The Housewife Assassin's Guide to Gracious Killing

The Housewife Assassin #2

by Josie Brown

In Book 2 of THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN series,a nuclear arms summit hosted by a politically-connected American billionaire industrialist provides the perfect opportunity for a rogue operative to assassinate of the newly-elected Russian president on US soil. Acme operative Donna Stone's mission: seek and exterminate, before all hell--and World War III--break loose. But first things first: file for divorce!

Read an excerpt at HousewifeAssassinsHandbook.com

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN SERIES:

"This is a super sexy and fun read that you shouldn't miss! How do I love this book, let me count the ways: (1.) A kick ass woman that can literally kick ass as well as cook and clean. Donna gives a whole new meaning to "taking out the trash". (2.) The book is set around Los Angeles, mostly in a gated community suspiciously like Coto de Caza, full of housewives that could be 'real" and for the setting alone, a big giant WIN! (3.) Super sarcasm, snarky dialogue and making fun of all that is wrong in the OC, politics, as well as current world affairs." -- Mary Jacobs, Book Hounds Reviews

"If I was a housewife, I would want to be Donna. I'm not kidding guys, the girl can shoot, seduce, and kill, all while balancing the demands of carpool and managing the suburban mommies and their opinion of her and her kids. Her hostess skills are to die for, and many have fallen for her seduction routines. Enter Jack, who is a fantastic and well known agent, and sexy to boot. The chemistry between the two of them is enough to set water on fire. Add in a healthy dose of humor and ridiculousness, some mayhem, and some really cute kids, and you've got a book that won't be put down - so go pick it up now!"
-- Cat's Thoughts

"The Housewife Assassin's Handbook by Josie Brown is a fun, sexy and intriguing mystery. Donna Stone is a great heroine - housewives can lead all sorts of double lives, but as an assassin? Who would have seen that one coming? Certainly not those in Donna's neighbourhood. This book totally reminded me of the movie Mr & Mrs. Smith. Not that it is a copy of the movie, but that it has all of the thrills and enjoyment of the movie. It's a fast-paced read, the gadgets are awesome, and I could just picture Donna fighting off Russian gangsters and skinheads all the while having a pie at home cooling on the windowsill. As a housewife myself, this book was a fantastic escape that had me dreaming "if only" the whole way through. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes for the perfect combination of mystery and humour..." --Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea

"I thoroughly enjoyed Donna and Jack, their zeal for their missions and each other. James Bond doesn’t have anything on these two. Very entertaining." -- Sandy M., The Good, The Bad, and The Unread

"After reading this fantastic story, I immediately checked out Ms. Brown’s website to see what else she has written. I was so excited to see there is another The Housewife Assassin’s book!! I will be reading it next. I am in love with the main characters. And what an interesting twist at the end." -- Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Humor, Chick Lit

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Josie Brown's forty-two novels are now in the hands of over two million readers.

She has been published by St. Martin's Press, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Books.

Read Josie’s books. You’ll get a good idea of her sense of humor. https://www.JosieBrown.com

You'll also find Josie on
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JosieBrownCA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiebrownau...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiebrownn...

Visit her podcast, where she discusses writing with other authors:
http://bit.ly/AuthorProvocateurApple

Josie is the author of these novels:

The Housewife Assassin Novel Series, including
- Handbook (Book 1)
- Guide to Gracious Killing (Book 2)
- Killer Christmas Tips (Book 3)
- Relationship Survival Guide (Book 4)
- Vacation to Die For (Book 5)
- Recipes for Disaster (Book 6)
- Hollywood Scream Play (Book 7) [2014, Signal Press]
- Killer App (Book 8) [August 2014, Signal Press]
- Hostage Hosting Tips (Book 9)
- Garden of Deadly Delights (Book 10)
- Tips for Weddings, Weapons, and Warfare Hosting Tips (Book 11)
- Husband Hunting Hints (Book 12)
- Ghost Protocol (Book 13)
- Terrorist TV Guide (Book 14)
- Deadly Dossier (Book 15 - SERIES PREQUEL)
- Greatest Hits (Book 16 )
- Fourth Estate Sale (Book 17 )
- Horrorscope (Book 18 )
- White House Keeping Seal of Approval (Book 19)
- Assassination Vacation Tips (Book 20)
- Antisocial Media Tips (Book 21)
- Manners, Missiles & Mayhem (Book 22)
- Gambit (Book 23)
- Underwater Assets (Book 24)

The Candidate (Steamy Political Thriller)

Extracurricular - 3 episodic Novels (2020; Signal Press)

Totlandia - 8 episodic Novels (2014-2017; Signal Press)

The Baby Planner
[2011, Simon & Schuster]

The Housewife Assassin Gets Lucky (written with Deborah Coonts)

Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives
[2010, Simon & Schuster 2014 Signal Press]]

Hollywood Hunk (Book 1 - True Hollywood Lies)
[2005, HarperCollins; 2010 Signal Press]

Her novel, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives (Simon & Schuster), is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer as a dramatic series for NBC-TV.

She is also the author of three non-fiction books: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Finding Mr. Right [Penguin/Alpha]; Marriage Confidential: 102 Honest Answers to the Questions Every Husband Wants to Ask, and Every Wife Needs to Know [Signal Press]; and Last Night I Dreamt of Cosmopolitans: A Modern Girl's Dream Dictionary [St. Martin's Press]

Before becoming a full-time novelist, Josie also worked in advertising (JWT, DDB/Needham, BBM&B) and radio (WPLO-AM, Atlanta; WZGC-FM, Atlanta).

As a journalist, Josie has interviewed Maya Angelou, Brenda Blethyn, Julian Bond, Kenneth Branagh, Jackie Collins, Costa-Gavras, Craig Ferguson, John Gray, Derek Jacobi, Debbie Reynolds, and John Woo. Her celebrity interviews and relationships trends articles have been featured in Los Angeles Times Syndicate International, Redbook, and Complete Woman, as well as AOL, Yahoo, AskMen.com, Divorce360.com, and SingleMindedWomen.com, where she serves as the Relationships Channel editor.

Josie's interviews for her podcast, Author Provocateur, and for the International Thriller Writers magazine THE BIG THRILL include such notable authors as David Baldacci, Samantha M. Bailey, C.J. Box, Allison Brennan, Lee Child, Deborah Coonts, Robert Dugoni, Barry Eisler, JT Ellison, Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew Gross, Kristan Higgins, Jon Land, John Lescroart, John Lutz, James Rollins, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Brad Thor, and Debra Webb.

Although born and raised (a Southern expression) in and around Atlanta, Georgia, Josie is proudly one-hundred percent Puerto Rican: her father was born in Ponce, and her mother was from Humacao. Does this make Josie a Georgiarican? She thinks so, and proudly claims that title.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Josie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoy THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN'S GUIDE TO GRACIOUS KILLING as much as I enjoyed writing it.

In this, the second of my HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN series, Donna Stone* faces some news challenges. What role does her old nemesis -- the international terrorist cell, the Quorum -- play in all of it?

A nuclear arms summit hosted by a politically-connected American billionaire industrialist provides the perfect opportunity for a rogue operative to assassinate of the newly-elected Russian president on US soil. Acme operative Donna Stone's mission: seek and exterminate, before all hell--and World War III--break loose.

Once again, Donna juggles the fate of the world with the challenges of raising a family, and all the trials and tribulations that come with a new relationship. The very last thing she needs is to succomb to the emotions which arise for the husband who deserted her...

Enjoy!

--Josie Brown

*Not her real name

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried with this series. It's just a "no". The 1st book had Donna spending 12 weeks being trained as an assassin to take out her husband Carl. Suddenly it's as if she's had years to become super assassin. She's still with Jack, her fake undercover husband. Carl has been gone for five years and it's kind of weird that the kids would just automatically forget their real father and believe Jack is him. Carl resurfaces as Donna is trying to divorce him for abandonment and he's still trying to kill her. A mishmash of too many characters involving WMD's, sex trafficking, catty neighbors, and murder. I actually upped it 1 star due to the funny tips at the beginning of each chapter. It ends with a secret of Jacks so you will have to continue the series. I won't be.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so how much do i love this book- well it is number 1 on my fb book profile- warning this series has a lot of steamy sex scenes - but if you handle that ---welcome to the wild ride of donna stone - super assassin and mom- do not want to give too much away- love the cleaning tips such as getting rid of wine or blood from the rug-- basically --- You'll enjoy this series if you like lots of action, romance, hot spies, smart kids, plots to overthrow the government, men who think they're more important than they really are and women who get even on their soon to be ex--- as well as the snarky neighbors

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series about professional assassin Donna Stone.
When the morally questionable Russian president includes a visit to Hilldale in his US tour, Donna is employed to use her position as a yummy mummy in said town to get close to the hosts, to provide an undercover protection for the president. It is her job to hunt down possible assassins and eliminate them.
Back in family life, it seems like she is finally getting balance and control, especially now she isn't a single parent. No, now she has Jack (who everyone, including Donna's children, believe is her husband Carl). Confused much?
Donna decides now is the time to divorce actual-Carl, finally able to put him behind her (the fact that he betrayed and tried to kill her in the first book might have put a strain on the marriage), and also use the divorce as a way to prove that she loves Jack now.

The book starts with a very interesting and unexpected mission. Read it. That's all I can say. I'm not sure what to say about it, but I'd like to think that the person involved would find it very entertaining.
It goes onto the main mission. Unlike the first book, where it was a (relatively) simple case of finding the bad guys and saving the world - well, maybe not the world, but a lot of people from a terrorist attack - the second book has Donna and her team protecting the corrupt dictator from the rebels that would see a better Russia.
This, and the other threat that is uncovered, make this book much darker. Donna makes it obvious that she dislikes the people she has to save, but hides it all and acts perfectly professional. I don't know how she managed to keep calm and not kill, or at least dismember, several of the people she had to deal with for so long.
And somehow, Ms Brown has given us a book that is still injected with the same warmth and humour as the last. The Desperate Housewives of Hilldale still provide entertainment and embarrassment. It wouldn't be the same without them.
Jack is taking on a steady role as the replacement-Carl. I didn't feel that he was as captivating as he was in the last book, and there was a repeating theme of Jack and Donna having couple-esque squabbles, followed by make-up sex. But I have to admit that I never would have guessed the reason for his reluctance to be happily married - I am looking forward to seeing how that little issue develops.

As much as I love Donna, my favourite character this time around was her daughter, Mary. She deserves a standing ovation, or trophy.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is ever easy for Donna Stone. Whether its saving Prince Harry from an assassin or serving her husband Carl with divorce papers, things have a way of going drastically against plan.

I loved, loved, loved this book! Just the right balance of love, hate, seedy bad guys, hot good guys. And oh so much fun! It is just so easy to get sucked into the story and just keep going!

I felt the storyline was a bit darker this time around, but it was done well. The book still had enough humour and lighthearted moments that lessended that impact though, and so it wasn't too 'in your face'.

Lots of twists and turns and plenty of OMG moments, and just an all round fun ride.

The only question remaining: how long til there's more?

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knee deep in terrorists

This book finds Donna doing everything to stay alive. Josie adds a special touch on the sex scenes (if sex scenes bother you the book is still worth reading just skip that page) and her characters really pop. I keep turning pages to see if nasty Carl will get what is coming to him or if he is going to take Donna out.

[Linda Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have totally fallen in love with this series

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fun continues

Emma's undercover assignment as a Swedish student tenant Inga Larsson is expanded in this novel.

Donna's determined to divorce Carl and marry Jack. Problem is Carl doesn't want a divorce he wants Donna and if not then their kids.
Protecting Russian politicians from assassins while attending a summit at Jonah Breck's estate in Hlllsburg has Acme personnel changing disguises and Donna coming up against a brutal sex slave scheme.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy read

I enjoyed this! Easy read, fun ongoing story line, and the chapter intros make me laugh. A good time was had!

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealthy American industrialist, Jonah Breck, hosts a nuclear arms summit. With heads of state from around the world attending, it gives a perfect time to attempt to assassinate the president of Russia. Donna Stone is an Acme operative and works as an assassin (when she is not busy with her children or car pooling). Donna's mission is to exterminate the shooter, before an international situation arises.

In this book, Donna Stone is again trying to save the world, but this time with the help of Jack and Carl. Donna's husband Carl is back from the dead to annoy her, as she tries to serve him with divorce papers. Donna also finds out that Jack has a secret he's been keeping.

The Housewife Assassin's Guide to Gracious Killing has it all. It is a romantic suspense with assassins killing people everywhere but also has many funny parts - and some helpful household tips.

When an author takes the time to get the reader to feel an connection with their characters that author has succeeded in one of the most difficult tasks they can have. Brown has done just that. Her characters are real in a world that is both familiar and different from the ones most readers are used to.

The only thing about this book that I didn't like was in the first chapter when Brown introduces the British prince. This was too much like the actual person (even the name) to be entertaining. I would rather the author used a completely fictitious person in that case.

I love this series and I will definitely be reading more of it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie Brown has done it again!! I love this series. There is love, betrayal, loyalty, drama, and an intensity that just keeps building. I love that Josie has created Donna with so much heart. Donna's character has taken some pretty hard hits, but nothing has been able to shake her faith in humanity, or caused her to give up hope that good with overcome evil. Never underestimate the power of a Mother! Donna is determined to keep her world safe for her children and her family. She will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if that means forcing herself to look deep inside, and open her heart to the possibility that her one true love may be flawed and make mistakes. She forces herself to look beyond her broken heart and allow Jack to explain himself and his situation. She is willing to believe that her take on the situation may be wrong and try to see Jack's view. Who knew that a government assassin, could manage to keep the ugliness of her job from tainting her soul.
That being said, I also love the way Josie weaves a story that has an intense plot with lots of twists and turns, a few surprises along the way, and yet can keep you laughing. This series has it all. If you haven't started it yet, I suggest you start today.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I love that a housewife is portrayed as having this secret side life as an assassin. Her real husband leaves a lot to be desired, for sure. Her fake husband isn't a whole lot better. I liked Jack more in the first book but he, too, is hiding secrets. This book was definitely a pleasant way to distract from real life.

[Vered · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine "Desperate Housewives" on steroids with a few assassins thrown in, mixed with a quick wit and some snark, and you'll begin to get the picture. Book 2 keeps up the sassy humour and great characters of Book 1, and the contradictory worlds of soccer mom and government-sanctioned assassin. Talk about a juggling act!

I love how each chapter starts off with pithy advice on how to manage your house (including recommendations on what to serve dinner guests and how to kill off the obnoxious ones), followed by the antics of our heroine / secret agent / mommy and the crew she's surrounded with. The humor is slightly dark at times, laugh out loud at other times, and the dialogue and action move along at a good clip. I highly recommend this series.

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read, I have brought book 3 and I don't know if I'll stop until I have read all the books in this series. So we know Carl isn't who Donna thought he was and she wants a divorce but Jack doesn't seem to excited about this when she tells him what she has been trying to do.

This Op there are foreign people coming from Russia and can not be killed on US soil or it will start a war (maybe). Among these people is Carl and he can't be touched. These people are not who what they seem......


A must read again.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Stone is a spy and a housewife. She's a mom who's doing it all. Donna can take out the bad guys and still be there to pick up the kids from school. I was hooked from the very first page that I read of The Housewife Assassin's series. Josie Brown does a great job with suspense and humor. Donna's sarcasm sounds like it could be coming from my mouth. I especially like that the sex scenes are not drawn out and overly detailed.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onto book 3. I am so loving these books. They are funny yet have a some heats topping moments.
Will they.....won't they? Yes they will....oh no they won't!! I DO ewant to slap Donna at times.....pul the trigger on Carl already!!!
I love the spoof aspect of these books as well. I often think "aha we are having a James Bond moment" you know the one....where the main Character is most certainly dead? (Well in your mind anyway) yet somehow they escape? I love reading this Books

[Sandy Vaile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has murder, suspense and sex, all wrapped in a polite, neat package with a pistol slipped under the covers. I loved Donna's fun personality alside her deadly job. The trouble she gets into is serious, but her positive attitude makes her a winner, even when people won't stay dead. The kids are her toughest critics and 2 husbands is more trouble than they're worth, but what's a girl to do? Keep up appearances and kill the bad guys of course.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun spy vs spy in the OC. I think the very best part of the Housewife Assassin books, for me, is the humor. I especially enjoy the background things, such as Donna having a therapist named Dr. Bob Hartley (who mixed up his wife's name "Joanna ... no Emily!).

Sex scenes get a bit raunchy, so if you're not into explicit details here's your warning. Otherwise, I've enjoyed both books and will most likely read the entire series.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another killer

Another great rendition to the series. Donna becomes more apparent in her role within Achme but stays clearly a woman who is realistic and strong in many ways. The dark humour had me reading bits aloud at work to my crewmate who chuckled at the audacity. I can’t wait to see what comes next and look forward to reading more in what is proving to be an enjoyable series of books i struggle to put down.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie Brown writes books that are a bit of an adventure, never predictable and always fun! Brown writes with balance, humor and danger; good verses bad; light and dark. Her Housewife Assassin Series is a fun, crazy and wild ride! You will remain interested throughout the novels and left craving more. I recommend the series and rate it 4 stars!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Stone is once again saving the world with the help of Jack and Carl. This story turns serious quickly as Donna learns the truth about Breck and his political aspirations to become president. Donna's husband Carl is back to annoy her with political immunity, as she tries to serve him with divorce papers. Donna also learns the truth about Jack and the secrets he's been keeping.

[Linda Look · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigue and complicated personal issues are faced by our female agent. Story begins with our government trying to protect Prince Harry (drunk as usual). He's kidnapped then saved by the heroine. Her next mission is to protect the newly elected Russian president while he's in the US. Pretty good plot. I rate it a 3.8.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie Brown has kept out interest up in this book, which is the secondd of the series. Keep them coming! This is light, quick, interesting reading and one you will get a kick out of. Most of it is highly improbable but still within he realm of the possible. A good read.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" and "Wesley's Wars"

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

received this and book one as a freebie two In one book on Amazon. I really enjoyed this author. I will definitely continue on in this series. It is a really great read. ..Not heavy, not filled with errors. .. think the love story is great. I keep waiting to be disappointed in some way by the love story, but it has yet to happen.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Love the whole series. A friend introduced me to this series and author, and I am loving this series. I lose all sense of time when I'm reading, and next thing I know, I'm finished. The books get better and better, so if you're looking for something fun, funny, exciting, with plot twists, I highly recommend this book!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, haven't we all wished to be assassins at some point or another? I have. Got my list made out. All right, I'm teasing (sort of).

I don't usually like romance books, but this series has enough mystery and funny to keep me coming back for more, and yes, there's lots of romance and sexy bits too.

This is a fun book. You should read it.

[Jeanette Conkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love all this series. It shows that everyone has those moments when things go so so wrong. Of course it all makes it funnier. Donna is the perfect Imperfect heroine. I just enjoy her life and it's great to read something that never takes itself too seriously yet has those emotional tearjerking moments. It has something for everyone.
Great, great books.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I am always leery of a series because somehow, none of the follow up books are usually as good as the first one. But book 2 in this series is just as good, maybe better than the first one. Faster paced and again, great storyline. I really like the characters and how they interact and mesh. Now I am going to have to find the next one....sigh. No sleep tonight I guess.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one in a series. It is very well written and it is written almost like a how to book for new housewives. It is funny and serious. It is about a spy who's cover is a housewife. There are hints in the book for what to do if....this or that happens, all the while being a helpful hostess. I loved it!

[Valerie Rucks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this just as much as the last one and am looking forward to reading more of Ms Josie's fun and entertaining adventures. Cover to cover, living vicariously through characters I equally adore and loathe.