in all manner of covert killing, but are assessed for their special quality to be harnessed in service to the state. Cilla enjoys botany and its importance in toxicology, making a myriad of poisons from plants in the Academy’s greenhouse. Her favourite subject, though, is English. She is thoroughly immersed in every aspect of English culture, which will eventually serve her well when she eliminates targets overseas. But never neglected is the children’s indoctrination into Soviet state dogma.
After two years doing jobs for Vlad, Cilla starts making preparations to leave: she doesn’t want this to be her whole life, and Vlad’s mercurial moods mean there’s always a chance of falling foul of this powerful, violent man. But, as Smithy, the talented forger whom she sometimes babysits for Vlad says, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll ever let either of them go…
Cilla’s story is told in a dual timeline: one follows young Alexandria’s metamorphosis into the accomplished assassin, Cilla, and how she ends up with Vlad; the other details her present-day activities and her attempt at freedom. Cilla is certainly an interesting protagonist, proving eventually to not be quite as cold-blooded as she first seems, and making it hard not to cheer her on towards her goal.
By necessity of the nature of the protagonist and plot, there’s a high body count and more than a little violence. Erichsen’s depiction of Cilla’s training in Russia is easily believable, and her extensive knowledge of botany and bridge lends authenticity to those aspects of the story. Natalie Pela’s narration is flawless. Original and utterly compelling, this is a brilliant debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley, Muswell Press and Bolinda Audio
Currently, she kills people for the owner of TGR's bridge club in London, Vladimir Haugr, in return for a flat, a retainer and expenses: five jobs a year for the man also knows as Haugr the Ogre or, to those who get on the wrong side of him, Vlad the Impaler. And under conditions she very strictly controls, she does a bit of selective freelance work. Her attitude is pragmatic to the extreme, rather chilling, in fact.
Despite her cut-glass British accent, Cilla is a product of Soviet Russia, plucked from the village school at the tender age of ten, and trained at Academy 43 to become an assassin for the government. The Academy’s training methods produce cold, efficient killers. The children start with intensive lessons on a wide range of topics, then later specialise.
They are trained in all manner of covert killing, but are assessed for their special quality to be harnessed in service to the state. Cilla enjoys botany and its importance in toxicology, making a myriad of poisons from plants in the Academy’s greenhouse. Her favourite subject, though, is English. She is thoroughly immersed in every aspect of English culture, which will eventually serve her well when she eliminates targets overseas. But never neglected is the children’s indoctrination into Soviet state dogma.
After two years doing jobs for Vlad, Cilla starts making preparations to leave: she doesn’t want this to be her whole life, and Vlad’s mercurial moods mean there’s always a chance of falling foul of this powerful, violent man. But, as Smithy, the talented forger whom she sometimes babysits for Vlad says, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll ever let either of them go…
Cilla’s story is told in a dual timeline: one follows young Alexandria’s metamorphosis into the accomplished assassin, Cilla, and how she ends up with Vlad; the other details her present-day activities and her attempt at freedom. Cilla is certainly an interesting protagonist, proving eventually to not be quite as cold-blooded as she first seems, and making it hard not to cheer her on towards her goal.
By necessity of the nature of the protagonist and plot, there’s a high body count and more than a little violence. Erichsen’s depiction of Cilla’s training in Russia is easily believable, and her extensive knowledge of botany and bridge lends authenticity to those aspects of the story. Natalie Pela’s narration is flawless. Original and utterly compelling, this is a brilliant debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley, Muswell Press and Bolinda Audio
May 27, 2023
Two stars for a publisher's blurb that
described a 5-star book.
Per the publisher's blurb, "Death By Natural Causes" is about Cilla, a 22-year-old contract killer in London, specializing in murdering her targets by natural causes.
Yes, I was intrigued by the book's ultra-compelling "death by natural causes" premise.
And, of course, I was excited about the prospect of getting to know the book's 22-year-old contract killer protagonist.
The publisher's blurb, however, neglected to mention that the early portion of the book showcased Cilia's attendance at a Soviet elite school that helped "form her allegiance to the socialist state".
Allegiance to a socialist state? NOT FOR ME!
This, coupled with the fact that the book's beginning was slow-burn and fragmented, sent this book right to my DNF pile.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fine job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
described a 5-star book.
Per the publisher's blurb, "Death By Natural Causes" is about Cilla, a 22-year-old contract killer in London, specializing in murdering her targets by natural causes.
Yes, I was intrigued by the book's ultra-compelling "death by natural causes" premise.
And, of course, I was excited about the prospect of getting to know the book's 22-year-old contract killer protagonist.
The publisher's blurb, however, neglected to mention that the early portion of the book showcased Cilia's attendance at a Soviet elite school that helped "form her allegiance to the socialist state".
Allegiance to a socialist state? NOT FOR ME!
This, coupled with the fact that the book's beginning was slow-burn and fragmented, sent this book right to my DNF pile.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fine job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2023
This is a book with a difference, by the time you reach the last page you will be completely in love with this villain. This is not a light read, you will find yourself quickly and deeply engrossed in this story very quickly. The protagonist is a rather unassuming character who knows she needs to make some changes, and the story shows how she will do that, but also how she ended up where she is.
The author created a villain that crawls into your heart as you learn more about her origins. The young woman is a brilliant creation. I enjoyed the movement between past and present which slowly brought Cilla to life in a realistic manner. I found myself quickly engrossed and eager for Cilla to achieve her goals.
Cilla is a twenty-two-year-old assassin. Her speciality is the “dry-job” a death that appears to be caused by natural causes. A murder with no questions asked. Cilla is clever, creative and very lucky – but she realises that her luck is not going to last forever. Her main employer, Vlad Haugr – the owner of TGR requires about five jobs a year in exchange for a flat, retainer and expenses. Vlad is fond of Cilla, she is valuable to him and he won’t let Cilla just walk away. Can Cilla outsmart Vlad and escape the day when she runs out of luck?
This book had me rooting for the villain – Cilla is a curious character who manages to steal your heart. Her story is sad and heartbreaking. I loved all the information about her childhood and the experiences she faced.
Cilla is a strong, stubborn character even as a child. As you learn about this young woman you understand why she is an assassin. She is clever and creative while her average appearance leaves her almost invisible. She is good at what she does and manages to show compassion when you least expect it. The author did a brilliant job in creating Cilla – she is cold and lacks emotion most of the time – only to surprise you when you least expect it. I loved her determination to find a new way of life.
This is an unusual read that will have you rooting for the villain. If you are keen on a crime novel filled with detail and loads of unexpected developments, then this is the book for you. This is a gripping entertaining read, with lots of usual characters that will keep you glued to the pages from start to end.
https://featzreviews.com/murder-by-na...
The author created a villain that crawls into your heart as you learn more about her origins. The young woman is a brilliant creation. I enjoyed the movement between past and present which slowly brought Cilla to life in a realistic manner. I found myself quickly engrossed and eager for Cilla to achieve her goals.
Cilla is a twenty-two-year-old assassin. Her speciality is the “dry-job” a death that appears to be caused by natural causes. A murder with no questions asked. Cilla is clever, creative and very lucky – but she realises that her luck is not going to last forever. Her main employer, Vlad Haugr – the owner of TGR requires about five jobs a year in exchange for a flat, retainer and expenses. Vlad is fond of Cilla, she is valuable to him and he won’t let Cilla just walk away. Can Cilla outsmart Vlad and escape the day when she runs out of luck?
This book had me rooting for the villain – Cilla is a curious character who manages to steal your heart. Her story is sad and heartbreaking. I loved all the information about her childhood and the experiences she faced.
Cilla is a strong, stubborn character even as a child. As you learn about this young woman you understand why she is an assassin. She is clever and creative while her average appearance leaves her almost invisible. She is good at what she does and manages to show compassion when you least expect it. The author did a brilliant job in creating Cilla – she is cold and lacks emotion most of the time – only to surprise you when you least expect it. I loved her determination to find a new way of life.
This is an unusual read that will have you rooting for the villain. If you are keen on a crime novel filled with detail and loads of unexpected developments, then this is the book for you. This is a gripping entertaining read, with lots of usual characters that will keep you glued to the pages from start to end.
https://featzreviews.com/murder-by-na...
May 19, 2023
Cilla is a killer. A professional assassin trained at an elite Soviet academy, she was a child when she carried out her first hit.
Now 22, Cilla is living in London and specialises in dry jobs, assassination disguised as natural causes.
She works for gangster Vladimir Haugr, aka The Ogre, aka Vlad the Impaler, and does private hits on the side.
Now she wants to get out for a new life but there are problems, not least Vlad.
Cilla is a chillingly terrific character, nondescript, skilled, clinical and ruthless. This is a tense and highly original story packed with surprises.
Now 22, Cilla is living in London and specialises in dry jobs, assassination disguised as natural causes.
She works for gangster Vladimir Haugr, aka The Ogre, aka Vlad the Impaler, and does private hits on the side.
Now she wants to get out for a new life but there are problems, not least Vlad.
Cilla is a chillingly terrific character, nondescript, skilled, clinical and ruthless. This is a tense and highly original story packed with surprises.
June 23, 2023
If you cross paths with this book - read it!
I very nearly gave this one a skip. The blurb sounded far-fetched and unlikely, but I thought I’d give it a few hours before deciding.
Told from Cilla’s POV in alternative timelines- one now and one going back to her childhood in rural Russia. We learn of her training as a skilled assassin using toxicology skills and small hand held weapons. Brutality, gore and close-your-eye I don’t want to read this moment are peppered throughout, but they establish the plot. The author does a brilliant job of crafting an evil villain, whom over the course of the read, grew on me to the point I was rooting for her by the end.
The one-star loss is for the age of the protagonist (she’s very young for believability) and the elusive ending - for this read I would love to have known more, or is that a sequel in the making?
I very nearly gave this one a skip. The blurb sounded far-fetched and unlikely, but I thought I’d give it a few hours before deciding.
Told from Cilla’s POV in alternative timelines- one now and one going back to her childhood in rural Russia. We learn of her training as a skilled assassin using toxicology skills and small hand held weapons. Brutality, gore and close-your-eye I don’t want to read this moment are peppered throughout, but they establish the plot. The author does a brilliant job of crafting an evil villain, whom over the course of the read, grew on me to the point I was rooting for her by the end.
The one-star loss is for the age of the protagonist (she’s very young for believability) and the elusive ending - for this read I would love to have known more, or is that a sequel in the making?
April 26, 2024
“Murder by natural causes” follows Cilla, a 22year old who has been offing people since the age of 14. Over the years she has honed her skills as a killer and is an expert and making deaths look like the result of natural causes.
This book has the British vibes of London England, with a side helping of Vlad the Impaler and a dash of Soviet Russia.
We have training academies, government assassins, shady clubs for the elite and lots of action, plotting and genius.
This was definitely an outside of the box fun read and a great debut!
Thank you to Muswell press, Helen Erichsen and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: today! April 26th
This book has the British vibes of London England, with a side helping of Vlad the Impaler and a dash of Soviet Russia.
We have training academies, government assassins, shady clubs for the elite and lots of action, plotting and genius.
This was definitely an outside of the box fun read and a great debut!
Thank you to Muswell press, Helen Erichsen and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: today! April 26th
November 12, 2025
Cover: Eye-catching. This shade of yellow is lovely.
What a brilliant story!
The synopsis caught my eye from the get-go, and the actual novel didn’t disappoint. I’m so pleased by Murder by Natural Causes 😀
In it, we delve into the life of Cilla, a contract killer, and her strive for… absolution? Reparation? Normalcy? A bit of everything, I’d say.
I’ll admit, I finished this book one week ago and Cilla’s self-assigned mission still leaves me wondering. Given the way she’s portrayed, does her decision make sense? Is it a sound one? I’m in two minds about it. Yes, after everything she’s gone through, autonomy and a normal life might sound appealing. On the other hand, her characterization makes it little more than a pipe dream, I think. Deep inside, I guess she’s aware of that, too, and yet.
A dual timeline and limited third person point of view put me in a good mood, technically speaking. Michael’s POV at the very beginning is the only exception, and it doesn’t bother me at all since the transition is flawless. Nice rhythm and pacing as well—nothing sounds mechanical, nothing drags.
Overall, the grammar and syntax are good! Erichsen enjoys using semicolons, something I fully approve of. Variety is important, even when it comes to punctuation.
The only detail I’m not so sure about is the ending. The very last sentence, I mean. It’s open to interpretation, and while I chose the worst outcome for her, I’m not sure I’m right. If there’s something I hate is not knowing for sure, haha.
At any rate, that’s a minor thing.
5 stars on GR.
What a brilliant story!
The synopsis caught my eye from the get-go, and the actual novel didn’t disappoint. I’m so pleased by Murder by Natural Causes 😀
In it, we delve into the life of Cilla, a contract killer, and her strive for… absolution? Reparation? Normalcy? A bit of everything, I’d say.
I’ll admit, I finished this book one week ago and Cilla’s self-assigned mission still leaves me wondering. Given the way she’s portrayed, does her decision make sense? Is it a sound one? I’m in two minds about it. Yes, after everything she’s gone through, autonomy and a normal life might sound appealing. On the other hand, her characterization makes it little more than a pipe dream, I think. Deep inside, I guess she’s aware of that, too, and yet.
A dual timeline and limited third person point of view put me in a good mood, technically speaking. Michael’s POV at the very beginning is the only exception, and it doesn’t bother me at all since the transition is flawless. Nice rhythm and pacing as well—nothing sounds mechanical, nothing drags.
Overall, the grammar and syntax are good! Erichsen enjoys using semicolons, something I fully approve of. Variety is important, even when it comes to punctuation.
The only detail I’m not so sure about is the ending. The very last sentence, I mean. It’s open to interpretation, and while I chose the worst outcome for her, I’m not sure I’m right. If there’s something I hate is not knowing for sure, haha.
At any rate, that’s a minor thing.
5 stars on GR.
June 3, 2023
What do you thinks makes a psychopath? are they born or can they be trained? read this book and you may find some answers.This is the story of a young girl who is taken from her family by the Soviet authorities and trained to be a killer . What marks Cilla, as she becomes, is her ambivalence to her family and her unquestioning loyalty to the regime. Is she a natural psychopath or can she be trained.
Her speciality is the dry job, a method of murder that leaves no outward traces and mimics death by natural causes. When working for her pay masters she finds herself in London working for a new boss. Is she happy in her work? She seems to be ; but as time passes her position seems to be changing and she seems be more and more unhappy in her work. And is she seeking a way out. This is the question she and the reader are asking themselves. A fast paced thriller that asks more questions than giving answers.
It is hard to believe this is debut novel as the story is so well crafted and the prose is of a high quality and written with an assurance one would expect of a more experienced author.
A book that I have no hesitation commending to you and would advise you to pick it up if it crosses your path.
Her speciality is the dry job, a method of murder that leaves no outward traces and mimics death by natural causes. When working for her pay masters she finds herself in London working for a new boss. Is she happy in her work? She seems to be ; but as time passes her position seems to be changing and she seems be more and more unhappy in her work. And is she seeking a way out. This is the question she and the reader are asking themselves. A fast paced thriller that asks more questions than giving answers.
It is hard to believe this is debut novel as the story is so well crafted and the prose is of a high quality and written with an assurance one would expect of a more experienced author.
A book that I have no hesitation commending to you and would advise you to pick it up if it crosses your path.
May 31, 2023
Following the life and perspective of cilla, a 22 year old contract killer, the way she views the world is certainly different and her life has never been an ordinary one.
The chapters are split timelines, between her earlier life and training and now, with her current cases. It was constantly entertaining and the audiobook narrated in a way that will draw you in and have you listening with ease.
It was a fun book (albeit laced with no nonsense death and contract killing!) and listening to Cilla’s life was an intrigue. Despite her character committing regular acts of murder (and sometimes to other likeable characters) the author still manages to make you like and root for her. Her thought processes and plannings for her jobs was interesting to follow and I knew the book was going to end one of two ways and had no idea which way it would lean. It was a great debut !
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
The chapters are split timelines, between her earlier life and training and now, with her current cases. It was constantly entertaining and the audiobook narrated in a way that will draw you in and have you listening with ease.
It was a fun book (albeit laced with no nonsense death and contract killing!) and listening to Cilla’s life was an intrigue. Despite her character committing regular acts of murder (and sometimes to other likeable characters) the author still manages to make you like and root for her. Her thought processes and plannings for her jobs was interesting to follow and I knew the book was going to end one of two ways and had no idea which way it would lean. It was a great debut !
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 16, 2023
In a nutshell. Five thoroughly merited stars. If you want the version with a picture in it, you have to go here:
Full disclosure: I don’t know the author, but we must have a lot of friends in common. Heck, even the odd non-friend, as I discovered when the name of an ex I ill-advisedly lived with for much too long popped up on the page. Hmmm. Maybe he’ll be hit next I thought. Optimistically as it turns out. Sorry for that minor spoiler.
When I was lent this book recently my heart sank. I thought it was going to be a bridge book with a murder in it. Always badly done, why oh why would anybody do another one. But, take heart dear reader. This very clever writer has managed to put a bridge setting into her book without having any bridge in it.
There were periods in my life when I read a vast amount of murder of various kinds. But I moved on and it's been a long time. I really opened this book up as an obligation to a friend who lent it to me, and figured I was so darned grumpy I might as well read something I wasn't going to enjoy anyway. How wrong was I. This is a brilliant five star read - and those who follow me on Goodreads will know that I am pretty miserly with those stars. Every now and then one finds oneself reading a book with an unlikely girl hero or anti-hero. EG Queen's Gambit and the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. I never like them, they always sound false. Probably Queen's Gambit was behind the eight ball because I was a young female chess player back in the day and I just couldn't believe in Trevis's creation. And I truly hated the Girl with on many levels. This, however, is a young girl hero - well, probably anti-hero, but I often get those arse-about - who is completely believable from first sight. The story is fascinating, and I'm curious to know how much of the background setting is based on fact.
I'm going to leave it there as I don't think prospective readers will benefit from spoilers. However, I highly recommend this not only to those who might see it as a murder/thriller read, but to those who might find a what-the-Soviet-Union-used-to-be-like book an attractive proposition also.
Muswell Press is onto a winner here and I'm looking forward to Erichsen's next book.
Full disclosure: I don’t know the author, but we must have a lot of friends in common. Heck, even the odd non-friend, as I discovered when the name of an ex I ill-advisedly lived with for much too long popped up on the page. Hmmm. Maybe he’ll be hit next I thought. Optimistically as it turns out. Sorry for that minor spoiler.
When I was lent this book recently my heart sank. I thought it was going to be a bridge book with a murder in it. Always badly done, why oh why would anybody do another one. But, take heart dear reader. This very clever writer has managed to put a bridge setting into her book without having any bridge in it.
There were periods in my life when I read a vast amount of murder of various kinds. But I moved on and it's been a long time. I really opened this book up as an obligation to a friend who lent it to me, and figured I was so darned grumpy I might as well read something I wasn't going to enjoy anyway. How wrong was I. This is a brilliant five star read - and those who follow me on Goodreads will know that I am pretty miserly with those stars. Every now and then one finds oneself reading a book with an unlikely girl hero or anti-hero. EG Queen's Gambit and the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. I never like them, they always sound false. Probably Queen's Gambit was behind the eight ball because I was a young female chess player back in the day and I just couldn't believe in Trevis's creation. And I truly hated the Girl with on many levels. This, however, is a young girl hero - well, probably anti-hero, but I often get those arse-about - who is completely believable from first sight. The story is fascinating, and I'm curious to know how much of the background setting is based on fact.
I'm going to leave it there as I don't think prospective readers will benefit from spoilers. However, I highly recommend this not only to those who might see it as a murder/thriller read, but to those who might find a what-the-Soviet-Union-used-to-be-like book an attractive proposition also.
Muswell Press is onto a winner here and I'm looking forward to Erichsen's next book.
May 31, 2023
Murder By Natural Causes by Helen Erichsen.
A double life with a single purpose, getting away with murder. Cilla is a 22-year-old contract killer, specialising in the dry job: a murder interpreted as death by natural causes. Her main client, Vladimir Haugr, is the owner of TGR's bridge club in London. In return for a flat, a retainer and expenses, Cilla does five jobs a year. She occasionally works freelance. Neither strong, nor beautiful, Cilla isn't your typical female protagonist. In fact, she is so unremarkable as to render her almost invisible, an advantage in her line of work. She has survived because she is clever, stubborn and lucky. But Cilla knows that, statistically, her luck is about to run out. She must find a way to reinvent herself. Soon.
I did enjoy this book. Wasn't sure about Cilla. I didn't like her but I didn't hate her either. Really good debut. 5*.
A double life with a single purpose, getting away with murder. Cilla is a 22-year-old contract killer, specialising in the dry job: a murder interpreted as death by natural causes. Her main client, Vladimir Haugr, is the owner of TGR's bridge club in London. In return for a flat, a retainer and expenses, Cilla does five jobs a year. She occasionally works freelance. Neither strong, nor beautiful, Cilla isn't your typical female protagonist. In fact, she is so unremarkable as to render her almost invisible, an advantage in her line of work. She has survived because she is clever, stubborn and lucky. But Cilla knows that, statistically, her luck is about to run out. She must find a way to reinvent herself. Soon.
I did enjoy this book. Wasn't sure about Cilla. I didn't like her but I didn't hate her either. Really good debut. 5*.
June 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this! It was quite different to anything I've read recently and I just couldn't put it down.
I adored Cilla, our main character. She's completely unremarkable in her outwardly daily life....but that's exactly what is needed in her line of work - a dry job assassin.
We follow Cilla in her present day life, working, part time, for Vlad - drug lord, club owner, impaler! - definitely not a man to be messed with.
On the side, she is able to take on jobs of her own but as things develop we see the lines becoming blurred.
I loved that Cilla, although completely invisible, she was the bravest, cleverest and strongest character I've read about in a while.
As the storyline unfolds, we learn of Cilla's childhood and education - born in a very communist Soviet Union, she was whisked away at a young age and trained at the specialist academy 43 where she excelled.
I really felt sorry for her missing out on a traditional childhood but given the status divide, certain areas of life were actually better where she was? It's a tricky one!
This was a complex plot but brilliantly written. I both read the book and listened on audio and loved them both.
The narrator was amazing especially depicting all the different characters and accents. It really brought the story to life and helped to add context to the plot.
The ending was one that leaves us wondering - no spoilers here - but it's a little ambiguous.
I'm really hoping that it's because there is going to be a sequel, but even if not, this is definitely an author that I'll be reading again! Brilliant read!
I adored Cilla, our main character. She's completely unremarkable in her outwardly daily life....but that's exactly what is needed in her line of work - a dry job assassin.
We follow Cilla in her present day life, working, part time, for Vlad - drug lord, club owner, impaler! - definitely not a man to be messed with.
On the side, she is able to take on jobs of her own but as things develop we see the lines becoming blurred.
I loved that Cilla, although completely invisible, she was the bravest, cleverest and strongest character I've read about in a while.
As the storyline unfolds, we learn of Cilla's childhood and education - born in a very communist Soviet Union, she was whisked away at a young age and trained at the specialist academy 43 where she excelled.
I really felt sorry for her missing out on a traditional childhood but given the status divide, certain areas of life were actually better where she was? It's a tricky one!
This was a complex plot but brilliantly written. I both read the book and listened on audio and loved them both.
The narrator was amazing especially depicting all the different characters and accents. It really brought the story to life and helped to add context to the plot.
The ending was one that leaves us wondering - no spoilers here - but it's a little ambiguous.
I'm really hoping that it's because there is going to be a sequel, but even if not, this is definitely an author that I'll be reading again! Brilliant read!
May 29, 2023
Cilla Wilson, named after her idol Cilla Black, works at the the local bridge club TGR's and has a true to life doll that she treats as her child. All seemingly normal, right?
As a child she was born on the outskirts of a Soviet town she no longer cares to remember and was raised in a state sponsored boarding school, where she was trained to become an executioner...a trained assassin. Her speciality, the Dry Job, where assassination is disguised as a death by natural causes.
The plot is narrated in both current day and the past, where we learn more of the younger Cilla's time at home with her family, and also her time at Academy 43.
Why do authors always feel the need to kill the dog, then go into detail of how it's being done? Unnecessary!
Overall I enjoyed reading Murder by Natural Causes, I found it to be well written, the plot was compelling, I read it in less than twenty four hours and the characters to be fascinating.
As a child she was born on the outskirts of a Soviet town she no longer cares to remember and was raised in a state sponsored boarding school, where she was trained to become an executioner...a trained assassin. Her speciality, the Dry Job, where assassination is disguised as a death by natural causes.
The plot is narrated in both current day and the past, where we learn more of the younger Cilla's time at home with her family, and also her time at Academy 43.
Why do authors always feel the need to kill the dog, then go into detail of how it's being done? Unnecessary!
Overall I enjoyed reading Murder by Natural Causes, I found it to be well written, the plot was compelling, I read it in less than twenty four hours and the characters to be fascinating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
The story starts with a backgammon shark winning much more than is wise to from a reckless young gambler, but one with important connections. On discovering this error, he decides to run, only to come across Cilla Wilson with a baby in a pram at the airport WH Smith. Cilla is no young mother though, she is a deadly contract killer who specialises in dry jobs, those that appear to be death by natural causes.
The plot follows two strands of Cilla’s life, one is her current (early 1990’s) life in England, the other her childhood past in Russia. The narrative regularly moves between the two, but this is seamless to the progression and straightforward to follow. A nicely constructed narrative.
In the ‘current’ strand we follow Cilla as she works as the in-house killer for Vlad, a ruthless gangster with casino and drugs interests who runs a high stakes bridge and backgammon club as his base. For a retainer and a nice flat to live in, Cilla makes his people problems go away. She also has the relative freedom to do jobs on a freelance basis, for which she charges £50,000 a time. As time progresses though she realises this is not a life, she wants normality.
The historical strand follows her shattered and disturbing childhood. Living in a rural family that is struggling and largely uncaring, we discover that Luna the dog is the only one she holds affection for, she is selected to go to a special school, Academy 43. Here their special talents are nurtured, but also, they are gradually desensitised to suffering and killing, to become highly trained killers.
A central theme is that of escape from an existence that is predetermined and one where once she has served her purpose, she becomes superfluous to requirements. The reality is assassins don’t get the chance to retire, they are erased by their successors. Here the stark reality faces Cilla as there are parallels in her life. She escapes the Russians only by working under the protection of Vlad. If she is to escape from Vlad who is going to protect her then?
Naturally with the story centring on murder there are some gory descriptions and a little casual torture but it’s not visceral and ‘in your face’ as dry jobs are supposed to look like natural causes. If your spouse suddenly takes an interest in archery or buying lots of cherries, you might want to start paying attention though.
Dark subject matter but with nicely judged light-hearted moments. In the Russian school they are allowed to watch VHS recordings of British TV and Cilla develops a taste for sitcoms, managing to watch every episode of The Liver Birds (and this wasn’t part of the desensitisation!) Her developing love of all things Liverpudlian is only then enhanced by her choice of English name Cilla, surprise surprise, due to her love of Cilla Black.
Cilla is a fascinating character, intelligent and thoughtful, a lover of philosophy reading the works of Kant and Nietzsche but with a stunted development when it comes to life in the West. So, we get to experience her discomfort in social interaction with her peers and various rites of passage western youngsters would have met a younger age. The timing of the story is a little confusing but makes perfect sense, covering as it does the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union. The upheaval and change experienced in the East becomes an allegory for what Cilla goes through herself, as she sees the possibility of a better life ahead, one with some freedom. An individual with a life and personality blossoming for the barren wasteland of a past forced upon her. It feels like to start of a journey, perhaps there will be more to follow one day.
The plot follows two strands of Cilla’s life, one is her current (early 1990’s) life in England, the other her childhood past in Russia. The narrative regularly moves between the two, but this is seamless to the progression and straightforward to follow. A nicely constructed narrative.
In the ‘current’ strand we follow Cilla as she works as the in-house killer for Vlad, a ruthless gangster with casino and drugs interests who runs a high stakes bridge and backgammon club as his base. For a retainer and a nice flat to live in, Cilla makes his people problems go away. She also has the relative freedom to do jobs on a freelance basis, for which she charges £50,000 a time. As time progresses though she realises this is not a life, she wants normality.
The historical strand follows her shattered and disturbing childhood. Living in a rural family that is struggling and largely uncaring, we discover that Luna the dog is the only one she holds affection for, she is selected to go to a special school, Academy 43. Here their special talents are nurtured, but also, they are gradually desensitised to suffering and killing, to become highly trained killers.
A central theme is that of escape from an existence that is predetermined and one where once she has served her purpose, she becomes superfluous to requirements. The reality is assassins don’t get the chance to retire, they are erased by their successors. Here the stark reality faces Cilla as there are parallels in her life. She escapes the Russians only by working under the protection of Vlad. If she is to escape from Vlad who is going to protect her then?
Naturally with the story centring on murder there are some gory descriptions and a little casual torture but it’s not visceral and ‘in your face’ as dry jobs are supposed to look like natural causes. If your spouse suddenly takes an interest in archery or buying lots of cherries, you might want to start paying attention though.
Dark subject matter but with nicely judged light-hearted moments. In the Russian school they are allowed to watch VHS recordings of British TV and Cilla develops a taste for sitcoms, managing to watch every episode of The Liver Birds (and this wasn’t part of the desensitisation!) Her developing love of all things Liverpudlian is only then enhanced by her choice of English name Cilla, surprise surprise, due to her love of Cilla Black.
Cilla is a fascinating character, intelligent and thoughtful, a lover of philosophy reading the works of Kant and Nietzsche but with a stunted development when it comes to life in the West. So, we get to experience her discomfort in social interaction with her peers and various rites of passage western youngsters would have met a younger age. The timing of the story is a little confusing but makes perfect sense, covering as it does the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union. The upheaval and change experienced in the East becomes an allegory for what Cilla goes through herself, as she sees the possibility of a better life ahead, one with some freedom. An individual with a life and personality blossoming for the barren wasteland of a past forced upon her. It feels like to start of a journey, perhaps there will be more to follow one day.
January 22, 2025
Though this has no connection to Marvel's Black Widow, I was reminded of the Red Room and the intensive, brutal conditioning and training given to a select number of children, molding them into highly efficient and effective killers while reading sections of this engrossing novel.
In this story, author Helen Erichsen tells the story of Cilla, a twenty-two-year-old living in her London flat. She cultivates a number of plants, from which she creates poisons, and has a number of small, easily concealed weapons. She also has an arrangement with a local gangster and bridge club owner, Vladimir Haugr, whose bloody kills were beginning to attract some police interest, that is, until he met Cilla. She performs five assassinations per year for him, which are intended to appear as if the victim died of natural causes, and she has been highly successful at her jobs, which are rigorously researched and planned.
The story opens with her latest kill of a man who shamed Haugr's son, and continues as we see her quiet, unassuming life, and taking on of freelance contracts, as long as they don't conflict with her work for Haugr. Cilla is also tasked by Haugr to watch over another in his employ: a skilled forger who goes by the name Smithy, who creates counterfeit money. Smithy is also drug addicted, and Haugr has Cilla babysit the man regularly, to ensure production stays on schedule. Though things are going well, Cilla knows her time is running out with the mercurial Haugr, and she begins planning her exit strategy.
Erichsen alternates Cill's present with her youth, when she was named Alexandria, growing up extremely poor in Russia, with a neglectful mother, an alcoholic father, and an adoring brother. Cilla loves the family dog and her young brother, but has no interest in anyone else, and is quietly cruel to those she dislikes. She's noticed by an organization, and taken willingly from her life to a training camp, known as Academy 23, with other young people. The training is constant, and children who fail at specific tasks disappear, till the time Cilla is one of the few remaining from those who started with her. She's sent on solo assignments to England, and successfully dispatches several targets. From these, it's clear that she's meticulous, unassuming and almost forgettable in appearance, unfazed by violence, and quite able to take care of herself. Erichsen also shows how she is pulled into Haugr's orbit.
The story is filled with violence as we follow the self contained and seemingly unremarkable Cilla. She is cold, socially awkward and not adept at reading some social cues, but gradually we understand that some of this is natural, while the rest is due to her time at the training camp in Russia.
Cilla is interesting, and not entirely sympathetic, and at the same time, I felt for her. Erichsen has skillfully created a character, who, despite her lack of ethics and scruples, I was concerned about, and wanted her to be able to leave Haugr behind and start a new life.
I liked this at times chilling novel, and enjoyed following its ruthless protagonist.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Muswell Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
In this story, author Helen Erichsen tells the story of Cilla, a twenty-two-year-old living in her London flat. She cultivates a number of plants, from which she creates poisons, and has a number of small, easily concealed weapons. She also has an arrangement with a local gangster and bridge club owner, Vladimir Haugr, whose bloody kills were beginning to attract some police interest, that is, until he met Cilla. She performs five assassinations per year for him, which are intended to appear as if the victim died of natural causes, and she has been highly successful at her jobs, which are rigorously researched and planned.
The story opens with her latest kill of a man who shamed Haugr's son, and continues as we see her quiet, unassuming life, and taking on of freelance contracts, as long as they don't conflict with her work for Haugr. Cilla is also tasked by Haugr to watch over another in his employ: a skilled forger who goes by the name Smithy, who creates counterfeit money. Smithy is also drug addicted, and Haugr has Cilla babysit the man regularly, to ensure production stays on schedule. Though things are going well, Cilla knows her time is running out with the mercurial Haugr, and she begins planning her exit strategy.
Erichsen alternates Cill's present with her youth, when she was named Alexandria, growing up extremely poor in Russia, with a neglectful mother, an alcoholic father, and an adoring brother. Cilla loves the family dog and her young brother, but has no interest in anyone else, and is quietly cruel to those she dislikes. She's noticed by an organization, and taken willingly from her life to a training camp, known as Academy 23, with other young people. The training is constant, and children who fail at specific tasks disappear, till the time Cilla is one of the few remaining from those who started with her. She's sent on solo assignments to England, and successfully dispatches several targets. From these, it's clear that she's meticulous, unassuming and almost forgettable in appearance, unfazed by violence, and quite able to take care of herself. Erichsen also shows how she is pulled into Haugr's orbit.
The story is filled with violence as we follow the self contained and seemingly unremarkable Cilla. She is cold, socially awkward and not adept at reading some social cues, but gradually we understand that some of this is natural, while the rest is due to her time at the training camp in Russia.
Cilla is interesting, and not entirely sympathetic, and at the same time, I felt for her. Erichsen has skillfully created a character, who, despite her lack of ethics and scruples, I was concerned about, and wanted her to be able to leave Haugr behind and start a new life.
I liked this at times chilling novel, and enjoyed following its ruthless protagonist.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Muswell Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
July 9, 2023
This is essence how an ordinary soviet girl was trained and became a contract killer. On the surface she seemed happy with her double life but was she really?
The story intrigued me from the start. The narrator was a perfect choice as her tone reflected the matter of factness and the emotion of characters. The selective usafe of accents and good knowledge of soviet and uk history gave tge character good growding. I teally enjoyed the fact that murder was talked about so matter of factly especially by the main character. It was also so believable and enjoybable. The violence was somehow more real by narrators lack of emotion. I enjoyed every minute. Highly recommended. Thank you net galkwey and publisher for my arc
The story intrigued me from the start. The narrator was a perfect choice as her tone reflected the matter of factness and the emotion of characters. The selective usafe of accents and good knowledge of soviet and uk history gave tge character good growding. I teally enjoyed the fact that murder was talked about so matter of factly especially by the main character. It was also so believable and enjoybable. The violence was somehow more real by narrators lack of emotion. I enjoyed every minute. Highly recommended. Thank you net galkwey and publisher for my arc
June 18, 2023
This was a disturbing, fast-paced book about a psychopath, Cilla, with no moral conscience. She is recruited by the Powers That Be, in the former Soviet Union, to be trained as a ruthless assassin specializing in toxicology. I despised her character from the get-go, but the writer cleverly managed to convert several readers in my online bookclub, Pigeonhole, to root for her. Brutal, gory and in some instances implausible, this is a page-turner. 4 stars.
June 27, 2023
Murder By Natural Causes is a darkly fascinating story of a woman trained since she was a child to be a killer.
March 4, 2024
Written and narrated in a cold, precise style that's a mirror to Cilla Wilson, our main character. Because of her psychological traits Cilla was chosen at a very young age to attend a special school which nurtured these traits and then exploited them to the max.
However Cilla was not only these 'traits', she was more. In this story Erichsen sets out to explore Cilla embracing the more and takes us along for the ride.
However Cilla was not only these 'traits', she was more. In this story Erichsen sets out to explore Cilla embracing the more and takes us along for the ride.
June 9, 2023
Great story, fantastic main character, good pacing. Thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and very much looking forward to more from the author
June 8, 2023
Rea(ly enjoyed the narrative and pace of this book, reference to Cilla Black (and the Liverbirds!)I found endearing, despite the macabre nature of the tale!!!
June 6, 2023
Cilla has a knack and a taste for killing people, but she doesn’t use guns and bullets, she kills them in such a way that it looks like they died of natural causes.
She’s a hired hit woman and for a price she will kill for you.
She’s a hired hit woman and for a price she will kill for you.
June 6, 2023
A gloriously macabre pacy read. I thank Claudia and Eve too. X
May 14, 2024
One of the hardest sub-genres for me in crime thrillers; murder mysteries, is the hit man saga.
Film and TV brought us Nikita, a memorable female assassin. My favourite in literature though is Lawrence Block’s Keller. I guess the balance is the ingenious assassinations against the victim’s innocence. How can a reader remain sympathetic in the light of cold hearted murder of strangers, passing over this to build engagement with a contract killer?
Of course outside of financial undertakings, the murders sanctioned by state are the basic elements of espionage stories and spy thrillers; indeed the very essence of James Bond, 007, licence to kill.
For me, Murder by Natural Causes is a breath of fresh air, adding to this genre and bringing something new and clever to the female assassin story.
Schooled by the state, but not to become a gymnast or Olympic athlete, rather selected to be an invisible killer, an instrument of dogma who can hunt out dissidents and defectors and end their lives.
The way the story unfolds maintains one’s interest in the story and binds the reader into the life and struggle of the protagonist, Cilla.
There is also a balance between duty, obligation and survival that reinforces the fine line between valuable asset and expendable liability. I thought the logic and steps Cilla takes, to not just survive but have a viable future were believable and brought a depth to the book, fully investing the reader in the process.
Nothing is straight-forward even in a linear story and Cilla’s best endeavours and planning are countered by a cunning and intuitive employer.
Overall, this isn’t a book that glorifies killing as much as demonstrates the human spirit and ability to learn, adapt and survive.
A wonderful strong female lead, bright and resourceful. Yet demonstrating a vulnerability that makes Cilla an unforgettable and enjoyable character.
Film and TV brought us Nikita, a memorable female assassin. My favourite in literature though is Lawrence Block’s Keller. I guess the balance is the ingenious assassinations against the victim’s innocence. How can a reader remain sympathetic in the light of cold hearted murder of strangers, passing over this to build engagement with a contract killer?
Of course outside of financial undertakings, the murders sanctioned by state are the basic elements of espionage stories and spy thrillers; indeed the very essence of James Bond, 007, licence to kill.
For me, Murder by Natural Causes is a breath of fresh air, adding to this genre and bringing something new and clever to the female assassin story.
Schooled by the state, but not to become a gymnast or Olympic athlete, rather selected to be an invisible killer, an instrument of dogma who can hunt out dissidents and defectors and end their lives.
The way the story unfolds maintains one’s interest in the story and binds the reader into the life and struggle of the protagonist, Cilla.
There is also a balance between duty, obligation and survival that reinforces the fine line between valuable asset and expendable liability. I thought the logic and steps Cilla takes, to not just survive but have a viable future were believable and brought a depth to the book, fully investing the reader in the process.
Nothing is straight-forward even in a linear story and Cilla’s best endeavours and planning are countered by a cunning and intuitive employer.
Overall, this isn’t a book that glorifies killing as much as demonstrates the human spirit and ability to learn, adapt and survive.
A wonderful strong female lead, bright and resourceful. Yet demonstrating a vulnerability that makes Cilla an unforgettable and enjoyable character.
June 4, 2024
Murder By Natural Causes by Helen Erichsen
I overall did enjoy reading this book. I particularly loved reading about Cilla's childhood and her experiences at Academy 43. This book centers around Cilla's experience with the Soviet Union which, although this can be a controversial topic, is handled very sensitively, impartially and factually by the author. I found it extremely chilling reading about the ideology of the Soviet Union and how they were using their own children as weapons. The tactics described by Erichsen that they used to train the children into cold, merciless killing machines was horrifying to read, and she did an amazing job showing the psychological abuse / brainwashing that the children were put through. The author did a great job at making us aware of Cilla's sociopathic tendencies, but also making it clear that Cilla is simply the product of the Soviet Union and not inherently a bad person, which allows us to sympathise with her. character. I loved Cilla's character (even if she is a crazy killing machine) and enjoyed reading about her friendship with Amelia as well as the way that Cilla's family dynamic is explored. These inserts from Cilla's past were the most enjoyable parts of the book, and I found myself rushing through the present day sections desperate to read more about Academy 43. The scene at the shooting range in Academy 43 when Cilla makes her first kill was particularly troubling to read and I found myself cringing, feeling as if I were watching a horror movie being acted on out the pages in front of me.
I must admit I did not enjoy the present day sections as much as the flashbacks to Cilla's past, and found myself becoming a bit bored at certain points. Personally I think the book would have been just as interesting, if not more so, if it had simply focused on Academy 43 and not Cilla's employment with Vlad. The storyline involving Vlad could have been utilised as a sequel rather than them both being squashed into the same book, but that is just my personal opinion. I did however enjoy learning about all the sneaky ways in which Cilla could kill people; clearly the author did a lot of research on these methods, because they were very factual and precise. I liked learning about all the different concoctions Cilla makes using drugs and plants and how they affect the human body as well as the interesting weapons she had used like the "guiding pin", even if it was gruesome and incredibly disturbing at times. I also very much appreciated Cilla's decision at the end to kill the husband and not the wife; I could have cheered when she threw him out that window haha. I liked the character growth shown by Cilla, which this final dry job, and her interaction with Smithy at the end represented. I thought what happened to Vlad, although again a quite visceral and horrifying scene, was in some ways karma and poetic justice. The author is clearly very psychologically and trauma informed as Cilla's inner mind was explored perfectly, which made this book even more interesting and entertaining.
There was a lot of dark humour in here, which somewhat lightened the otherwise very dark, disconcerting and gruesome feel of the book. Everytime Cilla spoke about "Vlad the Impaler" and described him impaling people on railings, I couldn't help but giggle (even though the actual crime is not at all funny) because this was just the most outlandish, strange modus operandi ever!
I absolutely HATED the ending and it ruined the entire book for me. I think the attempt was to leave the readers with a cliffhanger, but instead it just came across as if she had forgotten to include the rest of the story. I do usually like a cliffhanger, but this final chapter was too fast paced so it seemed rushed, and then it had such an ambiguous ending that I was simply frustrated and finished the book on a sour note. I'm hoping that this ending means the author will be planning to write a sequel, but either way this ending was really disappointing and totally random. It would not have been difficult to write a few more lines and leave the readers not feeling totally confused and unsatisfied.
I also didn't quite understand the point of this story other than it having a lot of shock value. The plotline revolved entirely around Cilla assassinating people, which was definitely interesting and enjoyable to read, but there was no underlying depth to the plot, so it was very one level. Furthermore, Cilla's sudden epiphanies were a bit random. I understand the author was using these to show Cilla's character growth and show how she had made the decision to put herself first and to become a better person, yet they were very sudden and weren't explained well enough. It was almost like a snapshot decision on Cilla's behalf and, after years of being brainwashed by the Soviet Union, I did expect Cilla to have to go through more internal struggle than to simply wake up one day and say "ahh, time to stop killing". Also, the Soviet Union's attempt to "kill" Cilla by sending her to Vlad was just slotted in there and no reason was ever given as to why this was done, which was frustrating; this would have been a good opportunity for the author to explore Cilla's motivations for joining Vlad and abandoning the Soviet Union ideology further.
Overall, I did find this an enjoyable read, yet there were certainly issues I had with it. I feel that certain parts were overly long (like the scene when Nancy and Cilla go to the rave; I mean what was the intent behind including this?) and that parts which needed exploring further (like Cilla's decision to quit killing or the Soviet Union's attempt to get her killed etc) were not given enough time or given enough depth. I did like Erichsen's writing style and will look forward to reading more from her.
I rated this 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Helen Erichsen for the ARC.
I overall did enjoy reading this book. I particularly loved reading about Cilla's childhood and her experiences at Academy 43. This book centers around Cilla's experience with the Soviet Union which, although this can be a controversial topic, is handled very sensitively, impartially and factually by the author. I found it extremely chilling reading about the ideology of the Soviet Union and how they were using their own children as weapons. The tactics described by Erichsen that they used to train the children into cold, merciless killing machines was horrifying to read, and she did an amazing job showing the psychological abuse / brainwashing that the children were put through. The author did a great job at making us aware of Cilla's sociopathic tendencies, but also making it clear that Cilla is simply the product of the Soviet Union and not inherently a bad person, which allows us to sympathise with her. character. I loved Cilla's character (even if she is a crazy killing machine) and enjoyed reading about her friendship with Amelia as well as the way that Cilla's family dynamic is explored. These inserts from Cilla's past were the most enjoyable parts of the book, and I found myself rushing through the present day sections desperate to read more about Academy 43. The scene at the shooting range in Academy 43 when Cilla makes her first kill was particularly troubling to read and I found myself cringing, feeling as if I were watching a horror movie being acted on out the pages in front of me.
I must admit I did not enjoy the present day sections as much as the flashbacks to Cilla's past, and found myself becoming a bit bored at certain points. Personally I think the book would have been just as interesting, if not more so, if it had simply focused on Academy 43 and not Cilla's employment with Vlad. The storyline involving Vlad could have been utilised as a sequel rather than them both being squashed into the same book, but that is just my personal opinion. I did however enjoy learning about all the sneaky ways in which Cilla could kill people; clearly the author did a lot of research on these methods, because they were very factual and precise. I liked learning about all the different concoctions Cilla makes using drugs and plants and how they affect the human body as well as the interesting weapons she had used like the "guiding pin", even if it was gruesome and incredibly disturbing at times. I also very much appreciated Cilla's decision at the end to kill the husband and not the wife; I could have cheered when she threw him out that window haha. I liked the character growth shown by Cilla, which this final dry job, and her interaction with Smithy at the end represented. I thought what happened to Vlad, although again a quite visceral and horrifying scene, was in some ways karma and poetic justice. The author is clearly very psychologically and trauma informed as Cilla's inner mind was explored perfectly, which made this book even more interesting and entertaining.
There was a lot of dark humour in here, which somewhat lightened the otherwise very dark, disconcerting and gruesome feel of the book. Everytime Cilla spoke about "Vlad the Impaler" and described him impaling people on railings, I couldn't help but giggle (even though the actual crime is not at all funny) because this was just the most outlandish, strange modus operandi ever!
I absolutely HATED the ending and it ruined the entire book for me. I think the attempt was to leave the readers with a cliffhanger, but instead it just came across as if she had forgotten to include the rest of the story. I do usually like a cliffhanger, but this final chapter was too fast paced so it seemed rushed, and then it had such an ambiguous ending that I was simply frustrated and finished the book on a sour note. I'm hoping that this ending means the author will be planning to write a sequel, but either way this ending was really disappointing and totally random. It would not have been difficult to write a few more lines and leave the readers not feeling totally confused and unsatisfied.
I also didn't quite understand the point of this story other than it having a lot of shock value. The plotline revolved entirely around Cilla assassinating people, which was definitely interesting and enjoyable to read, but there was no underlying depth to the plot, so it was very one level. Furthermore, Cilla's sudden epiphanies were a bit random. I understand the author was using these to show Cilla's character growth and show how she had made the decision to put herself first and to become a better person, yet they were very sudden and weren't explained well enough. It was almost like a snapshot decision on Cilla's behalf and, after years of being brainwashed by the Soviet Union, I did expect Cilla to have to go through more internal struggle than to simply wake up one day and say "ahh, time to stop killing". Also, the Soviet Union's attempt to "kill" Cilla by sending her to Vlad was just slotted in there and no reason was ever given as to why this was done, which was frustrating; this would have been a good opportunity for the author to explore Cilla's motivations for joining Vlad and abandoning the Soviet Union ideology further.
Overall, I did find this an enjoyable read, yet there were certainly issues I had with it. I feel that certain parts were overly long (like the scene when Nancy and Cilla go to the rave; I mean what was the intent behind including this?) and that parts which needed exploring further (like Cilla's decision to quit killing or the Soviet Union's attempt to get her killed etc) were not given enough time or given enough depth. I did like Erichsen's writing style and will look forward to reading more from her.
I rated this 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Helen Erichsen for the ARC.
July 20, 2024
This was an unexpected pleasure.
'Cilla' is the chosen name of a young girl in an experiment conducted by the communists.
She is trained as a dry kill operator from the age of 9.
No wonder she tries to escape when she realises her director wants her dead.
I would not be averse to reading a follow up book.
'Cilla' is the chosen name of a young girl in an experiment conducted by the communists.
She is trained as a dry kill operator from the age of 9.
No wonder she tries to escape when she realises her director wants her dead.
I would not be averse to reading a follow up book.
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters and story, looking forward to more by the author.
June 19, 2023
A less amoral Villanelle.
Loved Killing Eve (the book and the TV series) and of course, Villanelle will come to mind when reading this. Cilla is also Russian and trained from a young age with 'special skills', killing people for money.
But Cilla isn't quite the psychopath Jodie Comer portrayed. A lot of her backstory gives us her background, with family, dogs and a rabid intellect that sets her apart and sees her taken away to a secret school for training at the age of 11. Not knowing what it is she is being trained for, excelling in toxicology and English, we watch the story move back and forth between Cilla's schooling and her current situation as retained contract killer by London kingpin Vlad.
Villanelle was stunning, a standout beauty and mistress of disguise (and fashion). Cilla is non-descript, neither strong nor memorable. But she is well-trained with a wealth of chemical and potions at her disposal and the ability to make her murders appear as accidents or as the result of natural causes. And she's getting tired, at 22, of being at Vlad's command and having no future outside of murder.
On top of that, we learn that she's occasionally NOT fulfilled a contract, using her own moral compass to let targets live. Cilla has her own mind and will and wants out. Thus the story allows the reader the background to the creation of a contract killer, those scenes we all enjoy of seeing such contracts fulfilled, and then the wait to see if the assassin herself is able to extricate herself from her life and start anew...
A very engaging audiobook, didn't lose concentration once, enjoyed the narrator's voice as Cilla and even sped it up to 2x speed to keep the flow! Not too gory for its genre, but with plenty of detail on training, plants and toxins, Communist ideology and hit-planning.
If it wasn't so soon after Killing Eve, I'd want this put on television as well!
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
Loved Killing Eve (the book and the TV series) and of course, Villanelle will come to mind when reading this. Cilla is also Russian and trained from a young age with 'special skills', killing people for money.
But Cilla isn't quite the psychopath Jodie Comer portrayed. A lot of her backstory gives us her background, with family, dogs and a rabid intellect that sets her apart and sees her taken away to a secret school for training at the age of 11. Not knowing what it is she is being trained for, excelling in toxicology and English, we watch the story move back and forth between Cilla's schooling and her current situation as retained contract killer by London kingpin Vlad.
Villanelle was stunning, a standout beauty and mistress of disguise (and fashion). Cilla is non-descript, neither strong nor memorable. But she is well-trained with a wealth of chemical and potions at her disposal and the ability to make her murders appear as accidents or as the result of natural causes. And she's getting tired, at 22, of being at Vlad's command and having no future outside of murder.
On top of that, we learn that she's occasionally NOT fulfilled a contract, using her own moral compass to let targets live. Cilla has her own mind and will and wants out. Thus the story allows the reader the background to the creation of a contract killer, those scenes we all enjoy of seeing such contracts fulfilled, and then the wait to see if the assassin herself is able to extricate herself from her life and start anew...
A very engaging audiobook, didn't lose concentration once, enjoyed the narrator's voice as Cilla and even sped it up to 2x speed to keep the flow! Not too gory for its genre, but with plenty of detail on training, plants and toxins, Communist ideology and hit-planning.
If it wasn't so soon after Killing Eve, I'd want this put on television as well!
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
June 20, 2023
This is the author’s debut novel and I was intrigued by the synopsis. The eye catching cover drew my eye too.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy. This was read over ten days, with a ‘stave’ released daily, as part of the Pigeonhole book club.
Cilla is a young woman who appears harmless when in actual fact she’s a contract killer for a local gangster. In her youth, Cilla was chosen and trained to work in Soviet Russia, carrying out killings. She manages to escape and ends up working for Vlad. Cilla puts a lot of effort in to make her killings look like natural causes. Feeling trapped by her life, she tries to escape from the dangerous world she’s operating in.
The characters in the book were very well done. I liked Cilla overall and the author does a good job of making you warm to her, despite the awful things she’s done. I also really liked Smithy’s character, even if his name made me think of Gavin & Stacey. 😂
This book is certainly a page turner and well paced. I found myself looking forward to the next stave and flying through them.
Cilla reminded me of Villanelle from Killing Eve. There are some dark, gruesome parts in the book but there’s also some humour too.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the ending, I had hoped for more of a conclusion, but I think it has been left open to allow for a sequel. If there is a sequel I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
This was a good debut and a novel which held my attention.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy. This was read over ten days, with a ‘stave’ released daily, as part of the Pigeonhole book club.
Cilla is a young woman who appears harmless when in actual fact she’s a contract killer for a local gangster. In her youth, Cilla was chosen and trained to work in Soviet Russia, carrying out killings. She manages to escape and ends up working for Vlad. Cilla puts a lot of effort in to make her killings look like natural causes. Feeling trapped by her life, she tries to escape from the dangerous world she’s operating in.
The characters in the book were very well done. I liked Cilla overall and the author does a good job of making you warm to her, despite the awful things she’s done. I also really liked Smithy’s character, even if his name made me think of Gavin & Stacey. 😂
This book is certainly a page turner and well paced. I found myself looking forward to the next stave and flying through them.
Cilla reminded me of Villanelle from Killing Eve. There are some dark, gruesome parts in the book but there’s also some humour too.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the ending, I had hoped for more of a conclusion, but I think it has been left open to allow for a sequel. If there is a sequel I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
This was a good debut and a novel which held my attention.
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