She's an elite spy, working for an agency so secret only three people know it exists. Trained by the best of the best, she has honed her body, her instincts, and her intellect to become the perfect weapon.
Before special operative Chandler was forced to FLEE, she executed the most difficult missions—and most dangerous people—for the government.
So when she's ordered to eliminate a crooked corporate CEO in a manner that looks like natural death, it's a regular day at the office... until she discovers she's not the only assassin hunting this particular prey, and her competition is aiming to make this hit into a political statement that will shake the nation.
HIT by Peterson & Konrath The world's deadliest assassin just met her match...
HIT is a 40,000 word short novel (roughly 180 pages) and is Book 4 in the Codename: Chandler series.
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
HIT Bad Language - 6 Scary - 4 Violent - 8 Funny - 4 Sexy - 7 Crossovers - The Codename: Chandler series features characters from Peterson's Val Ryker series, and Konrath's Jack Daniels series.
Joe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
Let me tell you, if this had been the 1st Chandler story published, I probably would not have read the others. I enjoy this series very much, from the first novella actually released ( (but 2nd in order of the stories) to the 2nd full length novel: . I have also read and I have on my Kindle ready to be read.
Yes, this book does have some action, but not until the 78% mark or so. With "Exposed" and "Flee" the author got to the action and mayhem right off the bat. The 75% or so was a lot of flirting, some sex, but almost no action. Just not what I was used to with this series. Thank goodness I used my November KOLL to read this story. But it might be a while before I decide to take on "Three" or "Naughty". Ann Voss Peterson's influence? Who knows?
I was unaware of this being the first book in the series until after I had read the other three. I loved Three so much that I was greatful to find Hit because I wasn't quite ready to wait for another Chandler book to trickle out. This was an awesome book that neatly sets up the books to follow. Chandler is a well written character even though at times superhuman she is what most women try to be, a super sexy secret agent with a heart of gold. I love Heath but as I was reading all I could think was "heath buddy, play a little hard to get." In reality women like a little mystery. The chase through Las Vegas was incredibly accurate, going from the Venician all the way to the Luxor which is no small feat. I thought it was a great jumping off for the rest of the books.
Well, don’t grab someone’s balls if you don’t have a backup plan! Chandler is a professional. She is meticulous while on the job and has no qualms about going to extremes to complete his mission. She has been trained to a high standard by Hydra, another secret government intelligent agencies that remain in the shadows. Her handle is Jacob and interaction with operatives are confined to computer enhanced telephone calls. Chandler’s latest mission is to exterminate the mark and recover the prize. The mark is Dominic Bratton, CEO of Bratton BioTech, a company specializing in antidotes for biological agents. Dominic Bratton is planning to sell sensitive information to the highest bidder. Her plan is to stop him; easy-peasy. Not! She wasn’t expecting Heath Rodriguez, Bratton’s bodyguard. A mutual attraction is instantly felt by both of them, making the mission infinitely more difficult, and deadly.
This is an erotically hot thriller that keeps the reader hungrily reading. I kept guessing at the next move and soon discover to expect the unexpected. It leaves you with an important lesson: Never mix business with pleasure. Both of the main characters are well matched and the outcome is a tossup. This is the first taste I’ve had of a Konrath & Peterson collaboration. I will make it a point to read more, by either or both authors.
Not exactly what I was expecting, but I did like the story overall, it just wasn't totally in keeping with what I expected from Konrath. I really like the Jack Daniels series, and kind of expected it to have the same tone. But, the style of this was different. And I can't really say that I liked it. I didn't hate it, and it was a very quick read, but if I am being totally honest, just a tad disappointing.
There is a lot that goes on towards the latter half of the book, some of it is really outrageous. After reading this book, I would never, ever assume being a spy is glamorous. It is interesting because Chandler didn't seem like a bad person, but what she did wasn't exactly something I could cheer her on to complete. However, I didn't want her to die either. So I basically rooted for that, and waited to see what the outcome would be.
Given I am a fan of Konrath, I'll most likely continue with the series, especially since JD will be in a book at some point.
I finished the book for two reasons. 1. I have a hard time leaving any book unfinished. and 2. After the insanity I just read through, I hoped to learn the identity of the other assassin. Honestly, I should have just deleted the book and gone on to read something worthwhile. The promotional blurb made this sound much better than it was and the name of the author promised a much better story. I doubt he even added anything but his name to this disappointing book. If you like disgusting villains, sex, and lots of violence (including hand to hand combat) then this is your book. Otherwise, look a little further!
well this was definitely a refreshing start to a series. The entire book is action packed and has the slightest touch of lust. Chandler is a spy who is sent to retrieve a USB stick at any cost. she pretends to be a prostitute to get close to the man in possession of it . naturally she even gets confronted and boy does the story really take off. I cannot wait to start book 2 hopefully it is a true continuation of the first book.
I know Chandler from some Jack Daniels Books I have read. I really like her character and am interested in her and reading more. I did not however like this story that much. Heath was another spy and he was ok but I didn't find him that interesting. They are going after the same target and then get involved with each other sexually. They have a big chase in the Strip of Las Vegas. It just was not my favorite reading of Konrath's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I do not write reviews very often but this one is an exception. The story unfolds nicely but the exploits a obviously impossible. I plan to read the whole series. My only comment is that the sex scenes are too minutely described too often and have become become boring. I am not a fan of romance novels and in most movies sex scenes seem a requirement. I am anxiously waiting to see what Chandler does next.
So I read/listened to this after Flee Spree and Three and was a bit disappointed to say the least. The story was not so good. But the narration was horrendous to say the least. It was absolutely awful and I really struggled to get through it. Maybe just reading this book and not listening would have been a better option.
As I haven't read the main novels that were published before this prequel novella, this was my introduction to Chandler. Although only short it is a good story and moves along at a good pace, plenty of action and intrigue. I had to immediately start the next prequel novella, Exposed.
While I like the look back at hoe Chandler and Heath meet and become entwined, I’m not a fan of that happening out of order in a series. Still, the book was everything I typically like about Konrath and Peterson. Chandler is fierce and I did like seeing a more complete side of Heath,
This entry in the series goes back in time and explores Chandler's first encounter with Heath. It was short (it's a novella) and I think that format served it well; there were no parts where I felt that if removed, the book would be better served.
Great story. Like it's predecessors, it feels like reading a great action/spy movie. I could easily picture this as a part of a James Bond movie.
Not a bad read some of the sex was a bit graphic, it could have been a bit toned down, there was also a lot of action, I do have another one of Konrath's books so before I pass on any more judgement, I will have another go at his novel.
These collaborative novels are great fun to read! This one is early in the collection and explains the chemistry between Chandler and Heath. Fast paced and an easy read.
Konrath is definitely one of my favorite writers. This book did not disappoint. Not nearly as gory as some of the others, but action packed and one that snagged me from the first sentence and held me to the last. Can not wait to read the rest of the series.
Hit was a non-stop read! A Government employee involved in a hideous assault against the Government? Heart pounding action, from start to finish. A book, you won't likely forget!!
Love Chandler and Heath. It's a series starter that makes you want to keep reading. It's along the lines of Mr and Mrs Smith so will appeal to readers who enjoy that kind of dynamic. Action packed and full of twists and turns.
There is nothing I didn't like. A great mystery. Lots of action and good pillow talk. All you would expect in a great spy novel. I would recommend to anyone who like a Good read or a change of pace. It has it ALL!
A 5 star rating is for books I would read again. This one had me intrigued from the start. Then I couldn't put it down due to the characters, story and action!
I liked the characters and I liked the flow of the story but it was complicated at times leaving me a bit confused and wanting something more! I will probably read more books by these authors though. The sex was scintillating.
These books are addictive and so easy to read. I've read all Konrath books, and have started over to read them again. Love it when he joins with Ann Voss Peterson, makes the books a little more serious.
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s very much over the top - like a comic book - but there’s never a dull moment. This is a prequel to the first three books. It was so fun to get Heath and Chandler’s back story, as well as the events leading up to book 1.
And I'm not sure why they labelled this as Nr 4 (and the next two 5 and 6) when referring to them in their own overview as prequels to Free... At least a small comment would have been nice.