The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting

Retired Assassin's Guide #2

by Naomi Kuttner

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions.

But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date.

And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

The ‘Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting’ is a cosy paranormal mystery with found family, ghosts, a grumpy assassin and a sunshine gardener.

Come for the murder, stay for the cat, the gardens, and the chaos.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ghosts

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2025

About the author

Naomi Kuttner writes urban fantasy and cozy mysteries.

Living in New Zealand, Naomi spends her free time (ha!) raising her twin son and daughter, writing, taking the dog to the beach, and getting out on the water whenever possible.

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I really enjoyed reading this book,
So at the others in this series I now wish to look!
This is a cosy murder mystery with characters who
Had me laughing at their antics all the way through!

An ex MI6 assassin has retired to this New Zealand town
But not being left alone brings on many a frown.
He's not used to being friendly or staying in one place
But killing again would bring on his disgrace!

When a symposium for Orchid Hunters comes into town
One of the locals collapses and stays down,
Was it a heart attack or murder, he needs to discover
With the help of his friends and another!

Get ready for laugh out loud comments and moments, too,
As the investigation is carried out by this crew.
With secrets, discoveries and so much more
This is the kind of read that I adore!

[Sarah · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting is the second book in New Zealand author Naomi Kuttner's series featuring former MI6 assassin Dante Reid, who is adjusting to life as a civilian in the (fictional) regional NZ town of Te Kohe. I'd evidently missed some backstory around the central characters, having read this title prior to the first book, but still felt it read well as a standalone.

"Dante was not a gardener who used to be an assassin. He was an assassin pretending to be a gardener." (p.174)

Te Kohe is hosting an international symposium on orchids, with a number of local and international visitors descending on the town to present and/or attend various lectures and social events. When venerable Te Kohe resident Professor Carroll succumbs to a sudden heart attack at the symposium's opening gala, Dante Reid and his friends Eleanor and Charlie immediately feel drawn to investigate.

The professor was a naturalist and plant collector of renown, and shortly before his death had directed Charlie to recover an important notebook, related to preserving his legacy. It transpires that Carroll was the descendant of one of few survivors of a shipwreck near Te Kohe in the 1850s of a vessel that had been transporting a secret cache of priceless orchid specimens, including the ellusive "Ghost Queen". Amongst the attendees at the symposium are several individuals with motives to uncover the secrets the professor had guarded, with a view to procuring the prized orchid for themselves.

Dante, Eleanor and Charlie bring a unique skill-set as amateur sleuths - ex-assassin Dante, while he struggles with social nuances, is highly skilled at surveillance and covert entry, retired art thief and conwoman Eleanor is a gifted negotiator and agent provocateur, whilst Charlie is able to communicate with both human and animal ghosts, who keep him appraised of suspects' movements and behaviour. Reluctantly drawn into aiding the trio is police detective Marcus Avery, who's attending the symposium in his private capacity as an orchid-lover.

"Dante reflected on how much easier it was to solve murders when you were the one doing the killing. Of course, he would never have terminated a professor of botany whose chief desire was to be left in peace to tend his garden" (p.83)

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting was a light and entertaining read, especially for someone like myself who has an interest (but not an obsession!) in orchid growing and appreciation. Dante, Eleanor and Charlie's antics as they pursue each of their prime suspects were amusing, as was the light romantic subplot between Dante and the local vet. I felt that some of the prose was trying to be a bit clever for its own good at times, and parts of the dialogue seemed contrived, which detracted a little from my reading experience, but overall I enjoyed it and will probably return to read the first book in the series, The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening at some point in the future.

[Bones99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. Dante is so controlled and to be surrounde by Charlie and Eleanor just makes a hilarious situation. The morally ambiguous situations are added to with the friendship of Marcus, the police officer. The mystery is always interesting giving you a few options, has hilarious setups, and wraps up with a satisfying ending. Already looking forward to the next release. A cozy mystery must read for anyone who enjoys Richard Osman type stories.

[Barondestructo]

Cute, but ultimately a little too silly and soft for me. DNF

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is quite boring. The whole discussion of orchids feels very repetitive. The author has some interesting characters with unique past-times and she should use this more.

Charlie can see and speak with the dead, yet we only see 2 ghosts in the entire novel. I'm sadly done with this series.

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Dante Reid si è ormai sistemato nella cittadina di Te Kohe in Nuova Zelanda, trovando addirittura due persone di cui si fida: il giovane e strano giardiniere Charlie Wilson - che vede i fantasmi dei defunti fin da quando era bambino - ed Eleanor Graham, una misteriosa ex-truffatrice, nonché fulcro della vita sociale della cittadina.
Te Kohe è particolarmente animata a causa di un convegno di studiosi di orchidee provenienti da ogni angolo del mondo. Quando l'anziano professor Carroll sente di essere sul punto di morte, rivela a Charlie dove si trova il suo taccuino in modo da... fare qualcosa che il giovane giardiniere non riesce a capire, prima perché vengono interrotti e poi perché il professore muore.
Sembrerebbe una morte naturale, ma ben presto si scopre che è stato avvelenato con una dose letale di digitale, che l'uomo di solito prendeva per il cuore in dosi moderate.
Tutto fa pensare a un tentativo di impadronirsi delle orchidee rare del professore; in particolare l'orchidea fantasma che la scienziata orchideofila italiana Fiorelli millanta di avere. Quindi, oltre all'italiana, sono sospettati anche un lord inglese e un collezionista americano, mentre Dante teme che Stephanie Church - una donna australiana che sembra aver attirato l'attenzione di Charlie - sia stata mandata a Te Kohe per ucciderlo, e comincia a comportarsi in maniera davvero strana per evitare che Charlie ci vada di mezzo. Dopo anni trascorsi a sospettare di tutto e di tutti nel suo ruolo di assassino del MI6, infatti, per Dante è difficilissimo fidarsi delle persone e aprirsi con loro. Per cui, i suoi rapporti umani sono davvero compromessi. Peccato, perché è affascinato dalla bella veterinaria di Te Kohe, Andrea, da cui porta il suo gatto per scoprire come mai stia ingrassando...

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

GUILTY of thinking I’m a smarty pants but falling for the plot

[Devyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery wasn’t as compelling as the first novel - perhaps I’m not just interested enough in orchids. But i get a kick out of the trio so I will continue to read this series

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Retired Assassin mystery series but I was able to pick it up easily without having read book 1 first. The characters were instantly memorable and enough of their backstories introduced organically as the story unfolded to make me feel like I understood them. That’s not to say I don’t recommend reading book 1 however… more on that shortly!

I absolutely love love love the characters in this book, especially the core three of Dante (retired assassin), Eleanor (semi-retired con-artist) and Charlie (gardens and sees ghosts). They form an adorably quirky found family that just instantly worked for me and conveniently also works well in terms of combining their talents into investigating murder and mayhem!

The plot is full of warmth and humour, and is inevitably somewhat far-fetched but forms a clever and entertaining mystery plot anyway, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief. You begin by accepting that a retired assassin might attend their own version of online AA meetings to support them in abstaining from murder, one day and one annoying person at a time. Personally, I was sold immediately and happily went all in on everyone and everything in this book, upto, including and especially, Dante’s cat.

The paranormal elements, weaving together Charlie’s spiritual sensitivities with New Zealand cultural beliefs, flora and fauna, was lovely and integrated well to bring both local flavour and a touch of magic to proceedings. I was particularly touched by Charlie’s meeting with an old childhood friend at one point, in a way that had never occurred to me before and yet carried real emotional impact.

In short, this story was a brilliant read – right up my street, with a touch of everything I enjoy: friendship, the paranormal, murder mystery, found family, humour, a fascinating setting, a little romance and a cat. All written with warmth and wit, and very easy to get lost in.

I am definitely going back to catch myself up on the first book in the series now and have bookmarked the author in keen anticipation of more to come!

[KathrynK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I can't read them one after the other, as they really are a bit silly and my logical mind would reject the characters' antics after a time. That said, Dante is a wonderful main character. He reminds me of Bruce the shark from Finding Nemo, including the existence of an AA (Assassin's Anonymous) support group. The existence of ghosts adds depth to plots in unexpected ways, as does the sweet nature of Charlie the gardener.
Dante's fury at the attack on his cat is both admirable and hilarious as it invokes a strong need for revenge and retribution. He has to find alternatives to his historical means, though, and hence the plot is thickened!
Side plots regarding the budding romance between art fence Eleanor and Inspector Avery are amusing albeit requiring considerable "suspension of reality".
I will likely read another of these in time.

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first book, I enjoyed the characters and their interesting quirks. In this 2nd book, they all seemed watered down and more "normal". I wasn't crazy about the orchid plot line either.
I would have liked to see more of Charlie's abilities and a lot more of Dante - he seemed more like a secondary character this time with Eleanor in the spotlight.
Again, there were a couple of errors ie. I think words were attributed to the wrong person near the end of the book (unless I read it wrong but I don't think so ).
Another year until book 3.....

[Lynette Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

This is a well-written comedic whodunit. I loved the first one as well and can't wait for the next one.

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New Zealand, I loved the small town picturesque vibes. The book is a cosy fun mysterious read with great humour; Assassins Anonymous in particular make me chuckle too much.

This is the second book in the Retired Assassin’s Guide series and I wish I had of read the first book prior to get to know the characters better but I don’t think it affected my enjoyment of the book. I will be going back to read it now though as I want to know more.

I really loved the concept of a retired assassin, someone cold, methodical and practical, reluctantly adopting a cat and becoming best friends with it. The surprise at the end and his reaction too was adorable. Dante is a great character, I love watching him adapt to ‘normal’ life and struggling not to solve all of his problems the assassin way.

I loved the mix of characters and personalities. I wasn’t expecting the paranormal element and wish it was pursued a little bit more but maybe this is something that features more in other books in the series.

Overall, this was 4⭐️ for me. It’s fun, quirky, well paced and an easy read. I can’t wait to read more of the series.

[Sarah's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as much as the first!

What a fun, unique series with a wonderful mishmash of characters. The series has a bit of something for everyone: murder mystery, generally friendly ghosts, espionage, relationships, found family, and more. I cannot wait to read the next one later this year!

[Jason Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still great but nothing can live up to the first.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*

[Becky Fann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up. These characters are just that.....characters. They are delightful. A very good read. Changing to a 4 because I am still thinking about this one. I am still thinking about this book and these quirky characters. I am changing my rating to a solid 4.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intelligent storytelling, great characters, and unusual plot elements make this a really great series and entertaining read.

Rating: 5⭐️

I love this series so much. Intelligent storytelling, great characters, and unusual plot elements make this a really great series and entertaining read.

A paranormal cozy murder mystery that takes place in a unique small town in New Zealand, the author continues to explore her fascinating town and its unique inhabitants, many of whom have secret identities and unique backgrounds.

Including Dante, retired assassin, master wet worker, reluctant gardener and now cat owner. He’s trying to learn how to integrate into society, stop being an assassin (no small task when killers still pop up), and have a “normal life”. His small group of friends now include a neighbor and former con artist, Eleanor, and Charlie, a gardener who sees and communicates with ghosts.

Along with his AA group/(Assassins Anonymous), Dante has a full time just getting into the day. Here it’s an Orchid Society holding a special event in the town where events of the story are set to take place.

Kuttner uses New Zealand, from its gorgeous flora and fauna, to its connection to nature and its people here with the orchid and a special moth. The moth in particular turns into a powerful and beautiful aspect of the story.

Charlie, sweet yet deep in his beliefs connected to the land is one character who is evolving into a spectacular person. So is Eleanor. Rock on, Scooby gang!

The writing is so good. The flow of the story is fast, and the entire book goes way too quickly because it’s over before I’m ready for it to be.

Highly recommended. But start with the first book and then read on. Fabulous!

Love the simplicity of the covers.

Retired Assassin's Guide (3 book series):
- [x] The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening #1
- [x] The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting #2
- [ ] The Retired Assassin's Guide to Amateur Theatrics #3 - Dec 7, 2026

[Kathy Colette Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely read

Not quiiiiite as good as 1 but close. Happily, all the characters (including the cat) are growing. The whodunnit part is perhaps a bit predictable but still fun. Easily skimmed-in a good way- when you want to be entertained without working too hard at it. Looking forward to #3!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5-star read in this series! I love the paranormal, retired assassin, and found family aspects. And the mystery is always top notch— I don’t give two craps about orchids, but I enjoyed every single second of this book.

[Becca Smith]

The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting is the second book in this series, but it can be read standalone, which is what I did.

The story follows retired assassin Dante who hopes to enjoy a new, quiet life with his cat named…Cat. Unfortunately, when the Orchid convention comes to town, complete with an intriguing albeit a bit stuck up group of gardeners, Dante ends up exactly where he doesn’t want to be - investigating a mystery. Not to mention juggling the other normalities that come with being a regular, retired man.

I was interested in The Retired Assassin’s Guide because the plot sounded like a grumpy James Bond trying to enjoy his retirement, not make friends, and stay in the shadows with his shaken martini, but the book is actually a lot more focused on family and friendship. He’s trying his best to start a new life for himself, one where he doesn’t have to keep one eye open while he sleeps and if that means trying to be a better person, then that’s what he’ll do.

But, of course, it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery without a little intrigue. And the mystery here is pretty fun. Readers are introduced to a whole host of characters, from gossipy old ladies to a gardener who can actually see and talk to ghosts. I enjoyed the little details and the way the characters are described, but the book definitely started out slow for me. It took a while for me to really get into the story and I found myself putting it down a lot. Once things picked up though, it was a fun time that reminded me of some of the light humor in The Thursday Murder Club.

The story definitely focuses a lot more on character development than it does on the overarching mystery, so if you’re looking for something that’s full of crazy twists and turns, something that will make you want to desperately keep turning the pages, you won’t find that here. But what you will find is a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist and a focus on found family and friendship.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting was brilliant. It was such a fun and cosy read. I adored the story and thought the concept was really good.

The cover was cute and it definitely gave off the cosy vibes the book provides. I loved the colours and thought it was an excellent design job.

The writing is really good and I thought the story flowed well. The book is written in third person and does feature multiple points of view. Although we do mostly follow Dante

I loved the setting. The book is set in a small town in New Zealand. This town sounds so idyllic and I definitely thought it was perfect for the book.

The cast of characters was wonderful and extremely well developed. Ioved Dante. He made me laugh and I thought he was a good man despite the past!

Without reservation, I one hundred percent recommend The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting! I can't wait to check out the other books in the series.

[Kate Brasington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in a day! I was so excited to be back with these dry humored characters! There is something so hilarious in a retired assassin trying to find ways to solve him problems that do not include just immediately “taking them out.”
In this book an Orchid Hunters convention comes through town but when one person from the convention suddenly passes away it is up to this unlikely group of people to figure out if it was from a heart attack or something more sinister.
If you are looking for a cozy witty mystery these books are going to be something you might want to check out! The Retired Assassins Guid to Orchid Hunting is the second book in its series, so you need to read the first to be properly introduced to everybody but i highly recommend these books!

[Grace Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book again, I think I liked the first one more but loved Dante’s attachment to his cat in this one. Also love each individual character and how they bring something great to the team, however not really a flower girl so kept losing track of the orchid storyline but other than that a cosy read!

[Cbelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a “just buy it” series. This was the change of pace in my usual reading that I wanted/needed. Interesting characters (I want in on this group of friends), great story with a twist, a little paranormal help along the way, and set in a far away place. I would sit in my car to finish a chapter well after I parked. Waiting with anticipation for book 3.

[TheBookandBubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner

This one was just plain fun. Dante is back! He is a retired agent, still grumpy, and starting to enjoy the whole cat situation. When an orchid symposium comes to town, you already know things are about to get exciting.

A mystery drops right in their lap when one of the big orchid growers turns up unalive, and the whole crew gets pulled back together to figure it out. What follows is a mix of chaos, laughs, and fun sleuthing. You’ll be wandering through backyards, side-eyeing every suspect, and wondering who wore the fedora.

The characters are great! Plus, it tosses in some paranormal twists, found family, and laughs.

[laureneliza]

This series delights me and I'm so sad it's only on KU because I want to recommend it to so many people!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Mnms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the understated humour of this series, as well as the characters. Will definitely read again, and look for more books by this author.

[Lauwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cozy. Also, I quite enjoy how much Dante loves his cat.

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