Robbie McNeil's Hit List

by Brianna Heath

For this hitwoman, curiosity may be killer.

Contract killer Robbie McNeil never asks questions. Her mission is simple. Do the job. Get paid. Get back to running the karaoke bar she co-owns with her queerplatonic partner and fellow contract killer, Dee. And it works... Until their ambitious new theatrical venture breaks the bank.

When a mysterious new client hires Robbie for a hit, she takes the job, even though it's sketchy as hell he won't tell her anything but the target's name. But hey, she didn't build her reputation by being curious, and she desperately needs the cash.

Except something about this new target doesn't add up. When he disappears with no record he ever existed, she chucks her no-questions-asked policy out the window, determined to figure out who this target really is. But the price for asking questions is high and might just cost Robbie everything she holds dear.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Queer, LGBT, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Adult

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2026

About the author

Brianna Heath is queer, neurodivergent author who writes books that can be broadly described as “Be Gay, Do Crime.” She aims to put stories out in the world that reflect the lives and experiences of people who often do not see themselves represented in media.

Brianna lives in Northern California with Beau, her rescued border collie/gremlin, who, like her, has absolutely no chill. She can be found on IG as @briannahwrites.

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a bit of karaoke, musical theater, and two ride-or-die contract-killing besties, and you’ve got the genre-bending mashup that is Robbie McNeil’s Hit List. An eyebrow-raising mix of TJ Klune and Assassins Anonymous, it was a hard book to pin down. That being said, I’ll give it a try. A quirky tale about an enviable queerplatonic relationship, it also had quite the side helping of murder and intrigue. Yup. You read that right. Despite how this book was billed, it focused more on the found-family vibe than the contract killing plot line. Darkly comedic and yet also heartwarming at the same time, it was a brand-new take on the mystery/thriller genre. After all, in addition to the unforgettable antiheroine, this fun, wild ride was the embodiment of “be gay, do crimes!”

As much as everything above delivered in spades, though, thanks to the high-octane promises made in the synopsis, I ultimately felt somewhat let down by the time I reached the last page. On top of that, with uneven pacing, a lack of true thriller-level tension, and twists that I easily predicted, it just didn’t deliver what I was hoping it would in terms of thrills, murder, and action. That being said, the sweet friendships, authentic characters, and laugh-out-loud banter was an absolute win. I mean, who wouldn’t love a lighthearted story focusing on thought-provoking themes such as love, friendship, and gender fluidity? So if you’re looking for a cozy mystery with heart, you can go ahead and stop looking. This original debut had all of that and more. Rating of 3.5 stars (upgraded).

SYNOPSIS:

Contract killer Robbie McNeil never asks questions. Her mission is simple. Do the job. Get paid. Get back to running the karaoke bar she co-owns with her queerplatonic partner and fellow contract killer, Dee. And it works... Until their ambitious new theatrical venture breaks the bank.

When a mysterious new client hires Robbie for a hit, she takes the job, even though it's sketchy as hell he won't tell her anything but the target's name. But hey, she didn't build her reputation by being curious, and she desperately needs the cash.

Except something about this new target doesn't add up. When he disappears with no record he ever existed, she chucks her no-questions-asked policy out the window, determined to figure out who this target really is. But the price for asking questions is high and might just cost Robbie everything she holds dear.

Thank you Brianna Heath and Poisoned Pen Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: March 24, 2026

Content warning: death, stalking, kidnapping, murder, death of a parent, deadnaming

[Maddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an eARC of this book!

Unfortunately, this was really just not for me. The pacing was all over the place, and the story felt like it was just doing… way too much, with every plot and every character. Unnecessary details were expanded on to the point of tedium and… I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it felt like… too much representation? In the way that the book felt sort of straight out of 2015 Tumblr posts - a spiritual successor to the mythic “All or Nothing” TV sit-com.

And also to the point where the characters sort of seemed to be built upon their sexuality and gender, rather than being whole unique individuals where their identities are only part of who they are.

And, I dunno, some parts of it just felt sort of tone-deaf in the current climate. Where the multi-millionaire politician who got his start with insider trading and turned to politics later in life is actually a kind gentle ally who loves the arts! No, no, he’s one of the GOOD absurdly rich men! He likes gay people and theatre!!!!!!

I dunno. This one took me a long time to push my way through. I don’t believe this was advertised as being a YA novel; but in a lot of ways I think it’s better suited to being that. I think some adjustments and editing would need to be made to suit that, but it might help make a more suited novel.

[✧*⁠.⁠✧ Jiya ✧*.⁠✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and the author for giving me this ARC!!

Be gay and do crime is the best genre of books, and add in some singing and musicals, amazing read.

This book wasn't quite what I expected in the best way possible! The differences in the way Robbie and Dee go about their hits and their own specific reason to do it that way was so nice. I just wished that we got to know a bit more about Dee and his backstory. Also Robbie's was only really mentioned in passing which meant we got to know about some reasons but a lot of it is definitely unknown.

I loved the dynamic between Robbie and Dee because it's just such a perfect description of friendship. And they both complement each other however are not perfect characters, making them so easy to relate to. The best part is definitely both of them singing together and just that cozyness of them sharing a house together.
Can we also please talk about all the aro rep in this??!!! LOVE LOVE LOVEEE!!

Overall, an amazing book which perfectly blended comedy and just the hit person genre.

[Sam]

Let’s start with the things I liked. I like the characters, they are diverse and have some interesting jobs. I like the queer platonic relationship, great representation. I like how dyslexia is discussed.

Now what I didn’t like so much.
The story is flat and takes too long to get going. For something to say mystery on the cover, I need to feel that more. I was just waiting and waiting for things to happen in this story. The resolution was rather anticlimactic if you’d ask me.

While I see the potential it all just fell a bit too flat for me. It’s a nice change from the fairly standard love stories in the LGBTQ+ books, so I’ll give it extra points on that. (For those looking for a traditional love story, this isn’t your book)

[Lianne Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that this release was dubbed a queer, crime-filled mystery following a contract killer for fans of This Girls a Killer, I just knew it was going to be a top tier read for me, and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t wrong.

It’s giving be gay, do crimes energy packed with humour, love and friendship. Which isn’t the first thing you think of when faced with a book about contract killers, but you’ll be surprised just how much this grabs you right in the feels. You know what else you’re going to get? Musical theatre and if that isn’t super duper gay, I don’t know what to tell you. Robbie and Dees friendship is an absolute joy to feel a part of in this book and do I want to run a lesbian karaoke bar with my friends now? Yep!

But the killings I hear you ask, we’re served with the vaguest case and Robbie then has to take a deep dive to find out as much as she can about her latest hit whilst running her karaoke bar, getting their theatre production ready and roping in her bestie for it all. Because after all when gathering information about your contract kill, two heads are better than one!

The representation in this book deserves a nod. These characters feel wholly authentic & I loved their depth.

[AmesChicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contract killers, bar owners,side musical shows, oh my. Admittedly, this started off super slow for me and I had a hard time getting into it. However, I am glad I stuck with it because it ended up being a good story. I liked the characters, Robbie and Dee and the other side characters. Even though they were morally gray, this author wrote the MC’s in a way you couldn’t help but understand and like them. They had an ideal platonic relationship as partners in crime and business. I also enjoyed the suspense and the mystery, glad when it all worked out for Dee and Robbie in the end.

Thank you sourcebooks the author and NetGalley for the #gifted e-arc and for the opportunity to read this story!

[Geonn Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent premise and a good character, but I feel the plot got overly complex and twisty. One character had identities on top of identities and I lost the thread a few times. Also I feel like 'queer hitwoman who owns a karaoke club' was enough color for Robbie. We didn't also need the "writing/staging a musical" thing on top of that. It was too much in my opinion. But I DID like it, and if it turns into a series I'll definitely check out the next one.

[Michaela | bumblebeeslibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robbie McNeil's Hit list was not a bad story, it just wasn't what I felt was "advertised" thus why I gave it 3 stars.

There were things I did enjoy about the story: I loved the main characters, as well as the mysterious side character that is Robbie's "hit gone wrong."

What I didn't enjoy so much, is the lack of "hit list" or hit woman aspects of the story. While this book is advertised as Robbie investigating a target, to me it felt a little more like Robbie and her room mate Dee who are working on opening a play, who also are investigating a hit target on the side. This was my biggest issue with the story, the blurb gives a very short sentence mentioning Dee and Robbie's "theatrical adventures" so I didn't anticipate that the majority of the story would be about that. And yes, there is an aspect of Robbie and Dee doing contract hits, and investigating the particular target that makes the story, but that felt more side story to the play itself. I think if the blurb had touched more on how large of a part the play, plays in the story, readers would have had different expectations.

I did enjoy both Robbie and Dee's characters. I loved that they own a lesbian karaoke bar, Coda it sounds like such a fun place! I love their relationship, while not romantic, one that works perfectly for them. Robbie and Dee perfectly balance each other.

When Robbie takes out a contract from a mysterious man one evening, she is on alert from the get go, but really needs the cash. When she asks for some details about the hit, the client is extremely vague, more so than Robbie is used to. So she goes with the little bit of information she has, and tracks down the hit. With the uneasy feeling never fully going away, Robbie goes down quite the rabbit hole of figuring out who this person is. Dee also gets involved later on, and they both investigate while also running Coda, and working on their play.

I enjoyed the character that Robbie is trying to actually kill. The more we learn about them, the more intriguing the backstory gets. The ending has quite the bombshell, and leaves you still wondering about the true identity of this person. Robbie and Dee also work diligently on their theatrical play throughout this story, the reason Robbie needs the money from this hit to begin with. The story leans pretty heavily into the rehearsing for and seemingly unending issues that go on with the play itself, while Robbie is doing her investigating on the mystery contract.

Thank you so much to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

Some fav quotes:
"Code was home: neon lights and drunk lesbians, enthusiastic bad singing and Dee."

"The one talent they shared equally was what had brought them together in the first place: They were both quite proficient at killing people."

"The two of them made their actual living killing people. They did it exceedingly well, but it most certainly was not about joy."

"Her core process for hits was essentially the same for everyone. Observe, plan, act."

"God bless the internet. How did hit people function before it?"

"How anyone ran a successful small business without also killing people on the side was beyond Robbie."

"Robbie cranked up the playlist she maintained for when she was on the job, which she hadn't been able to resist calling her Hit list."

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one… but it just didn’t quite come together for me.

The overarching concept? Genuinely strong—especially within the current contract killer/serial killer trend that’s everywhere right now. It had the bones of something I should have absolutely devoured. But unfortunately, the execution in the finer details is where things started to unravel.

I read the eARC, and the pacing really struggled. The story didn’t flow as smoothly as I’d hoped, largely due to a lot of extraneous information that didn’t feel essential to the plot. Instead of adding depth, it pulled me out of the story and had me checking out more often than I wanted to.

Another big sticking point for me was the representation. I’m usually thrilled to see marginalized rep included, but here it came across as more performative than organic. Rather than feeling naturally woven into the story, it leaned into heavy-handed info dumping that felt more like being told than shown. And when that happens, it can come off as inauthentic instead of impactful. I saw another reviewer describe it as “too much representation,” and I have to agree—it ends up diluting the authenticity rather than strengthening it.

It also tries to blend in musical theatre elements—something I should have loved—but combined with everything else, it just felt like too many ideas competing in the same space instead of working together cohesively.

All of this made it hard for me to fully reconnect with the parts I did enjoy. That said, I do want to highlight Robbie—our titular character—who is messy, quirky, and genuinely endearing. She’s easy to root for, and I can absolutely see her being the reason this works for other readers.

Overall, while this didn’t fully land for me, the concept itself is one of the more interesting takes in this subgenre—and with a tighter execution, it could have been a standout.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected, but I liked it quite a lot. Robbie McNeal’s hit list follows Robbie, who is a professional killer. She and her QPR partner Dee not only take out hits (separately), but also run a lesbian karaoke bar and are attempting to set up a musical. Strangely enough, all these storylines converge in a delicious manner.

This book has a lot of representation: queer rep, disability rep, POC rep, the cast is just very diverse. This is something that I generally really appreciate in a book, but with the descriptions, it did sometimes come across as performative. Still, I am not going to be mad about it. I rarely see QPRs or aromanticism accurately represented, so I will take what I can get, performative or not.

The mystery itself is intruiging enough, and the characters overall pretty likeable. I did see the “solution”/“twist” coming from miles away, but I liked how in the end, some of that still was left out in the open. Usually, I am not too fond of loose ends, but here they kind of added to the story.

As far as thriller-realism goes, this book is not very realistic, so there is some suspension of belief necessary before you dive in. Other than that, you will probably have a good time reading this book!

[Lisa Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbie, along with her queer-platonic partner Dee, are contract killers. It's really simple; do the job, don't ask questions, and don't get messy.
Robbie and Dee were originally hired by James as contract killers who decided to go solo. They are now co-owners of a queer karaoke bar and working on their first musical.
Robbie is hired to kill Xavier, and for the first time, she gets curious about the subject.
For contract killers, Robbie and Dee keep that separate from their everyday lives. They are both clever. Throw some twists and keep you guessing what's coming next.
This book is great for anyone who likes cozy crime and mystery novels.
Thank you, NetGalley Poisoned Pen Press and Breanna Heath, for providing this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Robbie McNeil’s Hit List ended up being such a delight. Robbie is an army veteran, killer for hire, lesbian karaoke bar owner, aspiring musical writer and aromantic lesbian working with business partner and queerplatonic soul mate Dee in small town Indiana. They’ve been shuffling money from the karaoke bar to pay for the musical they’re writing and producing and taking contract hits to help balance the budget. But everything goes sideways when Robbie accepts a local job and… the mark disappears before the can complete the job.

This was a little slow to start for me, but once I hit the 30% mark, I flew through it. The plotting is reminiscent of a hard boiled PI mystery, but it’s told from the POV of a snarky assassin. I love a smart, sarcastic, strategic and sometimes self-deprecating main character. Robbie has it all in spades. She’s sharp and witty and her observations about the people in her world are tinged with her humor. Her relationship with platonic life partner Dee is absolutely beautiful. And the way she navigates the world of contract killers and uses her smarts to triumph made me gleeful.

The queer rep in this book is outstanding. It’s not performative or a source of tension. I’d call it a queer normative world, but it’s set in the real world and we’re still not there. It’s a queer normative version of the real world?

I got a huge kick out of the musical subplot. I’d love to know more about the production!

Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press for the free book.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since leaving the military, Robbie McNeil has spent her days as a contract killer. By night, however, she’s the co-owner of a queer karaoke bar. A mysterious new client seeks her out at the bar one night, arranging for a hit with minimal information. Robbie is used to the secretive nature of these assignments, but something isn’t adding up. As she gets further into planning her execution, the more curious she becomes. Instead of following her normal pattern, she’s taken almost an entire month to carry off this hit. Her life, her night-job, and reputation are all on the line. Not to mention she’s currently in the middle of planning the debut of her musical. Robbie McNeil may be next on the hit list if her curiosity continues.

This was a super fun read! I did figure out some of the twists, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I thought the premise was unique; who doesn’t want to read about a karaoke bar owning contract killer? I also loved how the reader saw an insight into Robbie’s life and how her own vulnerabilities shape her work (both areas). It’s a very fast-paced read and perfect for your upcoming beach days! I will definitely be on the lookout for future releases from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brianna Heath, and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[alex]

DNF @ 22%

This book was not for me for a variety of reasons, namely that the side ventures the characters had going on were things I really don’t like personally (karaoke and especially musical theatre) so it felt tedious to read about them managing those aspects, but that’s obviously just my preference.
Another main issue I had was that the way their jobs as contact killers were handled (or moreso, not addressed in any depth at all, just declaring that Robbie was so good at her job because she “doesn’t ask questions”) was disappointing to me. I expected more moral examination and dialogue around the idea of killing someone simply because a person with enough money has requested it, regardless of if the target did anything to warrant it. Instead, what I got was somehow this book trying to just look past this or ignore it completely, if not play it down, and that was not what I personally wanted from the story.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

Robbie McNeil’s Hit List is an entertaining read. Although the story misses the mark for me, the elements of the karaoke bar, musical production woes, a mysterious disappearing target, and an assassin with (supposedly) an eye for detail are blended well. It’s better to expect that the book is more a comedy of errors where a botched job interferes with two assassins producing a musical than a high-stakes mystery.

Though Robbie McNeil’s Hit List frustrated me at times, it’s still fun.

Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.

[Makayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun and unique concept, a contract killer who co-owns a karaoke bar with her queerplatonic partner? Immediately yes. I loved how different this felt from a typical mystery.

Robbie is sharp, morally complicated, and easy to root for in a chaotic way. The dynamic between her and Dee was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. Their bond added warmth and heart to a story that could have easily leaned too cold or gritty. The representation and character dynamics really shine here.

That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. There were moments where I wanted the tension to build more, especially around the actual hit and the mystery behind it. Some parts felt slower than they needed to be, while others wrapped up a bit too quickly. I also found myself wanting more depth in the moral stakes with a premise like this, I expected a little more emotional punch.

Overall, this was an entertaining and creative read that didn’t fully hit thriller-level intensity for me, but it absolutely delivered on charm and originality. A solid 3-star read if you’re looking for queer-driven crime with humor and heart.

[Jessica Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started this book it was hard to get my attention and captivate me. But by chapter 7 I was fully committed. The biggest downside of this book was I had the story figured out by chapter 13. I kinda knew where it was headed before that but I had it totally figured out and was dead set on my prediction. I ended up right which I didn’t love. There’s 29 chapters 30 of you count CODA at the end. So that was a bit of a let down to know the ending before I actually made it there. It was a good story though with a good happy ending. A good pro LGBTQ mystery. I just wish the cliffhangers were a bit more exciting with some deeper twists and turns.

[Nicole Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robbie, a hit woman who owns a lesbian karaoke bar with her queer platonic partner, gets a bit in over her head when a hit is taken out on the mysterious Xavier Landerman.

This one was a ride! I had a lot of fun reading this, Robbie and Dee were fantastic characters. I loved their dynamic and I loved that they owned a karaoke bar and were so into music. I did think the added plot line of the play was a little much at times, it made the story drag at parts. But it did all get tied in at the end which definitely helped!
I was surprised by the ending! I didn’t see it coming at all!

If you enjoy quirky mysteries I’d highly recommend this one!

[Pattyh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Robbie Mcneils Hit List. Two women who are partners in several ventures including being Hit “women”. They also run a bar and are close friends.
Taking on hits is no big deal. It’s a job. But things go south when a hit does t go as planned and to get to the bottom of this they get more than they bargained for and more!
There is a mix of humor but not much suspense. Good novel but not one I expected to read. 3 stars.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**

I knew I had to read this book when I saw the tag line ‘be gay, do crime’ I mean HELLO!?

This was an enjoyable read but I struggled with the pacing, it felt a lot slow than I think it should be. I also feel like the ‘hitwoman’ element was lacking and could have been focused on more.

I think the representation in it is great. It explores different sexuality’s and gender identities which I think is really important and I love to see it. I also really like the relationship between Robbie and Dee, very well written.

For a debut novel, I think this is a good book with a solid premise and I would read more from this author.

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a mystery read with LGBTQ elements.

Thank you Novel Tours for letting me be a part of this tour!

I give this 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads and Amazon)

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lesbian contract killers that run a gay bar falling into a mystery when the hit they’re completing to fund a production of their musical goes wrong, is a bonkers premise. I personally had a great time with it. The mystery was tons of fun to try and solve along with Robbie. I also adored getting to read about Robbie’s relationship with Dee. Something just hits different about sapphic friendships. This is a very solid standalone, but I would love to see Robbie and Dee get sucked into more chaos. If you enjoyed The Verifiers or Evander Mills I think you’ll enjoy this book since Robbie is often acting like a PI during her contracts.

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have musical theatre, a gay karaoke bar, a couple of hitmen (er women), illegal gambling, murders, and mystery. What more could you want in a fast paced story? You’ll think you figured out the mystery and maybe you will but there’s more mystery on top of it and more on top of that and I bet you won’t see them coming. Very good read.

[Elisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Amelia Tisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an eARC of this book!!

I absolutely loved this book! All aspects of the story were so intriguing and fit so well together in unexpected ways. I would’ve never thought queer contract killers running a queer karaoke bar while also staging a full-blown musical would uncover such a mystery through their work. And the ways everything tied together in the end was just brilliant in my opinion. I was kept guessing throughout the story and felt satisfied in the ending even though I wasn’t sure how things were going to end up. I also really enjoyed how the author wrote their queer characters by not making their core personality trait their sexuality, and writing full fledged well rounded characters. I also feel the author wrote about addition, mental illness, and disabilities in a respectful and realistic way that further helped develop these characters.

As a fun side note, I feel like this book was written for me. My parents run their own karaoke business, I am a queer person who loves musicals, and although I’m not a contract killer, I do have an interest in true crime and I’m studying forensic psychology, so I just thought it was really cool to see all these aspects come together in one story!

[Marissa Pekurny · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely enjoyed every single minute of this book. it was so good and held my attention the entire time. i loved robbie and dee and thought they were so perfect! i loved the whole hitperson aspect and thought it flowed in the story so well. i really enjoyed xavier as well and thought the character fit perfectly into the story. the twists were twisting and i was pleasantly surprised with how they played out. that ending was a wild one and honestly i thought it was perfect! thank you to the author and publisher for the early copy! i definitely recommend reading!

[Vish · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Robbie McNeil’s Hitlist* by Brianna Heath was a ride that definitely had me hooked at points. As the mystery unraveled, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, eager to see where it was all headed. The tension and reveals were strong enough to keep me invested, and as a thriller/mystery fan, I appreciated the dark tone and the twists scattered throughout.

That said, the pacing didn’t always land for me. Certain sections dragged on longer than needed, while other moments that could’ve used more detail felt rushed past too quickly. Because of this, some of the suspense lost its punch, and I wasn’t as gripped in the middle as I hoped to be.

Still, despite those flaws, I did enjoy my time with the book. It’s not a perfect thriller, but it delivered enough intrigue to keep me reading through to the end. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy fast, twisty mysteries and don’t mind some uneven pacing along the way.

overall a fun read to pass time.

[Florence Chien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Brianna is good friend of mine and I'm in the acknowledgement of this book. That's reason enough for you to think I'm inflating my review because, after all, who wants to piss off a friend? But no, truly, Robbie McNeil's Hit List is among my top 3 reads this year and I really want this book to reach its target audience, so here are my honest thoughts and candid breakdown of what you should expect and why I loved it.

Characters: 10/10. The characters are the highlight. More specifically, the relationships between the characters. The main duo, Robbie and Dee, are queerplatonic partners. Translated into normie speak: They're best buds and literal roommates. They care deeply for each other as good friends should, there's nothing dysfunctional between them, and their relationship doesn't break down over the course of the story as a plot device.

Robbie and Dee's rapport for each other is genuinely heartwarming, especially in this day and age when we're all drowning in toxic positivity and social acceptance anxieties. The duo is an exemplary showcase of what a wholesome friendship should be, one that's built upon trust, respect, mutual care, and a truly unbreakable bond. And the best part? A resounding reminder that, yes, we are capable of finding joy in genuine human relationships that doesn't end in sex. Truly, if you don't come out of this book feeling that Robbie and Dee's friendship is a role model which we should all strive for, then idk, I guess maybe you should consider not having friends. 🤷

Prose: 10/10. Super accessibly written. The prose never gets in the way of the storytelling and the narrator's voice, which makes the book super easy to immerse in.

Style: 10/10. Halfway through the book, I said to Brianna somewhat jokingly that if I were to blurb this book, it would say: "Robbie's zero fucks given attitude is perfect for people who has zero fucks left to give." I still stand by it, though I suppose that joke is somewhat inaccurate. Robbie has, in fact, a lot of fucks to give (and that's kinda the cause of all her problems, actually), but those fucks are given very bluntly. This book is intentionally light-hearted and humorous, but the style is very specific. Robbie is sarcastic and deadpan, and all her quips are pointblank and dry-wit. Basically, she's an American character in an American setting delivering some very British humour. If you're like me and that sort of comedy is your cup of tea (pun intended), then you'll have a great time here.

Plot: 9/10. Yes, it's a mystery. Yes, it's a thriller. But no, do not expect Agatha Christie type of piecing clues together, and do not expect Mission Impossible style of seat-edge suspense. Expect a medium-pace, slice-of-life story of a contract killer juggling the ordinary logistical problems of her unique profession, rather than a "bigger than life" hit person plunged into a Hollywood plotline.

I can't stress this enough. This is a lighthearted story about how ordinary a contract killer's life can be. Yes, Robbie is hired to take out a hit. Yes, she runs into high-stake problems. Yes, fucking up will put in jeopardy everything she's ever cared about, but Robbie isn't meant to be John Wick. Contract killing is her profession the same way as your 9-to-5, and she approaches her problems in the manner of an ordinary person--with logic, learned experience, wishful thinking, spiraling, emotional support, and a good amount of trial-and-error. If you came here looking for a hardcore noir, you ain't gonna get it. But if you're into a down-to-earth story of contract killing being approached as a profession like any other and a set of characters who could all be someone you know, who face relatable problems and solve them in ways you can easily resonate with, then you'll be in for a fun and happy ride.

I think the realism and intersectionality is the book's strong suit, but, having read some of the other reviews, it's clearly not up everyone's alley. There is nothing inherently wrong with the plotlines, it's in fact very well executed and concluded, but you need to decide first whether you are the target audience, and whether your expectations align with what the book really is.

There are two plotlines: Robbie's contracted hit going wrong, and the musical Robbie's trying to stage being thrown into limbo. Robbie is just a person like you and I with multiple roles and obligations, other hobbies, and several social circles. None of us are defined solely by our day jobs, and neither is Robbie. So, yes, the contract killing parts are inseparably intertwined with the musical theatre and karaoke bar owner parts of Robbie's life. The plotlines converge toward the climax and are resolved in a satisfying manner that leaves nothing wanting, but whether you'll enjoy the overall structure will depend heavily on this: Are you looking for a borderline inhuman character who has literally nothing in their life outside of contract killing? Or are you interested in a story about a relatable woman with a normal person's life and problems similar to yours and mine, who just happen to also be a contract killer instead of working a deskbound 9-to-5?

(But why did I deduct a point for the plot? Because I like my books to go at 9000mph, but that's an entirely personal preference and not an objective issue with the book.)

In conclusion, should you read this?
Yes, if you value genuine friendships that don't need to end in coitus.
Yes, if you're into sarcastic, deadpan humour.
Yes, if you find enjoyment in unique characters who are also ordinary enough to be just like you and I.
Yes, if you're into nerdy technical details, punk/rock bands, and/or musical theatre.
Yes, if you're looking for a light-hearted, cozy, joyful read.

A kind thank you to Brianna, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos, karaoke, and contract killing should not feel this cozy, and yet here I am questioning all my life choices in the best possible way. I’m reviewing Robbie McNeil’s Hit List by Brianna Heath. Published by Poisoned Pen Press, thank you so much for the gifted copy.

This book is what happens when you take a hitwoman who lives by one simple rule, don’t ask questions, and then quietly pull that rule out from under her. Robbie McNeil has built an entire life on that boundary. Do the job, collect the money, go home to her chaotic, comfort-filled life running a queer karaoke bar with her queerplatonic partner Dee. It’s structured, controlled, almost boring in a way that makes it feel safe. Until it isn’t.

Because of course the one time she takes a job that feels off, everything starts to unravel.

What I loved most about this reading experience is that it never tries too hard to be edgy. It would have been easy to lean into the assassin angle and turn this into something dark and high-stakes in a loud, cinematic way. Instead, it stays grounded in Robbie’s voice, which is dry, observant, a little detached, and surprisingly funny. You spend so much time inside her head that when she starts to care, really care, you feel that shift in your chest before you even register it on the page.

And then there’s Dee. I cannot talk about this book without talking about Dee. Their relationship is the emotional backbone of the story, and it’s done so well. No forced tension, no unnecessary drama, just two people who have built a life together that works. They run a bar, they dream up a musical, they support each other through objectively terrible decision-making, and somehow it all feels soft instead of chaotic. It’s the kind of connection that sneaks up on you and ends up being the thing you remember most.

The story itself moves in this slightly offbeat rhythm that mirrors Robbie’s life. You’ve got the mystery of a target who doesn’t seem to exist, the pressure of a job gone wrong, and then layered over that, the very real, very human stress of finances, creative ambition, and trying to keep a shared dream from falling apart. It’s not a straight-line thriller. It’s messier than that, but intentionally so.

“Curiosity is how you get killed. Or worse—how you get attached.”

That line hit harder the longer I sat with it, because that’s really what this book is about. Not the hit. Not even the mystery, if I’m being honest. It’s about what happens when you let yourself look closer, when you stop protecting yourself with distance and start letting things matter.

Emotionally, this book surprised me. I went in expecting something quirky and fun, and it is that, but there’s also this quiet undercurrent of vulnerability running through it. Robbie isn’t some untouchable, hyper-competent assassin archetype. She’s someone juggling too many things, making imperfect choices, and slowly realizing that control is an illusion she’s been clinging to.

If you’re someone who loves fast-paced, twist-heavy thrillers, this might feel slower than you expect. But if you like character-driven stories where the relationships carry just as much weight as the plot, this absolutely delivers. It feels like a blend of cozy mystery, found family, and low-key existential spiral, which is a combination I didn’t know I needed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

I’d hand this to readers who love queer stories that don’t center struggle as the only narrative, people who appreciate morally gray characters with sharp humor, and anyone who enjoys a mystery that lets you breathe between the tension. Also, if the idea of contract killers running a karaoke bar while trying to stage a musical makes you even a little curious, this is probably already your kind of book.

I finished this feeling oddly comforted, which is not something I expected from a story about hired murder. And maybe that’s the point. It’s not about the job. It’s about the life built around it, and what happens when that life starts to shift.

So now I’m curious… would you keep your head down and follow the rules, or would you risk everything just to understand the truth?

#BookReview #RobbieMcNeilsHitList #BriannaHeath #MysteryThriller #QueerBooks #CozyMystery #Bookstagram #ARCReview #LGBTQReads #FoundFamily #CrimeFiction #2026Reads

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entire review @JoyfullyJay.com

3.5⭐️

Although it misses the mark for me, the elements of the karaoke bar, musical production woes, a mysterious disappearing target, and an assassin with (supposedly) an eye for detail are blended well. It’s better to expect that the book is more a comedy of errors where a botched job interferes with two assassins producing a musical than a high-stakes mystery.

Robbie is chill, though at times impetuous, and has a slightly dry personality and busy mind. Dee is charismatic, sharp, and funny. He and Robbie are queerplatonic soulmates who love each other fiercely and are literally ride or die. Their relationship is the story’s high point. The tone is lighthearted. The pace is generally okay, but the narrative does meanders sometimes, is a little repetitious, and could be tightened up. The mystery is the main reason I picked the book up; unfortunately, its easily solvable. There is no tension, and my dissatisfaction made the book feel even longer. . .

My main issue lies with the execution of the crux of this story. Robbie goes against her “no questions asked” standard operating procedure because her target is such a mystery box. However, the character traits that drive the narrative contradict, and the observations igniting her obsession with Xavier are borderline ridiculous. Don’t tell me someone is L from Death Note and give me Inspector Gadget.

While Robbie is stuck on the why of Xavier, I’m stuck on the why of her interest and how inconsistently the story portrays her. Her completely uncurious nature is established at first meeting. Yet, she was pulled from a contract because she was so curious that she started digging into the target’s past? She picks and chooses when to question and what to focus on in service of the plot. . . Her skill at figuring people out in seconds hinges on stereotypes and jumping to conclusions.

Xavier’s dichotomous because of a neat apartment in a crappy building (which says A LOT about Robbie); because it has an airy vibe and [a bed with] hospital corners and horror novels” but Xavier wears old school band t-shirts? My rock concert tees next to my feminine dresses, my signed Stephen King horror novel mounted on the wall in a shadow box full of decorative flowers and vines, and my tidy home with the disorganized kitty corner would create a paradigm shift that would blow Robbie’s “brilliant and analytical” mind.

Xavier is an enigma, just not from Robbie’s “clues,” and the reason Robbie is right is pat, a bit essentialist, and another time the narrative contradicts itself later. These contradictions are a problem throughout. . . Once everything comes together, the plot kind of falls apart. . .

Robbie is the actual conundrum, and I wish that was the point. Following someone who thinks they are superior at noticing and recalling minutia, but is oblivious and who is prone to assumptions can be enjoyable. This isn’t that. . . Though this frustrated me at times, it’s still fun.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook and Poisoned Pen Press for the physical copy.

📝 Short Summary

Robbie McNeil’s Hit List follows Robbie, a contract killer who lives by one rule, do the job and do not ask questions. Alongside her queerplatonic partner Dee, she balances her life between taking hits and running a karaoke bar. But when a strange new job lands in her lap with almost no information, things quickly spiral. When her target disappears without a trace, Robbie breaks her own rules and starts digging, leading her into something far more complicated and dangerous than she expected.

Review

Okay so this is one of those books where I can see exactly why people are going to love it, even if it did not fully hit for me the way I thought it would.

First, this book is written well. Brianna Heath has a strong writing style, and you can tell she knows what she is doing. The dialogue especially stood out to me. I loved the banter between Robbie and Dee, it felt natural, fun, and gave the story a lot of personality. There were definitely moments where I found myself chuckling, which I always appreciate in a thriller like this.

I also really liked the concept. A contract killer who does not ask questions suddenly deciding to dig deeper is such a good setup, and it creates a lot of potential for tension and chaos. And there is chaos here, a lot of it. The story keeps moving and there is always something happening, which keeps you engaged.

That being said, for me it felt a little all over the place at times. There was so much going on that it was hard to fully settle into one direction. I think that is where it lost me just a bit, because I like when things feel a little more grounded even in a fast-paced story.

But even with that, I did not regret reading it at all. I was still interested, still entertained, and I can absolutely see this book finding its audience. It has the humor, the action, the characters, and the energy that a lot of readers are going to really enjoy.

Robbie as a main character was fun to follow, and her dynamic with Dee added a lot to the story. Their relationship brought a nice balance to everything going on and gave the book some heart underneath all the chaos.

Overall, this was a solid read for me. It did not completely land the way I expected, but I can fully appreciate what the author was doing and the style she brought to the story. This is one of those books where I know it is going to do well, especially with readers who love fast-paced, character-driven thrillers with humor mixed in.

✅ Would I Recommend It?

Yes, especially if you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with strong character banter, a little chaos, and a unique main character.